In an era when the term “supercar” was redefined, the Porsche 959 stood out as a titan of technological innovation and sheer performance. RM Sotheby’s is now set to auction a piece of automotive history: a 1987 Porsche 959 Komfort, once owned by a visionary group of American enthusiasts who went to great lengths to bring this marvel to the U.S. roads.
The Porsche 959, unveiled in 1985, was nothing short of revolutionary. With its advanced features including sequential turbochargers, a state-of-the-art adjustable suspension and an intelligent four-wheel-drive system, it became the dream car for an entire generation.
Designed under the leadership of Helmuth Bott and Manfred Bantle, the 959 was Porsche‘s ambitious answer to creating the most advanced supercar of its time, sparing no expense in the pursuit of unmatched performance. Notably, the vehicle was so advanced that Nissan used a 1988 example of the 959 Komfort SC for research and development on the first Skyline GT-R.
Despite the initial impossibility of purchasing a 959 in the U.S. due to regulatory challenges, three determined enthusiasts — Ralph Lauren, Larry Hedrick and Norman Stone — secured a special exemption from the U.S. government, allowing them to import and modify their 959s for road use, a testament to their passion and dedication.
The car in question, part of the “Dare to Dream Collection,” bears an intriguing tale of automotive enthusiasm and international negotiation. As the 59th of only 207 Komfort-spec examples produced, this 959 boasts a rich history, including its initial sale to Dr. Norman Clement Stone, a Bay Area art collector and philanthropist known for his trendsetting in investments and fashion.
Dr. Stone’s ownership adds a layer of allure to the vehicle’s story, highlighting his commitment to maintaining and enjoying this supercar. With an impressive mileage that dwarfs other supercars of its era, this 959 was not just a showpiece but a daily driver, cherished and driven extensively across the United States.
Under Stone’s stewardship, the car underwent meticulous maintenance and upgrades, including a significant overhaul by Canepa Design that elevated its performance to a staggering 640 hp. The car’s journey from an automotive marvel to a cherished collectible, complete with a comprehensive restoration and upgrades totaling over $285,000, showcases its transformation into a modern legend.
This outstanding example of the 959 Komfort is estimated to realize as much as $1,500,000 USD at auction. Those interested in browsing the “Dare to Dream Collection,” which includes over $60,000,000 USD in hypercars and iconic cars, as well as 800 pairs of rare sneakers, can visit RM Sotheby’s official site or attend the auction in Toronto from May 31 to June 1.
