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Makes › Porsche Germany › 959 › 959 · Rare production · Factory competition · 1987–1988 Very Rare

Porsche
959

Porsche’s all-wheel-drive, twin-turbocharged technology demonstrator, conceived for Group B and built in a series of 292 cars in 1987–1988.

1987 Porsche 959 in the Deutsches Automuseum, Langenburg (photographed 14 July 2012)
1987 Porsche 959 in the Deutsches Automuseum, Langenburg (photographed 14 July 2012)
Photo: Michael Barera · CC BY-SA 4.0
292Built 1987–88 · PorscheFactory reported
284Total including 29 Sport versions (RM Sotheby’s 2012)Independently researched
6Chassis documentedin this archive
?SurvivingNot yet verified
Contents
  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Production & history
  3. 03Specifications
  4. 04Colours & options
  5. 05Individual cars
  6. 06Reference

01Overview

At a glance

Built
292 Built 1987–88 · Porsche
Years
1987–1988
Engine
Rear-mounted flat-six, twin-turbocharged · 2,849 cc / 2.8 LFactory: 2,849 cc
Power
331 kW / 450 PSFactory: 331 kW
Top speed
315 km/hFactory: 315 km/h
Body
Not yet verified
Designer
Development led by Helmuth Bott, Porsche development director
Surviving
Not yet verified

Sources and any conflicting figures are in the sections below.

Why it matters

Porsche calls the 959 a pioneer that influenced series production: electronically controlled all-wheel drive, sequential twin turbocharging and an adaptive chassis. Two 959-based rally cars finished first and second in the 1986 Paris–Dakar.

How rare is it?

Six separate kinds of rarity – never combined into one number.

Model rarityVery Rare 292 · Built 1987–88 · Porsche1,2,3
Specification rarityNot yet assessed
Colour rarityNot yet assessed
Individual rarityNot yet assessed Assessed per chassis
Historical rarityNot yet assessed
Survival rarityNot yet assessed

Each kind of rarity is rated separately and never combined.

02Production & history

Production

Every figure says what it counts.

What is countedFigureBasisStatus
Total model productionSeries cars 1987–1988, Komfort and Sport 2921,2,3Strongest evidence Manufacturer reported Factory reported
Total model productionAdditional cars built 1992–1993 from spare parts 83 Factory production Estimated
Prototypes and pre-series carsParis–Dakar rally cars, 1986 34 Factory production Factory reported
Total model productionAll 959s including prototypes and pre-series cars 3375 Factory production Independently researched
Factory package productionCars built to Komfort specification (Gooding) 2426 Factory production Disputed
Prototypes and pre-series carsPre-series cars 213 Factory production Independently researched
Prototypes and pre-series carsPrototypes 163 Factory production Independently researched
Total model productionTotal including 29 Sport versions (RM Sotheby’s 2012) 2847 Factory production Independently researched
Why more than one figure?

Gooding’s figure of 242 Komfort cars does not agree with Porsche’s total of 292 series cars and 29 Sport cars; unresolved.

RM Sotheby’s (2012) gives 284 cars; Porsche gives 292 series cars for 1987–1988. The basis of the 284 figure is not explained.

Independent counts (e.g. engine and colour) are never combined into a calculated figure. Surviving examples are never presented as original production.

History

The 959 began as the “Gruppe B” study shown at the 1983 IAA, a concept for Group B homologation. It made its rally debut at the Pharaoh Rally in Egypt in October 1985. In the 1985 Paris–Dakar all three cars retired; in 1986 Metge/Lemoyne won, Ickx/Brasseur finished second and Kussmaul/Unger sixth. The racing 961 became the first all-wheel-drive racing car to finish seventh at Le Mans. Despite a list price of DM 420,000 the 959 sold out quickly and traded at more than double its list price. Drag coefficient: 0.31.

Variants

How each version differs from the standard 959.

Porsche 959 Sport

Built
29 Built as Sport12,13,3
Rarity
Ultra Rare
Years
1988
In the chassis register
2 documented

How it differs from the standard 959

The lighter Sport version – conventional coil-over suspension, about 100 kg less than the Komfort – was built in only 29 of the 959 series cars.

The stripped, lighter version of the 959, with coil-over suspension in place of the adaptive system; only 29 were built.

Production

What is countedFigureBasisStatus
Factory package productionCars built to Sport specification 2912,13,3 Factory production Independently researched

Independent counts (e.g. engine and colour) are never combined into a calculated figure. Surviving examples are never presented as original production.

