In the hallowed halls of automotive legend, the Porsche 959 stands as a testament to engineering prowess, a beacon of innovation in a decade defined by excess. And among the pantheon of 959s, the Sport variant occupies a rarefied air, a whisper of pure, unadulterated performance. RM Sotheby’s now offers a chance to own one of these mythical beasts, a 1988 Porsche 959 Sport, a machine born from the pursuit of technological perfection.
While Ferrari opted for brute force with the F40, Porsche chose a more cerebral approach. The 959, a 911 on steroids, showcased a symphony of cutting-edge technology: adjustable suspension, an intelligent four-wheel-drive system, tyre pressure sensors, and lightweight magnesium wheels. It was a rolling laboratory, a demonstration of what was possible when engineering ambition met unwavering dedication.
Of the mere 292 production 959s built, only 29 were crafted to Sport specification. This particular example, finished in Grand Prix White, is a testament to that rarity. Stripped of the Komfort’s luxuries – adaptive suspension, air conditioning, and stereo – the Sport is a purist’s dream, a lightweight, track-focused weapon clad in cloth upholstery and a full roll cage.
This 959 Sport, the 16th built, was originally purchased by Werner Funk, a former Porsche factory racing team crew chief. Delivered directly from the factory in Stuttgart, this machine was never destined for US roads. Funk, a man who understood performance, took it to a French track, sharing the tarmac with a Ferrari F40 and 288 GTO, a day immortalized in photographs, a testament to the sheer brilliance of these era defining supercars.
After a brief stint in Funk’s possession, the car found its way to Switzerland, where it enjoyed a life of meticulous maintenance, documented by invoices from Porsche Zentrum Schinznach Bad. Eventually, it journeyed through Italy and Sweden before finally reaching the United States, where it now resides in a collection of distinguished Porsches.
With a mere 3,757 miles on the odometer, this 959 Sport is a time capsule, a snapshot of automotive history preserved in pristine condition. Its rarity, its pedigree, and its undeniable beauty make it a crown jewel for any serious collector. This is not just a car; it’s a legend, a testament to Porsche’s relentless pursuit of perfection, a chance to own a piece of automotive history that will forever resonate.
