Porsche 962/88 – The Autobiography of 962 011

Story by Glen Smale. All images courtesy of © Porter Press Int.

Porsche’s Type 956, 962 and 962C is the world’s most successful prototype race car ever produced. Developed specifically for the Group C class that ran between 1982 and 1992, and the IMSA series in the USA, these three versions of essentially the same car, dominated world sports car racing during his period.

While it was the mythical 917 that gave Porsche its first Le Mans 24 Hour victory in 1970, the mighty 12-cylinder racer was only eligible in Europe for two seasons (1970 & 1971). Porsche developed the 917 for the Can-Am series in the USA, which saw the manufacturer introduce the use of turbocharging. Porsche further experimented with turbocharging on the six-cylinder engines (934 & 935) and lessons learned here, proved invaluable in preparing the 956 for the 1982 season. When Porsche wanted to enter the 956 in the American IMSA series, the car was outlawed as the drivers feet sat ahead of the front axle line, a major safety issue for the US racing authorities.

Porsche 962/88 – The Autobiography of 962 011. © Porter Press Int.

Enter the 962, essentially the same car as the 956, but with the front axle moved forward in the chassis such that the pedal box and the drivers feet were located behind the front axle line. The IMSA required some additional mechanical changes, such as a single turbocharger, but in Europe twi-turbochargers were permitted. There the model was known as the 962C, where it competed in the World Sports-Prototype Championship (WSPC) and the Interseries. Later in the 1980s, the 962C was also dominant in the Supercup Supersprint, and the All-Japan Sports Prototype Championship. When the 956, 962 and 962C finally bowed out of competition in 1994, the result of technical advances by other manufacturers and the fact that Porsche no longer supported this model, it had amassed 232 international victories.

One of these phenomenal racer cars, namely Porsche 962-011, stands out as the most successful of the nineteen 962s produced by the factory. Renowned author, Serge Vanbockryck, gives an authoritative account of this very special car’s entire story, embracing 46 races and nine victories during a five-year active career that saw it compete in the highest echelons of sportscar racing in Europe, America and Japan.

Vanbockryck charts the genesis of chassis 962-011 ahead of the 1989 season, which was developed by the Porsche factory in conjunction with the Joest Racing team.A great first season for 962-011 included Bob Wollek’s victoryin the ADAC Supercup, Germany’s high-quality national sportscar championship, and with Frank Jelinski, he also scored the Porsche 956/962’s final and 39th world championship victory, vanquishing the dominant Sauber-Mercedes at Dijon.Four more seasons criss-crossing the Atlantic ensued(1990–93), to race mainly in the IMSA Championship in America and the Interserie in Europe. These accomplishments are all explained in detail in the book.

The author includes a day-to-day history of chassis 962-011 outlining in exhaustive technical detail. Here, every test and every race is recorded with all available data, from fuel consumption figures to pitstop times – any enthusiasts dream.

The list of drivers who campaigned this car reads like a who-is-who of the sportscar racing world of the day. There are in-depth profiles of each, including: Bob Wollek, Frank Jelinski, John Winter, Oscar Larrauri, Henri Pescarolo, Hurley Haywood, Jean-Louis Ricci, Danny Sullivan, Gianpiero Moretti, Manuel Reuter, Bernd Schneider, John Paul Jr and Chip Robinson.

Exclusive artwork depicts chassis 962-011 as it evolved over its five active seasons. These developments follow technical innovations and rule changes during the period, so it is very interesting to be able to compare the different body styles. The author has selected images to support the text from some of the world’s best motorsport photographers, greatly enhancing the visual experience. Finally, chassis 962-011 is shown in a special studio photoshoot and in action photos of its outings with various owner-drivers in recent years.

What Do You Get

The publication is packed with the fantastic history of a truly phenomenal race car in what was the top, most competitive echelon of motor racing. The level of research and attention to detail is to be commended. The narrative is easy to read, and presented in a clear and uncluttered style. This publication, the 19th in Porter’s ‘Great Cars’ series,and in the opinion of this reviewer, would make a valuable and worthy addition to any motorsport enthusiast’s automotive library. Make it a priority not to miss this one.