Porsche 959 (1987-88)
Overview: The **Porsche 959** was a groundbreaking supercar that redefined automotive technology in the 1980s. Originally developed as a **Group B rally car**, it later became a road-legal production vehicle. Here’s why it was so significant:
- **World’s Fastest Production Car**: When introduced, the 959 could reach **317 km/h (197 mph)**, making it the fastest street-legal car at the time.
- **Advanced All-Wheel Drive**: It was one of the first high-performance sports cars to feature **all-wheel drive**, influencing future Porsche models like the **911 Carrera 4**.
- **Twin-Turbocharged Engine**: The **2.85L flat-six engine** produced **450 horsepower**, utilizing a **sequential twin-turbo system** that later inspired Porsche’s turbocharged sports cars.
- **Innovative Aerodynamics & Materials**: The 959 featured a lightweight body made from **Kevlar, aluminum, and magnesium**, along with active aerodynamics to enhance performance.
- **Technological Pioneer**: It introduced features like **adjustable suspension, tire pressure monitoring, and electronically controlled damping**, setting new standards for supercars.
The 959 was a **technological masterpiece**, influencing Porsche’s future designs and proving that supercars could be both **blisteringly fast and highly advanced**.
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Production Total: Porsche produced a total of **337** units of the **959** between **1986 and 1993**. Additionally, **8 more** were built later using spare parts.
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Price New: The **Porsche 959** was an incredibly advanced and expensive car when it was released in the late 1980s. In **1987**, the new price for a **Porsche 959 in the UK** was around **£145,000**, which was an astronomical sum at the time—more than double the price of a Ferrari F40!
Despite its high cost, Porsche reportedly lost money on every unit sold due to the **cutting-edge technology** packed into the car. Today, the 959 is a highly sought-after collector’s item, with prices often exceeding **£1 million** at auctions.
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Rivals: In **1987**, the Porsche 959 had a price tag of around **£145,000** in the UK, making it one of the most expensive supercars of its time. Here’s how its main rivals compared:
- **Ferrari F40**: Priced at approximately **£163,000**, the F40 was Ferrari’s ultimate road-going supercar, known for its raw performance and lightweight construction.
- **Lamborghini Countach 5000 QV**: Costing around **£100,000**, the Countach was an iconic wedge-shaped supercar with a powerful **5.2L V12** engine.
- **Porsche 911 Turbo (930)**: A more affordable alternative, the **911 Turbo** was priced at about **£50,000**, offering thrilling performance with its **3.3L turbocharged flat-six**.
The **Porsche 959** was significantly more expensive than most of its rivals, but it also featured **cutting-edge technology**, including **all-wheel drive, sequential twin-turbos, and advanced aerodynamics**.
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Recorded in UK 2025
Finding an exact number of **Porsche 959s** recorded in the UK in **2025** is tricky, as official registration data isn't readily available. However, the **959 remains an incredibly rare collector’s car**, with only **337 units** originally produced. Given its exclusivity, only a handful are likely to be registered in the UK today.
If you're looking for a specific count, checking with **DVLA records, Porsche clubs, or auction listings** might give a clearer picture. W
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COMMON FAULTS
Please Note: Common Faults in Regularly Used Vehicles vs. Low-Mileage Stored Vehicles that have been used consistently over many years, accumulating approximately 10,000–12,000 miles annually, are more prone to common faults due to regular wear and tear. These issues typically arise from the natural aging of components subjected to frequent use, such as engine parts, suspension systems, brakes, and tires. In contrast, vehicles with low mileage that have been stored or preserved are likely to experience different types of issues. These vehicles are often better maintained to ensure their longevity and may avoid some of the typical wear-and-tear problems seen in regularly driven cars. However, they can still face unique challenges such as degradation of rubber seals, corrosion from prolonged inactivity, or fuel system issues caused by old or stagnant fuel.
The **Porsche 959** was an engineering marvel, but even this technological masterpiece had its quirks. Here are some of the most common faults owners have encountered:
- **Complex Electronics**: The 959 featured **advanced electronic systems** for its time, including adjustable suspension and all-wheel drive. These components can be **difficult to repair** due to their complexity and scarcity of replacement parts.
