A recent article published by Hemmings details comments by current Porsche design chief, Michael Mauer, related to the lineage of the Porsche 914. Apparently the project, which ultimately was built for the road in conjunction with VW, started as a successor to the 550.

The article details a Q&A session with Mauer, in which the evolution of the 914, from its inception to production, was a key topic, and the fact that Early models and exercises for the mid-engine car reflect the family resemblance of the 550.

Mauer points out that the process was not a “formal evolution” from the 550 to the 914, but, rather that the 550 served as an inspirational theme for the new two-seater:

“When I look closely I don’t see this as a formal evolution. The models show clearly that the 914 did not really have a predecessor as such. The various designs, some of which are very different, formally demonstrate the search for a concept based around the 550 theme.“

Interested in reading more about the evolution of the 914?. Here is the Hemmings article.