1987 Porsche 959 Komfort

Chassis No. WP0ZZZ95ZHS900121
Engine No. 65H00173
Baur Body No. 5390094
It's often said the German language has an expression or even a singular word for almost everything: financial mistake (Kalkulationfehler), silver-lining (Glück im Unglück), jack of all trades (Tausendkünstler) - all of these descriptors and more apply to the 959, Porsche's first supercar. Born in the mid-1980s it was a technological masterpiece filtering advancements across the 911 range well into the 1990s. Financially, it was a headache. Cost overruns and delays shrouded the 959 production process in a fog that, in time, has been lifted to reveal the 959 for what it truly is: a showcase of racing prowess and a dramatic engineering test bed for future technology.
In the early 1980s Porsche was desperate to prove their technological superiority learned throughout the previous decade's racing efforts. The “Gruppe B” 959 project was created to display these advancements. Turbocharging, first used on the 917/10 Can-Am racing car in 1972, made its way three years later to their first turbocharged road car - the 1975 911 Turbo - and from it, to the 959. It was a similar story with engine cooling. Through their racing program, Porsche had reached a thermal limit with their air-cooled flat-six. Water-cooled heads appeared on the all-conquering Porsche 956 endurance racing prototype in 1982 and, just a few years later, the 959 was the beneficiary of these successful experiments. Self-leveling suspension, traction control, tire pressure monitoring, ABS, composite body construction all seem commonplace today but each of these systems was derived from racing and still in its infancy when applied to the 959.
Porsche wasn't content simply piecing together a supercar using racing parts. Porsche entered the 959 in two of the most demanding arenas offered in international motorsport: the 24 Hours of Le Mans (as the 961) and the Paris-Dakar Rally. The 959 was triumphant in both. Upon its debut at the 1986 24 Hours of Le Mans it finished first in class and seventh overall. The 959 fared even better across the desert sands of Africa in the ultimate test of durability and endurance, finishing first, second, and sixth in the 1986 edition of the Paris-Dakar Rally. By the time the 959 was ultimately ready for production all of the incredible technology, testing, and racing led to an issue that additional power or better handling could not solve. Porsche had drastically underestimated what the 959 program would cost and, ultimately, would lose money on each one sold. In effect, those lucky enough to purchase a new 959 at approximately 430,000 DM ($225,000) were receiving a significant discount on the actual production cost.
According to a copy of the German Vehicle Registration (Fahrzeugbrief) this 959 Komfort was originally registered on 14 June 1988. Most 959 owners elected to accept delivery of their 959 with pomp and circumstance at Porsche's Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen factory. The first owner, Ursula Boemanns of Hamburg, who it is understood was involved in the real estate industry, was no exception. Ms. Boemanns chose her 959 finished in Guards Red (L80K) with an interior to sample (99) in black leather. As the standard 959 was so well equipped, her Komfort was simply optioned with an alarm system and heated, electrically adjustable sport seats for those cold Hamburg mornings. Ms. Boemanns owned her 959 for just over two years before selling it on 24 November 1990 to well-known car collector and automotive supply business owner Klaus Troche of Lauf an der Pegnitz, Germany. Mr. Troche kept the 959 for the next 10 years, no doubt enjoying the car whenever opportunity arose. On 26 May 2000 this 959 Komfort traveled across the Atlantic when it was sold to J. Barton Didrick of Orrville, Ohio and officially granted a Show and Display exemption from the US DOT with entry date noted as 30 May 2000. Incidentally, it is noted that internal records from Porsche decode the VIN as a 1987 model year while US import paperwork and title show importation as a 1988. Mr. Didrick owned the car for the next eight years eventually selling it to the consignor in November 2008.
Shortly after acquisition by the Fleischman Collection it was sent to FVD Brombacher of Deerfield Beach, Florida for a thorough mechanical inspection. During this inspection and subsequent service, a second stage turbo boost issue was corrected and the car received attention to the suspension and ABS systems. While in Florida, cosmetic improvements were undertaken by Auto Salon 2000, with paintwork noted on the front bumper, hood, front fenders, doors, mirrors and rocker panels. On 26 February 2009 this 959 was delivered to the consignor and its new home in Los Angeles, California.
Upon reviewing copies of the service documentation included with the car, the fastidiousness of new ownership is readily apparent. This 959 initially visited both Beverly Hills Porsche and Arredondo Motorsports to remedy minor issues. A significantly larger, more expensive service was performed by marque specialists Callas Rennsport of Torrance, California. Between December 2011 and April 2012, this 959 Komfort received an engine out service, fluid flush, and cam cover reseal. With the twin-turbo flat-six powerplant removed, additional work was authorized with replacement of fuel lines, drive belts, suspension system hydro-accumulators, flywheel, clutch, pressure plate and a new throwout bearing. At this time, a suspension system fault and brake issue were addressed as well. Shortly afterward, in June 2012, Callas Rennsport replaced a previously diagnosed faulty function control unit.
More recently in May 2019, the car was sent to Porsche South Bay of Hawthorne, California for a second engine-out service under the consignor's ownership. The six-page invoice records an engine reseal, new oil lines, fresh engine electrical parts, new belts, with bleeds to the brake, clutch, and differential power transfer systems. Four new tires and a four wheel alignment completed the service. The car returned to Porsche South Bay in 2020 for an AC recharge, blower fan inspection, replacement of the idle speed / throttle actuator, and to investigate an illuminated differential warning lamp. The comprehensive service history of this 959 does not belie the studiousness of the consignor to retain a high degree of originality in all aspects of this 959 including the groundbreaking computer-controlled, hydraulically-activated, self-leveling suspension system with adjustable damping.
The Porsche 959 was a ground-breaking supercar featuring an array of technological feats wrapped up in one amazing package. The Fleischman Collection's 959, with just over $130,000 in servicing costs since purchase in 2011 and a recent checkup, must be one of the most continually serviced, best documented, examples available anywhere. The car includes German delivery Driver's Manual and original service book, multi-piece tool kit, air pump, and CoA with a documented chain of ownership since new and copies of DOT import paperwork and service records since 2008. Rare is the opportunity to acquire a highly serviced, well documented, and unmodified 959 at auction, let alone in the United States. Properly imported under Show & Display, this 959 - Porsche's first supercar - awaits its next caretaker.
*Please note this particular lot is imported as a 1988 model year*