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1985 Porsche 962 news, pictures, and information | ||
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 |  |  | Coupe Chassis Num: 962-HR1 |
| Sold for $935,000 at 2012 Gooding & Company. | |||
In 1984, Holbert Racing became the first team to drive Porsche's new 962 to victory. Though a very successful season, Holbert remained unsatisfied with the success of the 1984 season and began work on an ambition project -an even more sophisticated sports racing car.
Chassis number 962-HR1 was constructed by Holbert Racing, under license from Porsche AAG, and was the first purpose-built 962 completed in Holbert's workshops. It was developed to run in conjunction with and eventually replace 962-103. The chassis was given a variety of aerodynamic improvements and developed from the experience of the 1984 racing season. The car was put through extensive track testing and wind-tunnel work, and finished in the classic blue-and-white Lowenbrau livery and bestowed with Holbert's preferred number 14.
On its maiden outing on August 4th of 1985, at the Ford California Grand Prix in Sears Point, it was driven by Holbert and Bell to 7th place overall. After valve issues forced an early retirement at Road America, HR1 captured the first of its many wins at the Camel GT 500 Grand Prix at Pocono. Following its initial victory at Pocono, it had a DNF at Columbus, followed by a win in the 3 Hours of Daytona with Holbert and Al Unser Jr. driving.
The success of 962-103 and 962-HR1 earned Holbert the 1985 IMSA GTP Driver's Championship, his fourth title in less than a decade of racing. Porsche was awarded the GTP Championship for Makes.
The first race of the 1986 IMSA GTP Championship season began at the Grand Prix of Miami, Florida, where Holbert and Bell drove HR1 to a 6th place finish. This was followed by outright wins at Lime Rock, Mid-Ohio, Watkins Glen and Portland. It got a 3rd at Road Atlanta, 4th at Laguna Seca and West Palm Beach as well as 2nd place finishes at Sears Point and Watkins Glen (September). Out of 13 races, 962-HR1 finish on the podium seven times.
Holbert celebrated his fifth IMSA Driver's Championship at the close of the season and Porsche earned another GTP Championship for Makes.
The 1987 season began well for 962-HR1, with a victory at the 24 Hours of Daytona for the second time, followed by wins at Portland and San Antonio, 2nd place finishes at Road Atlanta and Riverside, 3rd place finishes at Laguna Seca and Road America, as well as Top 5 results at Mid-Ohio and Columbus.
With the help of Holbert Racing's 962-HR1, Chip Robinson was crowned Driver's Championship and his first IMSA title. Porsche again captured the IMSA GTP Championship for Makes, with 962s winning 13 of 16 races entered.
Holbert's driving duties were reduced in 1988 as he was named Director of Porsche Motorsports North America. For the 1988 season, 962-HR1 donned an all-new Miller livery and raced at the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring for the first time in its career. Unfortunately, 962-HR1 failed to finish either race due to recurring engine problems.
The car next served duties as a practice car at Lime Rock in March, before it was officially retired from active duty.
Between 1985 and 1988, 962-HR1 accumulated 17 podium finishes including nine overall wins. It helped drivers Holbert and Robinson capture three GTP Driver's Championships and secure three consecutive GTP Championship for Makes wins for Porsche.
Unfortunately, on September 30th of 1988, just after the Columbus 500, Holbert perished when his plane crashed shortly after takeoff. At the end of the 1988 season, Holbert Racing was disbanded and IMSA retired number 14 in his honor.
962-HR1 was sold to Kevin Jeanette's Gunnar Racing, who subsequently returned the Porsche to its orignal Lowenbrau livery. In 2001, Wayne Jackson acquired the 962 and commissioned Gunnar Racing to perform a comprehensive rebuild of the major mechanical systems. Once completed, it was displayed at the Rolex 24 Heritage Exhibition and the 2007 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance where it won the special 'Cars of Derek Bell' class.
In August of 2007, it was acquired by Matthew Drendel. Less than a year later, it was joined by 962-103 in the Drendel stable, the first Holbert Racing 962. For the first time since 1988, the two Lowenbrau Specials resided under one roof.
