Heroic Porsche 959 Restoration One for the Ages
Like Clint Eastwood says in Dirty Harry, “a man’s got to know his limitations.”
One man who apparently has few limitations is Roar Olsen from Norway. A helicopter pilot by trade, he purchased a stalled Porsche 959 project in 2011, and set about restoring it back to health. While dating back almost three-decades now, the 959 is still by many measures the ultimate derivation of the 911 concept.
Upon its debut in 1986, the 959 showcased many technical innovations which would set the course for Porsche. Its 2.8-liter twin-turbo flat-six was paired with an innovative all-wheel drive and light, slippery body, which made it good for an astonishing 195 mph. In total, 337 were made. To call it a desirable collector car would be a colossal understatement.
The 959 is, quite literally, the reason the United States has the Show or Display law.
Obviously, the list of specialized Kevlar and Magnesium bits is extensive. And that looks great on paper. But Roar purchased this car wrecked, well over a decade after it was manufactured.
While the was drivetrain was mostly unscathed, there was extensive damage to other systems, including the body, which makes for an incredibly formidable restoration job. Further complicating things is the fact that many parts are no longer available, or—see the $5,000 hood hinges—frighteningly expensive if they are. But by utilizing his skills, scavenging the Internet, and working with some extremely talented fabricators, over several years Roar has gone about resurrecting this 959.
While the epic rebuild thread has slowed somewhat due to a focus on the family, Roar says hopefully the car will be on the road again before 2017. We can’t wait!
