Porsche 914-6 GT

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.

Porsche 914-6 GT
Overview
Manufacturer	Porsche
Production	1970 – 1972
Assembly	Karmann
Body and chassis
Class	Sports car
Body style	Targa Coupe
Layout	Mid engined
Related	Porsche 917
Powertrain
Engine	2.0 L flat-6
Chronology
Predecessor	Porsche 912
Successor	Porsche 924

History

Porsche 914-6 GT rear view

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, Porsche entered a 914-6 with the factory's GT option in the grueling 24 Hours of Le Mans race. The car, identified as #40, was driven by Claude Ballot-Léna and Guy Chasseuil. It finished 6th overall, preceded only by prototype racecars like the V12 Ferrari 512S and Flat-12 Porsche 917K. In addition, the #40 won its class ahead of several Porsche 911S 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 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. Weighing just under 2100 pounds, The 914-6 proved to be considerably faster. A five-speed manual gearbox was standard equipment on all models.

References