The six-cylinder Porsche 914/6 is a rare car. Only about 3,350 were produced between 1970 and 1972. If you think the model looks familiar, that’s because it has a much more common sibling: the four-cylinder 914.
One of those rare ones, a 1970 Porsche 914-6, was recently listed for sale on eBay.
Many of these cars have been raced and heavily modified. But this one led a sheltered life.
There are only 46,700 miles on the odometer. And there was a full engine rebuild with factory S pistons 15,000 miles ago. The balanced and blueprinted motor puts out 170 horsepower. It was built to the specifications of a 2-liter 911 S.
Other important notes:
- The chassis is straight and dry (the result of 45 years in California)
- The car has a well-known history of adoring owners, including Porsche Club of America members
Restored to Racing Style
In early 1995, the owner took down the car to bare metal. That when its imperfections and panel gaps were addressed. Then, the builders repainted the Porsche 914/6 in its original Canary Yellow.
The 914 styling has worn well.
Mouth-watering highlights include factory Fuchs flares (See sets of Fuchs wheels on eBay - opens in new window or tab.). And there is a very clean interior in black leatherette.
A complete suspension upgrade in the 1990s anticipated racing competition. But that never occurred. The car sat for years before the owner resold it in 2006. The next proud owner restored the 1970 Porsche 914/6 to stock and put 10,000 miles on the clock.
Since then, the 1970 Porsche 914/6 has been serviced as needed and received new brakes, muffler, wheel bearings, Bilstein shocks, and struts - opens in new window or tab. (the latter at 38,000 miles).
The glass is all good, and the windshield is original. The pop-up headlights work properly.
History of the 1970 Porsche 914/6
The original idea was to market the 914 as a VW and the 914/6 as a Porsche. But the Porsche name was irresistible for American buyers, so we got them both with that nameplate.
In Europe the 914 was a Volkswagen-Porsche. See the VW logo?
The mid-engine styling was very contemporary. And it has aged well.
The cars were assembled by Karmann—with Porsche itself adding the powerplants for the 914/6. In Europe, the 914 was a VW-Porsche.
Initially, for 1970, the 914 got an 80-horsepower - opens in new window or tab., 1.7-liter VW flat-four, and the 914/6 a dual-cab two-liter Porsche flat-six with 110 horsepower. So the car for sale is a legit German hot rod.
Total mileage is just 46,700. The engine was rebuilt, balanced, and blueprinted 15,000 miles ago.
The 914 was a very affordable Porsche. It sold well—close to 119,000 through 1976. But the 914/6 was hard to move, and the company killed it off in 1972.
The rarity contributes to its stellar reputation among collectors now. Another positive factor is the proven 911 mechanicals, coupled with readily available 914 panels and parts - opens in new window or tab..
This car is extremely original, with all numbers matching.
eBay usually has several Porsche 914s for sale - opens in new window or tab.. but the 914/6 described here was the sole example at the time of sale, and while rare, they do still occasionally find their way into the listings. Ironically, by 1973 the plain Jane 914 was available with an optional two-liter four producing 100 horsepower. That’s only 10 fewer ponies than the original 914/6. But it’s the rare 914/6 that gets all the attention today.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.