PORSCHE 914/6 GT
Chassis 914 043 1017 is one of only 16 examples that the Porsche Racing Department built in 1970 for customer use. Originally invoiced to French importer Sonauto as a standard Light Ivory 914/6, the car remained at the Zuffenhausen factory and was converted to GT specifications similar to Porsche’s own works team cars. As completed, chassis 1017 is an example of the variant three level of the internal “D” sports classification at Porsche – the highest, full-race category for the 914/6 GT. This desirable specification included the most powerful engine available, equipped with twin-plug ignition, Weber 46 IDA carburettors, and 906-type camshafts.
In late 1970, the new 914/6 GT was sold to its first owner Jacques Duval, the celebrated French Canadian journalist and racing driver. When it arrived in Canada on January 6, 1971, it was one of the first examples to arrive in North America. Duval refinished the Porsche in a vibrant lemon orange livery and prepared it for racing, fitting Fuchs wheels up front, Minilites at the rear, and Cibie lights.
The Porsche made its competition debut at the 24 Hours of Daytona held on 30th and 31st January, 1971. One of four 914/6 GTS entered in the under two-litre category for grand touring cars, 1017 wore race number 5 and was driven by Duval, Canadian George Nicholas and American Bob Bailey. In a race dominated by Porsche and Ferrari prototypes, the 914/6 GT finished first in Class and seventh overall.
Following this successful outing, the 914/6 GT next appeared at the 12 Hours of Sebring in March, Duval, Nicholas and Bailey managing a creditable fourth in Class finish, behind two 911s and the Brumos 914/6 GT of Gregg and Haywood. In its last competitive outing, the Porsche placed 1st in Class and 3rd Overall.
Following its track racing career, 1017 was sold to Jerry Huffman, a devoted Porsche enthusiast and one-time president of the Potomac Region Porsche Club of America (PCA). During his ownership, the 914/6 GT was detuned for road use, repainted silver, and was displayed in the 1974 Porsche Parade.
The car’s next owner, Gary Wigglesworth, autocrossed it on the national Pro Solo circuit, placing third in 1988 and second in 1989, while capturing the SCCA Division championships both years. When 1017 was invited to take part in a historic tribute at the 1991 24 Hours of Daytona, Mr Wigglesworth returned the car
to its original Sunoco livery, carefully matching the colours to original sections found on the car.
In the hands of its next owner, Tom Burdge, the 914/6 GT was displayed at Rennsport Reunion III, fittingly held at the Daytona International Speedway. In 2015, while in the ownership of noted restorer and Porsche enthusiast Mark Allin, 1017 was shown at the Amelia Island Concours d’elegance in a class honouring the Porsche 914. Today, this factory-built 914/6 GT remains in correct, original order.
PORSCHE 914/6 GT
Sale lot no: 33
Year: 1970
Chassis no: 914 043 1017
Auction: Gooding & Company, Scottsdale Auction
Where: Scottsdale Fashion Square, Arizona, USA
When: 17th January, 2020
Pre-sale estimate: $1m–$1.3m (£770,000–£1m)
Sold for: $995,000 (£766,500)