Image credit: © conceptcarz.com (Reproduction Or reuse prohibited).
Porsche unveiled the 'Gruppe B Concept' in 1983 at the Frankfurt Auto Show, and subsequently as a production car in 1985. By the time production ceased in 1988, a total of 337 examples had been built, including 37 prototypes and pre-production models. An additional eight cars were assembled from spare parts from inventory during 1992 and 1993. The car's performance and attractive design were matched by its development costs - which nearly bankrupted Porsche. The MSRP of the 959 was 420,000 DM (around $300,000), but it is estimated that the company still lost 50% of its costs on each of the 292 standard units sold. Most of the 959s received Komfort trim, which included air conditioning, cabin insulation, seatbelts, an adjustable suspension system, and leather upholstery.
Disregarding any limitation, including cost, the Porsche 959 was the Paragon of the supercar market, setting benchmarks for technology and performance. Its existence began as a Group B rally car, eventually becoming a road-legal production car built to satisfy FIA homologation regulations. Capable of achieving a top speed of 197 mph (317 km/h), the twin-turbocharged 959 was the world's fastest street-legal production car at the time of its introduction.
Helmuth Bott's team of engineers at Porsche utilized innovative technologies to achieve unparalleled levels of performance. It was given an intelligent four-wheel-drive system, an adjustable suspension, lightweight Kevlar composite and aluminum body panels, and super-lightweight hollow-spoke magnesium wheels. Beneath its svelt body shell was a rear-mounted, race-proven flat-six engine that displaced 2.85 liters. The twin-turbocharged units had air-cooled cylinders and four-valve, water-cooled cylinder heads. One of the turbochargers produced low-end boost, while the second exhaust-driven turbine came into play at 4,500 rpm. Despite its small size, the engine produced 450 horsepower at 6,500 RPM.
A specially designed Borg-Warner six-speed transmission included a low 'Gelande' gear for use in off-road situations. The PSK (Porsche-Steuer-Kupplung) system allowed the driver to vary the 370 pound-feet of torque between the front and rear axles. Under hard acceleration, up to 80 percent of power/torque could be electronically transferred rearward.
The race-derived suspension used double-wishbones at each corner, with coil springs and double shocks that could be adjusted by the turn of a knob from the driver's seat. The shock damping and ride height were electronically adjustable, accommodating a variety of driving scenarios and situations. The 17-inch lightweight magnesium alloy wheels were wrapped with model-specific run-flat tires and controlled by power-assisted, ventilated disc brakes with ABS.
Chassis number WP0ZZZ95ZJS900247 : 1988 Porsche 959 Komfort
The first owner of this 959 Komfort example, number 247, was German real estate and construction magnate Franz Sallinger who purchased it directly from the factory in August 1988 and had it registered with the vanity plate 'MYK E 959.' It was finished in the color combination of Polar Silver over a full Dark Grey leather interior and fitted with a pair of heated, electronically adjustable sport seats.
After spending time in Japan, this Porsche was acquired by its current caretaker approximately three decades ago (around 2003). Currently, the car has fewer than 9,500 kilometers (5,900 miles) on its odometer.By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2024
Disregarding any limitation, including cost, the Porsche 959 was the Paragon of the supercar market, setting benchmarks for technology and performance. Its existence began as a Group B rally car, eventually becoming a road-legal production car built to satisfy FIA homologation regulations. Capable of achieving a top speed of 197 mph (317 km/h), the twin-turbocharged 959 was the world's fastest street-legal production car at the time of its introduction.
Helmuth Bott's team of engineers at Porsche utilized innovative technologies to achieve unparalleled levels of performance. It was given an intelligent four-wheel-drive system, an adjustable suspension, lightweight Kevlar composite and aluminum body panels, and super-lightweight hollow-spoke magnesium wheels. Beneath its svelt body shell was a rear-mounted, race-proven flat-six engine that displaced 2.85 liters. The twin-turbocharged units had air-cooled cylinders and four-valve, water-cooled cylinder heads. One of the turbochargers produced low-end boost, while the second exhaust-driven turbine came into play at 4,500 rpm. Despite its small size, the engine produced 450 horsepower at 6,500 RPM.
A specially designed Borg-Warner six-speed transmission included a low 'Gelande' gear for use in off-road situations. The PSK (Porsche-Steuer-Kupplung) system allowed the driver to vary the 370 pound-feet of torque between the front and rear axles. Under hard acceleration, up to 80 percent of power/torque could be electronically transferred rearward.
The race-derived suspension used double-wishbones at each corner, with coil springs and double shocks that could be adjusted by the turn of a knob from the driver's seat. The shock damping and ride height were electronically adjustable, accommodating a variety of driving scenarios and situations. The 17-inch lightweight magnesium alloy wheels were wrapped with model-specific run-flat tires and controlled by power-assisted, ventilated disc brakes with ABS.
