This 1970 914-6 is a cross between a “driver” and a concours winner.

Republished with permission from the July 2015 issue of Fourteener Motoring Magazine

Everyone knows that original sixes are getting hard to find. 914-6s that are driven regularly and enjoyed as they were intended are even more rare. That is why when we went looking for a six owner that actually drove their car we weren’t sure we would find many. But, in fact, we came across a sterling example.

James and Jody Smith purchased their european spec six in 1985, when a friend of a friend offered the car, which was owned by his mother, for sale. James snapped it up. And has been enjoying it ever since.

Other than routine maintenance, the only work done on the car has been a chain tensioner up date, repaint of the wheels and black panels in 1986, a front hood in 2006 (after a West Coast trip), and recovering of the drivers seat. The car even has the original muffler.

The couple from Bangor, Maine also own a 1970 914-4 that they have had since 1973. But, it is the 1970 914-6 that is the showstopper. Literally. The car took first in class in the 2006 Portland Parade, first in class and division at the 2007 San Diego Parade, and best German car in the 2009 Saratoga Hemmings Sports and Exotic show. James and Jody were also awarded first in class in both 2012 and 2013 at the Zone 1 Concours.

As if that wasn’t impressive enough, there is more. This 914-6 isn’t a trailer toy. The Smiths drove the car to both the Portland and San Diego Parades. From Maine. They also attended the 2005 Hersey parade, but did not show the car. They took their 914-4 to the 1981 Portland Parade. Saying that they “get around” doesn’t do their commitment to driving their Porsches justice.

When the Smiths purchased the car in 1985 the 914-6 had 46,000 km on the odometer. The car now has 173,000 km. The six is driven during the better weather months, every Saturday and Sunday, and frequently on extended trips during the weekdays. The couple normally racks up around 6400 km a year. Why shouldn’t they? It is exactly what the factory intended.