During its production run between 1969 and 1974, the Porsche 914 was polarizing thanks to its unusual design and underpowered flat-four and flat-six engines. Designed as an entry-level two-seater sports car to replace the 912, the rear-wheel-drive Porsche 914 was still fun to drive and many enthusiasts applauded its simplicity. Nearly 50 years later, the Porsche 914 is being modernized by classic car specialist Fifteen Eleven Design, the classic arm of World Rally Championship team Mellors Elliot Motorsport based in Derbyshire, UK.
Porsche's mid-engined targa roadster will be reimagined with a more contemporary design and a more powerful 3.4-liter flat-six engine borrowed from a 987-generation Porsche Cayman S. Performance figures haven't been announced yet, but it should generate at least 291 hp and 251 lb-ft of torque. That's a significant upgrade over the standard 914, which produced a paltry 79 hp and 100 lb-ft of torque from its original flat-four engine or 109 hp/118 lb-ft from a flat-six.
The performance-focused brakes and suspension are also lifted from modern Porsches. Previewed by render images, the company's reimagined Porsche 914 will sport a familiar silhouette combined with modern design elements including projector LED headlights, driving lights inspired by the legendary Porsche 935 Moby Dick race car, redesigned front and rear bumpers, and widened carbon fiber body panels, along with an active rear ducktail spoiler. It also rides on 18-inch wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires and features a bespoke lightweight stainless steel exhaust system.
"All too often we hear of graphic renders being produced with no intention of being built but here at Fifteen Eleven Design all our efforts are put into making sure any concepts are carried through to completion," said Chris Mellors, Managing Director of Fifteen Eleven Design.
"Our vision is to re-create classic cars into modern-day restorations which anyone would be proud to drive and the Porsche 914 will be just that. It has an impressive specification that should address the pitfalls of the original, whilst giving owners many technological advantages of today's engineering and manufacturing processes."
While the project is still at an early stage of development, the company is confident the reimagined Porsche 914 will hit the road next year. Order books are now open, and while no pricing details have been revealed, it's safe to say this will cost more than a new Porsche 718 Boxster, which celebrated its 25th anniversary this week. Fifteen Eleven Design has plenty of pedigree when it comes to reimagining classic cars, having built a one-off Mk1 Ford Escort Speedster and a fully restored 1962 Maserati 3500 GT.