The 959 is one of the most intriguing sports cars of the 20th century for many auto enthusiasts. Porsche presented the “Group B” research before the IAA in 1983 in order to comply with the rules for this magnificent rally class. All three 959s finished the 1986 Paris Dakar Rally, taking first, second, and sixth position. The modified 961 track version also finished sixth in the 1986 Le Mans endurance race and won the IMSA/GTX class competition.
At the IAA in 1985, the production model made its premiere. Self-leveling suspension, electronically controlled variable all-wheel drive with driving programme selection and ABS, a tyre pressure monitoring system, and an aerodynamically optimized body were some of its features. The exterior skin was built of Kevlar and glass-fibre-reinforced epoxy resin in a hybrid construction, while the front spoiler was made of polyurethane integrated foam, combining technologies from the design of racing cars and aviation. A unique aluminum alloy was used to create the doors and bonnet.
Sequential turbocharging on a biturbo boxer engine was first used in a production vehicle, the Porsche 959, to help eliminate turbo lag. The oscillating masses on the crankshaft were lowered by the titanium conrods. The four-valve heads were water-cooled, contrary to Porsche’s then-standard practice of air-cooling the cylinders. The exhaust valves have salt fillings for greater heat dissipation. Only 292 Porsche 959 models were produced in series between 1987 and 1988.
Only 29 pieces of the Sport version were sold, making it even more uncommon. This variation featured bigger turbochargers that used more boost pressure. Compared to the original model’s 450 PS, it boasted 515 PS. There was no self-leveling suspension on the 959 S. To further reduce weight, the automatic air conditioning, central locking system, electric windows, right-side mirror, and back seats were also removed.
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The Porsche 959 is a sports car made by the German automaker Porsche between 1986 and 1993. It was first constructed as a Group Brally car and then as a road-legal production car to meet FIA homologation requirements, which required at least 200 units to be produced.
The twin-turbocharged 959, which had a top speed of 317 km/h (197 mph) and some models were even capable of 339 km/h, was the fastest street-legal production automobile in the world when it was first released. The Porsche 959 was the most technologically advanced road-going sports car ever produced during its manufacturing cycle, and it served as a precursor to all ensuing sports cars. [Reference needed] It was one of the first pure high-performance sports cars with all-wheel drive after the successful debut of all-wheel drive on more rally-specific vehicles like the Audi Quattro, serving as the inspiration for Porsche’s first all-wheel drive 911 Carrera 4 model. Due to its effectiveness, Porsche management decided to make all-wheel drive a requirement for all turbocharged 911 models beginning with the 993. Future turbocharged Porsche sports cars used the same twin-turbo technology as the 959. The 959 was ranked first on Sports Car International’s list of the Top Sports Cars of the 1980s in 2004.
At auction, This RARE Porsche 959 Could Sell for More Than $1.5 Million.
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. 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.
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Model Guides for the Porsche 959: Komfort vs. Sport
The Porsche 959 came in two primary models. The Porsche 959 S or “959 Sport” had larger turbochargers that raised power output to 508 horsepower and higher peak speed, as well as 100kg reduced weight, whereas the 959 Komfort was the standard model marketed. The 959 Sport was much more uncommon, with a run size of just 29 vehicles. It’s important to remember that official Porsche 959 production ceased after the 1988 model year, but in 1992/1993, Porsche constructed eight additional vehicles using spare parts from the stock at the Zuffenhausen manufacturing facility. Four of the eight were “Komfort” variants and four were silver. These automobiles were far more expensive than the prior models and included a newly developed speed-sensitive damper system.
It all started in 1986.
In 1986, the Porsche 911 was still widely used, but Porsche also made a second sports car to demonstrate how the company had developed over time. However, it was in 1981 that the concept of creating a new sports car to complement the 911 first emerged, with the goal of capturing all of Porsche’s promise in a single automobile. That was undoubtedly the case with the 959, whose existence and reputation had a significant influence on every Porsche model produced for the following 20 years after its introduction.
Sadly, although being created with Group B racing in mind, by the time the 959 arrived, Group B racing had already disbanded. The 959 base model was created in about 329 instances between 1985 and 1992, while the 959 S is a more limited subclass with even fewer examples produced.
The 959 initially went for $300,000, and production cars were unevenly distributed between Sport and Komfort variants. The Komfort vehicles included additional luxury features including air conditioning, sound insulation, a right door mirror, power windows, power seats, and rear seats, whereas the Sport models were lighter and missing all those things in favor of being more simple.
The Porsche 959 S featured a four-cylinder engine with 444 HP and 369 ft-lbs of torque, as well as a six-speed transmission with a top speed of 200 mph. Additionally, the vehicle’s zero-lift aluminum and carbon fiber body was equipped with twin turbochargers.
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.
How much was a new Porsche 959?
The 959 street variant’s first client deliveries started in 1987, and each car cost DM431,550 (about US$225,000), which is still less than half of what Porsche paid to create each one. With 292 cars completed, production ceased in 1988.
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.
The Porsche 959: Is it rare?
The 959 was manufactured between 1986 and 1993. One of the rarest series production Porsches, only 345 of them were made during that time—not for lack of demand, but rather because of the $225,000 asking price. Only 29 of these were 959 S variations, the upgraded “Sport” version intended for the US market, which is essentially a spartan customer race vehicle. The run also featured three 959 S models, including this one, and nine pre-production Series F prototypes of the “regular” 959 model.
According to the sales description, this specific prototype, known as the F9, is completed in black and was handed to Vasek Polak by Porsche as appreciation for his assistance in the development of the vehicle. The only requirement for the marque was that it never be driven. Porsche was so dedicated to achieving this that no keys were provided with the car. Thankfully, the vehicle has since been totally restored, including the clutch, brakes, fuel system, master cylinder, and engine. Although it lacks some of the luxuries present in the production model, it includes a “S” steering wheel and a matching interior made of black leather.
It’s difficult to come up with a finer example of a special 959 than this one. You’ll need to get in touch if you’re interested because Girardo & Co. doesn’t provide a pricing for the vehicle on its website. However, given that the 959 has recently been known to fetch up to $2 million, we anticipate it to be high.
What makes the Porsche 959 unique?
When the Porsche 959 was introduced in 1986, it had the fastest top speed in the world, reaching 198 mph in the Sport variants. This is astounding, especially for the 1980s, and it is still a strong number. Additionally, certain 959 models have achieved 211 mph, which is remarkable.
With a top speed of 202 mph, the Ferrari F40 dethroned the vehicle in 1987. But that doesn’t change the fact that the 959 launched as the world’s fastest automobile, a distinction that will live on in history.
The Porsche 959 is a supercar, right?
It’s possible that the most ambitious Porsche road car ever produced also saved the 911. This was the first all-carbon supercar, based on a Group C winner.
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.