This 1975 Porsche 914 arrived with a freshly restored body but a drivetrain and suspension in need of attention. While the engine still pulled well, years of wear meant the mechanical systems weren’t delivering the driving feel a 914 should.

At Griffin Motorwerke, decades of experience with classic Porsches allowed us to approach this project with the right balance of preservation and improvement.

Mechanical Issues and Inspection Findings

The owner reported a clutch engagement issue, difficulty selecting gears, and some door alignment concerns. A complete inspection revealed:

• Worn pressure plate
• Stretched clutch cable
• Oil-soaked clutch disc
• Hardened rear main seal, likely original to the car
• Rear axle CV joints needing service
• Both front brake calipers seized or binding, with worn rotors and pads

Work Performed

With the issues identified, we carried out a complete mechanical refresh to restore drivability, reliability, and proper Porsche 914 character.

• Clutch & Gearbox: Installed new clutch kit with pilot bearing, flywheel shims, mainshaft seals, and fresh rear main seal; cleaned, bead blasted, and machined the flywheel; fitted heavy-duty transmission mounts and a new reverse light switch.
• Driveline: Rebuilt rear axles with serviced CV joints.
• Brakes: Replaced front calipers, rotors, pads, hoses, wheel bearings, and seals; bled and bedded the braking system.
• Engine & Exhaust: Installed stainless-steel exhaust; performed valve adjustment with new gaskets, along with an oil and filter change and oil analysis.
• Suspension: Replaced sway bar bushings and hardware; completed a four-wheel alignment.
• Shifting & Controls: Replaced worn shifter bushings and cables; follow-up service included reclipping the throttle pedal and correcting spring positioning for smooth pedal response.
• Interior Fitment: Installed new door panel clips and seals with improved alignment.

Result

The result is a Porsche 914 that now drives every bit as good as it looks, with mechanical systems that match the quality of its restored exterior. The precise clutch engagement, smooth gear selection, and strong, confident braking transform the way this 914 feels on the road. The lightweight chassis, balanced handling, and direct steering remind us why the Porsche 914 remains one of the most rewarding classic Porsches to drive when properly sorted. This example now delivers the lively, connected experience that has made these mid-engine cars so beloved among enthusiasts for decades.