1,991cc SOHC Flat 6-Cylinder Engine
Twin Carburetors
110bhp at 5,800rpm
5-Speed Manual Transaxle
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes

*Highly desirable 6-Cylinder 914
*Period Race history
*Well documented example
*Recipient of restoration

THE PORSCHE 914-6

Porsche's strong historical links with Volkswagen were reaffirmed in 1969 with the launch of the Porsche-designed VW-Porsche 914, a mid-engined, Targa-top sports car to be assembled by Karmann of Osnabruck. At the time, Volkswagen needed a new car to replace the ageing Karmann-Ghia, while Porsche was looking for another option to add to its line-up. First seen at the Frankfurt Auto Show, the 914 used the 1,679cc, four-cylinder, air-cooled motor of the Volkswagen 411. The 914's reputation for excellent handling was somewhat challenged by criticism that the four-cylinder version was too slow, though lack of speed was never a shortcoming of the 914/6. Fitted with the 2-liter Type 901/36 six-cylinder and drivetrain lifted directly from the 911T, the 914/6 developed 110bhp at 5800rpm and breathed through twin triple choke Weber carburetors, good enough for a top speed of 123mph. Although a healthy number (2,657) were made in 1970, sales quickly fell off and just 3,318 914/6s were built in total. Both cars employed all-independent suspension - a mixture of 911 and VW parts - to which were married four-wheel disc brakes and a five-speed gearbox.

Porsche being Porsche there was, inevitably, a competition version of the 914/6 – the 914/6 GT – a small batch of which was built in 1970. The GT's engine was tuned for around 220bhp, while glassfiber panels and Plexiglas windows helped get the weight down, and dramatically flared arches accommodated wider wheels. In addition, the factory offered a GT kit that could be ordered with a regular 914/6 to be installed by designated Porsche dealers. Today the 914/6 is accepted by purists as a true Porsche and has been steadily appreciating in value. Many have found their way onto the track, exploiting the excellent handling characteristics of the model – indeed Porsche themselves homologated the 914/6 for racing in March 1970.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Taking full advantage of Porsche's latest creation capabilities, the 914-6 presented here carries with it the distinction of having been a competitive race car for a number of years. Thanks to the good deal of documentation on file, including a race contract and even qualifying results from the American Road Race of Champions 1970, the sporting history of the car has been well tracked.

According to a file, the original owner is believed to be a man by the name of Bill Stroh. He had been a competitor in the SCCA and fielded this 914-6 in the waning years of his racing career. Allegedly a questionable legal sway bar has helped him gather a race win, but a protest resulted in his points being ultimately taken away. Soon after he quit the SCCA and never raced again.

Eventually, another gentleman who was from his neighborhood in Northbrook, Illinois, and had helped work on the car would go on to take ownership of the Porsche. This occurred after years of searching and the vehicle was eventually located under the care of Randy Johnson. More recently in the past 10 years, the 914-6 was a recipient of a restoration. As shown in the history file, the car was taken down to bare metal and fully stripped to its bare unibody before being pieced back together. In 2015, the car was acquired by the consigner, who has used the car very sparingly. However, he reports that the Porsche is in good order and is ready to be enjoyed by its next owner.