A remarkable discovery was made in an underground parking lot in Zurich: one of just 292 silver Porsche 959s. This vehicle, a trailblazer of its time, was packed with groundbreaking technology that redefined the standards of automotive engineering. With features like active suspension and a sequential twin-turbocharged engine, the 959 was capable of reaching a top speed of nearly 320 km/h - impressive for its era, back in 1986. This is the story of a true automotive legend.
A glimpse into the future
In the mid-1980s, the Porsche 959 debuted as a car that seemed to have come from the future. Indeed, in many ways, it had. The twin-turbocharged 959 was hailed as a marvel of technological advancement when it was launched in 1986. It was the catalyst for Porsche’s decision to equip all future turbocharged sports cars with all-wheel drive - a strategy that many supercar manufacturers have since adopted. The 959 was a showcase of game-changing technology and remains one of the greatest classic Porsche supercars and an engineering masterpiece even today.
Origins and innovation
The story of the 959 began several years earlier, when Porsche explored how to enhance the 911 platform, particularly its unique rear-engine design. The company aimed to develop a four-wheel-drive car for Group B rally racing, leading to the creation of the 959. When it was launched, it boasted a top speed of 317 km/h, making it the fastest production car in the world at the time.
Motorsport heritage
True to Porsche’s legacy of motorsport excellence, the 959 was powered by an exceptional engine. Its sequential twin-turbo, flat-six, 2849cc engine was derived from the successful 956 and 962 racing engines. These sequential turbos addressed the power delivery issues that plagued earlier turbo engines. Even today, more than 35 years after its debut, the 959's nearly 320 km/h top speed and 0-100 km/h time of just 3.7 seconds still impress, outshining many modern supercars with its 450 PS engine.
Advanced features
The 959’s technology extended beyond sheer power. Its all-wheel-drive system could channel up to 80% of power to the rear wheels, providing exceptional grip. The automatic ride-height adjustment enhanced aerodynamics, while the magnesium alloy wheels featured a built-in tire pressure monitoring system - a feature well ahead of its time. The sequential turbochargers also helped eliminate turbo lag, a common issue with earlier turbo engines.
A legend in ownership
When Porsche began delivering the 959 in 1987, each car was priced at €185,000. Today, finding a decent example for sale is rare, and prices can be upwards of four times the original cost. Notable owners have included Bill Gates, comedian Jerry Seinfeld, and tennis legend Martina Navratilova, who fondly recalls driving the 959 at nearly 320 km/h.
The pinnacle of perfection
Automotive writers were often left speechless by the 959's performance. Car and Driver magazine’s review in 1987 described the 959 as “perfect,” a term rarely used for any car. The magazine praised its race-car performance combined with luxury-sedan comfort, making it adept at everything from rush-hour commutes to mountain passes and even outrunning light aircraft. The 959 was also the world’s first production car to feature active suspension.
In total, 292 road-going 959s were built, with most still believed to be preserved in pristine condition. The 959 set a benchmark for sports cars at its launch, and it continues to offer an unrivaled driving experience, maintaining its status as a legendary vehicle.
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