Page 1 of 1 During the second half of the 1960s, Porsche and Volkswagen together developed the mid-engined 914. The terms of the cooperation dictated that the four-cylinder engined machine would be branded a Volkswagen, while the range-topping flat-six would be marketed as a Porsche proper. Even before the 914/6 entered production, a Group 4 competition version was already under development for use both in road races and rallies.
Known as the 914/6 GT, the racing version of the 914 featured a stripped down and reinforced chassis. The rigidity was further increased by welding the targa roof shut. It was fitted with lightweight fibreglass bumpers and the skin on the fibreglass nose panel and engine cover was so thin that balsa wood strips were used for strengthening. Large ventilated disc brakes were fitted with callipers that were directly derived from the 908 sports prototype.
A full competition engine was fitted, which was lifted from the 906 sports car. Equipped with twin-spark ignition a pair of triple Webers, the two-litre unit produced 210bhp in road racing trim. To ensure absolute reliability during rallying, the flat six was pegged to a more modest 180bhp by fitting a lower compression head. The engine was mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. To fuel the more powerful engine, a 100-litre tank was fitted.
Ahead of the 1970 season, Porsche produced around a dozen examples for the works team, while customers could also buy complete cars or a kit to upgrade existing road cars. Although overshadowed by the accomplishments of the 917 K sports car, the 914/6 GT proved hugely successful. It scored class wins at Le Mans and Daytona, and also won the Marathon de la Route outright with a clean sweep of the podium.
Production of the 914/6 was short-lived, which also curtailed the competition career of the 914/6 GT early. It was eventually replaced by the 911 Carrera RSR as Porsche's top level GT racer. With many road cars later converted, it is uncertain how many 914/6 GTs were built. It is understood that Porsche built 43 cars for the works team and customers. Page 1 of 1
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During the second half of the 1960s, Porsche and Volkswagen together developed the mid-engined 914. The terms of the cooperation dictated that the four-cylinder engined machine would be branded a Volkswagen, while the range-topping flat-six would be marketed as a Porsche proper. Even before the 914/6 entered production, a Group 4 competition version was already under development for use both in road races and rallies.