Porsche 914 och 944 –two overlooked icons
When talking about Porsche, it's easy to get all the limelight on the 911 – but behind the scenes, other models with their own distinctive character, innovation and charm are hiding. At the center are two forgotten heroes: the Porsche 914 and the Porsche 944. And as a link between them – the Porsche 924, an important piece of the puzzle in Porsche's development during the 70s and 80s.
Technology with balance – The transaxle revolution
Both the 914 and 944 deviate from Porsche’s traditional rear-engined formula. Although the 914 is mid-engined and the 944 has the engine in the front, both (as well as the 924, 928 and 968) share an advanced transaxle layout: engine at one end, gearbox at the other. This provided a near-perfect weight distribution, something that is still praised by drivers and track enthusiasts the world over and offers a different – but highly enjoyable – driving experience.
The Volkswagen collaboration – Origins and development
The Porsche 914 was born from a close collaboration with Volkswagen – and was sold under both brands in some markets. Similarly, the 924 was originally intended as a VW GT model, but was taken over by Porsche after several financially difficult years, and later became the basis for the 944. The result? Cars that combined German engineering with innovative solutions, and were accessible to a wider audience.
Sports cars with a focus on balance
Neither the 914, 924 or 944 were power monsters in their basic configuration. But thanks to low weight, smart design and well-balanced chassis architecture, they both delivered pure driving pleasure – perfect for winding country roads. These models challenged the norms within the Porsche family and showed that the sports car concept could be interpreted in more ways. They are examples of courageous engineering that dared to break patterns – something that enthusiasts around the world are now rediscovering and celebrating.
Affordable Porsche feel
Both the 914 and 944 (and to some extent the 924, 928) offered something almost unthinkable – Porsche performance at a reasonable price. Today, the three models are still among the most accessible routes into the world of Porsche, for both collectors and drivers. What were once called the “VolksPorsche” or “budget model” are now seen as characterful classics with genuine charm. They represent a time when Porsche dared to experiment – and succeeded. Despite their merits, both the 914 and 944 have lived in the shadow of the iconic 911. But times are changing: today these models are seen as affordable entry points to classic Porsche ownership, and interest is constantly growing.
If you've become curious about these two overlooked icons, you now have a golden opportunity to become the owner of either a really cool rebuilt 914 or if the 944 appeals more, Bidders Highway currently has two examples up for auction, one of which is with "no reserve" i.e. without a reservation price at all!
Read more about the auctions below - before these future classics find new garages to live in!
1985 Porsche 944 - NO RESERVE!
Here we offer a characterful and charming Porsche 944 from 1985 – a classic sports coupe with honest patina, documented everyday history and personality in every detail. This is not a show car, but a used and popular enthusiast car that offers genuine driving pleasure and classic 80s feel. Perfect for those looking for a cheap entry into the classic Porsche feel, as a winter project, hobby car or preserved patina treasure. Find the auction HERE.
1974 Porsche 914/6-3.2 Speedster
This is not just any Porsche 914. This unique car is one of about 60 converted "Speedsters" from the American Willco, a company that in the 1980s specialized in giving the 914 model a sportier and more exclusive character. This specific car was their "show car" – a showcase for what they could achieve.
The car was imported from the USA in 1991 by the legendary Swedish car builder Hazze Z Lindholm, who after several years of persuasion was able to buy it from Willco. In 2004 the car was sold to Christer Jonsson in Umeå via Kaiser Cars and in 2006 the current owner bought the car – who had owned it for 19 years and only driven about 1,300 kilometers during that time. Find the auction HERE.
1990 Porsche 944 S2 Convertible
A Porsche 944 S2 Cabriolet from 1990, imported to Sweden in 1997 as new, is now freshly painted in its original and very rare original color, Rubystone Red. The car has driven approximately 19,300 miles and is in very good condition. According to the seller, the paint is in excellent condition, freshly painted in the original color and has only driven less than 800 miles since then. This car combines timeless design with the rare original color, making it a real collector's item. Perfect for those looking for a classic Porsche with a combination of style, performance and exclusivity. Find the auction HERE.