Heirsh

According to a book I have with bits about the 959 the heads are electron beam welded to the cylinders.

An awd system that actually splits the torque front/rear before a tire slips (ala 964, but I'm sure different in ways I don't know).

Ride height lowering at high speeds for stability.

And the one thing that I always remembered was 3.6sec 0-60. Blew the f40 away for a while. It did have more top end as I recall (the f40).

I can certainly buy its appearance being strange. I always had the impression it was a technological marvel in its day. I guess this is subjective.

Group911@aol.com

There must have been a reason several Japanese manufacturers bought them and disassembled them. We are still seeing innovations in everday cars that were developed on the 959 - 20 years ago. It's a stretch to compare a kit car visually to the real thing. Maybe if you squeeze you nuts till your eyes tear up enough - maybe!

TR6

Did you ever notice the resemblence of the Acura NSX and the 959 from the rear (if you squint real hard, anyway)....

Molly

I saw one driven by an old man leaving the Rolex 24 (Daytona) a few years ago. I watched him (along with a crowd of other onlookers) get in with his friend and drive away from the infield. I later found myself right behind him on 95 north heading home. He ran a steady 75 the whole way, eyes dead ahead, didn't want any trouble at all.

I also saw one just this year parked outside of the Lowes hotel in South Beach. If you don't know, that is a really fancy hotel and I stay there each year for various marine-related trade shows. This one was parked right up under the cover where the valet guys sit on guard. It said 959 in the floor mats, rear carpet, had the switchgear for the awd system in the console, etc.

Then again the Miami boat show attracts the riches ppl on the planet. Which is why I was not so suprised to see a Veyron there this year as well.

So maybe I am lucky to have seen two. Or maybe it was the same one?

kurquhart

When I was at the factory last year, there were no less than three 959s in the Resoration Centre in various levels of finish. One was up in the air so we could walk under it and gawk. I couldn't decide whether to spend my time with the 959s or the 73 RS tub that was being repaired a few feet away.

Red rooster

Heirsh ,
The heads on a 959 are not welded to the barrels . Usual long studs used.

The AWD system used a clutch to transfer torque to the front dependent on acceleration /speed. There is also a menu select switch in roughly the 964 C4 position. 6 speed box was standard , no auto version !!!!
Several of the body panels are made from a Kevlar mix. You can hit the fenders with a hammer and not cause damage !!! I have seen that done by a Porsche body shop instructor . Now that does make you wince .
I am still waiting for the 959 front/rear wishbone suspension system to arrive on a 911 . I guess front struts are so much cheaper .

The Paul Frere 911 book has quite a good section on the 959 , stops the comparison with a 964 Cab dead in its tracks !!Maybe put that one on the last minute Christmas list ??

All the best

Geoff

Heirsh

Geoff,

Perhaps I misread the material or I got it mixed up with the 956. Thanks for the correction.

skruggs964

It's re-listed again....this time with a "buy it now" price of $205,000. (which was also their highest bid last time)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...m=140068179972

friar93

I came across this post searching for something else......interesting post considering this is a $1M + car today, even with the color change

Personlly, I love these cars for the history and innovation. A Porsche supercar that also goes on to win the Dakar Rally? Awesome.

cool whip

Makes me sick! I think I had over $40 k in an R32.