A significant auction for a significant car has just surfaced, namely the 1988 Porsche 959 SC, meticulously reimagined by Canepa, representing a pinnacle of innovation in performance and most notably a key component in the research and development that brought about the Nissan Skyline GT-R.
Originally developed in the early ’80s, the Porsche 959 was a testament to Porsche’s relentless pursuit of technological advancement, leveraging lessons from the racetrack to deliver a car that was decades ahead of its time. With features like turbocharging, water-cooled heads, a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system and a variety of other innovations, the 959 set new standards for what a supercar could be.
However, the exclusivity of the 959 was underscored by its limited production, with fewer than 300 units built, each at a cost to Porsche far exceeding its retail price. This rarity was compounded in the United States, where the 959 was not initially road-legal due to its non-compliance with NHTSA safety standards. It wasn’t until the “Show or Display” rule was passed in 1999, largely through efforts by Canepa and others, that Americans could legally drive the 959 on public roads.
The story of chassis number 022, now up for auction, adds another layer of intrigue to this already fascinating and historied vehicle. It was initially acquired by Nissan Motor Company for reverse engineering Porsche’s advanced all-wheel drive system, serving as a benchmark that would inform the development of Nissan’s own ATTESA ET-S system, famously utilized in the R32 GT-R. Curiously, this car was never registered or titled but kept instead as a piece of automotive research history in Japan until it arrived in the U.S.
Under the meticulous care of Canepa, chassis 022 was transformed into the 959 SC (Sport Canepa), a process that involved over 4,000 hours of restoration and a total cost of $950,000. Every aspect of the car was reconditioned or re-engineered, from the paintwork and interior to the mechanical components. The result is a car that pays homage to its original design but also propels it into the modern era with over 800 hp and a top speed exceeding 230 mph.
This Porsche 959 SC, a rare piece of automotive history, is now available for bidding via Broad Arrow Auctions, with an estimated closing price of up to $3,750,000 USD. For more information on the vehicle or to place a bid, you can visit the official lot here.
