At 42 years of age, I decided to face my mid-life crisis head-on—by restoring a 1972 Porsche 914-6.
Because sometimes you don’t need answers.
You need a garage, a classic engine, and a project that reminds you what it feels like to build something with your hands.
When I turned 40, I started looking for hobbies. I called them “healthy diversions.”
Pastoral ministry can be incredibly meaningful—but it can also be hyper-stressful. Instead of crashing, burning, or making questionable life choices, I decided to lean into something tangible, real, and life-giving. Clean, healthy hobbies. Honestly, every pastor/man needs a few of those.
Mine started with a little 1970s sports car I found sitting in a mechanic’s lot in St. Charles, Missouri. The project began in the year 2000, right in the middle of what people back then loved to call a “mid-life crisis.” Whatever that means.
What it meant for me was hours of sanding, prepping, restoring, and dreaming in an old workshop a friend let me use. That little yellow car became my therapy, my thinking space, my creative outlet—and probably my cheapest counselor.
Eventually, I made it through my so-called mid-life phase and sold the car… and I think I broke even (heavy emphasis on think 😂).
Below is the original eBay listing I wrote when I sold it. at the age of 67, these photos still makes me smile.
Listed below is the description pf my add on eBay.
This is a 1974 CLEAN/NO RUST 914 converted to a 914/6 with a 1972 2.2 911 Porsche motor totally rebuilt motor with receipts.2.2 .
This is a 1974 914 converted into a 914/6 2.2 Porsche motor. – The motor is a 1972 rebuilt engine that runs great.The motor was completely rebuilt from a line bore up.The mechanic: Walt’s V.W. in Columbia, Missouri. (all the documents/invoices of Walt’s work are available.)
Weber carbs are in great shape.The car was repainted in 2003 a Viper race yellow. ( there are a few chips and markings on the vehicle).The duel exhaust was done by a local Porsche mechanic here in Prescott.The conversion was done by Walt’s V.W. in Columbia, Mo. Interior is in fair to good shape.No rust – This car was a California car and briefly garaged in Missouri, then driven to Prescott, Arizona where it has been in my garage and used as a commuter when needed or taken for joy rides since 2003.The motor has maybe 10,000 miles on it since it was rebuilt.”The car has a happy little motor” Nate Wood Owner of EUROPEAN AUTO TECH.
Call Steve for other details or questions or to schedule a look and test drive .Local buyers only or self pickup.
This car comes with many other parts, books and manuals.
The car ended up in North Carolina.
These pics give a little glimpse into the effort
stevelummer.com 