Value of 1974 914/2.0

[War584]

I have an opportunity to buy a 1974 914/2.0 in excellent condition from a friend of a friend who is looking to downsize. Car has been driven lightly (stored mainly) since a glass out repaint in original color and it had a rebuilt top end and mechanical go through about 6 years ago. Very good black interior. Shows very nice.

Thoughts on price...Hagerty #2 pinned it at $22k - $23k. I know 2.0 is desirable, but I am not prepared to offer that much for the car - I think unless you think otherwise The owner wants to sell it so he is willing to deal.

Suggestions on a fair value would be appreciated. [img]

[iluv911]

17-19k seems about right

[billh1963]

It's all about the rust. Check the hell hole, trunks, longs, etc.

[Matt Monson]

Without more pictures hard to say if it really is a 2. In most instances sellers think they have a 2 that is really a nice 3.

[War584]

I am driving the car tomorrow am. The owner says the car has no rust, was nearly taken down to the bolts, cleaned and restored when it was repainted. He mentioned he also painted the underside.

I will take some additional pictures. Thanks for the help.

[CountD]

Originally Posted by War584

I am driving the car tomorrow am. The owner says the car has no rust, was nearly taken down to the bolts, cleaned and restored when it was repainted. He mentioned he also painted the underside.

I will take some additional pictures. Thanks for the help.

No rust? On a 914? Yeah, no. I have seen them rust in the middle of an Arizona desert in the middle of July. I know, my college roomate and I used to buy them and check them out in the 1990s in Phoenix - a lot.

Painted the underside? That's special. Sorry that could be hiding everything.

No way it's a 2. Like Matt said, it's probably a 3 at best.

Be careful of painted undersides.

[techweenie]

I don't know a whole lot about the 914 market, but it seems cars are clustered in the $1500-6500 range and then another cluster in the #12K+ range. I understand a very few 4-cyl cars have sold for $30K, but those are limited edition types.

Good color, and if the FI is intact, and the mechanicals check out, I think you'd be safe offering in the high teens.

[War584]

Car checked out.. definitely a very nice 3. Not a 2. Drives well, strong pull, and good shifting. Brakes work well and handles well. I too am not overly familiar with the 914 market or cars. But the 2.0 was actually a fun little car to drive.

It does have some minor issues, largest is a small oil leak, oil gauge not working, and turn signals interior lights not functioning properly. There are a couple other small items. Overall paint and interior are very nice and original in very good condition. The guy owned a body shop and this car was his hobby - so yes, he painted the engine bay, trunk, wheel wells and underside.

Pricing - he wants more than $12k so as suggested mid high teens will get it done. Question now - what to do? I like the lower entry point of $5k with a fixer - one my son and I can work on...but those always end up costing more than one that has already been restored...and you never know what major issues arise...like rust...which remarkably this one does not have..

[War584]

....or do I save my cash and move in the other direction and pick up a 996 Turbo...apples and watermelons I know...and no where near a project car.

[Matt Monson]

This doesn't sound like a project car. This sounds like a proper $15-20k driver. A few niggling things to fix, but that's just old cars.

The thing about a $5k car? It needs $20K in paint and body to be a $20k car. The fact this one is owned by a body guy is to your benefit if you want to just fiddle occasionally with mechanical stuff with your son. I bet there's all kinds of brakes and suspension and random trim projects you can do to make it your car together. Sounds like it has an electrical issue too since turn signals and interior lights and oil gauge aren't working. Maybe be several things. May be connected.

Is it an appearance group car or not? It has the Fuch. It does not have the chrome bumpers. Center console gauges? Chrome fog surronds? Leather wrapped steering wheel and shift boot? Does he have a COA on it? There are big variances on how 914 2.0s were trimmed in 74. It can impact value by a couple/few thousand dollars.

You want a $5k project? I've got a Bumble Bee on jackstands. You will put $20-25K into it...

[COLB]

That looks and sounds like a great car in a sweet period color.

This looks exactly the ticket for a starter "father-son" car hobby. Something you can enjoy while you sort the niggly things and work through the basics.

Relatively rust free, rebuilt motor, quality repaint, matching #s 2.0? If you can get in at $15-17k I'd call that a great purchase with zero downside.

On these east coast, quality 914s are asking over $20k. Running, driving cars are over $10. And $6k gets you .9 tons of ferrous oxide, held together by old paint and epoxied horsehair.