Photography: Bonhams|Cars
The second-to-last Porsche 959 to leave the factory is being auctioned at Bonhams|Cars’ Quail Auction, with a high estimate of $2m.
Considered Porsche’s first true supercar, the 959 was developed in the early 1980s to compete in the Group B rally series. The Type 959 features a composite body made from aluminium, carbon fibre, and Kevlar and is powered by a 2,850 cc DOHC flat-six engine derived from the 962 race car, complete with water-cooled heads. Turbocharged, it boasts all-wheel drive, self-levelling suspension, and ABS brakes.
Photography: Bonhams|Cars
Photography: Bonhams|Cars
Photography: Bonhams|Cars
Photography: Bonhams|Cars
Some 292 Komfort and 29 lighter sports variants were built as part of the 959 Series I run through 1988, after which Porsche ceased production. An unknown buyer convinced Porsche to briefly revive the model, leading to the production of six Series II 959s between 1992 and 1993, including chassis 291, which will be auctioned on August 16 at the Quail Lodge & Golf Course in Carmel, California.
Chassis 291 was sent from the factory to East Asia before being sold to a series of European collectors, including Anthony Maclean, Peter Livanos, and Juan Baraz.
According to Bonhams|Cars, the car has 44,702 miles on the odometer and has been upgraded with a Stage II turbo system that includes non-sequential turbochargers from the 959 Sport, increasing its power to 542 bhp at 6,100 rpm.
