From the start the Porsche 914 found its home on the race track. And it should be no surprise. Racing was in Porsche’s blood from the inception of the company, and the company had years of previous experience with the mid-engine layout before it became the sports car trend in the late 60s. It is no surprise that this knowledge and experience paid off with the 914. In addition to the racing roots inherent in all of the cars that came out of Porsche, it was not lost on the company, or its dealers, that competition helped sell cars in showrooms.

From the outset, the idea of creating a car that would also perform well on the race track was in the forefront of Porsche’s mind. Even before the 914 entered production a racing model, the GT, was under development. Porsche. The Racing 914s, recently published by Roy Smith, points out that work on the GT was conducted in the famous Werk 1 building in Zuffenhausen, with a prototype ready by October 3, 1969. Porsche considered entering the 914 in the 1970 Monte Carlo Rally. However, it was thought to be too early to enter a new car. Smith recounts that, although the 914 was thought to have been raced in 1969 in Germany, the first confirmed entry of the car in competition was February 4-6, 1970 at the Bayerische Winter-Rallye Marktredwitz, where a 914-4 placed fourth overall in the unlimited GT class.

According to Smith, the first competitive outing for the 914-6 GT is thought to have been a round of the German National GT Championship at Hockenheim on April 20, 1970. The entry was fielded by the Autohaus Max Moritz team, and finished 9th in its class. Smith’s book provides an impeccable record of the beloved 914’s racing history, detailing many of the car’s early races, teams, and circumstances. For example, the first major racing event entered by the 914 was the 1970 Nurburgring 1000km. A 908 won the race. But, a 914 GT set the fastest lap in its class, and finished 2nd (to a 911), 3rd, 4th, and 5th in their class. Smith states that “the car had proved to be reliable and consistent – vital in this, its first real competition test in the big league.”

The 1970 24 Hours of Le Mans, held June 13-14, 1970, was a remarkable event. Ferrari had recently sold half of his company in an attempt to compete with the Porsche 917s, the Gulf team became the official Porsche team, and a new long-tail 917 had been developed for the race. But it was also a special race for the Porsche 914. Among the two 917 long-tails, and six 917K cars, a single 914-6 GT, the number 40 car of the Sonauto team, was entered in the famous race. The car finished 6th overall, and won its GT class. It was an amazing run, and one that launched the 914’s international racing career.

The 1970 Marathon de la Route 86 Hours at Nurburgring, is perhaps one of the most famous finishes for the 914. Three cars, numbered 1, 2, and 3, took the top three spots, leading the field by over 30 laps. Finally, in stunning fashion, the 914 had proven itself to be a worthy competitor on an international stage. Over the next few years, the 914 had many victories and runs worthy of note. Far too many to cover here. If the racing history of the 914 interests you, I would encourage you to take a look at Roy Smith’s book. It is a work of art on a subject dear to most of our hearts.