Lot 249: 1970 Porsche 914/6 Group 4 Race Car

The Porsche 914 was introduced in September of 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 line up. Topping the range was the 914/6. It was short lived with only 3360 examples produced between 1970 and 1972. All featured the 2.0 litre flat-six engine. The 914/6 sits very low and with the suspension being stiff it makes it a great competition car. Throughout the 1970's 914/6's were campaigned heavily in various events ranging from Le Mans to club sprints.The highlight of the 914/6's competition history was at Le Mans. The Sonauto 914/6 was entered in the grueling 24-hours of Le Mans and finished 6th overall and won its class, a remarkable accomplishment. Sonauto became a legendary name in race car preparation and were the main distributor for Porsche throughout France. This was only one chapter in the vehicles extensive racing career which continues even to this day. The particular car offered here today was prepared by Sonauto in Paris in 1970, built along side the 1970 class winning Le Mans car using the M470 competition kit to Group 4 specification. The car was built for M. Cotard and Thierry Manseau which was used extensively up until 1975 in events as the La Tour Normande, Balle d'Or, Cevennes and hill climbs at Ventoux, Mont Blanc, Alpe d'Huez, Chamrouse and Tour du Var to name but a few. The car was put into storage from 1976 until 1998 when Richard Moore bought the car and had it restored in the UK by specialist Nick Prowse where a 2.7 RS engine was fitted. Richard used the car on a hand full of tarmac rallies in Europe and was also driven by Bjorn Waldegaard in 2002. The car was laid up once again until it was bought by the present owner who commissioned Autosportif to completely overhaul the car to its current specification. The car is finished in orange and is fitted with all the latest safety devices including an FIA approved roll cage. The car is described by the vendor to be in very good condition with the engine only covering 50 kms.The car comes complete with period photographs of the car competing in the '70's and in '02, as well as a letter from the son of the French owner giving a detailed account of the cars history along with a letter from Richard Moore giving its UK history. An import certificate, V5 document and a confirmation letter from Porsche GB verifying its identity is also supplied. A unique opportunity to acquire a 914/6 with period race history that is on the button and ready for historic racing.