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1988 Porsche Type 959

Coupe
Chassis number: WPOZZZ95ZJS900153

The Porsche 953, a normally aspirated 911 with four-wheel drive, won the Paris-Dakar rally in 1984. This victory marked a significant achievement for Porsche and encouraged the company to set its sights higher. Porsche, with chief engineer Helmuth Bott, began work on creating a 'Super Porsche' - an all-wheel-drive, turbocharged Porsche with ride-height adjustment.

Work began on developing the 959 Group B sports car for racing, which required a minimum of 200 cars to be produced. Group B regulations limited displacement to a turbocharged powerplant of 2.85 liters. Porsche fitted their 959 was two turbochargers of differing sizes and differing intentions The smaller turbo was used for quick and initial throttle manipulation, while the larger turbo was initiated at 4,300 RPM. Total output produced by the engine was 450 horsepower, with the 158 hp/liter capacity making the highest specific output ever realized in a production car.

The transmission had six forward speeds and there four-wheel ventilated disc brakes with hydraulic assist and ABS. Top speed was achieved at 196 mph. The transaxle tube included Porsche's PSK variable-center differential, which manages the torque divisions between the front and rear axle. A second PSK is fitted in the rear axle to work as a form of limited-slip differential. This setup allowed the driver to adapt to road conditions by selecting between 'traction,' 'ice and snow,' 'wet' and 'dry' settings.

Equally impressive as the mechanical aspects of the car, the exterior design brought many firsts and some one-offs for Porsche. The rear of the car, rocker panels, fenders, and roof were comprised of composite materials. The hood and doors were made from aluminum, and the front fascia was fiberglass. The end result was an aerodynamic and rigid bodyshell.

The Porsche 959 was offered for sale to the Public beginning in 1987. In just two years, 284 customer cars were built and sold.

This Porsche 959 is a low-mileage example with just 1,250 miles on the odometer. It is finished in silver over gray leather and includes the expensive, leather trim package, which includes many leather-finished details from gauges to knobs.

The car has benefitted from a Canepa Design Phase II upgrade making it a street-legal automobile with many performance benefits. The Phase II engine system included elimination of the factory-sequential turbo system and installation of a new twin-turbo system, including new Garrett 'Disco Potato' ball-bearing turbos, redesigned waste gate with TiAL diaphragms and titanium heat shields. Camshaft timing was optimized, in addition to blueprinting all intake and exhaust-valve springs. It was given an upgraded fuel system, a modern engine management system with ADL, F1-technology engine-wiring harnesses, a high-output ignition system and various other components. It has a new stainless-steel exhaust system with Porsche original-equipment dual stainless catalytic. The entire clutch system has been modified and upgraded to improve pedal feel and actuation. The suspension was upgraded to 959 S specifications incorporating titanium coil-over springs and Canepa Design's new gas strut.

The engine now produces around 640 horsepower and 570 lbs/ft of torque. Zero-to-sixty is achieved in around 3 seconds with a top speed in excess of 200 mph.

In 2012, this car was offered for sale at the Amelia Island sale presented by Gooding & Company. It was estimated to sell for $400,000 - $500,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $495,000 inclusive of buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Coupe
Chassis number: WPOZZZ 862JS90093

There were a total of 283 Porsche 959's produced with 83 created as 'Sport' models and 200 as 'Komfort' versions intended for street use. The original price was $300,000 which was believed to be half of what it cost Porsche to produce. In other words, this was Porsche's gift to its special customers. This example, with chassis number WPOZZZ 862JS90093 was first owned by Rene Herzog of Switzerland. It was later sold to a private collector who resides in Paris, France. It was sold in 2001 to another owner.

It is painted in charcoal grey with two-tone matching interior.

by Dan Vaughan

Coupe
Chassis number: WP0ZZZ95ZJS900154
Engine number: 65H00150

When Porsche unveiled their Type 595 at the Frankfurt Auto Show in 1985, exceeding 200 mph in a street car was almost unfathomable. The Type 959 had a top speed of 197 mph, but it achieved that figure while carrying a number of features that were considered non-essential to chasing a world-record top speed, and many of which that had never been seen on a production car before. The cars were given a plethora of technological firsts for a factory-production road car. They had advanced materials such as carbon-Kevlar and aluminum to form the main tub and surrounding body panels. An adjustable suspension with rear hydraulics, an active four-wheel drive system, tire pressure sensors, and hollow-spoke magnesium wheels were all advanced technologies that were years ahead of their time.

With a hefty price tag of $300,000 per example, the company lost money on every one of the 283 it produced, earning the model its nickname of 'Porsche's Gift to its Favorite Customers.' Each car cost Porsche nearly twice its list price to build. Individuals in the United States who wanted to own a 959, was out of luck. The cars were not compliant with federal DOT and emissions standards. Though they were not legal to drive on the street, several influential Americans acquired Porsche's newest supercar under the newly created Show and Display law of 1999. The law was championed by 959 owners Bill Gates and Paul Allen.