Specification differences

Engine

InductionSequential twin turbocharging with larger turbochargers at higher boost than the standard 9598
Power 379 kW / 515 PSFactory: 515 PS8 DisputedPorsche newsroom gives 379 kW / 515 PS for the 959 S. auto motor und sport ties 515 PS to a factory performance kit; RM Sotheby's (2012, lot 165) treats the Sport as differing mainly in weight. Not all 29 cars may have had 515 PS.
Power at 6,900 rpm8
Torque 561 NmFactory: 561 Nm8
Torque at 6,500 rpm8

Chassis, body & dimensions

Front suspensionConventional coil-over suspension, no self-levelling9,8 Independently researched
Rear suspensionIndependent coil-spring suspension with upper and lower A-arms, dual dampers, anti-roll bar; no self-levelling10,9 Independently researched
Height 1,240 mmFactory: 1,240 mm8The base 959 record gives 1,280 mm (Ultimatecarpage).
Kerb weight 1,350 kgFactory: 1,350 kg8auto motor und sport: about 100 kg lighter than the Komfort; RM Sotheby's: 220 lb lighter.

Performance

Maximum speed 339 km/hFactory: 339 km/h8,11 Independently researchedMeasured by auto motor und sport at Nardò with a 515 PS car; listed by Porsche.

Only values published separately for this variant. Everything else: see the 959 specification on this page.

Identifying a genuine Porsche 959 Sport

A Sport has no rear seats, no air conditioning, no electric windows, no central locking and no right-hand exterior mirror, and has cloth seats; auto motor und sport notes a missing flap on the left rear side panel as an identifying detail. RM Sotheby's describes a leather-wrapped roll cage and four-point harnesses, paint in Grand Prix White or Guards Red only, and coil-over suspension instead of the adaptive ride-height system. Auction examples carry chassis numbers in the WP0ZZZ95ZJS905xxx range (905012, 905016). Several cars have been upgraded by Canepa; such outputs (e.g. 575+ bhp) are not factory figures.

03Specifications

Technical specifications

Engine

Engine family911-based air-cooled flat-six with water-cooled four-valve heads, cooling concept from the 956/962 Group C cars14,15,16 Independently researched
Engine code959/506,17 Independently researched
LayoutRear-mounted flat-six, twin-turbocharged2,17
Displacement 2,849 cc / 2.8 LFactory: 2,849 cc2Also reported: 2848 cc18
Bore 95 mmFactory: 95 mm17 Independently researched
Stroke 67 mmFactory: 67 mm17 Independently researched
Compression ratio8.3 : 117 Independently researched
ValvetrainFour valves per cylinder, two chain-driven overhead camshafts per bank, water-cooled heads3 Independently researched
Fuel systemBosch Motronic electronic fuel injection and engine management19,15,16 Independently researched
InductionSequential (“register”) twin turbocharging, two water-cooled turbochargers, two intercoolers3,6 Independently researched
Power 331 kW / 450 PSFactory: 331 kW1Also reported: 450 hp7 Discrepancy
Power at 6,500 rpm7,17 Independently researched
Torque 500 NmFactory: 369 lb-ft · converted7 Independently researchedAlso reported: 500 Nm17
Torque at 5,500 rpm7 DisputedUltimatecarpage gives 5,000 rpm.

Transmission & drivetrain

GearboxSix-speed manual (first gear marked “G”)1,3
Gears61
Driven wheelsElectronically controlled all-wheel drive1

Chassis, body & dimensions

ChassisSelf-supporting steel body (steel monocoque on the 911 Carrera wheelbase)20,15RM Sotheby's describes the body shell as aluminium/carbon-fibre/aramid/FRP; Porsche speaks only of plastic add-on parts on a steel body.
Front suspensionAdaptive chassis with aluminium dampers (Komfort); conventional coil-overs on the Sport1,13
Rear suspensionDouble wishbones with two dampers per wheel and adjustable ride height (Komfort); conventional coil-overs on the Sport15,19,14 Independently researched
BrakesVentilated discs, 322 mm front, 308 mm rear7 Independently researched
SteeringRack and pinion21 Independently researchedOnly level-D source found.
Body constructionLight sheet-steel body with plastic add-on parts1
Wheelbase 2,273 mmFactory: 2,273 mm17 Independently researchedAlso reported: 89.4 in7
Length 4,260 mmFactory: 4,260 mm17 Independently researched
Width 1,839 mmFactory: 1,839 mm17 Independently researched
Height 1,280 mmFactory: 1,280 mm17 Independently researched
Front track 1,504 mmFactory: 1,504 mm17 Independently researched
Rear track 1,549 mmFactory: 1,549 mm17 Independently researched
Kerb weightNot yet verified
Dry weightNot yet verified

