1972 Volkswagen Porsche 914-6 – Exterior and Interior – Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden 2021
The Volkswagen Porsche 914-6 was Volkswagen’s first true sports car and the result of a formal partnership with Porsche. The 914 was marketed through a newly created joint venture, the VW-Porsche Vertriebsgesellschaft mbH based in Ludwigsburg, owned equally by both companies. Production was split between locations: assembly took place at Karmann in Osnabrück, while final assembly of the six-cylinder variants was carried out in Stuttgart.
Technical Details:
With the introduction of the Volkswagen Porsche 914 in the 1969 model year, Volkswagen entered new territory by offering its first genuine sports car. Internally designated Type 47 and marketed under the model codes 471 and 472, the 914 was conceived as a mid-engine sports car with a clear focus on driving dynamics. The 914-6 variant represented the higher-performance interpretation of this concept, fitted with a six-cylinder boxer engine supplied by Porsche.
The defining technical feature of the Volkswagen Porsche 914-6 was the central engine placement ahead of the rear axle. This layout, new for a Volkswagen at the time, dictated a strict two-seat configuration but delivered measurable advantages. Weight distribution was optimized for stability, axle load changes under acceleration or braking were reduced, and the relatively long wheelbase combined with compact overall length resulted in a low polar moment of inertia. In practical terms, this translated into quick directional response, precise steering behavior, and predictable handling at speed.
The chassis, suspension, and steering were all specifically tuned for sporty driving. The vehicle’s low center of gravity and carefully balanced layout supported safe and controlled performance, even during rapid changes of direction. Braking and running gear were matched to the car’s performance envelope, while the structural concept allowed for two separate luggage compartments. Both were accessible from the outside, a rare feature in a mid-engine sports car. The rear compartment was large enough to store the removable roof panel, a lightweight but rigid plastic element weighing just 9 kilograms.
From 1972 onward, the Volkswagen Porsche 914 range was expanded with a 2.0-liter fuel-injected engine producing 100 PS (74 kW). In this configuration, the sports car reached a top speed of 192 km/h, underlining the performance potential of the platform.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen / Porsche
- Model name: Volkswagen Porsche 914-6
- Year of manufacturing: from 1969
Design:
The design of the Volkswagen Porsche 914-6 followed a functional sports-car logic rather than decorative trends. The body featured a low beltline that emphasized the car’s flat stance and wide track. Integrated into this beltline were electrically operated pop-up headlights that disappeared completely into the bodywork when not in use. When raised, they provided asymmetrical dipped-beam lighting at an effective height without disturbing the clean profile.
A prominent structural element was the fixed rollover bar, which blended into the body lines while providing effective protection in the event of a rollover. Combined with the large, curved laminated windshield and the upright rear window positioned beneath the rollover bar, this layout ensured draft-free travel even with the roof removed. The rear window remained largely free of fogging, and a heated rear window was available as an option.
The doors featured fixed triangular vent windows and curved, frameless side windows operated by cranks. Inside, the cockpit was designed around safety and clarity. The dashboard was padded, finished in matte black to reduce reflections, and equipped with large, rubberized rotary switches shared with other Volkswagen models. These switches were clearly labeled with symbols for intuitive operation. Seating reflected the car’s sporting purpose: the driver’s seat included an integrated headrest and offered both height and longitudinal adjustment. The passenger seat was fixed, with backrest and headrest mounted to the rear bulkhead, complemented by an adjustable footrest to accommodate different body sizes.
Historical Significance:
The Volkswagen Porsche 914-6 occupies a unique position in automotive history as both a technical and organizational milestone. It was Volkswagen’s first true sports car and the result of a formal partnership with Porsche. This collaboration extended beyond engineering to sales and distribution. The 914 was marketed through a newly created joint venture, the VW-Porsche Vertriebsgesellschaft mbH based in Ludwigsburg, owned equally by both companies.
Production was split between locations: assembly took place at Karmann in Osnabrück, while final assembly of the six-cylinder variants was carried out in Stuttgart. This arrangement reflected the shared identity of the car, positioned between Volkswagen’s broader market reach and Porsche’s sports-car expertise. The 914 demonstrated that mid-engine architecture, previously associated mainly with racing or high-end sports cars, could be adapted for series production within a joint industrial framework.
Quirks and Pop Culture:
Beyond road use, the Volkswagen Porsche 914-6 established a credible motorsport record. A 914/6 GT driven by Claude Ballot-Léna and Guy Chasseuil won the GTS class and finished sixth overall at the 1970 24 Hours of Le Mans. The model also appeared in endurance events such as Riverside and Sebring, performances that continue to be referenced in classic motorsport documentaries and archival footage.
The car’s motorsport associations extended beyond competition. Brian Redman used a 914/6 to scout sections of the course during practice runs for the 1970 Targa Florio. In a different context, the Porsche 914 gained further recognition as Formula One’s first official safety car, deployed at the 1973 Canadian Grand Prix to manage race conditions affected by severe weather and multiple incidents.
Display and preservation:
The vehicle was exhibited at the Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden in 2022. Set in the elegant spa gardens of Baden-Baden, this open-air event is one of Germany’s most atmospheric classic car gatherings. The 2022 edition marked the 46th year of the meeting and featured over 350 carefully selected vintage vehicles from across Europe. With its picturesque backdrop and festive ambiance, the event draws thousands of visitors who stroll among historic automobiles, enjoy live music, and take in themed displays. In 2022, American classics and convertibles were especially well represented, reflecting the event’s continued celebration of both international and domestic automotive heritage.
Conclusion:
The Volkswagen Porsche 914-6 stands as a focused and technically distinctive sports car born from collaboration rather than convention. Its mid-engine layout, carefully engineered chassis, and functional design philosophy set it apart within both Volkswagen’s and Porsche’s histories. Combined with a notable motorsport presence and an innovative joint sales structure, the 914-6 illustrates how engineering priorities, safety considerations, and performance goals converged in a single model. Today, it remains a clear reference point for Volkswagen and Porsche’s shared experimentation at the turn of the 1970s.
