Developed in 1966 as a factory race car, it was an evolution of the 904, with a focus on lightweight construction, aerodynamics, and technical precision. The 906 was designed as a two-seater sports car with a fiberglass-reinforced plastic body mounted on a tubular space frame. Its shape was uncompromisingly designed for aerodynamics, featuring a low front end, integrated headlight covers, and a tailgate that opened wide to expose the engine and transmission. Its interior was functional, designed for light weight and optimal ergonomics. The driver sat lower and more centrally than in a 911, in front of a removable steering wheel and a clear instrument panel. The Carrera 6 was equipped with 15-inch wheels, featuring 5.50 L 15 tires in the front and wider 7.00 L 15 Dunlop Racing tires in the rear to meet the enormous grip demands of the racetrack. Its engine was an air-cooled six-cylinder boxer engine with a displacement of two liters. In the factory specification, it produced approximately 210 PS at 8,000 revolutions per minute and featured two overhead camshafts per cylinder bank. This boxer engine had a dry-sump lubrication system with an oil tank capacity of 14 liters. A specially hardened crankshaft assembly, lighter pistons, and aluminum cylinders contributed to durability, while the 10.3:1 compression ratio ensured high performance. The fuel mixture was prepared using Weber carburetors or mechanical fuel injection, and a dual ignition system ensured precise combustion.
The crankshaft was a production part, while the flywheel was specially lightened to 3.5 kilograms. Instead of conventional steel connecting rods, Porsche used forged lightweight alloy connecting rods in the 906, which significantly reduced the moving masses. The cylinders were made of aluminum, with cast-in liners made of chrome-nickel alloys. This design ensured high durability even under prolonged stress. The dry-sump system allowed for a flat design and a low mounting position for the engine, which further lowered the vehicle’s center of gravity. The exhaust system was made of thin-walled stainless steel and was designed for maximum flow efficiency. The transmission was a five-speed manual with closely spaced gear ratios and a limited-slip differential. This powertrain was based on the design of the 911 engine but was revised in nearly every detail to save weight and optimize power delivery. The 906’s body was designed to remain stable at speeds of around 280 kph. Thanks to its small frontal area and light weight of only about 580 kilograms, the race car boasted an outstanding track record. It was considered one of the first Porsche race cars in which extensive wind tunnel testing contributed to the design. The Porsche 906 Carrera 6 marked the beginning of a new era at Porsche: a consistent focus on lightweight construction, innovative materials, and aerodynamic efficiency came together to create a vehicle that set new standards both technically and visually. With its combination of precision, engineering excellence, and performance, it became a symbol of Porsche’s racing history and laid the foundation for the later successes of prototypes such as the 908 and 917.
About the Vehicle Offered Here
This race car, produced in 1966, bears the chassis number 906-149. According to the data sheet and the book “Porsche 906” by Jürgen Barth, this vehicle was delivered by the Japanese dealer Porsche Mitsuwa to its first owner, Tetsu Ikuzawa, on April 24, 1966. Ikuzawa is a race car driver who, among other achievements, was one of the first Japanese drivers to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The second owner was another Japanese race car driver named Tadashi Sakai. At the Japanese Grand Prix, which took place on May 3, 1967, at the legendary Fuji International Speedway, the two drivers competed against each other in two Porsche 906s. The car with the yellow front hood and starting number 8, driven by Ikuzawa, was chassis 906-145, while Sakai competed in chassis 906-149 with starting number 7 and a blue front hood—the car offered here. Both rivals qualified for front-row starting positions. During the race, Sakai prevailed after lengthy battles and took the lead in this 906 Carrera 6. After further battles while passing lapped traffic, the two 906s sped through the banked curve on lap 46 when Sakai suffered a sudden tire blowout. Sakai survived the resulting accident with minor injuries.
The Porsche remained in this damaged condition for many decades. The vehicle invoice dated September 28, 1978, shows that the Tokyo-based dealer Autobahn Motor Co. sold the 906—still in its damaged condition—to German Porsche specialist Manfred Freisinger, who runs a restoration shop for historic Porsche vehicles. Several more decades later, in 2010, Freisinger finally decided to rebuild the 906 and, as part of this process, carry out a comprehensive restoration, which was documented through dozens of photographs. Following the successful restoration, chassis 906-149 was put up for sale and eventually found its way to Monaco, where it was registered on June 2, 2014. That same year, the car was on public display for the first time since 1967 as part of the “Vue lors du Monaco Motor Legend” exhibition. Prior to this, Porsche historian Jürgen Barth had written an appraisal of the vehicle, in which he described its condition as excellent and detailed its ownership history. After 10 years in Monaco and Switzerland, Jean Pierre Cornu authored another appraisal in 2024. Today, Chassis 906-149 is once again for sale in sensational condition, offering collectors and historic motorsport enthusiasts an ideal opportunity to acquire a 906 Carrera 6.
Our sales staff will be happy to answer any detailed questions you may have at any time. Please note that vehicle viewings are by appointment only.