Performance

Maximum speed 315 km/hFactory: 315 km/h2,1Also reported: 317 km/h3
0–100 km/h 3.7 s3,7 Independently researched
Fuel tankNot yet verified

“Not yet verified” means no source has been checked for that value yet. Nothing is estimated to fill a gap.

04Colours & options

Factory colours & interiors

Original paint and trim, with the number of cars in each where a source gives it.

Not yet documented. Have a source? Contribute it.

Factory options & codes

Codes are shown exactly as written by the manufacturer.

Not yet documented. Have a source? Contribute it.

05Individual cars

Chassis register

Every documented car, with its colours, history and where it is now. Open a row for the full record. Known chassis are not automatically authenticated originals.

ChassisVariantBuiltOriginal colourWhere nowStatus
WP0ZZZ95ZHS900081Standard—Silver—Historically documented
VIN
WP0ZZZ95ZHS900081
Engine number
65H001465 Independently researched
Original exterior
Silver5 Independently researched
  1. 1988-04-21
    Delivery Delivered new to a German racing driver; later fitted with Canepa upgrades.5
  2. 2020-03
    Auction Sold at RM Sotheby’s Amelia Island, lot 129. 1,050,000 USD5
5
WP0ZZZ95ZJS900131Standard—Graphite Metallic—Historically documented

Komfort originally owned by the Royal Family of Brunei; Gooding reports it as one of 31 959s delivered in Graphite Metallic. Later fitted with Canepa upgrades.

VIN
WP0ZZZ95ZJS900131
Original exterior
Graphite Metallic6 Independently researched
  1. 2025-03
    Auction Sold at Gooding & Company, Amelia Island, lot 133. 2,205,000 USD6
6
WP0ZZZ95ZJS900203Standard—Paint to sample—Historically documented
VIN
WP0ZZZ95ZJS900203
Original exterior
Paint to sample18 Independently researched
  1. 2015-08
    Auction Sold at Gooding & Company, Pebble Beach, lot 23. 1,732,500 USD18
18
WP0ZZZ95ZJS905012Porsche 959 Sport—Guards Red—Historically documented
VIN
WP0ZZZ95ZJS905012
Original exterior
Guards Red12 Independently researched
Original interior
Grey cloth12 Independently researched
  1. 2014-03
    Auction Sold at Gooding & Company, Amelia Island, lot 36. 1,100,000 USD12
12
WP0ZZZ95ZJS905016Porsche 959 Sport—Grand Prix White—Historically documented

The 16th 959 Sport built. Sold factory-direct in 1989 and delivered at Stuttgart.

VIN
WP0ZZZ95ZJS905016
Engine number
65H0032913 Independently researched
Body number
25713 Independently researched
Original exterior
Grand Prix White13 Independently researched
Original interior
Grey cloth13 Independently researched
  1. 1989-06
    Delivery Sold factory-direct (June 1989 invoice) to a US collector and delivered at Stuttgart.13
  2. 2025
    Auction Offered at RM Sotheby’s Miami, lot 253 – marked sold; price not published on the lot page.13
13
WPOZZZ95ZJS900189Standard—Silver—Historically documented

Komfort delivered new to Saudi Arabia, later stored in Geneva.

VIN
WPOZZZ95ZJS900189
Engine number
65H002137 Independently researched
Original exterior
Silver7 Independently researchedRepainted silver by Groupe Segond, Monaco.
Original interior
Tri-tone silver/grey leather7 Independently researched
  1. 2012
    Auction Sold at RM Sotheby’s London, lot 165. 308,000 GBP7
7

Competition history

Every race result of the individual cars, in date order. Click a chassis number to open its full record in the register.

Not yet documented. Have a source? Contribute it.

Auction & sale history

Documented public sales of the individual cars. Click a chassis number to open its full record in the register.

