Porsche 914

The Porsche 914 was born into consistently confusing and troubled times at Porsche and Volkswagen, not least with the idea of a non-911 Porsche horrifiying many at the time. A Porsche with an engine that wasn't in the back was simply unthinkable. Richard Gooding examines the story of a car of mixed parentage, which against the odds became a success in its relatively short, six-and-a half year lifespan. Around 119,000 cars were sold from 1969 to 1975, outselling contemporary rivals such as the Opel GT, and meaning it was the first mid-engined car to achieve six-digit sales. As a present-day classic, although challenging to some, low-slung looks and bright colours make the 1970s 914 period-perfect. Combined with near-ideal weight distribution and a low centre of grativity, its mid-engine layout means the 914 can achieve cornering G-forces comparable to the contemporary 911. The 914 was seen as a car that could inject a shot of glamour into VW's slightly worthy and dependable range of air-cooled cars. This book covers the history, development and manufacture of the 914 through troubled times at Porsche and Volkswagen and studies the impact of its design upon its successors. Buying and owning a 914 today is covered, and the book is illustrated with 218 colour photographs.

Richard Gooding is a motoring writer with a car and Volkswagen obsession. A contributor to Volkswagen Driver and VW Motoring magazines, Richard has also sub-edited a diverse range of titles including Classic Car Weekly, Classic Cars, Land Rover Owner International and Practical Classics.