When asked if there was room in the Porsche lineup for a 959 replacement that cost more than the most expensive Porsche 911 but less than the 918, Porsche CEO Matthias Mueller stated in an interview that there was.
Canepa Design started a 959 upgrading program in 2003. Canepa made the 959’s turbochargers, exhaust system, and computer-control systems compliant with pollution regulations so that it could drive on American streets before being subject to the 25-year rule. Three iterations of the upgrade pack are now available, along with a sportier trim.
In This Article...
the reasons the Porsche 959 failed the American street safety testing
Bill Gates was infamous for having headaches while driving the Porsche 959. Gates placed an order for one, only to have American customs seize it since it was an unlawful import. Gates finally acquired his 959 after 13 years because to an import rule exception known as “Show and Display,” according to Hot Cars. A car that has failed crash, emissions, or other testing could be imported under the “Show and Display” clause if doing so would serve the public good. Why did the Porsche 959 fail all of the American safety tests?
The 959 never actually took the U.S. tests, thus they can’t be said to have failed them. Due to the 959’s complexity, according to Hot Cars, Porsche lost roughly $500,000 for each one of them sold. The exchange rate at the time between the US dollar and the German mark was also disadvantageous. Additionally, Porsche only produced a few number of 959s, each an extremely pricey vehicle. Porsche, who had already made the decision to concentrate on the European market, did not want to sacrifice four cars for the NHTSA testing, which are necessary for a car to be approved for the U.S.
Only 29 of the 292 Porsche 959s made by Porsche were 959 Sport variations. The Sport version’s redesigned turbochargers, greater boost pressure, updated ignition, and improved fuel injection added an extra 65 horsepower. The 959 S reached a high speed of 339 km/h in a test conducted by the specialized publication Auto, Motor & Sport, according to Porsche.
Bill Gates attempted to evade U.S. Customs while driving his preferred vehicle.
Everyone wanted to own a Porsche 959 when it was released in the late 1980s, including Bill Gates. However, Drive Tribe claims it was more difficult said than done because the Porsche 959 wasn’t even offered in the United States.
The 959 was unique, despite the fact that “the majority of Porsches can be simply imported from Europe to America.” Porsche’s refusal to “supply the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) with four models for crash testing” was the main problem with the 959 and its importation into the United States.
The fact that Porsche refused to subject four of its incredibly costly and elite cars to crash testing is understandable, but it meant that the Porsche 959 “was not certified as street legal.”
Naturally, Gates ordered one regardless of this and had it impounded at U.S. Customs as soon as he arrived. It remained there for over ten years.
The actual justification for America’s Porsche 959 ban
Bill Gates was also infamous for having trouble with the Porsche 959. Gates just gave you the go-ahead to have it seized by US Customs due to the illegal importation of the vehicle. Thanks to a provision in the import restrictions known as “Show and Display,” Peer Hot Cars, Gates received his 959 after 13 long years. A car that failed crash, emissions, or other testing could be imported under the “show and display” provision if doing so would serve the interests of the public. Why didn’t the Porsche 959 ever pass US safety tests is the obvious question.
While the 959 did indeed fail US tests, it never did. According to Hot Cars, Porsche lost around $500,000 for each 959 units sold as a result of the 959’s complexity. Additionally unfavorable at the time was the currency exchange rate between the US and the German mark. Furthermore, Porsche only produced a small number of 959s, each of which was an extremely expensive vehicle. Porsche, who had already made the decision to concentrate on the European market, did not submit its vehicle to the NHTSA testing that needs a 4 car crash.
Only 29 of the 292 Porsche 959s made by Porsche were 959 sports models. Due to redesigned turbochargers, increased boost pressure, altered ignition, and fuel injection, the sports version produced an additional 65 horsepower. The 959 S achieved a high speed of 339 km/h in a test conducted by the trade publication Auto, Motor & Sport, according to Porsche.
Are Porsche 959s allowed on US streets?
In the late 1980s, the Porsche 959, an unique and limited-edition racing car, was added on the infamous NHTSA blacklist, making it unlawful to import or operate it on American roads. The Lamborghini Strosek Diablo, the Jaguar XJ220S, and the Lotus Elise Series 1 are among the other illicit super sports vehicles on the list.
Porsche recalls that the 959 sold out quickly despite having a launch price of 420,000 Deutschmarks, or $225,000 according to Hot Cars. The 959 gained worldwide recognition as the fastest vehicle ever produced. Porsche intended to push the boundaries of the 911, a popular vehicle. It became the most sophisticated Porsche because to its water-cooled 4-valve water-cooled bi-turbo flat engine, all-wheel drive, and lightest aerodynamic body.
With 450 horsepower, the 959 was a monster with a 0 to 60 time of 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 198 mph in the 959 Sport edition. According to Sports Car Digest, the car’s acceleration was made possible by cutting-edge lightweight materials and a modified 911 engine. Aluminum was used to construct the doors and bonnet, a Kevlar composite was used to create the body, and even the wheels were composed of a lightweight magnesium alloy.
What makes a Porsche 959 so unique?
