Porsche Grand Rally V8 (GR8) Modern Renegade
Description
What did Ferdinand Porsche do when he wanted his own 914? Hehad his team drop a V8 into one! You now have the opportunity to own one of the nicest Renegade V8 Porsches out there. It is an original California car with multiple upgrades that I have done to it in the last 3 1/2 years that I have owned it and I will summarize them below.
General
The plan for the car was to have a modernized example of a Porsche 914. I had one in the 80's when I was 22 years old and loved the handling but hated the acceleration, expensive engine parts,and always fighting oil leaks - smoke would come into the cabin from oil dripping on the exhaust. I now own a 2013 Lamborghini Gallardo and this car can keep up with it!
Exterior
This is only the second paint job the car has had in the last 44 years! It is the original color (that is shown on the Certificate of Authenticity) and was professionally painted in December of last year. One small rust spoton the top of the front right fender was repaired. The turn signals were filled and the rocker panels were extended with custom brackets and custom jacking access plates were fabricated to match the shape of the door handles. The top was smoothed. The whole car was color sanded and buffed. It is not perfect but a 9 1/2 out of 10. A quart of touch-up paint is included.
The exterior door handles were replaced but fitted with the original tumblers so that only one key is needed. The doors shut tight and solid. 90% of all of the weatherstripping was replaced including the front Targa piece coming from the factory for a better fit. New rubber was installed above the front and rear bumpers - the best available. The rear bumper is original and has some barely noticeable blemishes and the front bumper has been cut open when the V8 was installed for increased air flow. The original tinted windows are still intact with some minor scratches.
Theemblems say it all. The front one isan American and German flag. The rear emblem is made from real Porsche emblems (928GT, RS) and it is a GR8 car!
Interior
The seat's side bolsters were raised and covered with all new heavy duty vinyl upholstery fashioned after the Q-Citura pattern in my Lambo plus all new carpet throughout including Lloyds mats with matching contrast stitching. The dash pad isinexcellent shapeand the door panels are original and in great shape. I covered the top padding in carbon fiber tape to hide a small tear on the passenger side and it actually looks great. The steering wheel is a real MOMO with Alcantara suede with a real MOMOAtomik shift knob atop a cut down shifter.
The new Alpine stereo is matched with Alpine speakers. It has Bluetooth that sinks with your phone to play your favorite songs and allows hands free operation through the microphone mounted on the dash. You can see it in one of the pictures between the shift pattern knob that was machined to fit in the cigarette lighter and the cool red switch that used to control the electric fan before we put it on an automatic rheostat. We also fabricated custom aluminum panels totake the place ofthe original speaker grills, using the original holes. Mint original grills are included if you like that look better. No heat or A/C but both are available from Renegade as a retrofit if you want them.
A set of Renntech pedals and side plate were installed. I trimmed 3/4" off the brake pedal to open the gap between it and the gas pedal - much better now. All of the gauges, horn,and lights work including the driving lights. The only issue is the turn signals. They work great but do not cancel due to the custom steering wheel. Also the flashing red light on the dash that doubles as a turn light indictor and parking brake "on" indicator stays on because the sensor is missing,so I put some carbon tape over it and it works fine once you get used to it. The front turn bulbs, rear brake/running bulbs, and reverse bulbs have been replaced with LED bulbs so that they are clear behind the clear lenses and then flash amber or red.
Trunks
Most 914 trunks are severely overlooked. Throw in a rug and let's go. This trunk had slight surface rust so I treated it with POR-15 and then installed aluminum panels to level it off, then added ballistic insulation/sound deadener and had the upholstery shop carpet the wholething. I have pictures of the original trunk and each step as described. I also installed pneumatic shocks that keepthe trunkopen and are out of the way when you store the top. Irestored the Bilstein jack, added a Porsche emblem and installed it in the front trunk with custom brackets.
The front trunk has been detailed, the hoses insulated,and the aluminum plate was insulated and covered in carbon fiber vinylwith a Porsche logo.
Mechanical
The interior workings of the motor were testedwith good cylinder pressure, but I didn't like any of the exterior parts so I had my mechanic install new ribbed valve covers, abright plated Holley carb, polished Holley twin side draft air cleaner, a polished intake, new distributor, high torque starter, high capacity water pump and ceramic coatedexhaust. This not only makes the exhaust look good, but also lowers the temperature 25%. The car runs great and cool even on our hot CA days.
The transmission shifts great and retains all of it's 5 speeds, but you will usually start outin second gear due to the torque.There is an Optima battery and two stainless steel overflow tanks as part of the cooling system. The hell hole had a small rust area that was repaired, which is typical,but nothing major. I can send pictures.
The 16" wheels are REAL FUCHS and the suspension has been replaced with 911SC components for great handling and stopping power. There are also adjustable Koni coil over shocks in the rear.
What about rain???? I have a portable magnetic vinyl cover that goes over the rear opening to keep water out of the air cleaner in case you ever get caught in an unexpected storm.
Summary
Please contact me if you have any questions or if you need any more pictures or if you want to stop by to see it in person and drive it. I also have 2 videos of it running and driving that I can email you. I have the car listed locally and will end the auction if it sells. Rather than waste your time and minethrough a traditional auction with a secret reserve or a high price looking for offers, I fixed the price at $27,000. That is what it will take to buy the car and I think it is fair. You can spend $10K more for the other one on eBay now if you like the GT flares, newer wheels and rear wing, or $37,500 for the red one on Craigslist in Florida that is not as nice, but if you are looking for a modern but traditional ride as your daily driver, occasional fun car, or $100K discounted Lamborghini,then this is the car for you. Good luck with bidding and please NO SCAMMERS! I know your tricks and am just looking for someone that shares my vision and wants to own the car. Also guys, please check with your wives first.
One of thevideos that shows the awesome exhaust sound and ground clearancecan be found if you do a YouTube search for Porsche 914 GR8.
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