Some 1973-1976 Porsche® 914 models have
an optional center console (part of the "Appearance Package")
containing three 60mm VDO gauges: a clock, an oil temperature gauge
and a voltage gauge. These gauges are unique to the Porsche 914. Although many
other Porsche and VW vehicles offered similar consoles, the VDO gauges used in
these other cars are smaller, 52mm units with slightly different appearances
that will not fit the Porsche 914 center console without modification. The 60mm 914
console gauges are no longer produced by VDO or any other company.
As with the
dashboard gauges, the 1973 Porsche 914 console gauges are slightly different than the
later gauges. With the exception of
the 1973 model year clock, all center console gauges are
sealed units, with the mechanisms accessible only by prying off the
molded steel bezel ring. Problems common to these
gauges are needle fading, bezel ring rusting and lens fogging.
Current
eBay listings for Porsche 914 consoles (compare with items on this page to
determine year and ensure authenticity):
The primary differences in the center
console gauges used in the 1973
Porsche 914 are the temperature gauge scale and the clock
mechanism.
The VDO gauges used in the
1974-1976
Porsche 914 center console include a clock that is more accurate
but also more prone to failure
Porsche
914/6 production ended in 1972,
so the optional three gauge console (available in 1973) was never
offered in this model. Porsche 914/6 and 1970-1972 Porsche 914 cars may
contain an optional "deposit box" center console which
provides additional storage and fits under the dashboard. This unit,
pictured at right, contained no gauges.
