| Porsche 914/6 GT | |
| Manufacturer: | Porsche |
| Production: | 1970 - 1972 |
| Assembly: | Karmann |
| Predecessor: | Porsche 912 |
| Successor: | Porsche 924 |
| Class: | Sports car |
| Body Style: | Targa Coupé |
| Layout: | Mid engined |
| Engine: | 2.0 L flat-6 |
| Related: | Porsche 917 |
The Porsche 914/6 GT was a race car built by Porsche, based on the 914 model with a 6-cylinder engine and GT package.[1] [2]
The 914/6 GT was a race configured version of the 914/6. The factory offered the GT option, which was distinguishable by its box-like steel fender flares. It quickly became known as the 914/6 GT and was raced employing different engine configurations. This included the 'T' specification, which was a basic 911 engine. Another popular configuration was to use a converted Carrera 6 engine.
In 1970, a 914/6 with the factory's GT option was entered in the grueling 1970 24 Hours of Le Mans race. The car, identified as #40, was driven by Claude Ballot-Léna and Guy Chasseuil. It finished sixth over all, preceded only by prototype-like racecars like the V12 Ferrari 512S and Flat-12 Porsche 917K. In addition, the #40 Sonauto, a non factory entry, won not only its class (GT 2.0) but also the class above (GT 2.5) beating all the Porsche 911S including all the factory 911 entries.
914/6s also competed in some of the most important race competitions of its era, e.g. Targa Florio with Brian Redman, Monte Carlo Rally and Daytona International Speedway. Walt Maas successfully campaigned a 914/6 "GT" in the IMSA race series.
The basic Porsche 914/6 was introduced in September 1969 and was a collaborative effort between Porsche and Volkswagen. Short lived, only 3360 examples were produced between 1970 and 1972. Sitting very low, the 914/6's suspension is a combination of a 911-type torsion bar front suspension with a rear coil spring suspension. It also features Porsche disc brakes. The headlights hide in the hood and pop-up when needed. Its targa top can be stored in the rear trunk. The 914/6 received the ram-tuned Weber carbureted 2.0-litre flat six 110 hp Porsche engine that had been previously used with the basic 1969 911T.[3] Weighing just under 2100lb, the 914/6 proved to be considerably faster. A five-speed manual gearbox was standard equipment on all models.
In 2020, a 914/6 GT was sold for $995,000 at the Gooding & Company auction in Scottsdale, Arizona, the most valuable 914 ever sold.[4]