Rare Porsche 906 Spyder from the 1970s Goes on Auction with a Matching Support Truck
In the world of historic racing cars, few models capture the imagination as strongly as the Porsche 906. Built in the mid-1960s as a purebred competition machine, it has since become a collector’s dream. Now, a particularly unusual example has resurfaced on the auction platform Bring a Trailer. This car is not just a Porsche 906 — it is a unique, hand-built Spyder version created in 1970 by the team of Václav “Vasek” Polak, a well-known Porsche dealer and racer of Czech origin who made his mark in the United States.
Adding to the rarity, the sale also includes a 1970 Ford F-600 truck that once served as Polak’s team support vehicle. Together, the pair represents an extraordinary slice of motorsport history. At the time of writing, bidding has reached only around $50,000, a fraction of what factory-built Porsche 906s can fetch at auction.
Origins of the Porsche 906
The Porsche 906, also known as the Carrera 6, debuted in 1966 as a successor to the Porsche 904. Designed under the direction of Ferdinand Piëch, the 906 was the company’s first car developed specifically to meet the FIA’s Group 4 regulations. Only about 65 units were built, making it one of the rarest Porsche competition models of its era.
The 906 featured a lightweight tubular spaceframe chassis covered with a fiberglass body, which was wind-tunnel tested for aerodynamic efficiency. With a curb weight of only around 580 kilograms and a 2.0-liter flat-six producing about 220 horsepower, the car could reach a top speed of 280 km/h. It became a successful racer in endurance competitions, including the Targa Florio and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The Transformation into a Spyder
The car now on auction began its life in 1966 as a standard coupe. In 1970, Vasek Polak and his mechanics converted it into a spyder, removing the roof and fitting a custom fiberglass body to reduce weight and improve agility on American racing circuits. Polak himself drove the car in SCCA events before selling it to private hands.
Over the decades, the Porsche 906 Spyder changed owners several times, and at one point the original spyder body panels were removed and kept in storage for nearly 40 years. This created an unusual situation: the chassis evolved with later modifications, but the unique fiberglass shell of the 1970 build remained preserved.
A Modern Restoration with Historic Roots
In 2022, the then-owner embarked on a full restoration, reuniting the original spyder body with the chassis. The project turned into a complete restomod, blending authentic Porsche 906 components with modern engineering solutions.
The tubular frame was rebuilt using the original base but reinforced with upgraded suspension and adjustable shock absorbers. The braking system now includes ventilated disc brakes for improved track performance. The restored bodywork was finished in a racing livery inspired by Polak’s own entries from the 1970s. Inside, the cockpit was refreshed with period-correct details while adding modern safety improvements.
Two notable engineers, Alwin Springer and Dieter Inzenhofer — both connected to Porsche racing programs — were involved in overseeing aspects of the reconstruction. Their contribution further strengthens the car’s link to Porsche’s motorsport heritage.
The Engine: A Reborn Flat-Six
The Porsche 906 Spyder is powered by a 2.0-liter flat-six engine constructed in the early 2020s. While not an original unit from the 1960s, it was built to mimic the specifications of the period, incorporating several vintage Porsche components. The result is a powerplant that delivers a driving character remarkably close to the factory original, paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox.
Exact output figures were not disclosed, but enthusiasts can expect performance in the region of 200–220 hp, similar to the original 906. Considering the car’s lightweight construction, it remains a genuine racing machine even by modern standards.
The Companion Ford F-600 Truck
Perhaps the most charming element of the sale is the inclusion of a 1970 Ford F-600 truck. This vehicle served as Polak’s support hauler during the car’s racing career, transporting tools, spare parts, and equipment to the track. It has been preserved as part of the package, offering collectors not only a unique racing car but also the authentic support truck that accompanied it half a century ago.
Market Value and Collectability
Factory-original Porsche 906s rarely appear at auction, and when they do, they can command multimillion-euro prices. One authentic example is expected to fetch up to €2.2 million at a European auction in October.
By contrast, this particular Spyder is an anomaly: a one-off build with authentic roots but modified throughout its history. While purists may not consider it a true 906, its unique backstory, connection to Vasek Polak, and combination with the period Ford truck make it a fascinating collector’s item.
The current bidding level of $50,000 seems astonishingly low given the historical significance and the cost of restoration. For a passionate collector of Porsche or vintage racing history, it could be the bargain of the decade.
Collectors in Dubai and Abu Dhabi have shown increasing interest in rare and historic racing cars. With the UAE hosting global motorsport events such as the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and the Dubai Autodrome’s endurance series, owning a car like the Porsche 906 Spyder is both a status symbol and a direct link to the golden era of Porsche racing.
Car rental companies in Dubai also follow trends in collector vehicles, as demand for unique driving experiences grows. While you cannot rent a Porsche 906, models like the Porsche 911, Porsche 718 Boxster, and Porsche Taycan are available through premium rental providers, allowing enthusiasts to taste the spirit of Stuttgart’s engineering excellence.