Chassis number WP0ZZZ95ZJS900247 : 1988 Porsche 959 Komfort
The first owner of this 959 Komfort example, number 247, was German real estate and construction magnate Franz Sallinger who purchased it directly from the factory in August 1988 and had it registered with the vanity plate 'MYK E 959.' It was finished in the color combination of Polar Silver over a full Dark Grey leather interior and fitted with a pair of heated, electronically adjustable sport seats.
After spending time in Japan, this Porsche was acquired by its current caretaker approximately three decades ago (around 2003). Currently, the car has fewer than 9,500 kilometers (5,900 miles) on its odometer.By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2024
2023 RM Sothebys : Monterey
Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $1,000,000-USD $1,500,000
Sale Price :
USD $1,710,000
1988 Porsche Type 959 Auction Sales
Recent Sales of the Porsche Type 959
(Data based on Model Year 1988 sales)
1988 Porsche 959 Komfort Sold for USD$1,930,000 2024 Broad Arrow : Porsche Air|Water | |
1988 Porsche 959 SC Reimagined by Canepa Chassis#: WP0ZZZ95ZHS900022 Sold for USD$3,085,000 2024 Broad Arrow Auctions : Amelia | |
1988 Porsche 959 'Komfort' Chassis#: WP0ZZZ95ZHS900149 Sold for USD$1,765,000 2023 RM Sothebys : Las Vegas | |
1988 Porsche 959 Komfort Chassis#: WP0ZZZ95ZJS900247 Sold for USD$1,710,000 2023 RM Sothebys : Monterey | |
1988 Porsche 959SC Reimagined by Canepa Chassis#: WP0ZZZ95ZJS900214 Sold for USD$2,920,000 2022 RM Sothebys : The Youngtimer Collection - Miami | |
1988 Porsche 959 Komfort Chassis#: WPOZZZ95ZJS900207 Sold for USD$1,496,548 2022 Bonhams : Les Grandes Marques a Monaco | |
1988 Porsche 959 Komfort Chassis#: WP0ZZZ95ZJS900234 Sold for USD$1,823,104 2021 RM Sothebys : St. Moritz, Switzerland | |
1988 PORSCHE 959 COMFORT Sold for USD$1,040,009 2018 Coys - Blenheim Palace | |
1988 Porsche 959 Komfort Chassis#: WP0ZZZ95ZHS900108 Sold for USD$1,056,000 2017 Gooding & Company : Pebble Beach | |
1988 Porsche 959 Komfort Chassis#: WP0ZZZ95ZHS900149 Sold for USD$950,000 2017 Mecum : Monterey | |
1988 Porsche 959 Sport Chassis#: WP0ZZZ95ZJS905011 Sold for USD$2,097,200 2017 RM Sotheby's : Paris | |
1988 Porsche 959 Komfort Chassis#: WP0ZZZ95ZJS900182 Sold for USD$1,089,000 2017 Gooding & Co. : Scottsdale, AZ | |
1988 PORSCHE 959 ROADSTER RE-CREATION Chassis#: DMV55214NV Sold for USD$21,450 2017 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale | |
1988 Porsche 959 'Komfort' Chassis#: WP0ZZZ95ZJS900133 Sold for USD$1,078,560 2016 RM Sothebys : Duemila Ruote | |
1988 Porsche 959 Komfort Chassis#: WP0ZZZ95ZHS900108 Sold for USD$1,320,000 2016 Gooding & Company : Pebble Beach | |
1988 Porsche 959 Komfort Sold for USD$1,250,000 2016 Auctions America : Santa Monica | |
1988 Porsche 959 'Komfort' Stage II Chassis#: WP0ZZZ95ZJS900248 Sold for USD$1,012,480 2016 RM Sotheby's : Monaco | |
1988 Porsche 959 Komfort Chassis#: WPOZZZ95ZHS900082 Sold for USD$559,971 2016 Bonhams : The Monaco Sale | |
1988 Porsche 959 Komfort Chassis#: WP0ZZZ95ZJS900152 Sold for USD$1,120,000 2016 Gooding & Company : The Amelia Island Auction | |
1988 Porsche 959 'Komfort' Chassis#: WP0ZZZ95ZJS900154 Sold for USD$1,210,000 2015 RM Sotheby's : Monterey |
Porsche Type 959s That Failed To Sell At Auction
1988 Porsche Type 959's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
Vehicle | Chassis | Event | High Bid | Est. Low | Est. High |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1988 Porsche 959 Komfort | WP0ZZZ95ZJS900155 | 2024 Broad Arrow : Monterey | $1,800,000 | $2,200,000 | |
1988 Porsche 959 Komfort | WPOZZZ95ZJS900240 | 2024 Bonhams : Miami | $1,750,000 | $2,000,000 | |