Inside, the ignition switch resides on the left, and the guards are spread across the dash, with the tachometer located in the center. The leather-swathed seat pattern was new and unique to the 959, and the seats were electronically adjustable.

This particular 1988 959 Komfort left the factory in silver, with a burgundy leather interior and contrasting seat inserts in tri-tone silver and grey. The car was delivered new to Spain, and its first owner kept the car until 2006, when it was purchased by its second owner, Mr. Robert Slutz, also of Spain. In 2011, Mr. Slutz relocated to the United States, and this 959 was imported by Autosport Designs, Inc., in Huntington Station, New York, on his behalf.

The car has its original books, tools, first aid kit, jack, air compressor, and extra keys. The odometer currently shows just under 22,000 kilometers (approximately 13,000 miles).

The engine is a rear-mounted 2849cc horizontally opposed six-cylinder unit with twin two-stage turbochargers and intercooling. The engine produces 450 horsepower which is sent to all four wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. At all four corners are hydraulically ventilated disc brakes.

by Dan Vaughan

Coupe
Chassis number: WP0ZZZ95ZHS900149

This Porsche 959 Komfort is finished in a rare color of Graphite Grey metallic, with a Dark Grey leather interior with Silver inserts and Grey carpeting. It has the optional heated sports seats with electric height adjustment and seat inserts done in silver metallic. It was delivered new to Italy, and its first owner used it for personal use. The second owner was an American Porsche collector who properly imported it into the United States and had it registered for use on the road. The third owner is the vehicle's current owner, a Southern California-based collector. Currently, the odometer shows just 21,000 kilometers from new.

When new, the car carried a $300,000 price tag. They were the world's fastest production car, and were versatile enough to be used as a daily driver.

by Dan Vaughan

Chassis number: WP0ZZZ95ZJS900203

Even by today's standards, to have a supercar with a backseat seems practically impossible and not a little bit wrong. Porsche would not heed conventional wisdom, in fact, the company would be at the fore of laying out just what a supercar really was. Its tool for this teaching lesson would be its ground-breaking 959.

Only between 329 and 337 examples of the Porsche 959 would ever be produced, but if there was ever an opportunity to see one it had to be taken because each and every one would be integral to drafting the rules of exotic sportscars.

Chassis 900203 would be one of those rare examples of Porsche's supercar. A Komfort model option, the car was so far ahead of its time that it went a long way to redefine what was possible. Powered by a twin-turbocharged 2.8-liter flat-six engine producing more than 440hp. The result would be a sub-four second 0-60 time and a top speed of 190mph. All such figures were nearly unheard of at the time of its debut.

Produced in 1988, this particular example would be ordered from the factory by Dr. Friedrich Christian Flick. Flick's name would register in the memory of many being the grandson of Friedrich Flick, the Nazi sympathizer and founder of the Flick industrial empire.

Trained as a lawyer initially, Flick would turn his interests toward his other passion, which was that of an art collector. Living in Switzerland throughout the late-1970s and beyond, Flick would enjoy some famous relationships and would enjoy the finer things in life. The new Porsche supercar fit his lifestyle and name perfectly.

Featuring an exclusive Porsche finish that was used just three times, and complete with such comfortable amenities as custom-ordered leather, electric height adjustment, heated seats and an alarm system, the car was not only ahead of its time performance-wise.

Still presented with its original tool kit, handbooks, keys and custom-made leather folio with Dr. Flick's name, everything is nearly as it would have been when first delivered back in 1988.

About the only change from then to now is the number of miles registered on the odometer. Still, with just 32,000km miles, and the fact the car was maintained at the Porsche factory, it is little wonder why the car presents itself as it does.

Offered for sale as part of Gooding & Company's 2015 Pebble Beach auction, the 1988 959 would be one of a handful of top-end Porsches readied for new owners. And, it would be well-received.

Considered, at the time, the ultimate supercar, the 959 Komfort seemed to offer it all. Not only would it have the straight-line performance, but it would also add to it the handling. In fact, handling was to be optimized in the creation of the 959, and, given the car's reputation as a collector favorite just 20 years after its debut, it would be hard to argue that Porsche didn't achieve all of its goals, and then some.

Modern-day supercars are already commanding top money, certainly the 959 Komfort demanded such consideration itself. And, if the result at Pebble Beach this year is any indication, the 959 has not been overlooked, not by any stretch of the imagination.

