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959

1986-1993
205 GTI 1.9
205 GTI 1.91986-1994
69/175
7 Series (E32)1986-1994
7 Series (E32)
Porsche 959 1986 - Front 3/4 viewPorsche 959 1986 - Front viewPorsche 959 1986 - Side viewPorsche 959 1986 - Rear 3/4 viewPorsche 959 1986 - Rear viewPorsche 959 1986 - Dashboard viewPorsche 959 1986 - Interior viewPorsche 959 1986 - Detail viewPorsche 959 1986 - Engine Bay viewPorsche 959 1986 - Gauges viewPorsche 959 1986 - Trunk view
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Motorsport legend

The tech tour de force of the 1980s. Sequential turbocharging, computer-controlled AWD, tire pressure monitoring — all firsts.

History

The 959 was the most technologically advanced car of the 1980s. It debuted sequential turbocharging, electronically controlled AWD, and tire pressure monitoring decades before mainstream. Bill Gates famously imported one illegally.

Timeline

1986Wins the Paris-Dakar Rally, proving supercars can conquer the Sahara
1988Bill Gates orders one but can't import it to the US for 13 years due to EPA regulations. The 'Show or Display' law is eventually written partly because of the 959
1993Production ends

Production & Heritage

Production Total345
DesignerPorsche Design
Production Period1986-1993
Estimated Value$1.2M-$2.0M

Value estimates are editorial assessments based on recent auction results and market trends.

Technical Specifications

Engine2.9L Flat-6 Twin-Turbo (M28/80)
Power450 hp
Torque500 Nm
0-60 mph3.7 sec
Top Speed317 km/h
Transmission6-speed manual (Getrag G50/87)
DrivetrainAWD
Weight1,450 kg

Engine Details

Displacement2.8L (2,849 cc)

Performance

0-60 mph3.7 sec
Top Speed317 km/h
Weight-to-Power3.2 kg/hp

Tags

1980sRear-EngineFlat-6Twin-TurboCoupéAWDManual GearboxLegendaryLimited ProductionRace-BredTechnical Pioneer

Designed by Porsche Design

From the 1980s

Featured in

Quattro: How Audi Made All-Wheel Drive DesirableThe Group B Survivors: Lancia Delta Integrale and the Cars That Outlived the Apocalypse

Featured in Collections

Turbo EraRally LegendsBefore 1990

References & Sources

wikipedia.org
Wikipediawikipedia.org
porsche.com
Porsche Museumporsche.com

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