DateChassisEvent
2012WPOZZZ95ZJS900189Sold at RM Sotheby’s London, lot 165. 308,000 GBP7
2014-03WP0ZZZ95ZJS905012Sold at Gooding & Company, Amelia Island, lot 36. 1,100,000 USD12
2015-08WP0ZZZ95ZJS900203Sold at Gooding & Company, Pebble Beach, lot 23. 1,732,500 USD18
2020-03WP0ZZZ95ZHS900081Sold at RM Sotheby’s Amelia Island, lot 129. 1,050,000 USD5
2025WP0ZZZ95ZJS905016Offered at RM Sotheby’s Miami, lot 253 – marked sold; price not published on the lot page.13
2025-03WP0ZZZ95ZJS900131Sold at Gooding & Company, Amelia Island, lot 133. 2,205,000 USD6

See one in person

Museums where an example of this car can be seen.

No example is documented on public display yet. Have a source? Contribute it.

06Reference

Identification guide

How to tell an original from a replica or later conversion.

Two versions were built: the Komfort, with adaptive suspension, and the lighter Sport (29 cars), about 100 kg lighter with conventional coil-over suspension. First gear is marked “G”. Several cars later received Canepa power upgrades; such output figures are not factory figures.

Sources

Each number links to the exact facts it supports.