Drawing pre-auction estimates ranging from between $1,600,000 and $1,800,000, the final sale price of $1,732,500 would do the reputation of the 959 Komfort justice.

by Jeremy McMullen

Coupe
Chassis number: WP0ZZZ95ZJS900152

This Porsche 959 was delivered new via Sonauto Porsche France to the original unknown owner. In 1992, it was sold to Werner Wollet of Germany at only 1,465 km. In 1999 it was purchased by Bruno Scarpellini of Italy at just 8,894 km. The current owner acquired it from Mr. Mr. Scarpellini at 27,955 km. It was then imported to the United States, and titled in Florida. In 2015, it received a comprehensive service work totaling over $32,000. It current retains its original jack, tool kit, owner's manual, air compressor, emergency warning triangle, and service book. The odometer currently shows less than 30,000 km.

by Dan Vaughan

Coupe
Chassis number: WP0ZZZ95ZJS900248

Porsche built 339 examples of the Type 959, including 242 Komfort street models. Their exclusivity was established by their price tag which was in the neighborhood of $300,000 new. The actual per-cost was double, making the Type 959 a gift from Porsche to its loyal customers.

This example was delivered new to Germany on October 28th of 1988. It is one of just three originally finished in black and, it is believed, the sold black-on-black example produced. It currently shows 10,000 km on its odometer. It remained in Germany until 2013, when it was sold to a new owner in Monaco and then to the current owner, who exported it to the United States.

This Type 959 is a special model, having been upgraded to the factory-developed Stage II specification by the Porsche Classic Centre in Stuttgart. It has smaller and faster-spooling turbochargers, more efficient intercoolers, and a remapped ECU. The result of these improvements is a horsepower rating of 542.6 BHP, nearly 100 more than stock.

After minor damage to the front of the car, a front bumper was sourced from Porsche. The entire car was then repainted, ensuring perfect finish matching.

The car has a six-speed manual transaxle, all-wheel drive, and four-wheel ventilated and cross-drilled disc brakes with ABS.

by Dan Vaughan

Coupe
Chassis number: WPOZZZ95ZJS90 5025

The twin-turbo all-wheel-drive Porsche 959 was Porsche's response to the challenge of creating the world's fastest street-legal production car. With an aerodynamically optimized body, a twin-turbo flat-six engine, an electronically controlled chassis, and an all-wheel-drive, the 959 was considered by many to be the most technologically advanced road-going sports car ever built when it hit the market. Of the 337 959s produced in the 1980s, only 29 of them left the factory as 'S' models.

When this particular 959S was shipped to the United States it was delivered to Canepa Design in Scotts Valley, California where the owner spent over $250,000 converting and upgrading the 959 to EPA specs. Upgrades included a Generation 2 575 horsepower engine performance package, wheel, fuel, suspension, and HID Headlight upgrade. The Alegra Collection acquired the car in 2009 and is the third owner since new.

Coupe

'Reiminaged' by Canepa. Considered Porsche's first 'Supercar,' the 959 was offered in a very limited quantity in 1987/1988. The 959 introduced new technology to Porsche and to the car world with advanced all-wheel drive, 6-speed manual transmission, twin turbocharging, center lock wheels, ABS brake system, lightweight body panels, etc. Canepa has further evolved this Porsche classic with upgrades in performance, handing, braking, lighting, etc. 825HP, new technology shock dampers with titanium springs, 18' magnesium hollow spoke wheels with Michelin radial tires, larger disc brake rotors, and much more. Completely disassembled, every component is restored, rebuilt, upgraded. In addition, every car is a 1 of 1 Porsche 'Paint to Sample' exterior color with individual custom interior finishes.

Coupe

When Porsche debuted the 959 in 1986, it was quite easily the most technologically advanced car in the world.

Its ride height and dampening suspension were electronically adjustable by knobs mounted in the center console. It featured the first tire pressure monitoring system in a production car, and an electronically controlled four-wheel-drive system that would adjust torque output to the rear axle depending on the mode it was set in. Its engine was based on that of the Le Mans winning 956, but featured a revolutionary sequential turbocharging system with valves controlled by the engine computer's microprocessor that would regulate the transition from single to both turbochargers operation.

Despite its original intent while being developed in 1983 was to compete in Group B rally, the production car became the world's fastest road-legal car, rivaled only by the Ferrari F40.

Naturally it caught the attention of the automotive world, including Microsoft cofounders Bill Gates and Paul Allen. They both ordered 959s- along with fellow Porsche aficionado Jerry Seinfeld- despite Porsche having no plan to federalize the 959 for importation into the USA. The cars were impounded as the model had not been crash tested or certified to pass emission laws. Not to be dissuaded- they pushed for an exemption to the era's importation laws and after thirteen years and the assistance of individuals such as Bruce Canepa, the 'Show and Display' amendment was passed in Congress. It granted eligibility for importation of cars without passing crash testing, emissions or other tests if it 'is of such historical or technological significance that it is in the public interest to show or display it in the United States even though it would be difficult or impossible to bring the vehicle into compliance with the federal motor vehicle safety standards.'

