Intended to be more affordable than a 911, Porsche launched the entry-level 914 in late 1969. The new mid-engine convertible with a removable black plastic roof panel and pop-up headlights began as a handshake partnership between Porsche and Volkswagen, with the latter to market a four-cylinder version in Europe as a “VW-Porsche” replacing the Karmann-Ghia, and the former selling the new car under its own brand in North America with a more powerful two-liter six-cylinder engine to replace the 912.

The deal fell apart upon the unexpected death of VW’s Heinz Nordhoff. His successor, Kurt Lotz, refused to honor the arrangement under which VW would help absorb development and tooling costs. Porsche was thus forced to take on those added expenses, which drove the retail price of a 914/6 to almost $6,000—nearly that of a 911 T. That price point proved challenging, and Porsche was only able to sell 3,351 examples. The 914/6 nevertheless proved to be one of Porsche’s best-handling cars, becoming the choice of many successful road-racing drivers and autocrossers.

This handsome 914/6 was completed by Karosserie Karmann on the first day of January, 1970. It was originally equipped with a standard, US-spec Type 901/38 two-liter flat-six of 110 horsepower, a five-speed 901 manual transmission, four-wheel disc brakes, and five-bolt Fuchs alloy wheels. This “Six” was optioned with a 380-milimeter sport steering wheel, fog lamps, tinted glass, velour trunk carpeting, and a center seat cushion.

This 914/6 enjoyed long-term ownership by Bud Styles, a highly regarded Porsche mechanic in Miami, Florida, who is believed to have replaced the original engine with a 190-horsepower 2.4-liter taken from a 1973 911 S. That engine was further modified for greater output with a set of Weber triple-throat downdraft carburetors and some internal upgrades including new camshafts. A relative inherited the car after Styles’ passing, and around 2013 he sold the car to John Bohmer, a well-known Florida enthusiast, collector, and land-speed racing record-holder.

A year later, it was again sold, this time to the consignor, another enthusiast/collector who stored the “Six” at his Michigan property for occasional summertime use. We are told that the engine has been dynoed at 210 rear-wheel horsepower, making it a very potent street machine. This Porsche is presented in bright red with an excellent black leatherette interior. Included is an aftermarket JVC stereo entertainment system with cassette player and a set of coco mats. This car will be supplied with its spare wheel, jack and tool kit.

Quality 914/6s are increasingly pursued by discerning enthusiasts; this attractive example, with a potent upgraded engine enhancing its already celebrated driving dynamics, is sure to please its next owner.