1970 Porsche 914/6 GT
1970 Porsche 914/6 GT
Brand
Porsche
Year
1970
Country
Germany
Generation
Porsche 914
1970 Porsche 914/6 GT
Brand
Porsche
Year
1970
Country
Germany
Generation
Porsche 914
About this car
Discover the history
The 1970 Porsche 914/6 is notable for its distinctive place in Porsche’s lineup as a collaborative design with Volkswagen, intended as an affordable mid-engine sports car that introduced Porsche performance to a broader audience. Its design leveraged a mid-mounted flat-six engine from the Porsche 911T, giving it a distinctive layout for superior balance and handling. The 914/6’s 2.0-liter engine was not only more powerful than the base four-cylinder engines in the standard 914 but also transformed the car’s personality, pushing its capabilities further in motorsport. The car’s lightweight body, a low center of gravity, and impressive suspension system (adapted from the 911) gave it excellent handling dynamics. Brakes from the 911 and a chassis designed for track endurance enhanced the car’s racing abilities, though its design and initial launch were met with mixed reviews due to its unorthodox styling and perceived Porsche identity.
Despite its modest start, the 914/6 saw early racing success, most prominently with its racing-oriented variant, the 914/6 GT. This model, built in limited numbers, was specifically engineered to compete in endurance events, equipped with features like larger wheels, wider track width, and a specially tuned flat-six engine producing around 220 horsepower in some configurations. Notably, the 914/6 GT achieved a significant accomplishment at the 1970 Le Mans, where it finished sixth overall and first in its class, showcasing its potential on the world stage and proving its endurance capabilities. The model’s success in endurance racing continued at the grueling Nürburgring Marathon de la Route, where three factory-entered 914/6 GTs dominated the field, cementing the 914/6 as a capable competitor in endurance racing despite its unassuming initial reception.
Beyond endurance events, the 914/6 GT also competed in the Monte Carlo Rally, and though Porsche had high hopes, the extreme conditions led to mechanical difficulties that ultimately sidelined the cars. Nonetheless, the 914/6 continued to hold a special place in Porsche’s racing history, and privateers frequently used the car in various rallies and endurance events due to its balance, agility, and mid-engine performance. Today, the 914/6, especially the GT variant, is valued as a classic, highlighting its unique history and role in Porsche’s expansion beyond high-performance sports cars toward more diverse, accessible racing platforms.
The 914/6 is remembered as a bold Porsche experiment, marrying affordability with competitive racing performance, and it laid the foundation for future mid-engine Porsches. While initially overshadowed by the 911’s racing success, the 914/6 has become a sought-after model among enthusiasts and collectors, valued for its engineering and competitive spirit that underpins Porsche’s legacy.
