Porsche 959 - the most popular German racing car of the 80s

Porsche 959 is a sports car produced by one of the most famous German companies. An interesting fact: the issue of one such car used to cost the concern twice as much as, in fact, the price of the car for which it was bought by people. Well, this is not the only interesting fact about this company, so it's worth telling about the rest.

Interesting Facts

So, as it was said above, the real cost of the Porsche 959 was supposed to be twice as much as the one that was installed on it. You do not even need to be an expert to calculate: the release of this model of the company did not bring, in fact, any financial gain. However, despite this fact, the 959th model significantly refreshed the image of the concern. Porsche 959 became the car that won the victory in 24 hours of Le Mans, as well as in the rally "Paris - Dakar". Thus, he replenished the treasury of the achievements of the brand. And besides that, I won the love and recognition of thousands of people around the world. This car is the most perfect and technological car among all that came out in the eighties. Several publications have written about him. For example, in Sports Car International he was named the best sports car of the 80s, and in Auto, Moto und Sport they wrote that it was the best "Porsche" of all time. So it's not such an unassuming concept turned out.

Start of release

It is worth mentioning how this Porsche started to appear. The history of the brand is quite interesting, so this topic must be mentioned with attention.

So, for the first time this model appeared to the world in 1983. It was then, in Frankfurt, this machine was presented. At that time, this concept was the prototype of a rally car group B. It was said that the model has no future. There were a lot of disagreements, which concerned mainly technical features. And many critics and did not see the point in the release of such a machine.

However, the project was approved. And two years later the serial Porsche 959 appeared to the world. And it was already a sensation.

Appearance

Review Porsche 959 should begin with a description of its appearance. The image of the car was created by Luigi Colani. This is the same designer who then put his hand to the Corvette. In general, the machine turned out to be specific - to an amateur. But the fact that it attracts views is a fact. Many find in the appearance of the model a resemblance to the "Porsche 911". However, if you look closely, you can understand - this is not so. Despite a rather large number of coincidences with the image, the 959 version turned out to be original. Such a body still no other car had.

The main task of the new model was to take part in the rally. That's why designers focused on aerodynamics, creating a more streamlined body. Due to this, it was possible to deprive the model of sharp angles and other parts that protruded above the surface. In addition to the front bumper, decorated with a powerful air intake, the machine boasts a huge number of different small holes for ventilation. They are located on the sides and contribute to an additional cooling of the motor (especially this function saves when the car goes in extreme mode). More designers decided to add a large rear wing. All this made the design very functional. But nevertheless the car turned out to be "muscular". One of its kind, it hinted potential buyers for serious technical characteristics. Well, this is a separate topic.

Porsche 959: Performance and Strength

In this car "Porsche" is installed a 6-cylinder 3.5-liter engine, which the manufacturers have created taking into account all the company's traditions. However, because of the concept (which was to create a racing model), I had to make some adjustments.

The power unit for the model was chosen taking into account certain FIA requirements. Still, the car was preparing to participate in group B, which was famous for its power and strength. It was necessary to make the motor not more than 4 liters in volume. Or 2.85 liters - using a turbo. The developers decided to choose the second option. The 6-cylinder engine they borrowed from the racing "Porsche".

The motor operated under the control of 6-speed mechanics, which successfully combined with electronic clutch. The suspension also turned out worthy - it allowed to adjust the clearance and could change the modes (it was sporty, intermediate and normal).

This car was first announced for participation in the rally in 1985, but unfortunately, no victories could be achieved. Engineers took this into account. And in 1986 they presented to the public an updated "Porsche" with a 600-horsepower engine and a double turbo. As a result, the Porsche team took first place.

Sales

Interestingly, in the US this model was never sold. The company simply did not want to represent it to the Americans. It was unprofitable. And in Europe there were enough potential buyers. By the way, it was planned to release 200 pieces (serially). The model was insanely expensive at that time - a little less than 300 thousand dollars. Then at a price many compared the "Porsche" with the famous Ferrari F40. It cost a bit more and was a direct competitor to the 959th Porsche.