For the discerning collector with a penchant for speed and a deep appreciation for motorsport heritage, an exceptional opportunity has emerged courtesy of RM Sotheby’s. This isn’t just any classic car; it’s a 1966 Porsche 906, an ultra-successful design of which a mere 65 examples were ever produced, and this particular machine is one of only 52 built to customer specification. This rarity alone makes it a highly desirable acquisition, but its rich history and remarkable originality elevate it to true blue-chip status. The price for this automotive legend is available upon request from RM Sotheby’s, hinting at the significant value of such a historically important vehicle.
Originally commissioned by Italian amateur racer and hillclimb enthusiast Ermanno Spazzapan, who often competed under the pseudonym “Mann”, this Porsche 906, chassis number 906-115, represents a significant step in the career of a driver with a strong Porsche affiliation. Spazzapan’s ambition was rewarded with notable success, including a tenth-place overall finish (and third in class) at the challenging 1967 Circuito del Mugello, followed by an even more impressive fourth overall (and first in class) at the 1968 Imola 500 kilometres. These results underscore the inherent competitiveness and driver-focused design of the 906, a machine that quickly established itself as a force to be reckoned with on the European racing circuit.
The provenance of this particular 906 is further enhanced by its subsequent ownership by the prominent Porsche collector Bernd Becker, who cherished it for an impressive span of nearly a quarter of a century, from 1977 until 2001. Becker, a true enthusiast, regularly campaigned the car in historic racing events across Europe and even ventured to South Africa on occasion, further adding to its storied past. This long-term ownership by a respected collector speaks volumes about the car’s enduring appeal and well-maintained condition.
Crucially, this 1966 Porsche 906 remains in a highly original state, retaining its original fitment gearbox and the lightweight GRP (Glass-Reinforced Plastic) body panels that were instrumental in its performance. This level of originality is highly prized by collectors and ensures the car remains a faithful representation of its 1966 specification. Recent attention from marque specialists Road Scholars of Durham, NC, has seen expenditure in excess of $60,000 lavished upon the car, ensuring its mechanical and cosmetic condition are befitting of its historical significance.
Prospective custodians of this remarkable machine will also benefit from a comprehensive array of documentation, including its original Kardex, an expired FIA Historic Technical Passport, and an extensive report compiled by renowned marque expert Jürgen Barth. These documents provide invaluable insight into the car’s history and authenticity, offering an added layer of confidence for potential buyers.
Beyond its historical significance and racing pedigree, the Porsche 906 remains a hugely versatile machine, ideally suited for participation in some of the world’s most prestigious historic motorsport events. From the challenging stages of the Tour Auto to the evocative atmosphere of the Le Mans Classic and the Goodwood Revival, and the competitive spirit of the Monterey Historics, the 906 is a welcome entrant, offering both thrilling performance and undeniable presence.
While the 906 built upon the lessons learned from the preceding 904 GTS, it represented a significant departure in its mechanical composition. Eschewing the 904’s ladder chassis and bonded fibreglass body, the 906 adopted a more conventional multi-tubular frame, clad in unstressed fibreglass to minimise weight, resulting in a substantial weight reduction of around 200 pounds for customer specification cars. This focus on lightweight construction, combined with its potent 2-litre, six-cylinder carburettor engine (as fitted to this example), contributed to immediate competition success, including a class win at its debut in the 24 Hours of Daytona.
The Porsche 906 quickly became one of the most accomplished and versatile two-litre sports racing cars of its era. This 1966 Porsche 906, chassis 906-115, presents a rare opportunity to acquire a genuine piece of motorsport history, ready to be enjoyed on the track or as the centrepiece of a discerning collection. Interested parties are encouraged to contact RM Sotheby’s for further details on this exceptional automobile.
