by Transforming the Porsche 914 into a Full Convertible
While Porsche is preparing for the electric reboot of its mid-engined 718 sports cars in 2026, a completely different transformation is taking place in the world of classic models. Enthusiasts have created a full convertible based on the Porsche 914 — something the company itself never offered during the entire seven-year sales run of this car, which is considered the predecessor to the Boxster.
Historical Context and Safety Limitations
The Porsche 914 debuted in 1969, an era when American legislators were seriously tackling road safety, and automakers feared a complete ban on convertibles in the country.
This fear had already led to the appearance of the Porsche 911 Targa in 1966, and the company postponed the release of a true 911 convertible until 1983. The same logic shaped the 914, which had a fixed rear roof section and a removable central panel.
This is how every 914 left the factory, including this 1976 model, the final year of production. But now its fixed roof, narrow fenders, and “Summer Yellow” color have been replaced with a full convertible top, wide wheel arches, glossy black paint, and a custom folding soft top.
Questions of Body Rigidity and Technical Features
From a construction standpoint, many questions remain. The description mentions rear strut braces and visible reinforcements in the trunk, but there is no detailed explanation of how body rigidity was restored after removing the roof structure in this unique car. Although the work may have been done meticulously, a potential buyer should conduct their own investigation before investing.
The power of this 914-4 is hinted at by the “914-6” badge on the rear. Early 914-6 models with optional flat-six engines from the 911 were short-lived, expensive, sold poorly, and quickly discontinued, leaving the four-cylinder engines as the only option.
Porsche even planned a more powerful 916 version with wide fenders, four-wheel disc brakes, and an engine from the 911 RS, but abandoned the idea after several prototypes were built.
The Heart of the Reimagined Car
This car revives that idea, receiving a rebuilt, bored, and stroked 2.2-liter flat-six engine, tuned with dual Weber carburetors. The power, which is said to be at least 130 hp, though exact figures are not provided, is delivered through a five-speed manual transaxle gearbox with a dog-leg shift pattern, and then through tubular headers and a dual exhaust system.
Details of the Completed Project
The assembly is completed by polished 15-inch Fuchs wheels, four-wheel disc brakes, and elegant seats with “Pepita” upholstery. The 914’s design is one of those that looks great from some angles and a bit odd from others, and this reworked convertible is no exception. But it provides a great glimpse of what Porsche undoubtedly considered internally but never put into series production.
Although the 914 often remains in the shadow of other models today, in its time it was successful for the company. Such unique projects remind us of the flexibility of automotive history and how the enthusiasm of individuals can realize ideas that major manufacturers left on paper due to market or regulatory constraints. This particular conversion also illustrates the enduring demand for classic Porsches with a sporting character, giving an old model a new, more open life that contrasts with modern trends toward electrification and autonomy.