The car is powered by a 3164cc single overhead cam flat six-cylinder engine fitted with a Bosch Electronic fuel injection system. With the help of a single Garrett turbocharger, the engine produces 720 horsepower. There is a five-speed manual gearbox and four-wheel Brembo drilled and ventilated disc brakes.
In 2012, this car was offered for sale at Amelia Island sale presented by Gooding & Company. The car was estimated to sell for $900,000 - $1,200,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $935,000 inclusive of buyer's premium.
By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2012
Porsche created the 956 during the early 1980s for FIA Group C competition. The design and components of the vehicle would further evolve over the years and become known as the 962. The 956 project was lead by a very determined and experienced project manager named Norbert Singer, who had his sights set on winning the 24 Hours of LeMans race. With Derek Bell and Jacky Ixckx, the factory team drivers, the cars easily dominated the season and won the championship for the team.
The 956 was an evolution of the 935 and 936 cars which had proven to be very competitive racers. Porsche chose to stick with the tried-and-true, reliable flat-six engine which had powered the Porsche 936 to a LeMans victory. It was fitted with an electronic engine management system to help reduce fuel consumption. The FIA had imposed a limit of 100 liters per fuel tank size and allowed only 25 refuelings. The idea was to add an extra level of difficulty for teams and to inspire creativity and innovation. By doing so, they were hopeful that new technology would be born that could trickle down to production vehicles.
Porsche chose to stick with the smaller engine and adapt a turbocharger, another attempt at combating the fuel restriction rules.
The body was very modern, aerodynamic, and elegant. Extensive use of exotic materials, and ground effects were employed that included a venturi positioned between the front wheels, rear wing, and rear venturi. The chassis was comprised of a very rigid monocoque comprised of aluminum and a composite body.
The Porsche 956 made its inaugural debut in 1982 at the Silverstone 6 Hour race, the second round of the World Championship for Makes. The car was piloted by the factory drivers, Jacky Ickx and Derek Bell. They missed the second round at the Nurburgring 1000km but returned for the running of the 25 Hours of LeMans. The cars led the entire race and captured the checkered flag. The three factory Porsche's finished in the top three positions.
After proving the potential of the 956, Porsche began selling them to privateers such as Kremer Racing, John Fitzpatrick, Richard Lloyd, Brumm Motorsports, and more. Porsche continued to make improvements to the vehicles such as reducing the overall weight by incorporating even lighter aluminum chassis. The aerodynamics were improved which made the car quicker and more fuel efficient. Additional safety features were added such as a tire pressure warning system. At the 1983 LeMans, the cars bearing the Porsche badge took nine out of the top ten positions.
The Porsche 962 was based on the 956 and intended for IMSA GTP class competition. To prepare the car for competition, the vehicle required changes to bring it into alignment with ever-changing rules and regulations. For 1984, rules stated that the pedal box had to be mounted behind the front axle. To comply, the wheelbase of the 956 was extended to accommodate additional space. A steel roll cage was also integrated into the car at the time.
The factory began work on a larger engine. In the meantime, Porsche had to find a replacement for the twin K27 turbochargers since twin-turbo's did not comply with GTP class racing regulations at the time. In its place, a single Kühnle, Kopp und Kausch AG K36 turbocharger was fitted.
Porsche named this updated version of the 956, the 962. Five examples were debuted at the 24 Hours of Daytona. One was driven by factory drivers, Mario and Michael Andretti, while the other four were privateer entrants. The factory car led most of the race and appeared that it would go on to claim overall victory, but it was side-lined due to engine and gearbox problems after 127 laps.
For the following season, Porsche created the 962C, which featured a 3.2-liter engine and twin-turbochargers. It was entered in the World Endurance Championship where it was beaten by a 956. For 1987, another new engine was introduced. Though it was in 3-liter form, it was more powerful and durable than the unit it was replacing. The engine carried Porsche to its seventh consecutive victory at the 24 Hours of LeMans.
The Porsche 956 and 962 were very dominate vehicles which lasted for nearly ten years. From 1985 through 1987 they won the IMSA GTP. They were World Sportscar Champions from 1982 through 1986 and are considered the most successful prototype race car in the history of motor sports.
During the early 1990s, Jochen Dauger was able to get the 962 reclassified as a GT1 road-legal car. They were raced at the 1994 24 Hours of LeMans and captured its final overall victory.
By Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2007
For more information and related vehicles, click hereThe 956 was an evolution of the 935 and 936 cars which had proven to be very competitive racers. Porsche chose to stick with the tried-and-true, reliable flat-six engine which had powered the Porsche 936 to a LeMans victory. It was fitted with an electronic engine management system to help reduce fuel consumption. The FIA had imposed a limit of 100 liters per fuel tank size and allowed only 25 refuelings. The idea was to add an extra level of difficulty for teams and to inspire creativity and innovation. By doing so, they were hopeful that new technology would be born that could trickle down to production vehicles.
Porsche chose to stick with the smaller engine and adapt a turbocharger, another attempt at combating the fuel restriction rules.
The body was very modern, aerodynamic, and elegant. Extensive use of exotic materials, and ground effects were employed that included a venturi positioned between the front wheels, rear wing, and rear venturi. The chassis was comprised of a very rigid monocoque comprised of aluminum and a composite body.
The Porsche 956 made its inaugural debut in 1982 at the Silverstone 6 Hour race, the second round of the World Championship for Makes. The car was piloted by the factory drivers, Jacky Ickx and Derek Bell. They missed the second round at the Nurburgring 1000km but returned for the running of the 25 Hours of LeMans. The cars led the entire race and captured the checkered flag. The three factory Porsche's finished in the top three positions.
After proving the potential of the 956, Porsche began selling them to privateers such as Kremer Racing, John Fitzpatrick, Richard Lloyd, Brumm Motorsports, and more. Porsche continued to make improvements to the vehicles such as reducing the overall weight by incorporating even lighter aluminum chassis. The aerodynamics were improved which made the car quicker and more fuel efficient. Additional safety features were added such as a tire pressure warning system. At the 1983 LeMans, the cars bearing the Porsche badge took nine out of the top ten positions.
The Porsche 962 was based on the 956 and intended for IMSA GTP class competition. To prepare the car for competition, the vehicle required changes to bring it into alignment with ever-changing rules and regulations. For 1984, rules stated that the pedal box had to be mounted behind the front axle. To comply, the wheelbase of the 956 was extended to accommodate additional space. A steel roll cage was also integrated into the car at the time.
The factory began work on a larger engine. In the meantime, Porsche had to find a replacement for the twin K27 turbochargers since twin-turbo's did not comply with GTP class racing regulations at the time. In its place, a single Kühnle, Kopp und Kausch AG K36 turbocharger was fitted.
Porsche named this updated version of the 956, the 962. Five examples were debuted at the 24 Hours of Daytona. One was driven by factory drivers, Mario and Michael Andretti, while the other four were privateer entrants. The factory car led most of the race and appeared that it would go on to claim overall victory, but it was side-lined due to engine and gearbox problems after 127 laps.
For the following season, Porsche created the 962C, which featured a 3.2-liter engine and twin-turbochargers. It was entered in the World Endurance Championship where it was beaten by a 956. For 1987, another new engine was introduced. Though it was in 3-liter form, it was more powerful and durable than the unit it was replacing. The engine carried Porsche to its seventh consecutive victory at the 24 Hours of LeMans.
The Porsche 956 and 962 were very dominate vehicles which lasted for nearly ten years. From 1985 through 1987 they won the IMSA GTP. They were World Sportscar Champions from 1982 through 1986 and are considered the most successful prototype race car in the history of motor sports.
During the early 1990s, Jochen Dauger was able to get the 962 reclassified as a GT1 road-legal car. They were raced at the 1994 24 Hours of LeMans and captured its final overall victory.
By Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2007
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 1985
Porsche
models |
| Porsche 911 Carrera |
| Porsche 911 Carrera Slant Nose |
| Porsche 928S |
| Porsche 944 |
| Porsche 962C | 1985 Porsche Concepts |
| Porsche Speedster Design Study |
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 | 1984 Porsche 962 |
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| Manufacturer Website |
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| 356 550/718 Sports Racing Cars 597 904 | 906 907 908 911 | 912 914 917 924 | 928 934/935 944 956 and 962 | 968 Boxster Carrera GT Cayenne | Cayman GT3 Panamera Type 959 |
| 1984 962 | 1986 962 |
