Renowned Designer's Bespoke 1970 Ruf Porsche 914/6 Achieves Impressive Six-Figure Sale
A meticulously restored 1970 Porsche 914/6, once owned by the influential automotive design director Luc Donckerwolke, recently commanded a remarkable price of €225,000 (roughly $253,000 USD) in an online auction hosted by Bring a Trailer. This significant sale underscores the value of expert craftsmanship and provenance, as Ruf Automobile transformed what was a unique collaboration between Porsche and Volkswagen into a formidable, track-ready machine.
Celebrated Automotive Designer's Custom Ruf Porsche 914/6 Sells for a Premium
In 2020, Luc Donckerwolke acquired the 1970 Porsche 914/6. What began as a factory-original Lemon Yellow sports car underwent a profound metamorphosis at Ruf Automobile's renowned facility in Pfaffenhausen, Germany. This extensive customization transcended a mere aesthetic upgrade, evolving the vehicle into a high-performance, road-legal race car, now resplendent in Grand Prix White.
The journey of this particular 914/6 began even before Donckerwolke's ownership, having been converted to Porsche's M471 GT specification in 1975 by a Belgian dealer. This initial modification included robust steel fender flares, chassis reinforcements, and wider 15-inch Fuchs wheels. Ruf wisely retained these foundational enhancements, building upon them with lightweight fiberglass components for the hood, engine cover, bumpers, and rocker panels, thereby reducing overall mass without compromising the existing GT bodywork.
Beyond the exterior transformation, which notably featured a central fuel filler and the striking Grand Prix White finish, Ruf's expertise extended to the vehicle's mechanics and interior. The black Fuchs wheels, measuring 8 inches wide at the front and 9 inches at the rear, are now shod with high-performance Michelin TB15 tires. The braking system received an upgrade with RSR calipers and a brake bias bar, complemented by new control arms – refinements indicative of a vehicle engineered for serious driving, not just show. Inside, the original seating was replaced with track-focused Recaro seats, secured by Willans harnesses, all beneath a protective padded Heigo roll bar, creating an environment optimized for track days.
The heart of this transformed Porsche also received substantial attention. The original 2.0-liter flat-six engine was bored out to a 2.4-liter displacement, utilizing 87.5-millimeter Mahle pistons and cylinders – a popular enhancement for air-cooled Porsche engines seeking increased power without a complete overhaul. This enlarged engine benefits from dual-plug ignition, a Monte Carlo-style oil cooling system, and a stainless Friedrich Motorsport exhaust. Visually, the gold-chromed velocity stacks adorning the triple-throat Weber carburetors serve as both a functional and distinct aesthetic touch.
Power is efficiently transferred to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox, further enhanced by a limited-slip differential. Ruf also installed a new clutch and a lightweight flywheel during the comprehensive build. The odometer was reset to zero during the restoration and currently indicates a mere 321 kilometers (199 miles). A Porsche certificate confirms the vehicle's factory colors and serial numbers, and it comes complete with its original manual, service books, and German registration, solidifying its authenticity and detailed history.
This sale serves as a powerful testament to the enduring appeal of classic Porsche models, especially when reimagined by a legendary tuner like Ruf and owned by an icon in the automotive design world. It highlights how thoughtful restoration and performance enhancements can not only preserve but elevate the value and driving experience of a vintage automobile, bridging the gap between historical significance and modern-day performance aspirations.