This classic Porsche sportscar is unique and charming, says one proud owner
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From its unusual history to its intriguing design and enduring legacy, here’s everything you need to know about the charming Porsche 914
Few sportscars are as iconic as the 911. But the history of Porsche is full of many more examples deserving of your attention, of course. Just ask Tom Steffora. Tom, a college professor and psychotherapist from California with a penchant for adventure, is the owner of a Porsche 914. With its individual looks, mid-engine layout and intriguing backstory, the 914 has grown a committed and fanatical fanbase in the five-plus decades since its launch. “I’ve always been drawn to cars that march to the beat of their own drum without sacrificing purpose,” says Tom. “And the Porsche 914, with its distinctive shape and nimble handling, is a different take on a sportscar – totally unique in the Porsche line-up.”Tom’s long-standing dream to own a 914 became a reality a few years ago when he traded another classic car for a 1972 Porsche 914 painted in Signal Orange. Now affectionately known as ‘Poppy’ within the Steffora family, this free-spirited classic has become not only a prized possession but also Tom’s daily driver, as he explains.The history of the Porsche 914 First unveiled in 1969, the Porsche 914 was a collaboration project between Porsche and Volkswagen. It was a relationship that suited both companies. Porsche was looking to build a more affordable sportscar to sit under the 911, while VW was aiming to replace its discontinued sports coupé, the Karmann Ghia. The result was the Porsche 914 – a mid-engine, two-seater with a targa roof marketed as the VW-Porsche 914 in Europe and simply as a Porsche 914 in North America. Between 1969 and 1975, 115,631 four-cylinder 914 cars, which used a VW engine, were built (there was also a model that incorporated a Porsche six-cylinder engine). This made the 914 one of the best-selling sportscars in the world, with most of the units being exported to the United States.“It’s not exactly a Porsche, not exactly a VW,” says Tom. “But for me it turned out to be one of the most interesting things either company ever made. That’s what makes it so unique. The Porsche 914 doesn’t fit neatly into any box, and I love that. There’s a mystique to it that you don’t get with many production cars.”Porsche 914 owner, Tom Steffora, named his car ‘Poppy’ after the wildflower he’d see on road trips. The car’s unique character and quirks means it’s like having an old friend whose always ready for adventure, says Tom Photo: @meerluftautoHow powerful is the Porsche 914?The 914 was never about pure brute power, but rather balance and handling. On launch the Porsche 914 was available with either a 1.7-litre, flat-four engine producing 80PS at 4,900rpm or a 2.0-litre, flat-six with 110PS at 5,800rpm. The latter came from the 911 T. Later models saw a 1.8-litre variant and another 2.0-litre option introduced. “My 914 is the 1.7-litre model with 80PS,” says Tom. “Part of the fun is that the 914 is not built to go ultra-fast in a straight line – it’s all about how it feels in the corners. It’s almost like a go-kart on the road and it’s a blast to drive. I’ve never felt like I needed more power because the car is light and handles beautifully. With certain suspension upgrades, such as springs, shocks and stabilisers, handling can be improved to an extent that is unparalleled by other cars of the same era.”On launch, the engine options for the Porsche 914 ranged from an 80PS, 1.7-litre, flat-four to a more powerful 110PS, 2.0-litre flat-six. These figures may seem low today, but the lightweight construction of the 914 meant outstanding driving dynamics Photo: @meerluftautoWhat does it feel like to drive the Porsche 914?“One of the things that sets the 914 apart is its mid-engine layout,” says Tom. “It’s low to the ground and surprisingly agile, making it perfect for winding roads. “I have a 2007 911 Turbo that is an absolute thrill and pleasure to drive, but the 914 feels totally different. The 911 embodies confidence, while the 914 is all about freewheeling fun. There’s an old Latin phrase used in the theatre – serio ludere. To play, seriously. That’s the Porsche 914. It’s unpretentious, but it’s reliable and fun. It’s like putting on a well-worn suit – it just feels right. It feels like home.”Originally envisioned as an affordable entry into Porsche, the boxy design, targa top, pop-up headlights and unique DNA give the 914 a unique allure Photo: @meerluftautoWhat makes the exterior design of the Porsche 914 special?