The Porsche 959 redefined the sports car market in late 1980s with its many technological advancements that have since become standard on most modern supercars. In comparison to the Ferrari F40 and Lamborghini Countach, which were very raw, simple machines, the 959 had many electronic and mechanical improvements that made the 959 the most luxurious, reliable and tractable. Alongside Lamborghini’s Countach and Ferrari’s F40 and 288 GTO, the 959 was not only a “poster car” for a generation of automotive enthusiasts, but also the least produced with only 292 examples built.
Powered by a flat-6 engine derived from the successful 962 race car, the 959 used water-cooled heads instead of air-cooling as the thermal limit could not accommodate the 444 HP output of the 959. Power was fed through a specially designed BorgWarner 6-speed transmission, which includes an extremely low “Gelände” gear for use in off-road situations, which the Type 961 rally car might have encountered. Porsche’s Porsche-Steur-Kupplung (PSK) system allowed the driver to vary the 370 lb-ft of torque between the rear and front axles, allowing up to 80% to the rear under hard acceleration, all managed electronically.
Both the ride height and shock damping were electronically adjustable, and a full array of instruments kept the driver in touch with everything going on behind and beneath. Kevlar composite was used for the aerodynamic body, which includes the famous wraparound, basket-handle rear spoiler that has become the signature styling element of the 959. Special 17-inch, lightweight, magnesium alloy wheels and model-specific run-flat tires were created for the 959, and the wheels included one of the first automatic pressure-monitoring systems. Large, power-assisted, ventilated disc brakes with ABS handled stopping chores.
The 959’s staggering performance capabilities were eclipsed only by its development costs, which nearly bankrupted Porsche. Despite an MSRP of $300,000 U.S. dollars, the company still lost 50% of its costs on each of the 292 standard units sold.
This 1987 Porsche 959 Komfort was completed on April 13, 1988 and delivered new to France finished in S7 Silver Metallic with an “Interior to Sample” (99) in black leather, a color combination it still retains to this day. As the standard 959 was so well equipped, this Komfort was simply optioned with an alarm system and heated and electrically adjustable sport seats. As per the copy of the Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, it retains the matching-numbers “M959/50” 2.85L twin-turbocharged flat-6 engine.
In May 2002, it was imported into the U.S. to Canepa Design in Scotts Valley, California. It then received its California Certificate of Conformance in 2007, which allows it to be smog legal and registered in the state of California. While at Canepa Design, it was given a “Stage One” engine upgrade, increasing horsepower to 600 HP. The work included the addition of Garrett AiResearch twin turbochargers, upgraded wastegates, a new engine management system and ignition system, upgrades to the fuel system, an alternator charge system and battery module, titanium heat shielding and a redesigned stainless exhaust. A total of 369 new components were added during the build. Additional updates made by Canepa included a 959 S-style coilover suspension and removal of the hydraulically adjustable suspension that can often prove problematic after 35 years.
With only 14,679 miles showing on the odometer, this California smog-legal 959 has been well cared for and serviced extensively throughout its lifetime and is accompanied by a very rare multipiece tool kit, owner’s manuals, two large service binders from Canepa, a copy of the COA, import documentation and a warning triangle contained in bags matched to the interior leather. The 959 is one of the most important and impressive supercars ever produced, and this one could be the ultimate Porsche in any collection.
This vehicle will be featured at the Mecum Auctions event in Kissimmee, Florida, known as The World’s Largest Collector Car Auction®. The auction will showcase more than 4,000 cars and thousands of Road Art items. The event is scheduled to take place from January 2 to 14, 2024. To explore more cars and participate in onsite, telephone, or online bidding, visit https://www.mecum.com/auctions/kissimmee-2024/.
