The 959 technology platform was built on the basis of the 911 model line in an exclusive series of 292 cars. With a biturbo flat engine featuring water-cooled 4-valve cylinder heads, an electronically controlled chassis and all-wheel drive system, as well as an aerodynamically optimised body, Porsche demonstrated what was possible in the field of automotive design at that time. Despite its price of 420,000 Deutschmarks, the 959 quickly sold out.
The 959 is based on Porsche 911’s basic architecture and layout but adds a considerable amount of special and innovative equipment to make the car exceptionally unique. It features a 2.8-liter air-cooled twin-turbo flat 6-cylinder engine producing about 450hp and 370 lb-ft of torque. This engine gave the 959 a 0-60mph time of around 3.7 seconds and a top speed of about 197mph. Supercar figures at the time. The 959 was the fastest car in the world at launch and soon after it had only had one competitor, the Ferrari F40 which reached 202 mph.
Today a Porsche 959 in pristine condition can fetch an easy USD2 million. While the Ferrari F40 only manages a high USD1.7 million.
