1969 VW-Porsche 914/6
As an owner of a 914/4 you look almost as jealous of it as the drivers of more ordinary cars. It can be recognized immediately, if not by the characteristic engine sound, then always on the number of wheel bolts. It
must be five, mostly with the famous forged Fuchs rims. But it also comes with almost the same narrow tires as the 914/4, but authorized up to 210 km/h.
The 22 kW (30 hp) are good for 25 km/h more maximum speed. The USA speedometer (picture above) reaches 'only' up to 240 km/h, the German up to 250 km/h. Much more exciting is the tachometer, which
allows
6400/min, 800/min more than the 914/4. But even more must be the kind of power delivery. Although this is the previous engine of the 911, which with 11 kW (15 hp) more is not faster, rather the reverse.
Here it starts slowly with the big fenders. Because the space for a Porsche six-cylinder is always available, there is nothing in the way of a performance escalation. The suspension is in principle beyond any doubt.
Here even pure car-technology is achieved, because it has no stabilizers in the serial state. This usually results in the highest possible cornering speeds.
However, this is subject to two conditions. The tires must not generate too much adhesion, otherwise the load threatens to tip over. But obviously there is no need to worry about the 185s. However, this does not
look
elegant when a rather flat sports car rolls very much in curves. But the stabilizers could be ordered. The second condition with such a delicate and balanced suspension: Beware of adverse weather conditions. Or
in
other words, when it begins to turn (very late), it is more difficult to react correctly.
Rear, the car looks pretty standard. The most important part is hidden under the flap in front of the rear luggage compartment, the engine with 154 kW (210 hp). In the front compartment is a large 100 liter tank
integrated, because much less thirsty than in the 911, the engine is probably not, but a better feed recycler than the 914/4 engine. Below then another GT with fixed roof, more light hoods, bumpers and
side skirts.
No, it is not a sales success. When finally the technical problems are resolved and Björn Waldegaard reaches third place with it in the third year of the Monte Carlo Rally, its fate is already sealed. There is probably
not
enough time to get used to the new talent.
The marketing of the 914/6 is a disaster. Its price comes too close to the 911 with the image of VW brand. Later, a similar situation with the Boxster: It is the more modern than the 911. Should it be sold nearly at the
same price? No, the Porsche management solves the problem by making the 911 significantly more expensive. The Porsche clientele follows . . . 01/18
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