Summer 2024 Newsletter • VOLUME 75
Summer 2024 Newsletter • VOLUME 75
A Classic Showcase restoration.
The Porsche 914 was introduced in September 1969 as a collaborative
effort between Porsche and Volkswagen to produce a sporty car. The car
they came up with was a mid-engined vehicle with seating for two and
featured a Targa top. A 4-cylinder boxer engine provided the power.
Volkswagen needed a vehicle to replace the aging Karmann-Ghia while
Porsche was looking for another option to add to their lineup. The car
sits low and the suspension was a combination of a 911-type torsion bar
front suspension with a rear coil spring suspension. The headlights hide
in the hood and pop-up when needed. The Targa top can be stored in the
trunk.
Since our last issue, the team tasked with this restoration
has focused attention on the mechanical aspects of the project. The installation of interior
components such as sound deadening
material, as well as the dash assembly has been completed. The team is continuing with engine and
transmission work, while other portions of the Porsche are being tended to in
our assembly area, including the installation of other interior components to the 914-6 GT...
We started the process by carefully disassembling the Porsche and
cataloging all parts and components before stripping it down to bare
metal. The team chose a modern Porsche color unveiled in 2021 called
“Shark Blue” for this 914-6, and decided to retain the car’s stock Black
interior color. All of the bodywork has been completed, and the team is
in the process of wet-sanding and buffing the Porsche before beginning
the assembly stage of the restoration.
The 914-6 will also be the recipient of a number of impressive
mechanical upgrades, including a full conversion from a 4-cylinder
layout to that of a 6. The conversion will require a number of
adjustments made to our usual restoration process, but the team loves a
challenge and has already made great progress in this endeavor. We
sourced and acquired an engine from a 911 T example and will mate it
with a 5-speed Porsche 901 Sideshift transmission, clutch system, and
resurfaced flywheel. In addition, the Porsche will feature Weber
carburetors, a new wire harness, 914-6 oil tank with custom lines,
engine mounts, and new sheet metal throughout. To accommodate the
increased power, the hydraulic system is in the process of being
performance upgraded with disc brakes and larger rotors to help
accommodate better braking response. The Porsche will rest atop a set of
5-lug period-correct Fuchs Turbo wheels mounted on a fresh set of new
period-correct tires that will be great for the track, as well as your
favorite weekend drive.
The Porsche’s interior is being restored as well, and restorative work
is underway on all aspects of the car. The instruments are in the
process of being rebuilt, as is a 914-6 speedometer and tachometer that
is being sourced and will be installed. While the interior will remain
mostly stock, it will feature sound deadening to reduce the noise and
heat for an improved driving experience. A Blaupunkt “Frankfurt” AM-FM
push-button stereo system, along with a hidden amplifier with Bluetooth
and Wireless connectivity will be installed as well, so you the driver
can enjoy your favorite music as well as other functions on your
smartphone as you are enjoying the Porsche.
Once completed, this 1972 Porsche 914-6 GT is sure to turn heads both on
and off the track. Its unique blend of classic Porsche styling with
modern updates will truly make it a one-of-a-kind machine. With its
powerful engine, upgraded GT Flared stylings, and other performance
enhancements, this car stands to be one of the most unique 914
configurations on the road today. Whether you're a Porsche enthusiast or
a seasoned collector simply looking for a stylish and high-performance
car to add to your collection, this 914-6 is sure to exceed your
expectations upon completion! Stay tuned to this page for future updates
on this very exciting, modified Porsche restoration!
This is our first 914-6 GT example, but we plan to make 2 additional models that
are in the early stages of development....please note that these upcoming
914-6 GTs can be personalized with special color combinations and features of your
choice. Contact our Sales team to discuss a personal build created just for you
and stay tuned to our Fall 2024 newsletter for the exciting conclusion of
this unique modified Porsche restoration!
(tap or click on an image to view a larger version)
Introduction
In the pantheon of classic sports cars, the Porsche 914 holds a unique
place. Often overshadowed by its illustrious siblings, the 911 and the
928, the 914 was a bold departure for Porsche during its era. Developed
in collaboration with Volkswagen, it was introduced to the market in the
late 60s as an affordable mid-engine sports car. However, today, we're
peeling back the layers of the standard 914 to reveal the gems within
its lineage: the 914-6 and the vaunted 914-6 GT.
The Birth of a Legend
The 914 emerged from a partnership between Porsche and Volkswagen, aimed at producing a new vehicle that could serve as both a Volkswagen sports car and a Porsche entry-level model. What set the 914 apart was its mid-engine layout, a rarity at the time, particularly for a vehicle in its price range. The standard 914 featured a flat-four engine sourced from Volkswagen, but it was the introduction of the 914-6 that truly captured the imagination of enthusiasts.
The 914-6 and 914-6 GT: Racing Royalty
The 914-6, introduced in 1970, was equipped with a 2.0-liter flat-six engine borrowed from the Porsche 911T, elevating the 914 from a modest roadster to a legitimate performance machine. This model was limited in production, making it a rare find today. Even more exclusive was the 914-6 GT, a high-performance variant designed with racing in mind. The GT boasted various modifications over the standard 914-6, including flared fenders to accommodate wider tires, upgraded brakes, and a more powerful engine. These enhancements transformed the 914-6 GT into a formidable competitor on the racetrack, securing its legacy with class victories in prestigious events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The 914 Legacy Lives On
Despite its racing pedigree and innovative design, the 914 series was often misunderstood during its time. Critics were divided over its styling and Volkswagen-Porsche parentage. However, as the years have passed, appreciation for the 914 has grown significantly among collectors and enthusiasts. The 914-6, with its genuine Porsche engine, commands respect and high prices in the classic car market, while the 914-6 GT is revered as a collector's dream. For those of us passionate about bringing these legends back to life, there's good news. Classic Showcase is currently in the process of restoring several 914-6 GTs. These projects are a labor of love, aimed at preserving the legacy of a car that represents a fascinating chapter in Porsche's history. Each vehicle is meticulously restored to its original glory, ensuring that the spirit of the 70s lives on for future generations to admire.