450 bhp, air- and liquid-cooled twin-turbo six-cylinder alloy engine, six-speed manual gearbox with all-wheel drive, three-stage traction control and electronically adjustable ride-height and shock absorber control, double wishbone front and rear suspension, four-wheel disc brakes with ventilated rotors. Wheelbase: 2,272 mm (89.4")
Before the McLaren F1, the “supercar” world was dominated by Porsche’s almighty 959, of which only about 280 cars were built in “Sport” and fully loaded “Komfort” specification. Priced at $300,000, Porsche reportedly lost money on each example built. The specifications were, and still are, mind-blowing: moulded composite bodywork, a twin sequential turbocharged and intercooled flat six producing 450 bhp, an electronically controlled all-wheel drive system and high-speed microprocessor-controlled antilock brakes. With a 198 mph top speed and 0-60 times of just 3.6 seconds, few cars can match the 959’s otherworldly performance even now, over 20 years later.
This 959 was ordered new by Mansour Ojjeh, the entrepreneur and leader of the TAG Group, which was founded by his father. To racing enthusiasts, TAG is best known for its involvement in Formula 1 and McLaren and also for its ownership of TAG Heuer luxury watches. Mr. Ojjeh covered 11,800 kms in this car before selling it in 1998 to the current and second owner, a Dutch enthusiast whose collection includes Ferrari and Porsche race and road cars, both old and new. He has driven it just 14,037 kms in his ownership. Today the car is totally original, still finished in its original champagne metallic colour with matching wheels and two-tone interior. It is complete with all its books, tools and extensive history file. While in Holland, it has been maintained by renowned 959 specialists, who last serviced the car in 2008 at a cost of over €8,000. Since then, the car has covered less than 150 kms. Currently registered in Holland and ready to be enjoyed by its new owner, this is a rare opportunity to acquire a fully documented Porsche 959 that has been well maintained from new.
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