Fantasy Junction

Description

1970 Porsche 914-6
s/n 914 043 1847, eng. no *6321767*
Silver with Black Interior

The Porsche 914 arrived on the market as the result of Porsche and Volkswagen sharing engineering development for a mutually beneficial platform developed in the 1960s. Both companies were looking to launch their own unique sports car, allowing VW to have the four-cylinder version, while the six-cylinder 914-6 would be for Porsche. Plans changed however when Porsche's quest for perfection and attention to detail led to a much higher priced platform, one that VW could not see matching their product line. This, coupled with political changes at the helm of VW, resulted in Porsche taking on both cars as part of their lineup. Upon release to the public, Porsche was pleased to welcome new enthusiasts lured in by the lower cost standard Porsche 914, while pleasing the purists with the 914-6 as the more sought-after performance model. Approximately 3,350 914-6's were produced between 1970-1972. Of those, roughly 2,000 914-6 models found their way to North America, making it one of the rarest cars Porsche has ever produced and today increasingly more sought after now that these rare cars have reached the inconceivable 50 year-old mark.

The 914 platform was exceptionally well built and superbly engineered. Among the many performance features, the 914 was very safe. The front and rear sections of the body were stamped to become easily deformable crumple zones when under high impact. The passenger compartment was designed as a deformation-rigid safety cell, and the steering column provided the driver with better protection on frontal impact. The mid-engine layout stepped away from the nagging weight transfer issues which had troubled the 911, and the 356. Surprisingly spacious inside, the 914-6 platform accommodated a large driver, offered considerably more luggage space in the front storage area, and all models came with the distinctive removable targa roof. The immensely valuable competition variant, the 914-6 GT, featured a number of performance features including wider flares, larger wheels and tires, and considerably more power than the already robust street car.

This factory built 914-6 has recently emerged from a 20+ year restoration performed at the current and long-term owner's leisurely pace consigning the work to various Porsche experts and professionals. The ownership is documented back to 1977 with copies of registrations in California including the original California registration dated to 1970 indicating it has been a California car since new. Since that time, the car has passed through just a handful of owners until the current owner's purchase more than 20 years ago. The car is known to have been in California for the past 43 years, further confirmed by the blue and gold California license plate and Carlsen Porsche Audi, Palo Alto trim frame accompanying the car. At some point in the history of the car the speedometer was replaced with a unit that is dated 1973 on the back of the casing. While this speedometer is functional, total miles on the car are unknown. During the restoration the car was repainted in the correct original factory silver and a 1972 2.4S motor was installed with Weber IDTP carburetors. The stock muffler was retained, and exhaust headers installed. Leakdown numbers recorded on (insert date here) reported as follows:

1 - 165 12%
2 - 165 7%
3 - 165 8%
4 - 170 6%
5 - 175 5%
6 - 175 4%

Today this 914-6 presents in essentially stock visual condition with a few minor improvements to the overall performance qualities of the stock Porsche. The paint is glossy throughout and has very nice depth with correct density metallic flake. The fit and general finish is quite nice overall with good panel fit to the hood, doors, targa roof, and deck lid. Close inspection reveals a 2.5" scratch on the driver's side door. The right rear fender has seam sealer application which appears different from typical factory brushing techniques. It's possible this rear fender has received previous surface repair, however this is not a replacement part as the panel appears to be original to the car. Black painted areas, rubber, and exterior detail features are all in very nice condition overall. The silver paint shows no significant areas of road use in the front of the car and along the rocker panels where typical scuffs or scratches might appear. The hood, deck, and doors open and close smoothly both from the outside and inside, revealing good finishes on the inside surfaces, properly trimmed gaskets and factory decals. Overall condition of the lighting, lenses, emblems is excellent. The glass is in excellent condition including the originally branded windshield which looks new. The chrome front and rear bumpers are in very nice condition as are the rubber surrounding trim. The factory style Fuchs wheels are correctly finished and show no significant curb rash, however they do show minor areas of finish flaking on the silver spokes and rim. The car sits slightly lower, riding on a set of contemporary 205/60 R15 Khumo tires dated mid-year 2016.

The interior features a handsome combination of original and restored materials with correct factory parts. The door panels are correct, a new correct pile carpet set has been installed, and the targa roof shows good finish on the headliner. The seats are correctly finished and in excellent condition. The dashboard is very clean and well detailed with stock instrumentation, though the European speedometer is currently not working. Dial faces are clean, clear, and needles are bright orange, however the tachometer numbers are slightly yellowed. Switches, handles and trim throughout the interior remain in very good condition. The steering wheel has been replaced with an aftermarket Momo style wheel. The rubber trim, glass weather stripping, and interior door sills are in generally good condition.

The engine compartment is very presentable having been cosmetically and mechanically tended to during the restoration. The 1972 2.4 motor shows generally correct features and is in keeping with period era details using factory components and hardware. The engine compartment is finished to driver level cosmetics with the engine block painted bright red and the Weber carburetors retaining their stock finish. The front and rear trunk compartments are nicely finished with matching silver paint and carpeting, though the front area has a slight mismatch to the carpet color, likely due to the floor panel being original. The undercarriage remains largely stock with reinforced trailing arms and aftermarket exhaust headers. The rust-free floor pan is solid and shows no visual signs of structural damage, no significant damage to the front floor or suspension support structure, and generally clean suspension and engine components. Overall, the chassis appears preserved, shows no corrosion, and speaks highly of the level of care the car has been afforded during the current and former long-term California ownership.

Stepping into the car and firing it up, the ignition lights up with that distinctive Porsche sound, further supported by the wonderfully sonorous Weber carburetors. The 2.4 liter motor has been very nicely dialed in and power comes smoothly with great rev range. The gearbox is the side shifter type, typically seen on later series cars, though it is possible this gearbox was updated as it also has a special shift linkage and short shifter which offers tight but smooth operation. Moving through the gears, there is no hesitation as power comes on stronger and stronger, continually. Braking is swift and effective while the suspension has a sharp and composed feel, not too harsh, but with excellent tracking.

The car is sold with copies of former registration and ownership papers, an original owner's manual, a tool roll with partial tools, spare tire, and the front and rear California blue and gold license plate,

This recently restored Porsche 914-6 features a fantastic combination of performance and original design. A thoughtfully preserved long term California car, this rare 914-6 offers a performance-minded enthusiast a wonderful driving experience, unique Porsche engineering, and the rarity of Porsche's iconic race-bred mid-mounted six-cylinder engine.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608