Bring A Trailer auction preview: Genuine 914-6, long-term ownership, original finishes, great driver.1971 Porsche 914-6 Chassis No. – 914 143 0327Engine No. - *6414102*Exterior Color – BlackInterior Color – Black LeatheretteEngine – 2.0 Liter Six-CylinderTransmission – 5-Speed manual transmissionMileage –17,729 (rolled over once according to service recordsCurrent owner – Acquired in January 2024 from the same family ownership since purchased new General HistoryThe Porsche 914 arrived on the market sharing development for a mutually beneficial platform with Volkswagen. Both companies intended to launch their own unique sports cars, allowing VW to have the four-cylinder version, while the six-cylinder 914-6 would be for Porsche. Plans changed however when Porsche’s quest for perfection resulted in a much higher priced platform, VW bowed out, leaving Porsche to absorb both cars as part of their lineup. Upon release to the public, Porsche was pleased to welcome new enthusiasts lured in by the lower cost 914, while pleasing the purists with the 914-6 as the more sought-after performance model. Approximately 3,350 914-6's were produced between 1970-1972. Of those, roughly 1,400 914-6 models found their way to markets outside the US, making European delivery models among the rarest cars Porsche produced and today have become increasingly sought after in the fifty years since release.The 914 platform was exceptionally well built, superbly engineered, and remarkably safe. The front and rear sections of the body were engineered to become easily deformable crumple zones when under high impact. The passenger compartment was designed as a deformation-rigid safety cell, and the steering column provided the driver with better protection on frontal impact. The mid-engine layout stepped away from the nagging weight transfer issues which had troubled the 911, and the 356. Surprisingly spacious inside, the 914-6 platform accommodated a large driver, offered considerably more luggage space in the front storage area, and all models came with the distinctive removable Targa roof. History of This CarAccording to the original Porsche maintenance record book accompanying this car and history recounted from the original family owners, this Porsche was delivered to the authorized dealer June 25, 1971, and to the first owner, L.E. Conrad III, a resident of Sacramento, CA. Conrad took delivery of the car in Germany and enjoyed driving it through various German cities before shipping it to the US. After he passed in the 1990s, his son inherited the car until his passing in 2007. After his passing, the car remained with his wife until she passed away leaving the car to her husband’s good friend in January 2024. Other than when purchased new, this Porsche has never been sold. Over the past 53 years, this remarkable 914-6 has remained in excellent condition and still wears the personalized California blue and yellow license plate “R6 ISA 10”. Services over the years indicate the odometer rolled over once as a receipt for the car dated 1993 indicates mileage at 94,642 when the car was prepared for delivery to Boston where it spent several years in the 1990s before returning to California. Although service records are sparse, the stamped engine number matches the number in the original maintenance booklet and the owner reports that the gearbox is original to the car. The paint has been metered with a digital paint meter returning single digit numbers (1.7 – 5.7) consistent with thicknesses found on original paint, though some areas have been touched up and one small section on the trunk lid refinished. Current Condition Today this 914-6 presents as a faithfully preserved example reflective of factory specifications as maintained under single family ownership since delivered new. The black paint is glossy throughout though some areas have lightly mellowed over time. The exterior surfaces, underside panels, and door jambs are also consistent with factory application. The fit and finish is excellent overall including the hood, doors, Targa roof, and deck lid, all of which open and close with confidence. Satin black painted areas, rubber, and exterior details are all in excellent condition overall, some of which are remarkably nice considering more than 50 years have lapsed since delivery. A small section approximately the size of the palm of the hand was touched up on the trunk lid some years ago. The Porsche factory decals are in the correct locations, correct factory chassis numbers, correct 5 ½ J Fuchs wheels, and correct factory metal tags are in place. The overall condition of the lighting, lenses, and emblems is excellent. The glass is in excellent condition throughout including correct brand etching for original glass. The chrome front and rear bumpers are in very nice condition as are the rubber top trim. The factory Fuchs wheels are correctly finished with no significant curb rash or flaking to the finishes. A set of Falken Azenis 195/60R14 tires are mounted. A full-sized spare Fuchs wheel and tire along with a factory jack and a set of tools in a tool roll are also in place. The front and rear trunk compartments are correct and original featuring matching black paint, correct carpeting, wiring, and factory finishes on the various hardware.The interior has also been preserved and features many correct factory parts. The seats, door panels, and surrounding trim are surprisingly nice, though the driver’s seat has been more recently reupholstered. The dashboard is very clean and well detailed with correct instrumentation, AM/FM radio, and a correct molded black steering wheel. Gauge dial faces are clean, clear, and needles remain bright orange. The speedometer is in excellent condition as well, showing just over 17,000 miles which is consistent with mileage having rolled over on the 5-digit odometer sometime in the early 2000s. Switches, handles and trim throughout the interior are all in excellent condition and the Targa top is easily removed with excellent latching and positive fit to the windshield header. The engine compartment is both cosmetically and mechanically tidy and representative of a well-kept original car. The engine compartment features authentic finishes including correct castings and hardware for the Weber carburetors. The engine is stamped with the number *6414102* which matches the factory maintenance booklet issued when new. The undercarriage is just as thoughtfully maintained with correct finishes, proper hardware, and ongoing care which is impressive given the miles covered by this car. The floor pan is solid and shows no visual signs of structural damage, no significant damage to the front floor or suspension support structure, correct finishes, and factory correct suspension and engine components. Overall, the chassis shows no corrosion and speaks highly of the level of care the car has enjoyed under single family ownership.This beautifully preserved single-family owned Porsche 914-6 features a fantastic combination of authenticity, performance, and design. Captivating in every respect, this rare 914-6 offers the next owner a wonderful driving or showcase experience, combining unique Porsche engineering with the rarity of Porsche’s iconic race-bred mid-mounted six-cylinder engine. Included with This CarThe car is accompanied by a set of tools and tool roll, a correct-type tire jack, the original Porsche owner’s book, maintenance book, various ownership literature, a Porsche Clymer service book, a spare set of all red taillights, various spare parts, a spare set of rubber bumpers, a center console tray, a Club steering wheel lock, two sets of keys, and a CTEK battery tender.