This 959 Komfort is the one purchased by Paul Allen, and one of the cars which initiated the push for the amendment to the United States Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Sta

Derived from the 911, the 959 was conceived in 1981 by Porsche's head engineer, Helmuth Bott, and approved by CEO Peter Schutz. The Group B rally car prototype introduced at the 1983 Frankfurt Motor Show and later as a legal production car from 1986 to 1989, although not legal in the United States. In 1986 the 959 won the Paris-Dakar Rally finishing 1st & 2nd. When introduced the twin-turbocharged 959 was the world's fastest street-legal production car, boasting a top speed of 195 mph, and 0-60 in 3.2 seconds.

It was hailed as the most technologically advanced road-going sports car ever built, and forerunner of all future super cars and one of the first high-performance vehicles with all-wheel drive. The powerplant, a twin sequential turbocharged six-cylinder boxer engine with an air-cooled block and water-cooled heads, displaced 2.85 liters, Porsche utilized aluminum and Kevlar composite for the body along with a Nomex floor resulting in a weight of 3,190 pounds.

The street version of the 959 debuted at the 1985 Frankfurt Motor Show. In total, 337 cars were built, including 37 prototypes and preproduction models. This 959 finished in Black Metallic is a 'Komfort' version that was Federalized for the United States by Canepa Design. Their modifications to the 959's turbo, exhaust and computer-control systems enabled the 959 to pass emissions requirements while extracting more power from the engine. Total power output from the Canepa-modified 959 is 570 horsepower.

Coupe
Chassis number: WP0ZZZ95ZJS900247
Engine number: 65H00306

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 Dan Vaughan

Coupe

Porsche built 337 examples (including 37 prototypes and pre-production models) of the Porsche 959 between 1986 and 1993. Designed by Helmuth Bott, the 959 was initially conceived as a Group B rally car. With help from its twin-turbocharged 2.8-liter flat-six engine delivering 444 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, it had a top speed of 197 mph (some variants could reach 211 mph), making it the world's fastest street-legal production car at the time. Among its numerous achievements, it was one of the first pure high-performance sports cars to employ all-wheel drive.

by Dan Vaughan

In 1981, the development of the 959 began. Helmut Bott, the head engineer at Porsche, wanted to create a sports car based on the 911 that would take their product to the next level in performance, technology, and design. He began by collaborating with Peter Schutz, the Managing Director at Porsche, about his ideas. The ideas proposed were to continue with the rear engine configuration, examine the potential of all-wheel drive, and put the prototypes through extensive testing and research in the form of racing competition.

Prior to 1999, the 959 was not street legal in the United States. The United States Department of Transportation required that all manufacturers supply four vehicles for crash testing - Porsche refused and thus, never certified by the NHTSA for use. In 1999, the 'Show and Display' crash test requirements were removed and importation of the 959 became legal. Emission regulations require the vehicle to be fitted with catalytic converters and other minor modifications to be made before it is street legal. Many owners refuse and their vehicles remain as showpieces rather than road-legal automobiles.

The 959 uses an aluminum and kevlar composite that keeps the vehicle low in weight while maintaining strength. The 2.8-liter engine is mounted in the rear while powering all 4-wheels. Instead of creating a new engine, Porsche used the twin-turbocharged Boxter six-cylinder power plant. The air-cooled block, 4-valve heads, and water-cooled cylinder heads, coupled with the turbochargers were capable of producing 450 horsepower. The engine had been used for multiple projects such as the Porsche Indy Car, 'Moby Dick' race car, and the 961. As a result of the lightweight car and extremely powerful engine, the car could propel from zero to sixty in just 3.6 seconds and had a top speed of nearly 200 miles per hour. When a car approaches 200 miles per hour, it becomes very unstable. To address these potential issues, Porsche engineered the aerodynamics, suspension, and automatic ride height to keep the car stable at speeds.

The all-wheel-drive system was very advanced. The Porsche-Steuer Kupplung (PSK) system was capable of changing the torque distribution between the front and rear wheels. This aided in slippery conditions, under hard acceleration, and other conditions that may cause a weight-distribution bias.

In 1983, the 961 version was introduced. This race-prepared version captured two wins at the 1984 and 1986 Paris-Dakar Rally. It was entered in the grueling 24 Hours of LeMans where it finished 7th place overall.

In 1987, the 959 street version of the 961 race car went on sale for a mere $225,000. Even at that hefty price tag, it was far less than what Porsche had paid to have it developed and produced. Production continued until 1990. During that time, 226 European street-legal examples were produced.

The Porsche 959 and 961, in all respects, were sports cars with supercar status.

by Dan Vaughan