Pure Six Appeal

In 1966, Porsche introduced the 906 model, officially known as the Carrera 6, it marked a significant departure from its predecessor, the 904 GTS. Unlike the 904's ladder chassis and bonded fibreglass body, the 906 featured a multi-tubular frame with unstressed fibreglass to reduce weight. Porsche built 65 examples, most fitted with 2-litre, six-cylinder carburettor engines, while a few had fuel injection or experimental 2.2-litre eight-cylinder units.

The 906 quickly proved its worth in competitions, winning its class at the 24 Hours of Daytona and securing further victories at Sebring, Monza, Spa, Nürburgring and Paris. It also achieved outright wins at the Targa Florio and Circuito del Mugello, and a fourth-place finish at Le Mans. Over the next two seasons, the 906 became one of the most successful and versatile two-litre sports racing cars.

The example featured here was delivered to Italian amateur racer Ermanno Spazzapan, who raced under the pseudonym ‘Mann’. Spazzapan had a strong connection with Porsche, having previously raced a 356B 2000GS and a 356 Carrera Abarth GTL. His purchase of the 906 marked his first experience with a sports prototype and a significant performance upgrade.

‘Mann’ debuted the 906 at the Stallavena-Boscochiesanuova hillclimb, finishing second in class. Throughout the season, he competed in various hillclimbs and races, achieving notable results, including an outright win at Antignano-Monte Burrone and a second-place finish at Vittorio Veneto to Consoglio.

In early 1967, Spazzapan sold the 906-115 to Ennio Bonomelli, who drove it in a few hillclimbs before entrusting it to Antonio Zadra and Giuseppe Dalla Torre. The car's race debut under new ownership was at Innsbruck, followed by a strong performance at the 500 kilometres of Mugello, finishing tenth overall and third in class.

This stunning 1966 Porsche 906 is currently available from RM Sotheby’s Private Sales. Photos © Desmond Chan / Ken Saito / RM Sotheby's.