Rusty But Trusty

As a member of the demographic that takes part in the lower end of the classic car market, you’ve no doubt noticed that prices for Porsche 911s have gone completely wacky. Nicer early 911s are now in the low 6 figures, and even lesser/later Porsches have benefited suffered from the upward pull of the 911, including the 914. Fortunately, pricing on what was once considered a VW-Porsche, the poor man’s Porsche, or just not-a-Porsche still leaves some in the realm of the affordable drivers. One of these affordable cars in a beautiful shade of Adriatic blue (less commonly known as smurf blue) is available in Emeryville, CA for $2950. It also appears to be one third of the trifecta of 914s listed on Pelican Parts for $8000.

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I’m not sure whether this car actually qualifies, given the name of this site and the fact these cars are galvanized, but: inspired by the same article in Hemmings Sports & Exotic Car that inspired me to feature an RX-7, I wanted to feature a similar car from that article, the Porsche 944. Well, it turns out most of the 944s in our price range are automatic, scary-looking, or have funny stories behind them, so I took a look at some available 924s. Turns out you can get a whole lot of 924 for short money, similar to the Alfetta/GTV6 comparison, and probably others. And with the 924, you still get the same clean design and rear-mounted transaxle for great balance. What’s more is, the ’86 to ’88 924S models had various versions of the 2.5-liter 944 engine.

The two cars featured today are both 1987 924Ss. According to wikipedia, these were only available in black this year, but further on down we have one that seems to disprove that rule. In 1987, their 2.5 got an extra 10hp to bring them up to 160hp, roughly matching the 944 for power in a lighter, narrower car. So either of these should scoot along much better than the earlier 924s, and at not much of a price premium. They’re also not too far down on power compared to a 924 turbo, but with less complexity and no turbo lag.

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Since we just recently talked about mid-engine cars, let’s also touch on the Porsche 914. I’m sure if you’re reading this, there’s probably nothing much I can tell you about these that’s surprising. I do have memories of not being particularly fond of these as a kid, and of my parents referring to them as Volkswagen-Porsches (something that’s most noticeable when they have Beetle-style hubcaps or the later VW pressed-steel wheels). However, I’m finding that nostalgia or increasing rarity is making me appreciate the 914’s simple, clean design more than I used to. Much like the Fiat X1/9 is its power-to-weight ratio (80hp and slightly lighter at just over 2000 lbs.). Much like the X1/9, it also has many power upgrade options, including bigger 914 engines, 911 engines, and Subaru boxers to name just a few. Hmm… a 227-hp flat four from a WRX in a 2000-lb. car could be entertaining!

Anyway, let’s move on to the example for today – a 1971 914 1.7 in bright yellow with PORSCHE decals down the side in true 70s style. It’s listed on craigslist in Woodinville, WA at $2750.

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