The 1966 Porsche 906 Carrera 6 is more than a sports prototype , it’s a testament to Porsche’s relentless drive for motorsport dominance. With its low-slung body, lightweight engineering, and proven racing record, the 1966 Porsche 906 Carrera 6 remains one of the most desirable endurance racers of its era.
Lightweight Design Meets Aerodynamic Precision
Built under the direction of Ferdinand Piëch and Hans Mezger, the Porsche 906 featured a tubular steel spaceframe, a low aerodynamic nose, and a distinctive “Kamm” tail. Despite being built for speed, it satisfied homologation rules by including enough space for a suitcase. Finished in factory orange for Racing Team Holland, chassis 906-146 looked as fast as it drove.
Engineered for Racing Performance
Only 52 customer cars received the newly developed 901/20-type Carrera 6 flat-six engine. At just 580 kilograms, the car’s 210 horsepower from its 1,991 cc engine meant blistering acceleration and agile handling. Magnesium and titanium components kept weight down, while the 5-speed transmission ensured maximum flexibility on Europe’s toughest circuits. The example here also comes with a spare correct-specification engine.
A Decorated Racing History
Delivered in April 1966 to Racing Team Holland, chassis 906-146 wasted no time proving itself. Wim Loos took a class win at Zandvoort in its debut. Over the next five years, it saw podium finishes at circuits like Zolder, Aspern, and Snetterton, often securing both overall and class victories. Notable drivers included David van Lennep, Ben Pon Jr, and Antoine Hezemans. Even after a crash at Spa, the car was rebuilt at the Porsche factory and returned to winning ways.
Restored to Original Glory
After decades in Dutch hands, the Porsche was restored between 2008 and 2013 by Gustav Ulrich and August Deutsch Mechanik. The work returned it to its period-correct orange paint and prepared it for historic competition. Today, it remains in excellent condition, accompanied by a collection of expert reports, historical documentation, and an expired FIA Historic Technical Passport.
Summary
The 1966 Porsche 906 Carrera 6 blends lightweight engineering, strong 2-litre performance, and a rich competition history. For collectors, it represents not just a car but a piece of endurance racing’s golden age.
Disclaimer: Specifications and historical accounts are based on available records and may vary for individual examples.
