This Porsche 914-6 Is Forgotten Only by Those Who Don't Know

After expressing an interest in racing, saying it "looked like fun," Mr. Jack Griffin found himself strapped to a race car contesting the 12 Hours of Sebring. Sure it was his first time sitting in a proper race car, but he had four days of training in a Nissan 280ZX at Bondurant a week or so earlier. In spite of his ample experience he found himself crunched against one of Sebring's concrete barriers only fifteen laps into his stint.

Fortunately, he's had better luck with this 1970 Porsche 914-6 that he has now owned for thirty-eight years. Even though he'd been looking for a 911 (and has since owned several), he has completely fall for its light, quick manner and very predictable, solid handling. And while he doesn't consider the Porsche beautiful, Jack does think it looks "interesting" and loves the rarity. It may not be as popular as the 911, but this 914-6 ensures that the model, far from forgotten, will grow in prestige.







Drive Tastefully®

[earsneyes]

This is the granddaddy of the Boxster, completely underrated. It's a sleeper. I'm glad that someone has shown love for this car.

[RamblinAround]

I'll bet it is a blast to drive with the 2.5 in there. 200+HP, in a car of that size, is definitely enough to have some fun.

[pilotstyle]

there are a lot of jokes about this "vw porsche". some people buy it because they want to say they drive a porsche. others say it is not a porsche at all. i genuinely like it and i would drive it with pride. its a classic with a unique design, it deserves love.

[jamesshunt]

An underrated car. Then again so were most Porsches like the 928 and 944. Unfairly overlooked.

[gtdriver]

About 27 years ago one of my employees owned a 1973 914 1.7 and even though it was underpowered, it was very neutral in it's handling and had decent braking. I had a souped up 1973 Ford Capri V-6 and would just run away and hide from him, but come some tight corners and some twisty stuff and I literally had to drive beyond normal limits to stay any sort of distance ahead of him. If he had just put a 2.0 Bus engine in it, I'm pretty sure I'd see taillights in the twisty stuff. I've always had a deep appreciation for 914s and the 6 version is a super sweet machine(I totally dig the 6 with the factory style boxed fender flares at the rear to give some more tire clearance). Anyone remember when guys back in the day would convert 914s and 911s to Chevy V-8 power? Yes, sounds like a bad marriage, but when done right, the results were just

[ajc]

Oh man, what a cool car. I’ve always adored the 914; it was one of my earliest toy cars, probably three or four years old. I’ve had an obscene amount of Hot Wheels, Matchbox, models, RC cars, slot cars, all of it, but that baby blue metallic 914 still stands out.

[robertd]

My first introduction to Porsche was in a 914. I was 13 years old and was instantly hooked even though I never drove it, just a passenger. I went through the obligatory V8's growing up then rediscovered that less is more. The first time I sat in a Subaru WRX and heard the sound of the 2.5L boxer with unequal length headers it was music to my ears. I didn't know why until I realized just how Porsche like it sounded. Currently I have a 1997 Miata and every time I turn the lights on and they pop up out of the hood, I'm reminded of the 914 and the same pop up headlights. The 914 wasn't fast but it handled like it was on rails. It is a great car with tons of charm and excellent manners on a canyon road.

[blueschewy]

My father had two 914s. A 1970 and 1973. The 914-6 was a true Porsche as it was manufactured alongside the 911 in Zuffenhausen. The only problem was that it cost as much as a 911.

[kennethj]

1987; I bought a 1970 914 1.7 for $93. in Ojai and actually drove it home!☺
It was filled with decaying California Scrub Oak leaves; & I found $12.45 in change in and under the seats.
  It was one of the most fun cars I have ever owned; "Go Kart" always came to mind.

I had 126 phone calls when I put it up for sale for $950. (Half wanted to trade a VW Bug.)  Ironically out of 126 callers only 2 showed and one bought it.

[KarmicPatina]

My father purchased his 914-6 from Richard Tharp, who was a funny car racer for the Blue Max team. Cliff Harris, the safety for the Dallas Cowboys borrowed it from my father and totaled it. My dad said it was the coolest car he ever owned.

[Treetop]

914 is a ridiculously great handling car.  The engine is far forward of the rear axle, with a longitudinal transaxle mated to the rear of it driving the rear wheels - very much a race car like layout.

[reeferaddickt]

My first car was a 1974 914 2.0, orange. Loved that go kart. Awesome handling. I believe this lost out in the US due to the introduction of the 240z.

[TheGetawayer]

My dad used to own a 914-6...Such a lovely but truely underestimated sportscar...

[Gisae]

Great car. I hope to own and restore one myself one day. I've been in love with the 914 since I was six years old. I am thirty now.

[tscooter]

I had a high school buddy who owned a brown 914/6. Sadly, he wrapped it around a tree not long after graduation. Neat little car!!

[UHPdriver]

Racing the 12 hours of Sebring after 4 days worth of training at a Bondurant school. Amazing. I'd jump at the chance if someone offered me a seat in a race car. 

[hallquiche]

Those 914-6 Porsches are really expensive now. I’ve only found a couple for sale and they’re all over 100 thousand euros. This is sad, as i would love to have one.
The one in the video is gorgeous. It’s in such good shape. The colour is flawless and the interior is wonderful.

[DavidKAnderson]

Had a humble 1.7 914-4 years ago. Nothing like this gem, but damn if I didn't love it.

[TheStevemcqueen]

Great 914, thanks for sharring your story.

[chilinsnOball]

914 sounds amazing... great story too.