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2013 Shannons Melbourne Winter Classic Auction
Lot
37

1972 Porsche 914 'Targa' Coupe (RHD)

$11,500

Sold

Specifications

Engine 4 cylinder, 2 litre
Gearbox 5 speed manual
Body Work Targa Coupe
Colour Silver
Interior Black
Trim Vinyl
Wheels Cast Alloy
Brakes Disc

Description

This lot is no longer available

Originally announced in 1969 as an affordable sibling to the 911, the 914 was a sales hit - particularly in America, where the fashionable targa styling and mid-engined layout captured the imagination of a generation of sports car enthusiasts. Although the 914 handled brilliantly, some criticism was levelled at the relatively mundane performance afforded by the 1.7-litre (and later 2.0) Volkswagen sourced four-cylinder engines. Zuffenhausen answered back by dropping in the flat-six from the 911T to create the 914/6 in 1970. However, the resulting price increase - the new model cost the same as a 911 and around 50% more than a Jaguar E-Type - resulted in poor sales and the 914/6 was killed off after just three years production, with just 3,318 built (compared with 115,597 four-cylinder models). The Porsche 914/6 was the precursor to today's Boxster and fulfilled a similar role back in the early Seventies, offering a mid-engined layout and 911-level performance for those wanting something different to the ubiquitous 911. Today the 914/6 has a loyal following and is proving a popular choice for historic race or rally drivers - hardly surprising given the model enjoyed a successful competition career in GT racing during the Seventies (sixth overall in the 1970 Le Mans 24-Hour race a highlight).