Vehicle Description
Chassis No. 962-122
No manufacturer has produced as many legendary sports racing
prototypes as Porsche, each representing a golden era in endurance
racing, both Stateside and abroad, from the 24 Hours at Daytona to
the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Beginning in 1984 the 962 scored 19 total
constructor's championships in various series, proving its mettle
in the United States in the IMSA GTP series, for which it was now
eligible, unlike its predecessor the 956.
Chassis 122, the car offered here, started its racing career in
earnest with Dyson Racing in 1987, outfitted with the highest
specification 3.0-liter 962/72 engine, putting out almost 700
horsepower. Following its rebuild with a replacement tub after a
practice accident, 122 finally took the track for the 12 Hours of
Sebring with past and future Le Mans winners Vern Schuppan and
Price Cobb. In only its second race, chassis 122 took Road Atlanta
by storm, winning the 500 km race outright with James Weaver and
Cobb, besting the Holbert Racing team and leading the pack of five
Porsches that finished in front. The strong results continued with
a fourth-place finish at Riverside with Rob Dyson himself behind
the wheel and a third-place finish at Lime Rock Park before an
unfortunate retirement at Mid-Ohio ended their race. Not to be
sidelined, however, chassis 122's season only got stronger as the
Dyson team raced at Portland (third place) and Sears Point (second
place), before victory was secured for a second time at Road
America. Beginning at Elkhart Lake, the team started racing with
Grand Prix driver and future Le Mans winner Johnny Dumfries. While
no further victories followed, it truly proved to be a very strong
season for Dyson Racing, as Cobb finished the season, runner-up in
the Championship.
Since its racing career ended after the 1987 IMSA season, 962-122
was sold two years later to its current owner, with whom it has
resided ever since. Ex-Holbert Racing team member Bob Russo
conducted a full cosmetic and mechanical restoration in the early
1990s and has cared for the car ever since. Outings at three
Rennsport Reunions have been particular highlights of the last 20
years as well as vintage racing events at Monterey and Daytona. Bob
Russo conducted a more recent chassis rebuild as well as the
installation of a new engine, built by Porsche Motorsport North
America
A Porsche 962 of any sort is an extraordinarily special sports
racing prototype. A car that was piloted by three different Le
Mans-winners, campaigned by the legendary Dyson team, and cared for
ever since by the same owner since 1989, is all the more unique.
This particular car, 962-122 is a formidable vintage racing
competitor and a blue chip historic racing Porsche by any
measure.
Offered on Bill of Sale