1976 Porsche 914 Targa

Description

If not for this 1976 Porsche 914 Targa, would we have the Boxter of today? The first mass-market mid-engined Porsche is finally finding some traction with collectors, and when they look and run as great as this Targa, you end up with a whole lot of sports car for not a lot of cash.

Just look at the beautiful code L041 black paint, which was a fairly rare color in 1976 (most of these cars were orange or yellow). It gives this very affordable Porsche a grown-up look that most folks will assume is wildly expensive. Looking at prices, you could have some garden-variety Triumph or 240Z or you could have a genuine Porsche. Pretty easy decision to make, isn't it? What you also get with this car is super clean bodywork that's instantly recognizable as well as that legendary Porsche build quality. The rubber bumpers are in excellent condition, not faded and burned by the sun, and the bright orange lenses up front look great against the shiny black finish. A few splashes of chrome like the door handles and framing the Targa roof add some welcome contrast to the exterior and the black top panel remains in fantastic condition.

Someone clever spec'd this car originally, because it has awesome white upholstery to go with the black bodywork and the look is fantastic. The seat covers appear to be original and are still in fine condition with only some light discoloration and a small split on the driver's side. Gray carpets prevent it from being too bright and reduce maintenance, while the door panels are simple affairs with black handles and armrests. Porsche got it right with the ergonomics, so the big leather-wrapped wheel feels great in your hands and in true Porsche fashion, the big, round gauges put the tachometer front and center. There's also an upgraded AM/FM/CD stereo with a CD changer in the trunk. The dashboard is covered with a neat basket-weave textured panel that adds interest and the 5-speed shifter falls to hand easily when you're running hard. The 914 is also practical, offering two trunks and the rear one is particularly spacious for all your gear. You'll be surprised by what this 914 can carry on your next road trip!

The 2.0 liter flat-four engine has that familiar gutsy Porsche sound that's quite different than its VW cousin, with which it is often confused. There's not much to see up top, where access is through a small hatch ahead of the trunk, but you can get to all the service areas without too much trouble. It's quite stock, so it runs great and reliability can't be beat. It starts easily and pulls through all four gears with surprising vigor, and as a mid-engine design, it's awesome to hear the intake howl just over your right shoulder as you drive. From underneath, you can see the results of clean living down south, with a clean floor pan and no signs of trouble in the usual areas. A properly snarky exhaust system sounds great without getting annoying and the car's razor-sharp reflexes are no joke. There's also a disc brake at all four corners, making this a car that's just a joy to run hard and you won't endanger everyone else on the road while you do it. Handsome 15-inch alloys look right and carry 195/65/15 Michelin Pilot radials.

Is it time for the 914 to become the next big thing in Porsche collecting? With 912 prices on the rise, this might be the most fun you have making money on a collector car. Call now!