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1972 Porsche 914 1.7 Red in 1:18 scale


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This is the 1972 VW-Porsche 914 1.7 Red in 1:18 scale by Norev. 
The 1975 Porsche-Volkswagen 914/4 1.7 is a mid-engine, targa-topped sports car born from a collaboration between Porsche and Volkswagen. In 1975, it featured a 1.7-liter flat-four, air-cooled Volkswagen Type 4 engine with Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection, producing approximately 76 horsepower in the U.S. due to stricter emissions regulations (down from 80 hp in earlier models). The car was marketed as a VW-Porsche in Europe and as a Porsche in the U.S., where it was sold with Porsche branding on the grille and steering wheel.Key Specifications for the 1975 Porsche 914/4 1.7 (Red):
  • Engine: 1.7L flat-four, fuel-injected, air-cooled, 76 hp (U.S.) or 80 hp (Europe) at 4,900 rpm.
  • Transmission: 5-speed manual with improved side-shift linkage (smoother than earlier tail-shift versions).
  • Performance: 0-60 mph in approximately 12-14 seconds, top speed around 107 mph (172 km/h).
  • Weight: ~2,150 lbs (975 kg), offering excellent balance due to its mid-engine layout.
  • Suspension: Independent front with torsion bars and rear with coil springs, providing agile handling.
  • Brakes: Four-wheel disc brakes.
  • Body: Two-seater targa with a removable fiberglass roof panel, pop-up headlights, and rubber-covered safety bumpers (introduced in 1975 to meet U.S. crash standards).
  • Color: Red was one of the available factory colors, alongside green, yellow, blue, orange, silver, white, and black. Red examples are relatively common, with 11 red 914s listed on mobile.de as of July 2025.
Notable Features:
  • Design: Distinctive boxy styling with a low profile, designed by Ferdinand Alexander Porsche. The mid-engine layout ensured excellent weight distribution and cornering ability, often described as "go-kart-like."
  • Interior: Simple, functional cabin with a central seat cushion option (technically a 3-seater), adjustable seats (improved by 1973), and a handbrake to the left of the driver.
  • Market Context: The 914/4 was Porsche’s entry-level model, significantly outselling the pricier 914/6 (six-cylinder). Over 115,000 914/4 units were produced from 1969 to 1976, with 1975 models primarily exported to the U.S. due to declining European sales.
  • Special Editions: In 1975, limited-edition models like the “Silberserie” were offered in Germany to boost sales, though these were not necessarily red. U.S. models featured cosmetic enhancements like colored accents on bumpers and wheels.
Collectibility and Value:
  • The 914/4 is gaining appreciation as a classic, valued for its unique design, mid-engine handling, and affordability compared to other Porsches. Well-maintained 1975 914 1.7 models typically range from $20,000 to $35,000, with pristine examples fetching up to $50,000. Project cars or those needing restoration can be found for as low as $6,000.
  • Condition Tips: Check for rust (common due to poor factory rust protection), oil leaks (valve covers and pushrod tubes), and the condition of the original fuel injection system, as many were converted to carburetors.
Historical Context:The 914 was a joint venture to replace Volkswagen’s Karmann Ghia and Porsche’s 912. Built by Karmann in Osnabrück, the 914/4 used VW’s 1.7L engine, while the 914/6 (discontinued by 1972) used a Porsche 2.0L flat-six. The 1975 model year saw the introduction of heavy rubber bumpers and U.S.-specific safety features like seatbelt interlock buzzers and side-impact door protection. Production ended in 1976, with only a few U.S.-bound units made that year.