This time around, the crew out of Portland, Oregon turned their sites on what many consider the predecessor of today’s Boxster/Cayman: the tossable, mid-engined, two-seater offering of its day – the 914.

Although considered entry-level in the world of Porsche ownership for decades, these days, well-preserved 914 survivors, and in particular the more-powerful 914-6, are shooting up in value. As a result, some serious coin was dropped on elevating this voodoo blue 1972 example, as Avante Garde characterizes it, to the “ultimate 914 special.”

The 914-6 was always about power-to-weight and the razor-sharp handling that its low center of gravity and mid-mounted engine conferred. Avante Garde played to these innate strengths in lavishing attention on the suspension and chassis, elevating a once humble two seater to exotic car levels of performance.

It should then come as no surprise that the suspension is from Elephant Racing. In this case, that includes Elephant Racing’s 175 pound rear springs and 22mm torsion bars paired with Bilstein sport shocks and struts paired with 914-6 sway bars. 930 CV Joints and Custom Sway-Away axles were fitted with 930 stub flanges. Five-lug 911 hubs, all-new bearings, new ball joints, 930 tie rods and new upper strut mounts round out the underpinnings of this featherweight fighter. Power is put to the ground via 16″ Fuchs wheels measuring 8″ and 9″ in width refinished in RSR style shod in 225/45 front and 245/45 rear Toyo R888R tires. These all fit thanks to steel fender flares and corresponding additional chassis reinforcement.

Speaking of managing power, Elephant Racing was also brought in support engine cooling with the 911 style oil line kit from the engine to the front oil cooler along with a new thermostat. This provides endless hours of worry-free motoring from the 3.6L flat-six from a Porsche 993 mated to a Type 915 transmission.

Inside, the tartan upholstery covered one-piece racing buckets (with matching door cards and dash trim) hold the occupants securely in place as the svelte 914 carves canyons with the best of them.

With this build, Avant Garde have proven that high-dollar, high-performance 914 builds are very much a thing and the 914 has finally earned its rightful place in the spotlight.

Elephant Racing would like to thank and recognize Avante Garde Collection for allowing us the privilege of showcasing this classic 914.

Happy Motoring!
Elephant Racing