“The thing that always struck me about the Porsche 914 was its exterior design,” says Tom. “It really is a modern work of industrial art. You can see and feel the influence of both the VW Karmann Ghia and the 911. It was a fresh idea, with its mid-engine, targa top, four-wheel disc brakes and fuel injection. “If the Porsche 914 is underrated, it’s only because it’s compared to arguably the greatest car in automotive history – the Porsche 911. The 914 was different and it still is different. I was just at Luftgekühlt in Los Angeles, the event dedicated to air-cooled Porsche. There were hundreds of beautiful classic 911 cars, but I was one of a handful 914 owners there. What I love about my car is that it has the style sensibilities that Porsche is famous for, but there’s something charmingly different about the way it does it.”Tom loves driving his Porsche 914 along California’s famous Pacific Coast Highway – especially early in the morning. It’s a reminder to him that driving should always be fun Photo: @meerluftautoWhat’s it like to own a Porsche 914?“Using the Porsche 914 as a daily driver is fun but requires a bit of forethought,” explains Tom. “Its five-speed manual gearbox can be a little tricky for some and finding the right gear is sometimes described as a ‘secret handshake’, but once you know it, it’s not a problem. There’s no real air conditioning – your best option is to roll down the windows – but the heater-defroster is reliable, which is important.“Living on California’s central coast is good for my Porsche 914 because of the cooling sea air, but journeys in the summer heat generally have to be short or include a few stops – but that is true of many classic sportscars.Tom’s advice for prospective 914 owners is simple – be ready for an adventure. You buy a 914 because you love driving and want a car with soul Photo: @meerluftauto“It's a small car, so it fits great in a garage and for finding parking. One of my favourite things about living with a classic Porsche is its smell. My wife isn’t a fan of that hot oil smell, but I love it and our two kids do too. When I drive my daughter to school and she says, ‘I don’t know why, but I love the way this car smells,’ I know exactly what she means and think it’s so cool that she associates it with her youth and me.”How do you maintain a classic Porsche 914?“Like any classic car, a Porsche 914 needs regular maintenance. Rust can be a problem if it hasn’t been properly cared for and you need to keep on top of regular oil changes and valve adjustments. “Most drivers of air-cooled engines will tell you that they always have one eye on oil pressure and temperature as the most important indicators of engine health. I’m no exception. Finding a good mechanic and having regular check-ups can make a huge difference. I take the maintenance of my car in stride – it’s part of the ownership experience. “If you’re going to love a classic Porsche, you have to be prepared to put in the work. On the plus side, there are plenty of official available parts to help maintain your classic Porsche cars. There’s also an unbelievable amount of information and support available online from the 914 owner community.”Is it worth buying a Porsche 914?“To pick one thing I love about the 914 is hard. I love its low-slung stance and the way it seems to wrap around you when you’re behind the wheel. And I love the way people react to it, the way it’s unique and stylish in its own quirky way. It’s not a car you see every day and that’s special. “And our 914 is a memory machine. Sometimes it’s the little things that stay with me. I taught my son how to drive a stick [manual gearbox] in my Porsche 914. I’m now looking forward to teaching my daughter. Going out to dinner with my wife and seeing the wildflowers in bloom with my daughter are also indelible parts of what it means to own our 914. It’s such a fun car to drive to the beach and go surfing.”How much is a Porsche 914?Compared to many classic Porsche sportscars, prices for the 914 remain competitive and within reach of many prospective buyers. The easiest way into Porsche 914 ownership is via the 80PS 1.7-litre engine variant, with many restored versions going for around €32,000 (£27,000/US $35,000). If you are prepared to take on a project car or barn find, however, you can expect to pay a lot less.
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