1970 Porsche 914/6 GT #40
Pilots: C. Ballot-Léna, G. Chasseuil
Team: Etablissement Sonauto
Race: 6th GC (1st GT 2.0 class) at Le Mans in 1970
Minichamps - 400706540 (diecast)
Published 10/27/18
When Porsche was founded, the new company had a contract to handle part of the developmental work for Volkswagen. In the late 1960s, both Porsche and VW needed a new entry level sportscar. So to honor the old development contract, Porsche would develop cars for both. The 914/4, with a flat-4 engine would be for VW and the 914/6, with a flat-6, would be for Porsche. However, VW backed out of the deal, and Porsche inherited both projects and went ahead with the production of both. The 914/6 was a lot more expensive than the 914/4, with a price close to the 911S. Because of the poor sales, Porsche discontinued the 914/6 with just 3351 units produced. The 914/4, on the other hand, was produced from 1969 to 1976, with over 118000 units sold.
At the time, Porsche was already very serious about racing. So when the 914 came out, a racing version of the car would be necessary. Working with a 914/6, the engineering department created the 914/6 GT, the racing version of the 914. The 914/6 GT used the street version’s flat-6 with 1991 cm³ and SOHC, producing around 200 hp. But it also got a stiffer chassis, upgraded brakes and lighter body, everything necessary for endurance racing. The Sonauto team, with Porsche factory support, enrolled chassis #914 043 1020 for the 24 Heures du Mans of 1970. Amazingly, car #40 finished 6th overall and first in class, only preceded by prototypes.
I have to admit I always hated the 914. In my opinion it’s the most ugly car to ever sport the Porsche badge. The Yucky – that’s how I usually refer to it. But to come in 6th place at La Sarthe means that the car can’t be that bad… I won’t go as far as saying that now I like the thing, but I will say it’s interesting. That change of heart is partially because of Minichamps, that made a VERY nice model in 1:43. So if you’re gonna have only one Yucky in your collection, this is the one to get.