Certificate of Authenticity

From The Porsche 914 Wiki

Introduction

A Certificate of Authenticity (COA) is a document available from Porsche that details includes a 914's original factory-installed options. An example of a COA is:

Currently, the COA is mailed in a folder with a cover letter. The COA has had several revisions over the years of production. The type and quality of the paper has changed several times. In 2002, some certificates had an option of lamination. A few certificates in 2006 were delivered laminated at no charge.

Details

Porsche can produce a Certificate of Authenticity for each 914s based on a cardex (a literal card maintained by the factory) or build sheet. For older cars, pre-computerized records, the cardex and build sheets were the only documents the factory has detailing the original factory-installed options, exterior color and interior color, engine and transmission number type, component engine serial numbers, production completion date (Birth Date) and manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP), etc.

Certificates do not include the Porsche 914 Production Numbers, selling dealer, previous owner information, warranty history, recalls, standard equipment, or technical information.

In many cases for Porsche 914s, the factory records are incomplete and therefore the COAs are either inaccurate or missing information. Some options were not Transmission serial numbers were not recorded. On cars with a paint code of 98 or 99, the special order colors are not specified. Also, dealer installed options will not be listed on a COA.

Over the many years that Porsche has been in business, some option codes have been reassigned or reused. This occasionally creates confusion with the person preparing the certificate. It is not unheard of that COAs are sent out with options that do not match the model years.

In the United States, Porsche Cars North America (PCNA) does not create the actual COA. PCNA has subcontracted this function to (todo: get company name).

Ordering

In the United States, a Certificate of Authenticity may be ordered from PCNA via postal mail, email or fax. Payment is accepted via check, money order or credit card at the time the order is placed. The order form must be printed and either faxed to 800-322-2436, scanned & emailed to coa@porschecars.com or mailed to the address provided.

At the time this page was created, PCNA listed on their web site the current price for a 914 Certificate of Authenticity at 110.00, plus 5.95 shipping and handling. For owners who can provide a copy of their original window sticker, there is a 10 dollar discount. Also, Porsche Club of America members receive an additional 10 dollar savings.

Delivery times are stated as 4-6 weeks, however delays of several months in delivery have occurred.