- **Turbo Lag**: While the **sequential twin-turbo system** was revolutionary, it resulted in noticeable **turbo lag**, meaning power delivery wasn’t always as smooth as expected.
- **Expensive Maintenance**: Due to its **limited production** and unique components, servicing a 959 can be **extremely costly**, with parts often needing to be custom-made.
- **Fragile Clutch**: Some owners have reported **premature clutch wear**, likely due to the high torque output and the car’s AWD system.
- **Aging Materials**: The **Kevlar and aluminum body panels** were cutting-edge, but over time, they can be **challenging to restore** if damaged.
Despite these issues, the **959 remains one of the most desirable collector cars**, with enthusiasts willing to tackle its maintenance challenges for the sake of owning a piece of automotive history.
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Generations/Trim Levels
The **Porsche 959** was produced in a **single generation** from **1986 to 1993**, but it had two main trim levels:
- **959 Komfort**: The standard road-going version, designed with **luxury features** like leather seats, air conditioning, and a premium sound system. It was built for **daily usability** while still delivering supercar performance.
- **959 Sport**: A lighter, more performance-focused variant with **reduced weight**, fewer luxury features, and a more aggressive setup. It was aimed at enthusiasts who wanted a **raw driving experience**.
Additionally, Porsche built a **handful of special models**, including **race-prepped versions** for events like the **Paris-Dakar Rally** and **Le Mans** - autoevolution](https://www.autoevolution.com/porsche/959/).
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Engine
The **Porsche 959** was powered by a **2.85L twin-turbocharged flat-six engine**, which was a technological marvel for its time. Here are its key specifications:
- **Engine Size**: **2.85 liters** (2850 cc)
- **Power Output**: **450 PS (444 bhp / 331 kW) @ 6500 rpm**
- **Torque**: **500 Nm (369 lb-ft) @ 5000 rpm**
This engine featured **sequential twin-turbos**, which helped improve power delivery and reduce turbo lag. It was paired with a **6-speed manual transmission** and **all-wheel drive**, making the 959 one of the most advanced supercars of the 1980s.
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Performance
The **Porsche 959** was a true performance icon of the 1980s, offering blistering speed and cutting-edge technology. Here’s what it could do:
- **Top Speed**: **317 km/h (197 mph)**, making it the fastest production car at the time.
- **0-100 km/h (0-62 mph)**: **3.9 seconds**, thanks to its **sequential twin-turbocharged flat-six engine**.
- **Quarter Mile**: **11.8 seconds**, proving its supercar credentials.
- **All-Wheel Drive**: The **959 was one of the first high-performance sports cars to feature AWD**, improving grip and handling.
- **Aerodynamics**: With a **drag coefficient of just 0.31**, it was incredibly efficient at high speeds.
The **959 was revolutionary**, influencing future Porsche models and proving that supercars could be both **fast and technologically advanced**.
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Rivals
The **Porsche 959** had some serious competition in the late 1980s, with rival supercars offering impressive performance. Here’s how they compared:
- **Ferrari F40**
- **Top Speed**: **201 mph (324 km/h)**
- **0-60 mph**: **3.8 seconds**
- **Power**: **478 bhp** from a **2.9L twin-turbo V8**
- **Weight**: **1,100 kg**, making it incredibly lightweight
- **Lamborghini Countach 5000 QV**
- **Top Speed**: **185 mph (298 km/h)**
- **0-60 mph**: **4.8 seconds**
- **Power**: **455 bhp** from a **5.2L V12**
- **Weight**: **1,490 kg**, heavier but still a beast
- **Porsche 911 Turbo (930)**
- **Top Speed**: **162 mph (261 km/h)**
- **0-60 mph**: **5.0 seconds**
- **Power**: **300 bhp** from a **3.3L turbocharged flat-six**
- **Weight**: **1,300 kg**, making it a more practical performance car
The **Porsche 959** stood out with its **317 km/h (197 mph) top speed**, **450 bhp**, and **all-wheel drive**, making it one of the most advanced supercars of its era. While the **Ferrari F40** was faster, the **959’s technology and handling** set it apart.
