During the early 1980s, Porsche embarked on a groundbreaking project to create a road car homologated for the FIA Group B racing series. Led by Helmuth Bott, Porsche’s Executive Vice President of Research and Development, the result was the 1987 Porsche 959, a vehicle that redefined the boundaries of automotive performance and technology.

Though visually reminiscent of the 911, the 959 featured a sleeker profile with advanced aerodynamics for “zero-lift” performance. Its lightweight body combined steel, aluminum, and composites like Kevlar and Nomex. At 3,200 pounds, it housed cutting-edge technology, including a Porsche-Steuer-Kupplung (PSK) all-wheel-drive system, which electronically distributed torque, sending up to 80% of power to the rear wheels. Drivers could select from four drive modes tailored to specific terrains. Additional innovations included anti-lock brakes, hollow-spoke magnesium wheels, as well as a tire-pressure monitoring system − a production car first.

Power came from a 2.85-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six engine with water-cooled cylinder heads, sequential turbochargers, and a six-speed manual transaxle featuring an ultra-low “G” (off-road) gear. Producing 450 hp at 6,500 rpm and 369 lbs./ft. of torque at 5,000 rpm, the 959 was capable of 0–60 mph in 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 197 mph.

Testing the model in November 1987, Car and Driver magazine’s Csaba Csere exclaimed, “In price, in availability, in performance, the 959 defies comparison with lesser machinery. The ultimate automobile, it is to any ordinary car as the F-15 is to a hang glider. We cannot, in the final analysis, call it perfect. But if you want to call the Porsche 959 the best car in the world, you will get no argument from us.”

With production costs far exceeding its selling price, the 959 was more a labor of passion than profit, with Porsche said to have lost almost $200,000 on the sale of each car. From 1987 to 1988, only 292 production units were built, including 242 Komfort variants which featured standard air-conditioning, cabin insulation, leather upholstery, and an adjustable hydraulic ride-height system.

Built in Komfort trim, this Porsche 959 was completed in July 1988, and is one of just 31 examples finished in Graphite Metallic. Paired with a Dark Grey Metallic leather interior, this example was outfitted with equipment for Germany, electrically adjusted and heated sport seats, and an alarm system.

According to the consignor, this 959 was sold new to HRH Prince Sufri Bolkiah, third in line to the throne of Brunei, as part of the royal family’s expansive car collection. Used sparingly, the 959 showed 1,640 km on the odometer when it was sold from Prince Bolkiah’s collection in January 2004, as documented by a letter on file from the Prince’s office. According to the consignor, the car was purchased by collector Phil Richardson of Ontario, Canada.

In 2006, this 959 was acquired by Ken Lingenfelter of Brighton, Michigan. A successful real estate entrepreneur and son of a General Motors executive, Mr. Lingenfelter sought to expand his significant car collection and later acquired Lingenfelter Performance Engineering, a well-known high-performance tuner, founded by his cousin, John Lingenfelter.

Mr. Lingenfelter subsequently entrusted noted model specialist Canepa of Scotts Valley, California, to render this 959 road-going. After having been imported into the US under the NHTSA “Show or Display” exemption in January 2007, the car was then converted to federal and California emissions standards by Northern California Diagnostics Laboratories of Napa, California, in July 2008. As part of the conversion process, the 959’s odometer was changed by Canepa from its km/h unit to a mph unit. According to service records on file, the car also received Canepa’s engine upgrade kit, reportedly yielding 576 hp, as well as its custom-valved suspension system and a competition 3-spoke steering wheel. Additional mechanical and cosmetic work was also performed, including work to its cooling, clutch and braking systems, as well as paintwork and the refinishing of the wheels. The Porsche remained in Mr. Lingenfelter’s collection until 2015, when it was sold to another enthusiast, from whom it was acquired by the consignor.

Today, the odometer displays 826 miles, suggesting that the 959 has covered fewer than 2,000 miles from new.

The Porsche 959 was among the world’s fastest production cars upon its release, with a 197 mph top speed that remains impressive today. Offered for the first time at public auction, this 959 is accompanied by its manuals, tool kit, Porsche COA, and documentation. This example, finished in a rare color combination and boasting extraordinary provenance and low mileage, offers an uncommon opportunity for Porsche enthusiasts and collectors to own one of the most innovative supercars in history.