1987 Porsche 959 Komfort
Born in the mid-1980s the Porsche 959 it was a technological masterpiece filtering advancements across the 911 range well into the 1990s. Financially, it became a headache. Delays and cost overruns clouded the 959 production process in a fog that, in time, has been lifted to reveal the 959 for what it truly is: a dramatic engineering test bed for future technology bred on the race track.
Highlights
- One of only 292 production 959s
- Matching numbers 2.85-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six
- Original colors of Silver Metallic over ‘Interior to Sample’ Black leather upholstery
- French market example with just over 14,659 miles recorded at cataloging
- California Certificate of Conformance issued 24 April 2007
- California Smog legal Canepa ‘Stage One’ engine build with 600 hp, 540 lb-ft, upgraded 959 Sport suspension
- Recent service in late 2021 with an oil change, a new battery, and fresh tires
- Chassis No. WP0ZZZ95ZHS900051
- Engine No. 65H00162
- Body No. 5930087
History
In the early 1980s Porsche was desperate to prove their technological superiority learned throughout the previous decade’s racing efforts. The “Gruppe B” 959 project was created to display these advancements. Turbocharging, first used on the 917/10 Can-Am racing car in 1972, made its way three years later to their first turbocharged road car – the 1975 911 Turbo – and from it, to the 959. It was a similar story with engine cooling. Through their racing program, Porsche had reached a thermal limit with their air-cooled flat-six. Water-cooled heads appeared on the all-conquering Porsche 956 endurance racing prototype in 1982 and, just a few years later, the 959 was the beneficiary of these successful experiments. Self-leveling suspension, traction control, tire pressure monitoring, ABS, composite body construction all seem commonplace today but each of these systems was derived from racing and still in its infancy when applied to the 959.
Racing Goals
Porsche wasn’t content simply piecing together a supercar using racing parts. Porsche entered the 959 in two of the most demanding arenas offered in international motorsport: the 24 Hours of Le Mans (as the 961) and the Paris-Dakar Rally. The 959 was triumphant in both. Upon its debut at the 1986 24 Hours of Le Mans it finished first in class and seventh overall. The 959 fared even better across the desert sands of Africa in the ultimate test of endurance and durability, finishing first, second, and sixth in the 1986 edition of the Paris-Dakar Rally. By the time the 959 was ultimately ready for production all of the incredible technology, testing, and racing led to an issue that additional power or better handling could not solve. Porsche had drastically underestimated what the 959 program would cost and, ultimately, would lose money on each one sold. In effect, those fortunate enough to purchase a new 959 at approximately 430,000 DM ($225,000) were receiving a tremendous discount on the actual production cost.
Silver Bullet
According to a digital copy of its Porsche Certificate of Authenticity this 959 Komfort was completed on 13 April 1988 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, electrically adjustable sport seats for those cold French mornings. Furthermore the CoA confirm that it still retains the numbers matching ‘M959/50’ 2.85-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six it left the factory with in 1988.
Although its early European history currently remains unknown, further research indicates that after importation to the United States 23 May 2002 this 959 – like many – made its way to Scotts Valley, California home to Canepa Design. While there, chassis number 0051 was treated to Canepa’s ‘Stage One’ engine upgrade to increase output to 600hp. Canepa states that their ‘Stage One’ build includes Garrett AiResearch twin turbochargers, upgraded wastegates, new engine management system and ignition system, upgrades to the fuel system, alternator charge system and battery module, with titanium heat shielding and a redesigned stainless exhaust, exactly 369 new components in all during the rebuild. Additionally, Canepa noted that 0051 was fitted with 959 S style coil over suspension, removing the hydraulically adjustable suspension that can often prove problematic after 35 years.
Perfectly Updated
Later, 0051 was offered for sale by Canepa with 13,797 miles and transferred on 5 June 2015 to MTC Wholesale based in Campbell, California. In 2020 it found a home with its most recent caretaker in an impressive southern California automobile collection. While there, its history file indicates that it visited Fast Cars Ltd. of Redondo Beach, California at 14,430 miles for a thorough inspection which revealed that it was in need of an oil and filter change, a fresh battery, and new tires. A second invoice remedied small items noted but not attended to in the first, including wiper blades, electrical bulbs, and a tire balance.
Today, chassis number 0051 displays 14,659 miles and includes its very rare multi-piece tool kit and warning triangle contained in bags matched to the interior leather and a photocopy of its CoA with service records and paperwork stretching back to 2002. As history has shown, the 959 was the earth-shattering supercar of the 1980s pushing Porsche to new heights to feature an array of technological firsts wrapped up in one amazing, luxurious package. Rare is the opportunity to acquire a stellar example of Porsche’s first supercar located within the US. Recently serviced and featuring subtle performance modifications, this 959, with motorsport lineage coursing through its veins, awaits its next caretaker.
