How a Forgotten Porsche 914/6 GT Became a Million-Dollar Icon

Once overshadowed and underappreciated, the Porsche 914 carved its path from being dubbed 'not a real Porsche' to becoming one of the marque's most fascinating tales of redemption. Jointly crafted with Volkswagen, its humble beginnings in 1970 hardly hinted at the legacy it would eventually forge. Yet, it’s the story of the 914/6 GT variant, especially a particular model — Project No. 914/58, that captivates the hearts of automotive enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

In the realm of car collectors and Porsche aficionados, tales of vehicles that defy the odds to achieve legendary status are treasured. The 914/6 GT is one such saga, offering a narrative that encompasses innovation, racing heritage, and meticulous preservation. Born out of Porsche's ambition to dominate in racing, only a dozen 914/6 GTs were initially built by the factory for competitive racing, featuring enhancements that significantly diverged from the production models.

Porsche’s 914/6 GT was engineered with a fierce heart: the Type 901/25 engine, finely tuned to unleash approximately 220 horsepower at a screaming 8000 rpm. This formidable power was encased in a chassis that wore widened steel fender flares, sported a roll cage, and boasted suspension fortified by Bilstein rally shocks. The pinnacle of its racing endeavour saw a 914/6 GT not only triumph in its class but also secure an impressive sixth overall at Le Mans in 1970.

The car that takes center stage in this narrative, Project No. 914/58, was crafted with the precision and passion characteristic of Porsche’s ethos. Its journey from the assembly line in December 1970 to the treacherous routes of the Monte Carlo Rally the following month underscores the grit and determination imbued in its creation. Despite facing challenges that thwarted its success in the rally, 914/58's story was far from over.

The tale took an intriguing turn when Vic Elford, a name synonymous with racing excellence, utilized the car for reconnaissance during the Targa Florio race. Later, after a brief stint as a test mule within Porsche’s engineering department, venerable Porsche engineer Walther Näher took stewardship of the car, embarking on a painstaking restoration to preserve its storied legacy. Näher’s painstaking efforts ensured that 914/58 was restored to its glorious Monte Carlo spec, a testament to its indomitable spirit.

The baton of preservation was passed on to Jeff Zwart, whose custodianship of 914/58 further solidified its place in automotive history. Under Zwart’s care, the car graced prestigious events such as the Rennsport Reunion and the Amelia Island Concours, clinching accolades that reaffirmed its exceptional pedigree.

As 914/58 readies to grace the auction block, estimating a hammer fall between $1.2M to $1.5M, it’s not merely a car that’s being offered but a piece of Porsche’s rich racing lineage and a story of resurgence. This auction presents a rare opportunity for collectors to own a slice of automotive history; a narrative of a car that transcended its initial perception to emerge as a beloved icon — undeniably a real Porsche.