Little confusion on my part surrounding "M-471", Paging Dr. 914 Options

[Lavanaut]

I've been wondering about this for a long time and was reminded about it last night as I was flipping through the AA catalog and came across pics of George's blue M-471 GT. It's my understanding that the true factory GT race cars did not have the "M-471" designation, that it was technically the designation for the "GT-look" package that one could order from the factory on a /6...?

I guess at the center of my uncertainty is this: when I see "M-471" I immediately think "not a factory GT", but a factory GT look-a-like...just like the wide body "turbo look" 911s.

Can someone help clear this up for me?

Thanks

edit: forgot to say that adding to the confusion is the verbiage in the AA catalog about the "M-471 GT" and its racing history.

[davep]

The homologation process ratifies (makes legal) the car in a specific form for a specific class of racing. Generally a class will require a certain number of cars to be built in a specific form to qualify for homologation.

The M471 as it applies to the 914/6 is basically a flared fendered body modification and wider wheels with no changes to engine or interior. The M471 option is only a small part of the full GT specification. Most GT's did not have the full GT specification anyway since most builders only added what was required for their class. Instead of the 100 liter tank, the IMSA cars had to use a fuel cell.


The M471 as it applies to the 914/4 is much different.