Porsche 914 & 914-6 – THE DEFINITIVE HISTORY OF THE ROAD & COMPETITION CARS ISBN: 978-1-845849-78-8
€41,50
Porsche 914 & 914-6 – THE DEFINITIVE HISTORY OF THE ROAD & COMPETITION CARS
New edition!
V4978 • 25×20.7cm • 208 pages
ISBN: 978-1-845849-78-8
Description
Perceived as a reasonably priced entry level model for Porsche, the 914’s early history was blighted by political problems with VW s new management. However, by the end of production, almost 119,000 examples had been sold. This book records the full international story of the mid-engined 914, from concept through to the final production car, illustrated throughout with contemporary material. Today the 914 is an affordable and practical classic.
Synopsis
Launched in 1969, the 914 series went through many problems and many changes before production came to an end in 1976. It was constantly improved during its short life, but time just ran out for the model. It is interesting to note that until the Boxster made its debut, it remained Porsche s only mid-engined production car, although the company s racing models had been built with this layout for some years. The 914 also had a fine competition history something that is often overlooked or run down because it wasn t as brilliant as that of the 911 s. But by normal standards, it was indeed a fine history. There were also a large number of specials built on the 914 chassis, and both of these aspects have been covered in detail. The 914 series has often been cited as the forgotten Porsche, but there is a growing band of enthusiasts who only have eyes for the model. The handling is of course a major factor contributing towards the enjoyment of the type, but a large number of people like the styling, and the fact that for so many years this was the most affordable of all Porsches to own and run. Now the times have changed and the model has appreciated, not only in value, but in terms of awareness as well. The 914/6 has become particularly desirable, and it is hoped that this book will go some way towards explaining the 914 s various merits.
Independent Reviews
Long recounts a fine story … illustrated with marvellous period photography.
Kieron Fennelly
This book records the full story, its history from concept through to production and is a fascinating book on a fascinating Porsche model.
Total Kit Car
This, another of the Veloce ‘Classic Reprint’ series, is a most comprehensive, two hundred-page reference work…
Retro Speed
The 914 has always lived in the shadow of the 911, yet it had a strong road and race identity of its own which is fully covered here. This book is an updated and reworked version, and the many period colour photos make it visually strong. And there’s plenty to read as the text is chocked full of facts and specifications, plus a useful concise buying guide at the end making it great value. A collector’s hardback version is also available.
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Review from Practical Classics, August 2006
The 914 is the forgotten child of the Porsche family, but this new book gives it the exposure it deserves. It charts the 914’s history and contains a compact buying and restoration guide.
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Review from Classic Car Mart, July 2006
This is a genuinely fascinating book that chronicles the entire in-depth story of Porsche’s first mid-engined offering.
Brian Long’s attention to detail throughout this book is excellent, with every variation on the 914 theme covered along the way. It all kicks off, though, with a fascinating account of the history of Porsche up to the point when the 914 arrived, as well as a highly detailed look at the model’s pre-production development. Throughout each section of the book you’ll find terrific period photography and illustrations, helping to give it a pleasingly nostalgic feel.
Towards the end of this excellent read there’s even a chapter dedicated to what happened with Porsche after the 914, bringing subsequent models like the 924, 928 and 944 into context.
We’re delighted to see the hugely underrated Porsche 914 finally getting the attention it deserves via this excellent new title.
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Review from All Torque, Issue 25, April 2005
Author Brian Long certainly knows his stuff, as readers of this column will avow. In writing this excellent specialist volume, he follows the tried and tested path of looking also at the 914s mid-engined lineage (550 and 550A Spyders, the 918 RSKs, the elegant 904 series and the 910s spring to mind), while covering the early history of the VW-Porsche joint venture that spawned this underrated model. Chapters on all production models, detailed though not overtly technical, plus independent and official Porsche photography make it a book I thoroughly enjoyed. It is refreshing also to read the ‘warts and all’ comments published in full. For example, Car and Driver magazine in 1970: “What we’ve said up to now is the 914 is a compact but spacious mid-engined car – a well-conceived machine. Brace yourselves, Porsche fanatics. That is the outer boundaries of its excellence. The name Porsche is automatically associated with performance, mechanical refinement and quality workmanship – all assets of which the 914 is conspicuously bankrupt.”
Chapters featuring the 914/6 GT and its racing success, plus motorsport in the 1970s and an enthralling chapter on numerous 914 specials make this a book I’ll be delving into for some time to come. For the 914 fanatic, it’s a book for the bedside rather than the workshop, but none the poorer for that in being a highly entertaining read.