1988 Porsche 959 Sport | WP0ZZZ95ZJS905030 | 2019 Gooding & Company : Pebble Beach | $2,000,000 | $2,400,000 | |
1988 Porsche 959 Comfort | 2018 Coys : Schloss Dyck | ||||
1988 Porsche 959 Comfort | WPOZZZ95ZHS900023 | 2018 Coys : Legende et Passion Monaco 2018 | $800,000 | $850,000 | |
1988 Porsche 959 Komfort | WP0ZZZ95ZJS900199 | 2017 RM Sothebys : Villa Erba | $925,000 | $1,050,000 | |
1988 Porsche 959 Komfort | WP0ZZZ95ZJS900248 | 2017 Gooding & Company : Amelia Island | $1,000,000 | $1,250,000 | |
1988 Porsche 959 | WPOZZZ95ZJS900032 | 2016 Rétromobile 2016 by Artcurial Motorcars | $1,200,000 | $1,400,000 | |
1988 Porsche 959 Komfort | WP0ZZZ95ZJS900191 | 2016 RM Sothebys : Arizona | $800,000 | $1,100,000 | $1,400,000 |
1988 Porsche 959 | WPOZZZ95ZJS900216 | 2009 Bonham Les Grandes Marques à Monaco | $200,000 | $250,000 | |
1988 Porsche 959 Coupe | WPOZZZ95ZJ5900105 | 2005 Bonhams Sports, Competition & Collectors' Motor Cars, F1 Memorabilia, Automobilia & Models | $100,000 | $120,000 |
Vehicles With Comparable Market Values
Similar sales to the $1,094,279 range.
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster Chassis#:198.042.7500315 Sold for $1,105,000 2024 RM Sothebys : Monterey | |
2006 Porsche Carrera GT Chassis#:WP0ZZZ98Z6L000079 Sold for $1,086,633 2024 RM Sothebys : The Tegernsee Auction | |
1914 Sunbeam Tourist Trophy Race Car Sold for $1,105,000 2024 Gooding & Company : Pebble Beach | |
1930 BUGATTI TYPE 46 SEMI-PROFILÉE COUPE Chassis#:46136 Sold for $1,105,000 2024 Gooding & Co: Selections From The Mullin Collection Auction | |
1957 MERCEDES-BENZ 300 SL ROADSTER Chassis#:198.042.7500473 Sold for $1,105,000 2024 Gooding & Co: Selections From The Mullin Collection Auction | |
2022 FERRARI SF90 SPIDER Chassis#:ZFF96NMAXN0278208 Sold for $1,100,000 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Palm Beach | |
1954 Dodge Firearrow IV by Carrozzeria Ghia Chassis#:9999708 Sold for $1,100,000 2024 Broad Arrow Auctions : Amelia | |
1980 BMW M1 Procar Chassis#:4301302 Sold for $1,095,350 2024 Artcurial : Retromobile | |
2015 McLaren P1 Chassis#:SBM12ABB7FW000285 Sold for $1,104,534 2024 RM Sothebys : Paris | |
DONALD J. TRUMPS 1997 LAMBORGHINI DIABLO VT ROADSTER Chassis#:ZA9RU37B3VLA12842 Sold for $1,100,000 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale AZ | |
1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE CUSTOM CONVERTIBLE Chassis#:194677S109249 Sold for $1,100,000 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale AZ | |
1954 Aston Martin DB2/4 Coupe by Bertone Chassis#:LML/765 Sold for $1,105,000 2023 RM Sothebys : New York | |
2016 Porsche 911 R Chassis#:WP0AF2A94GS195255 Sold for $1,105,000 2023 RM Sothebys : The White Collection | |
1995 Porsche 911 Type 993 GT2 Chassis#:WP0ZZZ99ZTS392109 Sold for $1,093,969 2023 Bonhams : The Zoute Sale | |
2012 Lexus LFA Chassis#:JTHHX8BH5C1000184 Sold for $1,105,000 2023 RM Sothebys : Monterey | |
2020 Ford GT Mk II Chassis#:FP-MM-MKII-001 Sold for $1,088,500 2023 RM Sothebys : Monterey | |
1956 Chrysler 300B Coupe Speciale by Boano Chassis#:3N561171 Sold for $1,105,000 2023 RM Sothebys : Monterey | |
1937 Delage D8-120 Letourneur et Marchand Coach JeL Chassis#:50789 Sold for $1,105,000 2023 Broad Arrow : Monterey Jet Center | |
1950 Maserati A6GCS 2000 'Monofaro' by Fantuzzi Chassis#:2012 Sold for $1,088,500 2023 RM Sothebys : Amelia Island | |
1930 Cadillac V-16 Roadster by Fleetwood Sold for $1,105,000 2023 RM Sothebys : Amelia Island |
1988 Porsche Type 959
• Additional valuation insight and sales data• History
• Specifications
• Image gallery
• Other Porsche Type 959 model years