Conceived to combat the 4-cylinder Volkswagen-Porsche 914's image issues, the 914-6 model was manufactured entirely in-house at the Porsche factory.
Alas, the car was pricey, at almost $6,000.00 approaching 911 territory, and just 3,350 examples left the Zuffenhausen gates before production was halted in 1972. Today, more than 40 years later, the few surviving examples of Porsche's first mid-engine 6-cylinder street car are blue-chip collectibles.
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In fact, aficionados of the marque covet 914-6s to such a degree, prices for excellent examples sometimes surpass even their early 911 cousins, the Six being a study in what might have been the future of the brand, had Porsche continued its mid-motor efforts.
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You can imagine our excitement when we discovered this fine Six recently, right here in SoCal!
It's a 1970 Porsche 914-6, VIN *9140431291*, which makes it the 1,291st of 2,668 built for the model year. It's a US-spec car that was delivered new here in California. The odometer shows just 85,031 miles, believed to be the original mileage.
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The car comes with its Porsche-issued Certificate of Authenticity, which, to our delight, comfirms its matching numbers engine *6404780*, of utmost importance to the serious 914-6 collector. Too many of these cars have had their engines changed over the years; to find a matching numbers example is a bit like hitting the lottery jackpot. Click on the image to the left for an XXL-sized view |
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Owned by a well-to-do Porsche racer from sunny Orange County, this particular 914-6 was mainly used as a personal "grocery getter" during race weekends, traveling on the upper deck of a very expensive, 2-story trailer to the most famous race tracks in the country and shuttling its owner to the Motel and back. California vanity plate is included in the sale.
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Let's now inspect this rare Porsche in more detail, starting with the front trunk. (Yes, that's right, being a mid-engine car, this Porsche has two trunks: one in the front, and one in the back.)
Right away, we are pleased to note the presence of the--partial--factory tool kit.
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Below a gray-felt-covered partition rests the spare.
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Everything is sparkling clean; it seems this Six has been spared the brown rust cancer that consumed so many of its brethren!
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Undercarriage confirms our first impression: everything looks dry and rust free. This one's not a leaker, either!
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Porsche's coachwork has remained in a fabulous state of preservation. Shut lines ("gaps") of doors and hoods are excellent. There are no dings or dents! Chromed and anodized brightwork is in very good to excellent condition, as is the glass, the original windshield bearing its factory logo.
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Sometimes advertised as a "Roadster," the 914-6 features Porsche's patented Targa top, a lightweight fiberglass part, which can be removed within seconds and stored in the rear trunk, anytime a topless experience is desired.
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Turning our attention to the Porsche's gorgeous Blaumetallik finish (the car had been repainted early in its life to the 1970 factory code # L98P, Blue Metallic), we are pleased as punch to find excellent, highly glossy paint, free of scratches, bubbles, signs of corrosion or any other major flaws that could spoil the perfect picture.
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This 914-6 features the up-rated FUCHS light alloy wheels of the correct-for 1970 6Jx15 dimension, which still wear their correct, anodized finish and have been fitted with B.F. Goodrich G-Force "ultra-high performance" tires of the size 205/50ZR-15, lending it a slightly lower, more aggressive stance and making it stick to the tarmac like glue.
Note the 5-lug mounting pattern and larger, 911-derived disc brakes unique to the 914-6.
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Minimalist 914-6 interior is another classic Porsche design nobody has ever been able to improve upon. There's plenty of space; even big and tall folks will find a comfortable seating position.
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An expensive BECKER Europa radio with power antenna has been installed, both work perfectly. Steering wheel is a grippy, leather-covered MOMO, but an original Porsche wheel is included as well.
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Above, left to right:
- Austere-looking door panels are covered by black vinyl, yet there's a large storage bin on the driver's side that also serves as an armrest. Genius!
- Dominant, white-on-black 911-derived gauges are housed in a binnacle positioned right in front of the driver. They all work.
- Birds-eye view of the driver's sport seat, a rare and desirable option.
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The high-back buckets feature matching black leatherette upholstery with basketweave inserts, in perfect condition, free of any rips or tears.
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Ready for a test drive?
So are we, but before we leave, lets' have a good look at engine compartment and rear trunk!
Incidentially, the engine bay requires a very close inspection, as it contains the battery . . .
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Acid spillage is among a 914-6's worst enemies, able to corrode important sections of sheet metal, all the way down to the car's structural support! Even a factory recall in the 1970s did not manage to curb the inherent problem. Only with dedicated care and concern can major corrosion damage be avoided. We are happy to report that this particular 914-6 has been spared the dreaded battery area disease and easily passes close scrutiny. In fact, the whole engine bay presents itself toothbrush clean!
The matching numbers engine, # *6404780*, featuring its original, twin triple-barrel WEBER 40IDT carburetors, reportedly was rebuilt and hi-po camshafts were added. It runs great and definitely seems to produce more than its factory-advertised 110 horses!
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Here's the "other" trunk, which can hold the Targa top and still leaves ample space underneath. Remove the original gray felt mat, and you'll find a clean, dry and rust free rear trunk floor.
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Friday, July 20, was a lovely summer day here in San Buenaventura, and we were happy to hop into our Porsche for a test drive and photo session.
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Though typically a bit cold blooded, the car starts easily. Above 2,500 rpm, it pulls like a train, all the way to its 6,400rpm redline. Brakes anchor it firmly, and the 914-6 possesses the Go Kart-like handling of its smaller, 4-cylinder sibling. No wonder these well-balanced, mid-engine brutes were so successful on race tracks all over the world! The Type 901 dog-leg transmission is a joy to shift through all five gears.
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An added benefit is the addictive Porsche-six sound, tempting us to exceed all legal speed limits, more than once. This certainly is NOT your ordinary 914!
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Returning home, we are fascinated, no, enamored by the 914-6. Even among the most desirable early Porsches of the late Sixties/early Seventies period, a 914-6 occupies a special place. Once the unloved, red-headed stepchild, many of those spirited little screamers found an untimely end at the boneyard. The few surviving, original 914-6s are bona fide collector's cars today. We've see nice examples selling North of $50K in the past year; don't wait to fulfill your own 914-6 dream until it becomes completely unattainable for the average enthusiast.
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Great looking and fun to drive: this 914-6 truly is a vintage sports car you can enjoy, while it appreciates in value!
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Addendum:
We sold this Porsche 914-6 in August of 2012 to a prominent collector in Florida.
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