1985 Porsche 959 Coupe

In the early 1980s, Porsche began work on a Group B version of its upcoming all-wheel drive 959 model that was intended for racing and rallying. As part of the new model's development program, Porsche constructed a normally aspirated 959 rally car incorporating the 959's new four-wheel-drive setup, suspension and bodywork. Three of these 959s were prepared at the factory racing headquarters in Weissach for the 1985 edition of the Paris-Dakar Rally Raid. Chassis 010015 was one of the three 1985 cars. It was driven by Rene Metge and Dominique Lemoyne in the 1985 Paris-Dakar Rally as entry number 186. The Porsche DNF'd half way through the race due to a broken oil line. In 1986, Porsche again entered three specially prepared 959s. The car finished 6th, 2nd, and 1st overall, with the winning Porsche piloted by the same team of Metge and Lemoyne. Chassis 010015 is one of six total and four surviving 959s built to contest the Paris-Dakar Rally in 1985 and 1986. It is the only complete example in private hands.

Seven development 959 rally cars were eventually produced. Three were built for 1985 and 1986, respectively, as well as one Le Mans prototype, dubbed the Type 961. Four of these have been retained by the Porsche motorsports department or museum, while one car was destroyed in the 1985 Rallye des Pharaons in Egypt, and another was subsequently sold by Porsche as a bare shell and rebuilt. This particular example, chassis number 010015, is one of only two 959 rally cars in private hands.

This car is one of three cars prepared specifically for the 1985 Paris-Dakar Rally. These 959 test mules were developed from 911 SC chassis and then substantially modified to 959 specifications. Utilizing the naturally aspirated 3.2-liter Carrera engine, all three cars were given a new a new heavy-duty suspension and electronically administered four-wheel drive.

This 959 was entered in the 1985 Dakar Rally as number 186 and driven by Dominique Lemoyne and René Metge. It won two stages before suffering a ruptured oil line, forcing its withdrawal from the rally. After the race, it was shelved from further competition use, and eventually entered a short chain of private ownership.

This Porsche was used for three years at the Goodwood Festival of Speed from 2004–2006, where it was also driven by Mr. Ickx and his daughter Vanina. In 2008, it won its class at the Quail Motorsports Gathering in Carmel Valley, California, and later displayed in the lobby of the Royal Automobile Club in London.

This car is fitted with engine number 380621, a 3.0-liter Carrera motor.

By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2019