Last updated on November 26, 2025
Today’s car is a 1972 Porsche 914 owned by Isaiah Kincaid, which I photographed on The Bacon Run to Trancas Country Market in Malibu, CA. The car is finished in metallic gold with a black leather interior and color-matching Coco Mats, giving it a classic look. It’s powered by a 210-hp, 2.7-liter Porsche 911 Carrera RS air-cooled flat-six engine fitted with dual triple-throat Weber 40 IDA 3C1 carburetors, mated to a 5-speed manual transmission with a final 4.43:1 rear axle ratio. Slowing this beauty down are 911 disc brakes at all four corners. The independent front suspension features transverse control arms, torsion bar springs, and telescopic shock absorbers, while the rear suspension includes longitudinal control arms with coil springs over tubular shocks.
Ferdinand “Butzi” Porsche was responsible for the original styling of the 914. The project was a joint venture: Volkswagen contributed to the engineering and manufacturing, while Porsche focused on performance and design. In the mid-1960s, Porsche aimed to expand its lineup with a more affordable, entry-level sports car to attract younger buyers and compete with other European sports cars.
The result was a mid-engine, Targa-topped car that delivered sharp handling and forward-thinking design. Marketed as a VW-Porsche in Europe and solely as a Porsche in the U.S., the 914 brought new customers into the brand and significantly boosted Porsche’s sales. Though met with mixed reviews at launch, the 914 has since been recognized as an innovative and important chapter in Porsche’s history.
The Porsche 914 was produced from 1969 to 1976, with a total of 118,997 units built. The six-cylinder 914/6 variant was produced from 1970 to 1972, with just 3,351 units in total, and only 429 built in 1972, making it the rarest model-year group. The MSRP was $6,599, with popular options including the Appearance Group, Fuchs alloy wheels, and a radio. The 911 2.7-liter engine offered impressive performance for the time—with an estimated top speed of 150 mph and 0–60 mph acceleration in about 5.5 seconds.
This striking 914 is a well-executed example of what can be accomplished when Porsche’s iconic mid-engine platform is elevated through thoughtful engineering, performance upgrades, and an eye for detail – evident in subtle custom touches. It’s the perfect car for Porsche or European car shows, Cars and Coffee gatherings, or just a spirited drive with like minded friends in the canyons of the Santa Monica Mountains.
Thanks for riding along,
Frank
