This is the one of one 1969 Volkswagen-Porsche 914/6 Murène, built by the historic French coachbuilder, Heuliez, and designed by French designer, Jacques Cooper. The story of this distinctive looking Porsche begins in the late 1960’s, when Jacques Cooper drew up an idea of his own version of the Porsche 914, which he subsequently showed to his employer, Brissonneau et Lotz, which was a French locomotive engineering company. Upon seeing the sleek new alternative to the rather unceremonious production Porsche 914, Brissonneau et Lotz acquired one of the first 914/6 models built, chassis 1300005, in order to become a base platform for Cooper’s stylish new design. Shortly following the purchase of this 914/6, Btissonneau et Lotz ran into some financial difficulties, ultimately resulting in a cancellation of the project. This did not sit well with Jacques Cooper, and in order to finish what he started, he arranged for French automaker, Heuliez, to take over the development of the project, with the approval of Brissonneau et Lotz of course. After the project was re-approved, Cooper and Heuliez worked collaboratively to complete a functional prototype in just two and a half months time. The 914/6 Murène, which directly translates to ‘Moray Eel’ in English, was completed with a sleek, swooping wedge-shaped body, 5-lug 15” Mahle Gas Burner wheels, Vredestein Sprint Classic tires, and an interior consisting of a leather wrapped dashboard, two-tone Black and Tan seats, and a few original Porsche 914 parts such as the steering wheel. Originally, the Murène was finished in brown metallic, however, in 1971, Heuliez actually purchased the car from Brissonneau et Lotz, which is when the car was repainted to metallic orange over beige. The car never made it anywhere close to production, it fulfilled the dream of Henry Heuliez (son of founder, Louis Heuliez), to make a splash in the automotive industry.
How many made? 1 of 1
Engine: 1,991cc flat-six cylinder type 901/03 - 109hp
Debut: 1970 Paris Motor Show
Top Speed: 129mph
0-60mph: 8.7 seconds
Photo Credit: @allan_photography8
Research: @rarecarsonly