Anniversary VW-Porsche 914

There was no agiotage, when in April, 1969 present company Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG together with Volkswagenwerk AG has based company VW-Porsche. Having the share capital at a rate of 5 million DM the new company has begun stories of success of two sports cars which for the present carefully hid from public, their impatiently expecting presentation: VW-Porsche 914 and 914/6.

Company VW-Porsche creation has marked itself the beginning of the present history of success — and the happy end of drama development. In the mid-sixties company VW reflected, who becomes the successor of out-of-date sports coupe Type 34 which was more known under a name «Karmann Ghia». At the same time company Porsche aspired to expand the position in the market of sports cars in a promising segment distinct from 911.

Taking into account the given situation Ferri Porsche and general director VW of Hajnrih Nordhof have agreed in the spring of 1966 about creation of joint venture which should benefit both companies: Porsche has received the order from Volkswagen on working out inexpensive centre-motor sports car which should enter the market under mark Volkswagen with four-cylinder and under mark Porsche with six-cylinder opposite engine.



Working out process went quite successfully, but unexpectedly the board has faced tragical event: Hajnrih Nordhof has suddenly died in 1968, and by the new head Kurt Lotts has been appointed. It cancelled the oral arrangement and has insisted that Volkswagen will receive exclusive rights on sale of the car which was developed Porsche. After long and difficult struggle which has resulted the project 914 practically before closing, both companies have come — to name new car "VW-Porsche" to the conciliatory proposal and to sell this model through a joint network.

VW-Porsche 914 has been presented on the Frankfurt motor show on September, 11th, 1969 as the first serial centre-motor sports car in Germany. However the combination of two brands — Volkswagen and Porsche — has led problems with image of a new modelling series which named in a press «Volksporsche» or «National Porsche». It especially negatively affected on 914/6 which actuated two-litre opposite engine borrowed at 911 T 2.0. Despite the exclusive characteristics, 914/6 practically did not cause interest in the majority of the clients who were interested Porsche. Four-cylinder VW-Porsche 914, on the other hand, had the big success in the market. It has been exhausted in number of 115 631 copies while in the spring of 1976 its batch production has not been stopped. Thus, it became the most popular sports car of time.



The majority of cars have been sent for export to the United States where model 914 was on sale as high-grade Porsche without prefix VW. Now VW-Porsche 914 it is considered the recognised classical car to what numerous clubs of fans of model 914 worldwide testify. To the most valuable to collectors Porsche became 914/6 which has been exhausted all in 3338 copies. Museum Porsche marks 40th anniversary of a modelling series 914 display of rare special model which will be exposed from April, 9th till May, 10th, 2009: Porsche 914/8 with the 300-strong eight-cylinder racing engine which Ferri of Porsche owned. It has been constructed only such two cars, and one of them has been presented by Ferri of Porsche in 1969 as a special gift to its 60 anniversary.