The Porsche 914 has long lived in the shadow of its more celebrated siblings, but the rare 1970 914/6 proves there’s far more to this mid-engine targa than its reputation suggests. While most 914s made do with a modest flat-four producing around 80 horsepower, the six-cylinder version borrowed a 2.0-litre flat-six and dogleg 901 gearbox from the 911T, lifting output to 110 horsepower. It’s no fire-breather, but outright speed was never the point.
What the 914/6 delivers instead is balance, usability, and charm. Its long wheelbase and mid-engine layout create a surprisingly spacious cabin, complemented by generous front and rear trunk space. The removable targa roof neatly stows away, making the car feel like a clear ancestor to today’s Cayman and Boxster. Built in Stuttgart rather than alongside Volkswagen models, the 914/6 is every bit a proper Porsche.
On the road, the experience is tactile and engaging. Manual steering is feather-light thanks to minimal weight over the front axle, while tall sidewalls and compliant suspension absorb rough pavement better than expected. The dogleg gearbox feels characteristically mechanical—slightly loose between gates but deeply satisfying once engaged. Power builds higher in the rev range, rewarding smooth inputs rather than aggression.
At highway speeds, the tall gearing allows relaxed cruising, with the car feeling stable and confidence-inspiring. More than anything, the 914/6 shines as a well-sorted vintage Porsche that invites you to drive it often. Dismissed for decades, it now stands revealed as a joyful, usable, and deeply engaging classic—one that proves character matters more than cylinders.
Source: Tedward
