959
About This Car
The Porsche 959 was the most technologically advanced road car ever built when it debuted in 1986. It featured a twin-turbocharged flat-six engine, a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, electronically controlled suspension, and tire pressure monitoring — technologies that wouldn't appear in mainstream cars for another decade. Only 337 were built, each sold at a significant loss as Porsche used the 959 as a rolling laboratory for future technologies. Bill Gates famously had one impounded by US Customs for years because it didn't meet emissions standards.
History & Legacy
Porsche begins development of the 959 as a Group B homologation special, combining cutting-edge technology with road-legal usability.
The 959 is unveiled to the world, showcasing technologies that were decades ahead of their time.
Only 337 units are produced, each hand-built and sold at a loss — Porsche used it as a technology showcase.
The 959 wins the Paris-Dakar Rally, proving its engineering in the most grueling conditions on earth.
Pristine examples now command $1.2–1.8M at auction, with the Sport variant reaching even higher.
Did You Know?
Porsche sold each 959 at a loss — it was a technology showcase, not a profit center
Bill Gates owned one that was impounded by US Customs for years
The 959 won the 1986 Paris-Dakar Rally on its first attempt
It featured tire pressure monitoring in 1986 — 20 years before it became standard
Only 337 were built, making it one of the rarest Porsches ever made