Called VW-Porsche in all markets except North America, the Porsche 914 is unloved by many due to its practical but unglamorous shape. It was originally intended to be marketed both as a replacement for the aging Karmann-Ghia and the Porsche 912. I pursued several as a teenager but finally gave up on finding a solid car in my price range and bought a Triumph TR4A instead. I must say that despite loving Triumphs ever since, I still fondly remember the feeling of perfect balance while driving a good 914. In this car’s case, the seller bought it as a restoration project and has completed some of the work before putting it up for sale here on craigslist in Elgin, Oregon for $950.

Despite much of this car being disassembled, the seller appears to have organized it well. I’m always encouraged when a garage looks organized in the pictures of a project as I’ve found it’s a good indication of whether all the parts are there or not! The entire drivetrain and axles have been removed but are seen in the pictures. The original engine has been replaced with a 1973 1.7 liter “EA” engine that’s been upgraded with new 1.8 liter pistons and cylinders. The engine also comes with new bearings as well as various seals and a gasket set.

The crankshaft has been reassembled, although peening of the rod nuts has not been completed. Cylinder heads have been cleaned and are waiting to be united with the new cylinders. Parts are easy to find, and one of the suppliers has made an excellent 914 buyers guide available on the internet that would be a help if you’re considering putting this one back together.

The seller also notes that unusual exhaust manifolds are included that bolt directly to the heater boxes (remember, this is an air-cooled car). Anyone here familiar enough with these to know what’s unusual about the manifolds?

A trunk full of removed parts and spares as well as a complete spare engine (seized, unfortunately) are also included. I’m guessing a shop manual and a good parts catalog are in order for reassembly!

One of the best features of the 914 is the comfortable seats, although these particular ones have been augmented with some faux fur covers that I’d lose immediately. I’ve seen many custom cars that use 914 seats and remember them as very comfortable, at least for me. Lots of room and a relatively complete interior make this project look inviting on the inside. A removable roof panel will let the sunshine in as you take on those twisty back roads!

Broken lenses are visible, but there isn’t much visible rust. The car was originally yellow perhaps; I suspect a repaint will be in order before long as the car was stored outside for years. The ad also mentions dry rotted tires, so maybe it was an arid storage location? Either way, you will want to check for corrosion under the battery box because that is the most common place for these to rot. It’s a shame the seller wasn’t able to finish the project, but maybe one of you reading this can get this one out of the garage and back onto the road where it belongs! The entry price isn’t steep, and if the level of assembly required doesn’t scare you off, a mid-engined German sports car may be in your future.