Porsche 959 Sport
The Porsche 959 was a technology demonstrator disguised as a supercar. When it arrived in 1986, it was the fastest production car in the world at 197 mph, and it contained more advanced technology per square inch than anything else on four wheels.
The 959 was born from Porsche's Group B rally program. The 911-based body was extensively modified with Kevlar and aluminum panels, and underneath sat a technological tour de force. The 2.85-liter flat-six featured sequential twin turbochargers — a small turbo for instant response and a larger one for top-end power, producing 450 hp with virtually no turbo lag.
The PSK (Porsche-Steuer Kupplung) all-wheel-drive system was revolutionary. Using an electronically controlled variable center coupling, it could distribute torque between the front and rear axles based on wheel speed, throttle position, and yaw angle. In its four selectable modes (dry, rain, ice, traction), the system adapted to conditions in ways that wouldn't become common for another 20 years.
Electronically adjustable dampers, tire pressure monitoring, magnesium wheels, and a sophisticated ride height system completed the package. The 959 was essentially a rolling laboratory for technologies that would eventually filter down to mainstream Porsches.
Only 337 were produced: 292 'Komfort' (standard) and 29 'Sport' (lighter, stiffer, with roll cage). The 959 was famously not federalized for the US market — Bill Gates had his 959 impounded by US Customs for years until the 'Show and Display' law was passed partly due to lobbying by 959 owners.
The 959 is a blue-chip Porsche investment. Every car is documented by Porsche Classic. Prices range from $1.5M to $3.5M+ depending on spec and history. The Sport (29 units) commands the highest prices. Key: verify Porsche Classic documentation, service history, and any crash history. The sequential turbo system is the most complex component. Porsche Classic can still service and supply parts for 959s. US-spec 'Show and Display' cars may have mileage restrictions.
Total production: 337 units (1986-1993). Komfort: 292 units. Sport: 29 units. Prototype/pre-production: 16 units. Not DOT/EPA approved for US sale — importation required the 'Show and Display' exemption. The 959 won the Paris-Dakar Rally in 1986 (driven by René Metge). Porsche lost money on every 959 sold — it was an R&D investment.