1986 Porsche 962 Coupe

The Porsche 962 GT Prototype Race Car replaced the aging 935 and was actually a derivation of the 956 that had successfully campaigned in Europe during 1982 and 1983. The 956 would have also been offered to privateers in North America were it not for a discrepancy between IMSA's GTP regulations and FISA's Group C rules. IMSA rules forbade multiple turbocharged induction and pedal boxes ahead of the front-axle line. Instead of developing an entirely different platform for America, minor modifications to the 956 chassis were implemented. Weissach lengthened the 956 wheelbase, allowing sufficient space to place the pedal box behind the front-axle line. The 956's twin-turbocharged, 2.6-liter motor was replaced with a single KKK-turbocharged, 2.8-liter engine derived from the 935, and the IMSA-ready 962 was essentially born.

The factory debut for the prototype racer was at the 1984 24 Hours of Daytona, where it was driven by Mario and Michael Andretti. Despite a strong start, the car retired due to gearbox trouble. After further test work and modifications, customer cars began in April of 1984. Continued development and testing contributed to 46 wins in three years for Porsche's various IMSA teams, including the 1986 and 1987 24 Hours of Daytona and 13 wins during the 1987 season alone.

The IMSA-regulation 962 was so successful that Porsche modified the design for European Group C competition, using the 962C to win Le Mans in 1986 and 1987.

Chassis 962-122
This car was delivered new to Dyson Racing during the team's preparation for the Continental 500 at Watkins Glen, to be held on July 6, 1986. Dyson Racing is recognized by some experts as the longest-running American privateer team that has continuous support from the Porsche factory.

This car is the third of Dyson Racing's 962s. It was damaged during the Watkins Glen Continental 500 by driver Drake Olsen. The Dyson team sourced Richard Lloyd Racing to salvage components from the original car, which mostly consisted of body panels. The resulting car, chassis DR1 (Dyson Racing 1), sometimes referred to as 962-122A. That chassis is not to be confused with this authentic 962-122.

After the 1986 Watkins Glen incident, the damaged 962-122 chassis was removed from competition and retained by Dyson for possible use if the need arose. In 1989, Dyson Racing offered 962-122 to Kevin Jeannette, of Gunnar Racing in West Palm Beach, Florida. 962-122 would remain in his care in an unrestored state for about two years.

In 1991, the current owner of 962-122 contacted Mr. Jeannette about the possibility of purchasing a 962 chassis. An agreement was reached to repair 962-122's tub. In June of 1992, the current owner officially purchased the car.

The 962 remained in storage until the mid-2000s, when a full restoration commenced. A new original-stock fuel cell with a new foam insertion was acquired from Porsche. The older Motronic fuel system management system was upgraded to a Motec unit. All hydraulic components and lines were replaced or reconditioned as needed. The brake and clutch cylinders were replaced, and the brake calipers were rebuilt to factory standards and fitted with new rotors, pads, and properly anodized hardware.

The four-year restoration was completed in 2011. Upon completion, the car attended the Rennsport Reunion of 2011.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2014