LOT 160
1970 Porsche 914/6 GT Chassis no. 914.043.0181
Estimate: US$900,000 - US$1,200,000
Lot 160
The 1971 Monza 1000KM class-winning
1970 Porsche 914/6 GT
1970 Porsche 914/6 GT
1970 Porsche 914/6 GT
Chassis no. 914.043.0181
Chassis no. 914.043.0181
1,991cc SOHC Flat Six-Cylinder Engine
Dual Triple-Throat Weber Downdraft Carburetors
210bhp at 8,000rpm
5-Speed Manual Transaxle
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
*One of the earliest 914/6 GT customer cars
*One of an estimated 14 factory-built GTs
*Delivered new to Swiss privateer, Ernst Seiler
*Run under the "Squadra Tartaruga" (Team Turtle) banner
*Winner of the 2-liter class at the 1971 Monza 1000KM race
*906 Carrera 6-Type twin-plug top end
*Continuously documented history
*Sympathetically refurbished in its original livery
*Widely eligible for LeMans Classic, Tour Auto, and more
THE PORSCHE 914/6 GT
Between 1969 and 1972, Porsche produced 3,350 examples of the 914/6. As a budget-friendly alternative to the 911, the 914/6 served its purpose well, and despite some criticism for inadequate performance, mostly directed toward the four-cylinder cars, those 'in the know' recognized the potential lurking within the compact Porsche's brilliant chassis.
In 1970, Porsche decided to use the 914/6 as its primary car for rallying, and 2-liter class circuit racing, while the 911 was designated for top-class GT classes. Thus, Porsche developed the 914/6 GT with modified 911 S brakes, additional chassis reinforcement, flared steel fenders to accommodate fatter rubber, additional oil cooler, and additional weight-saving measures. A 906 Carrera 6-type 2-liter engine delivered 210bhp off the shelf, giving the featherweight GT ample thrust.
While the 1970 24 Hours of Le Mans will be forever remembered for Porsche's first overall win for the mighty 917, there was also a 914/6 GT on track, which finished an impressive 6th place overall—winning the 2.0-liter GT class AND beating the 911s in the process—having started 45th on the grid! Ironically, such success effectively killed the project nearly as soon as it began, since Porche top brass did not want their 'junior' model outperforming the flagship 911 on such an important world stage.
In all, approximately 14 full-spec, factory-built GTs were produced, along with an additional 23 or so "M-471" option road cars to homologate the GT for racing, and an array of parts kits so privateers could convert their cars to GT specs.
THE CAR OFFERED
Chassis number 914.043.0181 is a coveted factory-built 914/6 GT race car, delivered new to the wealthy Swiss privateer and prolific Porsche racer, Ernst Seiler, who sometimes raced under the sobriquet "Hunter" and usually under the Hart Ski Racing Team banner (later switching to the tongue-in-cheek 'Squadra Tartagura' – or Team Turtle). Despite the self-deprecating team name, Seiler was quite handy behind the wheel, chalking up several wins and high finishes throughout his lengthy sports car career.
After graduating from 356s to a 911T/R in the mid-1960s, Seiler became one of the first privateers to acquire a new 914/6 GT, chassis number 0181, which he specified with the potent 906-type engine and had finished in a distinctive lemon-yellow livery with white and red stripes. In the spring of 1970, Seiler entered (as Hart Ski Racing Team) the DARM Mainz-Finthen at Hockenheim, coming home in an outstanding 4th in class on debut. Other class wins and podiums followed throughout 1970 and 1971, with Seiler often pairing with Peter Ettmüller. Their finest moment came at the 1971 Monza 1000 Kilometers, with the pair piloting 0181 to victory in the 2-liter GT class and an impressive 13th overall. Shell sponsorship appeared on the car at the Nurburgring 1000 Kilometers in 1971, and 0181 always wore its distinctive yellow livery throughout its career.
In 1974, the engine was repotedly damaged, and the car was rather unceremoniously retired. Seiler eventually sold it to fellow countryman Enzo Calderari in about 1976. Calderari was known to have raced it once at the Hockenheim, and it passed quietly to two additional Swiss owners before going into storage. In 2006, a British Porsche enthusiast, Simon Bowery, discovered 0181 in a garage in Switzerland, and while it was looking shabby from its years in hiding was otherwise remarkably complete and free of significant damage. As discovered, the little 914 had racked up 12,000 kilometers – all on track!
Upon acquiring it, Mr. Bowery immediately commenced a sympathetic refurbishment (being careful not to call it a restoration), having the body stripped and refinished in its original shade of Zitrongelb by Sportwagen in the UK, while the engine and gearbox were sent to German specialist Karl Hloch for a careful rebuild. After painting, Jaz Porsche in Hertfordshire disassembled, crack tested, and refurbished the chassis components as needed, all while ensuring as much of the original componentry was preserved. Finally, the restored rolling shell was sent to Karl Hloch's workshop for engine installation.
The car was shaken down at Silverstone, where Octane Magazine caught up with it and produced a feature story, included in their 2010 "Porsche Classics" magbook. Since then, the car has seen continued, albeit somewhat more careful use, participating in the 2010 Tour de France Auto and the prestigious Le Mans Classic in 2012. Invoices show additional work was carried out by the renowned specialists, Maxted-Paige in the UK. From 2014 to 2022, 0181 formed part of a significant private Porsche collection in France, where it remained in marvelous order, with its outstanding refurbishment highlighting the fantastic originality.
0181 was acquired by the current owner in 2022 and sent to GasWerks Garage in NJ. Here the 0181 underwent comprehensive servicing to ensure its performance and reliability were enhanced to the highest standards. A full engine service was completed, which included servicing of the Weber Carburetors, valve adjustments, and an oil and filter change. The fuel system was thoroughly inspected and maintained. The brake calipers were rebuilt, rotors and brake hoses replaced, and the entire braking system was flushed to ensure optimal stopping power, with race brake pads installed on both the front and rear.
New period-correct Michelin TB15 tires were fitted, and a performance alignment was meticulously executed to ensure the car handles sharply on any road or track. The entire exhaust system was ceramic coated, providing improved heat resistance and longevity.
While this vehicle has not been competitively raced in recent years, it was tested extensively at Thompson Raceway in Connecticut, proving its readiness and capabilities. This Porsche 914 is turn-key and ready to be raced, rallied, or shown, embodying a perfect blend of classic aesthetics and modern performance enhancements.
As offered, the Seiler 914/6 GT is exceptionally well documented, with a dossier containing FIA homologation papers, numerous personal photos from Seiler's and Ettmüller's exploits, race results, timing sheets, original spares, letters of authenticity from Porsche Club GB (for insurance purposes), and more. Additionally, Seiler's trophies from 1970-1971, and a small number of spares will be included.
Rarely offered for public sale, the availability of any 914/6 GT represents an incredible opportunity for the serious Porsche collector. Chassis 0181 stands out as perhaps one of the most original examples of this rare and potent Porsche extant, with fascinating provenance in the hands of a colorful character who competed during the glory days of privateer GT racing in Europe.
Additional information
Looking for a similar item?
Our Cars specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.
Find your local specialistAuction Viewings
- 14 August 2024, 09:00 - 18:00 PDT
- 15 August 2024, 09:00 - 18:00 PDT
- 16 August 2024, 08:30 - 11:00 PDT