When a mass-market automaker collaborates with a prestigious sports car brand to create an affordable performance vehicle, the stakes are high. Unfortunately, the Volkswagen-Porsche 914 struggled to achieve success in Europe despite its potential.
The Origins: A Solution to Porsche’s Struggles
When the Porsche 911 debuted in 1964, it initially failed to win over fans of the classic 356. With disappointing sales threatening the brand’s future, Porsche introduced the 912—a 911 variant powered by the 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine from the 356.
However, Porsche feared that the 912’s modest performance could undermine its reputation. To safeguard the 911’s image, the company partnered with Volkswagen to develop a more budget-friendly sports car. By 1966, the mechanical design was finalized, and a prototype emerged in 1968 under the leadership of Ferdinand Piëch.
To ensure widespread availability, Volkswagen took charge of sales in certain European markets. A dedicated entity, Volkswagen Porsche Vertriebsgesellschaft GmbH, was established to oversee distribution.
Unique Design: Coupe Meets Convertible
Unveiled at the 1969 Frankfurt Motor Show and built by Karmann, the Volkswagen-Porsche 914 adhered to strict guidelines ensuring it resembled neither a Porsche nor a Volkswagen. The result was a sharp, angular design that embodied the aesthetics of the 1970s.
This two-seater featured a removable Targa-style roof, which stored in the rear trunk, a mid-mounted engine, and trendy pop-up headlights. While the car didn’t carry the Porsche badge, its interior had a decent finish, though it fell short of Porsche’s usual standards.
Underwhelming Performance
At launch, the 914 offered two engine choices: a Volkswagen-derived 1.7-liter four-cylinder producing 80 horsepower and a Porsche 914-6 variant with a 2.0-liter six-cylinder delivering 110 horsepower. Despite its sporty appearance, performance was underwhelming—especially with the Volkswagen engine.
While the 914-6 could reach 200 km/h, its high price limited sales to just 3,500 units in two years. Meanwhile, the four-cylinder 914 performed well in the American market but struggled in Europe. Over time, it received fuel injection, a 1.8-liter engine (85 hp), and later a 2.0-liter producing 100 hp.
Due to U.S. emissions regulations, later models incorporated fuel injection and catalytic converters, reducing output to just 88 horsepower by 1976. By the end of production, 118,500 units had been built—75% of which were shipped to the U.S.
A Belated Appreciation
For years, Porsche purists dismissed the 914 as too ordinary, while Volkswagen enthusiasts found its styling polarizing. However, in recent years, its value has surged. The rare six-cylinder version now commands prices above €50,000, while well-preserved 914-4 models remain accessible at around €25,000.
Despite a steady supply of remanufactured parts, rust remains a major issue. Many 914s have suffered severe structural damage due to poor rust protection at the time of production.
