DDK - Die Deutschen Klassiker

noticed that some 914 have body coloured pillers bits behind the doors
like this





while others have black like this



anyone know why.. is it age, spec,model related?

The 'sail panel' as us fourteeners call it was covered in vinyl as an optional extra -someone else will be hopefully post which years/ option name.
I think the 914 needs this as it looks right aesthetically -looks like a soft top with black roof + sail panel

Personally I prefer the vinyl covered 'sail panel', I think its more of a classic look, it also enhances the lovely swoop from the rear wing to door. Just my opinion

I'm going to put a vote in for a body-coloured sail-panel

I'm happy enough with either, but glad that mine is 'naked' - they do look more like a soft top with a black sail and targa, and that's exactly why I like the emphasis that mine is not .

There is a blue 914 that I can't find the picture of, now that I look, that has a body-coloured sail, with a curved black portion added, that gives a very good impression of having an 'opera window' in the sail, and illustrates a 'thrid way', perhaps.

Your car, your rules.

Carl

fourteener wrote:someone else will be hopefully post which years/ option name.

Hi James/Helen.

All 4 cylinder cars from 1970-73 came with painted side panels and black trim, all the 6 cylinder cars had vinyl and polished trim. In 1974, this is model years by the way, the vinyl and polished trim became standard. It could be specified as an extra on the early 'fours', I can't remember the actual reference number but it was generally known as the appearance pack. It's interesting, hang on must take my anorak off, if you look at the first brochures and publicity pictures nearly all the cars had the vinyl and the ones that did'nt were missing the black trims. For me I like both options, it does make the car look a little 'taller' without the vinyl. My car never had the vinyl from new and that's the way it will stay. It has to be said those bits of vinyl on the side do trap water when the glue starts to break down. But it's all down to personal preference.

Well explained Steve

My turn, <Puts anorak on>

Some very early '73 cars also had vinyl around the windscreen frame.

Can't say I care for the look though...

That's something I haven't seen before - maybe they wanted to add another potential rust-trap?

swapped wrote:That's something I haven't seen before - maybe they wanted to add another potential rust-trap?

Because there isn't enough is there?

Lets face it, we all know that the windscreen frame vinyl should've been clubbed to death at birth
with maybe this exception (doesn't look good, but is a GT)

middlefour1 wrote:

fourteener wrote:someone else will be hopefully post which years/ option name.

Hi James/Helen.

All 4 cylinder cars from 1970-73 came with painted side panels and black trim, all the 6 cylinder cars had vinyl and polished trim. In 1974, this is model years by the way, the vinyl and polished trim became standard. It could be specified as an extra on the early 'fours', I can't remember the actual reference number but it was generally known as the appearance pack. It's interesting, hang on must take my anorak off, if you look at the first brochures and publicity pictures nearly all the cars had the vinyl and the ones that did'nt were missing the black trims. For me I like both options, it does make the car look a little 'taller' without the vinyl. My car never had the vinyl from new and that's the way it will stay. It has to be said those bits of vinyl on the side do trap water when the glue starts to break down. But it's all down to personal preference.

many thanks Steve..

and everyone else, i keep learning more and this car keeps growing on me. i'm clocking up miles like mad

Must admit I prefer the painted side panels,

but each to their own.

Got to be vinyl for me !
Vinyl sail panels and black sill covers or the car just looks too tall.




even if they are as well done as this one

drummerboytom wrote:Got to be vinyl for me !
Vinyl sail panels and black sill covers or the car just looks too tall.

Im with you an the black sill covers

Found it!

Not exactly 'factory spec', but I knew I'd seen a 'third way':



And a colour-coded roof, to boot:



Carl