Why are Porsche 914 Prices Flat?

From 2015-2018 Porsche 914 owners saw the value of their 914 on the rise as the 914 was swept up in the massive price appreciation of air-cooled Porsches. But since 2018, prices have been flat. There was speculation that the 50th anniversary of the 914 in 2019/2020 might help to spike the prices but that didn’t occur.

So, why have Porsche 914 prices flat-lined?

Porsche 914 Pricing — Porsche 914 2.0 liter Pricing | Hagerty Insurance

Air Brigade believes there are three primary reasons for the flat pricing over the past three years.

1. The Air-Cooled Porsche pricing bubble has burst

2. Those that remembered the 914 as the Porsche of their youth have one, or the car doesn’t fit their needs.

3. Repair and operating costs are not that much different from Porsche 911 cost so buyers are buying 911’s.

Air-Cooled Porsche Pricing Bubble

Porsche 914’s had a price run-up as the market for air-cooled Porsche 911’s and 356’s climbed. The 914 was swept up in the wave of rapidly climbing prices and had the benefit that someone desiring an air-cooled Porsche experience had the option of being able to afford a 914. The Porsche world was accepting the 914 so it was an easy entry into the rarefied world of air-cooled Porsches.

Youth Demand of the Porsche 914 has diminished

Vintage collector cars are purchased because it is often the dream car of one’s youth and it is an unfortunate fact that those who were high school and college kids are getting up in years and a low slung 914 may no longer be the dream car. The Porsche 914 is a great driving car but it is basically a go-kart that offers a very basic driving experience and lacks the creature comforts of more modern Porsches. Just climbing in and out of a 914 can start to be a difficult task for the sixty year olds who dreamt of the car in their youth. In one’s sixties you have disposable income to buy the 914 but you may turn to a more modern Porsche with creature comforts to meet your Porsche fix.

Porsche 914 Operating Costs

The 914 used many 911 parts and parts can be difficult to find since Porsche phased out the parts supply in the 90’s. The 914 was once the cheap Porsche alternative but from an operating cost standpoint that is no longer true. When a buyer looks at a 914 versus say a 911SC in the $30’s and $40’s, the operating costs aren’t that much different so the demand for a 914 is limited to those who have a special affinity to the car.

Buying a Porsche 914

Full disclosure: a Porsche 914 is in the garage of the Air Brigade Commander and is thoroughly enjoyed alongside an air-cooled 911. I highly recommend a 914 for someone who wants a driving experience offering tight handling, good power and open air weekend fun.

Don’t think you are buying a Porsche and will have an appreciating asset. Instead realize that you’ll really enjoy the ownership experience and when it is time to move on to your next car experience you’ll probably get your purchase price out of the 914, and may just have had the operating costs to have enjoyed the car. Not too bad with any car, let alone a Porsche.

Hagerty Pricing Guide for a 1973 Porsche 914 2.0 liter

#1 Concours $82,500
#2 Excellent $41,000
#3 Good $20,000
#4 Fair $12,500

Sports Car Market Price Guide (based on Auction Sales)

2020 $22,500
2019 $23,500

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Tags: Porsche 914, Porsche 914 Pricing