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Designer/Dimensions
The **Porsche 959** was designed by **Helmuth Bott**, Porsche’s chief engineer at the time. He envisioned the car as a technological showcase, blending **cutting-edge performance with advanced all-wheel drive**.
Here are its key dimensions:
- **Wheelbase**: **2,272 mm (89.4 in)**
- **Length**: **4,260 mm (167.7 in)**
- **Width**: **1,840 mm (72.4 in)**
- **Height**: **1,280 mm (50.4 in)**
- **Curb Weight**: **1,450 kg (3,197 lb)**
The **959’s aerodynamic shape and lightweight materials** helped it achieve incredible performance while maintaining stability at high speeds.
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Spares/Specialists NI
Finding **Porsche 959 spares** in the UK and Ireland can be challenging due to the car’s rarity, but there are a few specialist sources that may help:
- **Porsche Centre Belfast** – The official **Porsche dealership in Northern Ireland**, offering servicing and parts. Located at **90 Sydenham Road, Belfast BT3 9DJ**. You can check their services [here](http://www.porschebelfast.co.uk/).
- **McMillan Specialist Cars** – An independent **Porsche service specialist** in Antrim, known for working on rare models. Located at **Unit 10 Plasketts Close, Kilbegs Industrial Estate, Antrim BT41 4NN**. More details [here](https://mcmillanspecialistcars.com/).
- **MCMILLAN PORSCHE Ltd.** – Another **Porsche specialist** in Ballyclare, Northern Ireland, offering servicing and maintenance. Located at **85 Templepatrick Road, Ballyclare BT39 9RQ**. Find out more [here](https://www.bing.com/search?q=MCMILLAN%20PORSCHE%20Ltd.&filters=local_ypid%3a%22YN1029x7347129263911863152%22).
For **spares**, you might also want to explore **Porsche enthusiast clubs, online marketplaces, and specialist parts suppliers** that deal with rare models.
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Racing
The **Porsche 959** was originally developed as a **Group B rally car**, and it saw action in some legendary motorsport events:
- **Paris-Dakar Rally (1985 & 1986)** – Porsche entered **959 prototypes** in the grueling off-road race. In **1986**, the 959 dominated, securing **1st and 2nd place** overall.
- **Porsche 961 (Circuit Racing)** – A modified **959**, known as the **Porsche 961**, competed in **Le Mans 24 Hours** in **1986**, finishing **7th overall** and **1st in its class**.
The **959’s racing success** proved its **advanced all-wheel-drive system** and **twin-turbocharged engine** were not just for show—they could handle extreme conditions and high-speed endurance racing.
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Valuation
The **Porsche 959** remains a highly sought-after collector’s car in **2025**, with values continuing to rise. Here’s a general price range based on recent UK market data:
- **Lowest Price**: Around **£657,985** for examples in lower condition.
- **Median Price**: Approximately **£1,093,835**, reflecting the typical market value.
- **Highest Price**: Some pristine or rare models have sold for up to **£1,672,174**.
Prices can vary depending on **condition, history, and rarity**, with well-maintained examples fetching premium prices at auctions. If you’re considering buying one, checking with **specialist dealers, auction houses, and Porsche clubs** can help find the best deal.
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Clubs
If you're a **Porsche 959 enthusiast** in **Northern Ireland**, there are a few clubs where you can connect with fellow owners and Porsche fans:
- **Porsche Club Great Britain – Northern Ireland Region**: This is the official **Porsche Club GB** chapter for Northern Ireland, offering events, drives, and a strong community of Porsche owners. You can find more details [here](https://www.porscheclubgb.com/regions-registers/regions/ireland/northern-ireland).
- **Porsche Club Ireland**: While based in the Republic of Ireland, this club has close ties with Northern Ireland enthusiasts and organizes events across the island. More info [here](https://cms.porsche-clubs.com/PorscheClubs/pc_ireland/pc_main.nsf/web/C1256FA500591CD4C1256F9A0044A962).
- **Porsche Centre Belfast**: While not an owner’s club, this official **Porsche dealership** in Belfast is a great place to meet other Porsche fans and access services. Check them out [here](http://www.porschebelfast.co.uk/).
These clubs offer **meetups, drives, and exclusive Porsche events**, making them a great way to connect with other enthusiasts.
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