The 959 was one of the most significant automobiles of its time thanks to its numerous technological advancements. The 959’s 2.8 liter flat six-cylinder engine, which was turbocharged, was able to propel the car to a high speed of slightly under 200 mph. In contrast, the renowned 1988 Lamborghini Countach was a level higher in the hierarchy of supercars but could only hit a top speed of 183 mph.
To avoid the typical problem of turbo lag, the twin turbos of the 959’s powerplant were cleverly sequential turbocharged. The 959’s solution to this problem nearly four decades ago is still being worked on by automakers today.
A Porsche 959 is owned by whom?
In 1987, Porsche started shipping cars to customers, each costing US$225,000. A great example of one of these vintage Porsche supercars will cost you upwards of four times its original price today, however finding one for sale may be your hardest challenge. Bill Gates, comedian Jerry Seinfeld, and tennis legend Martina Navratilova, who is a major fan, have all been notable owners. She recalled her experience driving a 959 Porsche in Germany 20 years ago, saying it was enjoyable to reach speeds of roughly 200 mph (320 km/h). “We probably traveled for two hours at an average speed of 150 mph (240 km/h). That was fun, then.”
To say that the Porsche 959 is ideal would be the mildest overstatement given how perfectly it can complete nearly any automotive mission.
In the US, how many Porsche 959s are there?
Any Porsche 959 is a seductive machine, and this 1988 example in black over caramel brown, which will be up for auction in August at Pebble Beach, is no different.
One of the most intriguing supercars ever produced is the Porsche 959. They used to be quite uncommon to see in the United States; only 50 or so of the 329 (or 337; production counts vary) models constructed made it over under show-and-display waivers. The good news for American auto collectors and enthusiasts is that importation of cars like this 1988 example has been allowed because the bulk of 959s are now older than 25 years.
This gorgeous black car is listed by Gooding & Company as a “Komfort” model, which Porsche utilized to distinguish its road-going vehicles from its racing counterparts (known as “Sport”). The 959 was well ahead of its time in terms of speed and technology, powered by a 444-hp, twin-turbocharged 2.8-liter flat-six coupled to a six-speed manual. Our test of the vehicle in 1987 resulted in a zero-to-60 time of 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 190 mph, which was our highest top speed to that point. The car’s all-wheel-drive system, which could distribute torque according on the dynamic load on each wheel and could also be locked at a set torque split, was one of its many ground-breaking technological innovations.
Reviews, specifications, pricing, and more about the Porsche 911 GT3 and GT3 RS.
There aren’t many facts available about this specific automobile, but the auction house does say that it’s one of only three with this eye-catching color scheme and that it has received factory maintenance its whole existence. The projected sale price is between $1.6 million and $1.8 million, which, if verified, would indicate the sharp rise in vintage Porsche prices over the past few years.
OpenWeb was used to import this content. At their website, you might be able to discover the same material in a different format or more details.
Porsche reportedly lost money on the 959.
Every 959 that Porsche sold resulted in a loss. Each 959 is thought to have cost $500,000 to produce, but the initial list price was only $225,000. Many of the advancements seen on the 959 would eventually find their way to newer iterations of not only the 911 but all Porsche models as history would have it.
A Porsche 959 is priced at how much?
Since its introduction 35 years ago, the Porsche 959 and 959 S have appreciated significantly in value.
In 1986, the Porsche 959 shocked the world by showcasing the absolute peak of the company’s potential for both racing and sports cars. The 959 was created to help the firm expand, even though the 911 was already well-known at the time.
The 959 S was a more special model that had many similarities to the standard model, including pricing, features, specifications, and design, but was produced in far smaller quantities, had a sportier packaging, and placed a greater focus on speed.
Since the Porsche 959 and 959 S were introduced 35 years ago, their value has dramatically improved; instead of going for $300,000 when they first appeared, they now frequently sell for $1.5 million or more.
What does the Porsche 959’s G gear do?
To assist the 959 adhere to pass-by noise rules, Porsche gave the gear above first “G” (for “Gelande,” which stands for terrain) (the car ran the test in second, which is really third). It turns out that the short gear is ideal for California’s stop-and-go traffic. More astounding clairvoyance from Porsche in the 1980s
What kind of engine is in the 959?
The 959’s 2.8-liter flat six cylinder engine generates 444 horsepower at 6500 rpm, or more than 156 horsepower per liter. To put that into perspective, the Callaway Corvette’s twin-turbo V-8 produces around 100 hp less than the 959 engine while having a larger displacement, giving it a specific output of only 60 hp per liter.
What Porsche model is the rarest?
The first vehicle ever built by the Porsche Exclusive division (after Porsche’s official recognition of the Sonderwunsch program) is also the most uncommon, which is only fitting. Built for Mansour Oijeh, the creator of TAG Group, this Porsche 935 “Street” is based on the 930. The entire car, from its appearance to its mechanics, is a work of art and was just put up for sale.
Lee recently visited Zuffenhausen and during his tour of the Porsche Museum’s hidden storehouse, got up close and personal with some Porsche Exclusive marvels. You can read it all in issue 119, which is currently available for online order or direct download to your digital device.