Vehicle Description
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Porsche's first and most important Supercar
Special order "Paint to Sample" Garnet Metallic paint
8,152 original miles (13,119 km)
Only 292 production models hand built in 1987/1988
Porsche Certificate of Authenticity
Finished at the factory on April 13, 1988, this 959 was special
ordered with "Paint to Sample" Garnet Metallic paint. First
registered in England on June 1st 1988, its first owner would keep
the car until 2003. After being fully serviced at the Porsche
Center Reading in England on July 24, 2003, with 3979 km on the
odometer it was sold to its second owner.
The car remained in England, and when it was inspected in September
of 2003 it had only 3,988 km. Over the years the car was cared for
in a private collection before being brought to the United States
by Canepa. During its time here, this 959 underwent Canepa
upgrades: 959S type suspension, new Canepa 18" Magnesium hollow
spoke wheels with Michelin PS4 high-performance radial tires, full
black leather custom interior upgrade, Porsche Classic Radio, and
complete mechanical systems recommissioning.
About the 959
The Porsche 959 was by far the most technologically advanced
sportscar when it was introduced in 1985. Their timeless design,
state-of-the-art systems, and superior driving characteristics make
them one of the greatest sports cars of all time. ? ?
In the early 1980's, to the joy of race fans worldwide, FISA
introduced its new Group B road regulations. To qualify for
homologation, manufacturers would have to produce and sell 200 road
versions of their cars. Only two stepped up to the challenge:
Ferrari with its 288 GTO and Porsche with its 959.
Porsche developed the ultimate powerplant; a twin-turbocharged 2.8
liter six-cylinder boxer engine with an air-cooled block and
water-cooled heads. The motor had originally been developed for the
"Moby Dick" race car and then been redeveloped slightly for the
short-lived Porsche Indy Car before being "tweaked" a last time for
use in the 961, the 959's racing counterpart. The water-cooled
cylinder heads combined with the air-cooled block, 4-valve heads
and sequential turbochargers allowed Porsche to extract 450 hp from
the compact, efficient, and rugged power unit. The engine was
coupled to a unique 6-speed manual transmission, which was the
first 6-speed sold in a streetcar.
To create a lightweight shell, Porsche adopted an aluminum and
Aramid (Kevlar) composite body over steel shell along with a Nomex
floor, instead of the steel normally used on their production cars.
The vehicle's weight of 3,190 pounds (1,450 kg) helped to achieve
its high performance level. ? ?
Porsche also developed the car's aerodynamics, with "zero lift."
The 959 also featured the most advanced all-wheel-drive system
available in a production car. Capable of dynamically changing the
torque distribution between the rear and front wheels, the PSK
system gave the 959 the adaptability it needed both as a race car
and as a "super" street car. Under hard acceleration, PSK could
send as much as 80% of available power to the rear wheels. It could
also vary the power bias depending on road surface and grip
changes, helping maintain traction at all times. The magnesium
alloy wheels were unique, being hollow inside to form a sealed
chamber contiguous with the tire.
This concours quality 959 has been completely mechanically
recommissioned by Canepa. In addition, Canepa upgrades include our
959S type suspension with titanium springs and current technology
shock dampers, new Canepa 18" hollow spoke magnesium alloy TUV
tested wheels and Michelin PS4 radial performance radial tires,
full black leather interior upgrades, and Porsche new Classic
Radio.
Performance, incredible handling, and a luxury ride experience make
the Porsche 959 the ultimate "Supercar." - Bruce Canepa
