GRRRRRRRR!!! Options

[ClayPerrine]

Someone needs to get his facts straight!!! (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/mad.gif)

[IronHillRestorations]

My reply to Mr. Powell:

Mr. Powell,

Thank you for your personal reply. Sorry for misspelling your last name, however I see you reciprocated by misspelling mine! (it’s Kiehl, not Kheil) I mean this in jest, so please take no offense. I consider any dialog between an enthusiast, like myself, and an author of your credentials is a privilege. I sincerely thank you again, for your article on 914’s. As a devout enthusiast any “press” regarding these cars is a plus. In addition I recognize the efforts required to author an article regarding vintage cars has many challenges.

The Gugelot rumor has been perpetuated by numerous authors. I personally investigated this issue myself, and was told in personal letter by a member of the 914 design team, Mr. Jorg Austen, that the 914 design was developed internally. I would agree that the design is not appreciated by everyone, and indeed an acquired taste.

In my first e-mail letter, I must admit that I failed to point out the impressive road racing history of the 914. Most notorious would probably be the 914-6 GT victory at LeMans winning first in class and sixth place overall. However, perhaps more impressive is the 1-2-3 place finish of the 914-6 GT, in 1970 at the 86 hours of Marathon de la Route. These as well as other impressive road racing victories garnered the 914 -6 GT the International GT Trophy in 1970. In US there is the impressive SCCA record of the 914-6 campaigned by Carlsen Porsche-Audi. There has been much speculation among many Porsche enthusiasts that the factory never campaign a 914 because they did not want to beat the flagship 911.

Thank you again Mr. Powell for your reply, and your continued enthusiasm for vintage cars!

Sincerely,

Perry M. Kiehl
thekiehls@direcway.com