  1. 1
    40 Years Porsche 959 – “A pioneer that influenced series production” Level A Porsche AG Newsroom · 2025
    • “From 1987 to 1988, Porsche produced 292 units”
    • “331 kW (450 PS)”
    • “newly developed six-speed transmission”
    • six-speed transmission
    • “electronically controlled all-wheel drive”
    • Adaptive chassis, aluminium shock absorbers
    • Sheet-steel body with plastic add-on parts
    • 315 km/h
    Accessed 2026-11-11
  2. 2
    Porsche 959 Coupé Level A Porsche Museum (Porsche AG Newsroom)
    • “an exclusive series of 292 units”
    • “Engine 6-Cyl. Boxer Biturbo”
    • “Displacement 2849 ccm”
    • “Top Speed 315 km/h”
    Accessed 2026-11-11
  3. 3
    Der Porsche 959 im Detail: Technik-Ikone mit Rallye-Genen Level C auto motor und sport
    • 113 in 1987, 179 in 1988
    • Eight cars reportedly hand-built in 1992
    • 21 pre-series cars
    • 16 prototypes
    • 29 Sport
    • Technical section: 4 valves, 2 OHC per bank
    • Registerturbo, two water-cooled turbochargers
    • First gear marked G
    • 317 km/h (test)
    • 0–100 km/h 3.7 s (test)
    Accessed 2026-11-11
  4. 4
    How to restore a classic Porsche 959 Paris–Dakar rally car Level A Porsche AG
    • “three unique Porsche race cars”
    Accessed 2026-11-11
  5. 5
    1987 Porsche 959 “Komfort”, Amelia Island 2020, lot 129 Level C RM Sotheby’s
    • “one of only 337”
    • Engine no. 65H00146
    • Silver/grey
    • Delivered 21 April 1988
    • $1,050,000
    • Chassis WP0ZZZ95ZHS900081
    Accessed 2026-11-11
  6. 6
    1988 Porsche 959 Komfort, Amelia Island 2025, lot 133 Level C Gooding & Company
    • “One of Only 242 Komfort Variants Built”
    • “Type M959/50 Flat 6-Cylinder Engine”
    • Twin Garrett turbochargers
    • “One of Just 31 959s Delivered in Desirable Graphite Metallic”
    • Sold $2,205,000
    • Chassis WP0ZZZ95ZJS900131
    Accessed 2026-11-11
  7. 7
    1988 Porsche 959 “Komfort”, London 2012, lot 165 Level C RM Sotheby’s
    • “a total of 284 examples, including 29 lighter-weight sport versions”
    • “a claimed 450 horsepower at 6500 rpm”
    • at 6500 rpm with .9 bar of boost
    • “Torque was rated at 369 foot-pounds at 5500 rpm”
    • at 5500 rpm
    • “322 millimetres in front and 308 millimetres in the rear”
    • “Wheelbase: 89.4 in.”
    • “0–100 km/h … in 3.7 seconds”
    • Engine no. 65H00213
    • Silver, tri-tone silver/grey leather
    • tri-tone silver/grey leather
    • £308,000 sold
    • Chassis WPOZZZ95ZJS900189 (as written)
    Accessed 2026-11-11
  8. 8
    Nick Heidfeld’s 959 S visits Porsche Classic Level A Porsche Newsroom · 2022
    • larger turbochargers that operated with higher boost pressure
    • 379 kW / 515 PS at 6,900 rpm
    • 515 PS at 6,900 rpm
    • 561 Nm at 6,500 rpm
    • no self-levelling suspension
    • Length/width/height 4,260 / 1,840 / 1,240 mm
    • Kerb weight (DIN) 1,350 kg
    • Top speed 339 km/h
    Accessed 2026-11-11
  9. 9
    1988 Porsche 959 Sport, Miami 2025, lot 253 (chassis WP0ZZZ95ZJS905016) Level C RM Sotheby's · 2025
    • a more conventional coilover setup
    Accessed 2026-11-11
  10. 10
    1988 Porsche 959 Sport, Amelia Island 2014, lot 36 (chassis WP0ZZZ95ZJS905012) Level C Gooding & Company · 2014
    • Upper and Lower A-Arms, Dual Shock Absorbers, Anti-Roll Bars
    Accessed 2026-11-11
  11. 11
    Der Porsche 959 im Detail: Technik-Ikone mit Rallye-Genen Level C auto motor und sport
    • 515 PS 959S reached 339 km/h at Nardo
    Accessed 2026-11-11
  12. 12
    1988 Porsche 959 Sport, Amelia Island 2014, lot 36 Level C Gooding & Company
    • “One of Just 29 959 Sports Produced”
    • Guards Red / grey cloth
    • grey cloth
    • $1,100,000
    • Chassis WP0ZZZ95ZJS905012, 959 Sport
    Accessed 2026-11-11
  13. 13
    1988 Porsche 959 “Sport”, Miami 2025, lot 253 Level C RM Sotheby’s
    • 29 built to Sport specification
    • Sport: conventional coilovers
    • Engine no. 65H00329
    • Body no. 257
    • Grand Prix White
    • Grey cloth
    • June 1989 invoice; delivered at Stuttgart
    • Lot 253, Sold
    • Chassis WP0ZZZ95ZJS905016
    Accessed 2026-11-11
  14. 14
    Der Porsche 959 im Detail: Technik-Ikone mit Rallye-Genen Level C auto motor und sport
    • 911-based boxer, aluminium block and heads, water-cooled heads
    • three ride heights 12, 15 and 18 cm
    Accessed 2026-11-11
  15. 15
    1988 Porsche 959 “Komfort”, London 2012, lot 165 Level C RM Sotheby's · 2012
    • earlier proven on the company's 956 and 962 Group C racers
    • Motronic engine management system
    • Carrera's 89.4-inch wheelbase steel monocoque tub
    • double wishbone front and rear suspension; two shock absorbers per wheel
    Accessed 2026-11-11
  16. 16
    Nick Heidfeld’s 959 S visits Porsche Classic Level A Porsche Newsroom · 2022
    • water-cooled four-valve heads on air-cooled cylinders
    • restored the Motronic engine management
    Accessed 2026-11-11
  17. 17
    Porsche 959 Sport – specifications Level C Ultimatecarpage.com
    • Type 959/50 B6
    • Rear, longitudinally mounted
    • Bore 95.0 mm
    • Stroke 67.0 mm
    • Compression 8.3:1
    • @ 6,500 rpm
    • 500 Nm / 369 ft lbs
    • Wheelbase 2,273 mm
    • Length 4,260 mm
    • Width 1,839 mm
    • Height 1,280 mm
    • Front track 1,504 mm
    • Rear track 1,549 mm
    Accessed 2026-11-11
  18. 18
    1988 Porsche 959 Komfort, Pebble Beach 2015, lot 23 Level C Gooding & Company
    • 2,848 cc
    • Colour-to-sample Komfort
    • $1,732,500
    • Chassis WP0ZZZ95ZJS900203
    Accessed 2026-11-11
  19. 19
    1988 Porsche 959 Komfort, Pebble Beach 2015, lot 23 Level C Gooding & Company · 2015
    • Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection
    • Fully Independent Double-Wishbone Suspension ... Ride-Height Control
    Accessed 2026-11-11
  20. 20
    40 Years Porsche 959 – “A pioneer that influenced series production” Level A Porsche Newsroom · 2025
    • self-supporting steel body with plastic add-on parts
    Accessed 2026-11-11
  21. 21
    Porsche 959 Sport – specifications Level D Ultimatecarpage.com
    • Steering: rack-and-pinion
    Accessed 2026-11-11

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