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1987 Porsche 959 Komfort
s/n WP0ZZZ95ZHS900113 engine no. *65H00147*
India Red with Grey Interior

The Porsche 959 is nothing short of legendary. Far and away the most advanced supercar of its era, the car pioneered a genre of technologically intensive supercars that is now familiar to car enthusiasts. Through its use of advanced technology, Porsche created an absolutely sensational machine that caused a paradigm shift in terms of performance, in addition to demonstrating that intelligence rather than brute force was the wave of the future for world class supercars.

The technological specification, while impressive now, was absolutely space age in the mid 1980’s when the car was developed, unveiled, and produced. The 959’s purpose was to homologate the car for Gruppe B rallying in accordance with FIA regulations, which required the construction of at least 200 units. Everything about the car, from its chassis to its suspension to its driveline to its aerodynamics was redeveloped using the most advanced technology. The body was made in aluminum and Kevlar composites (depending on the panel), and even Nomex in the floor. The aerodynamics were carefully reworked to provide zero lift, with flat undertray, and even the removal of the rain gutters, which reportedly reduced lift considerably and increased the top speed by several miles per hour. The powerplant was a turbocharged flat-6, but bore little resemblance to the Porsche 930 Turbo that was then in production. It displaced not 3.3 liters like the contemporary Porsche Turbo, but 2.85 liters, and employed titanium connecting rods and twin sequential turbochargers. Additionally, the cylinder heads were 4-valve units and were liquid cooled (a first for a rear-engined Porsche), and the engine was essentially a street-going version of the 935 Moby Dick engine. Power was rated at 450hp, which coupled with the all wheel drive system, provided searing acceleration, with 0-60 in about 3.6 seconds. The top speed was well north of the magic 300kph mark (186 mph) and was nearer to 200mph.

An all wheel drive system with four manually selectable programs (dry, wet, ice, traction) transmitted power to the wheels, and the system would automatically apportion torque based on the conditions. An unusual gauge on the dashboard indicates to the driver the amount of torque being supplied to the front axle, as well as the amount of slip occurring at the front. The suspension represented a radical departure for Porsche at the time, with McPherson struts all round and double wishbones. The ride height was adjustable at the twist of a knob to provide massive clearance if need be (as befits a rally car), while the gearbox was a 6-speed unit, a first for a production street car. The level of attention that went into the 959 is nothing short of spectacular. No detail was overlooked. The alloy wheels were magnesium with hollow spokes, and even the windscreen seals were re-engineered to reduce drag. The cars cost over $200,000 in 1987, but purportedly the cars cost Porsche approximately $530,000 each to produce. Approximately 300 examples were built, and the cars were never certified for sale in the United States. Only in 1999 with the passage of the show and display clause were 959s able to be imported in small numbers for limited use (less than 2500 miles a year). A handful of cars were imported and this is one such car, with comes with Department of Transportation paperwork to certify the car’s legality.

This particular car is a wonderfully unmolested two-owner car from new. A “Komfort” model which has a full complement of comfort equipment, this car was delivered new to a South African fellow in Stuttgart on the 5th of May 1988. He eventually brought the car with him to the United States, and then sold the car to its current owner in 2005. The car has service invoices from the last 8 years, indicating consistent regular servicing. The car is extraordinarily complete, with the following equipment: original 959-specific tool roll with tools, white leather gloves, Porsche cloth, spark plugs, Stahlwille center lock wheel wrench with socket and pouch, warning triangle (with instructions sheet), jack, 959-specific manual pouch (embossed with 959 silhouette and original owner’s name) with service directory, driver’s manual, maintenance booklet, Blaupunkt radio manual, Bridgestone RE71 supplement (959-specific as well), tire pressure gauge, two first aid kits, first encounter cassette, two shop manuals (one with Burgundy hard bound cover, one loose leaf), compressor with pouch, hanging sales tag, sales brochure, books, scale model, and sterling silver 959 key fob supplied with the cars, and diagnostic tester. The car was featured on the cover of Panorama magazine in 2009, and there are two copies of the issue included as well.

The car is in wonderfully preserved cosmetic condition. The paint and bodywork are excellent, with no significant damage or wear. The paint appears to be original and is exceptional considering this, with only a handful of small blemishes. Clear bra has been applied to the front of the car, as well as the leading edge of the rear fenders, and the door edges, and this has protected the paintwork. The lights are excellent as well, as is the glass, save for a few areas of delamination at the edge of the windscreen. The windscreen is the original coated Sekuriflex windscreen and is otherwise excellent. There appears to be no other evidence of restorative work, and the wheels are presentable, but close inspection reveals a few chips to the finish, but no dents or kerbing. The trim is excellent across the board, and the overall impression is of a carefully used and stored low mileage car that has the appearance of a car that is just a few years old.

The interior is also extremely nice, with near new presentation throughout, with the only exception being some wear on the driver’s seat bolster. As a Komfort model, the car has power seat height adjustment and full leather, which covers the seats, upper and lower dash, center console, door panels, sun visors, and rear parcel shelf. While the interior feels familiar to anyone who has spent any time with a 911, there are a number of details to indicate that this is a very special car indeed. The high center tunnel presaged the later 964’s configuration, yet the font and warning lights employed on the instruments reflect the then current Carrera 3.2. The gear shift knob has the lowest gear ratio indicated by a letter G (for Gelände or terrain), with the remaining gears labeled 1-5 in a dogleg pattern, rather than a conventional 1-6 pattern. The rightmost instrument, instead of being a clock, is devoted to the all wheel drive system, and has indicator lights for the traction program, and gauges for the front axle slip and power distribution. The condition of the switches and controls is excellent, and the headliner and the extensive leather trim are also excellent. The carpets show no significant wear, and there are overmats in place as well. The leather is actually metallic in color, making for a very interesting and high tech look.

The engine compartment and trunk are extremely clean throughout, and original in configuration. The trunk is fully carpeted and in good shape, and the engine compartment is very clean as well.

The car runs and drives extremely well. It is extraordinarily easy to drive, and will feel very familiar to anyone who has driven a 911. As expected, the thrust at the upper rev range is extremely intense, but the car is otherwise extremely docile and easy to use. The height adjustable suspension works correctly, and overall, the car is a totally usable supercar that can go extremely fast with minimal effort and drama.

This is an extraordinarily unusual opportunity to acquire a genuine unmolested 959 that has never been modified. The car even wears Bridgestone RE71 tires, which were the original tires designed specifically for the 959. The car has excellent history with just two owners from new, and is legally in the United States under the “Show and Display” clause, with the supporting DoT paperwork. It is worth noting, however, that this is a 49-state car. The car is extraordinarily complete, with all of the 959 unique equipment, which is extremely difficult, if not impossible to replace if missing.

Click here to watch a video of the adjustable height suspension in action.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.