Someone Created the Boxster RS Porsche of the 1970s | Carscoops

      This homebrew six-cylinder convertible inadvertently foresees Porsche's future while reimagining its past.

      This Porsche 914 has been transformed into a complete convertible, featuring wide fender flares and a soft folding roof. Porsche never produced a 914 roadster, citing safety issues.

      As Porsche prepares to reimagine its 718 mid-engine sports cars as electric vehicles in 2026, a unique transformation has taken place with the classic 914 model—the ancestor of the 718. This modification has resulted in a 914 convertible, which Porsche did not offer throughout the seven years the proto-Boxster was available.

      The Porsche 914 debuted in 1969 at a time when US lawmakers were prioritizing safety, and car manufacturers worried that convertibles might be banned altogether. This concern prompted Porsche to launch the 911 Targa in 1966, delaying the introduction of a true 911 convertible until 1983. Similarly, the 914 was designed with a fixed rear roof section and a detachable center panel.

      Every 914 that left the factory, including this one built in 1976, maintained this design, featuring a fixed roof, slim hips, and Summer Yellow paint. However, it has now been modified to feature a full convertible body, wide fender flares, shiny black paint, and a custom soft top.

      The structural integrity of this vehicle remains somewhat unclear. While the listing mentions rear strut tower braces and visible reinforcements in the trunk, it lacks a detailed explanation of how rigidity was restored after the roof was removed. Prospective buyers would be wise to conduct further investigation before making a purchase.

      This particular 914-4 is suggested to sport an engine indicated by the 914-6 badge on the back. Although early 914-6 models briefly came equipped with entry-level 911 flat-six engines, they were costly, sold poorly, and were quickly discontinued, relegating four-cylinder power to the sole option.

      Porsche had even considered a high-performance 916 variant with wider fenders, four-wheel disc brakes, and 911 RS power, but the project was abandoned after several prototypes were developed.

      This car brings back the concept with a rebuilt, bored, and stroked 2.2-liter flat-six engine equipped with dual Weber carburetors. The power output is at least 130 hp (132 PS), though no specific figures are provided, and it is transmitted through a five-speed manual transaxle featuring a dog-leg shift pattern, exiting via tubular headers and a dual exhaust.

      Final touches include polished 15-inch Fuchs wheels, four-wheel disc brakes, and elegant Pepita-trimmed seats. The 914's design has always been a mix of appealing and awkward from different angles, and this roadster conversion is no exception. However, it offers a glimpse into what Porsche may have privately contemplated but never produced. While the 914 was a success for Porsche, one might wonder if a roadster version would have elevated its popularity even further. For more details, you can view the complete auction listing here.