... Galleries >>>
One of just three examples built for the 1985 Paris-Dakar Rally—thanks to the encouragement of six-time Le
Mans winner Jacky Ickx who finished the Paris-Dakar race in sixth place in a Porsche Type 953 911 in
1984—the model would serve as a 959-development prototype, representing Porsche in the most grueling
rally of all. These three cars were equipped with the naturally aspirated 3.2-liter Carrera engine, however were
fitted with the suspension, modified four-wheel drive system, and body panels developed for the new 959.
Chassis no. 010015, the example set for RM Sotheby’s auction stage at the PEC Atlanta, was driven in the
1985 Paris-Dakar as #186 by René Metge (winner of the Paris-Dakar in 1981, 1984 in a Porsche Type 953
911, and 1986 in a Porsche 959) and Dominique Lemoyne. Of the 552 entries in the rally, just 146 completed
the 14,000km race. Unfortunately, 010015 retired due to oil line failure, while the other two 959s were involved
in accidents. Though the car on offer did not finish the race, it certainly served as a testbed for the three 959s
entered by Porsche in the 1986 Paris-Dakar, which dominated the event, finishing 1st, 2nd, and 6th overall,
proving the incredible potential of the model.
In addition to the Paris-Dakar, RM Sotheby’s will also present a 959 Prototype from the same year at its
Porsche 70th Anniversary sale. Known as prototype no. F7 of 12 ‘F’ series prototypes, the car on offer was
finished in Ruby Red with ‘Triple Silver’ interior and trimmed to Komfort specification without the adjustable
ride height featured in the later cars. Believed to be one of just three or four prototypes to survive and perhaps
the only example in running order, F7 was used for electrical systems and hot weather testing in period,
making it as far as San Francisco and Australia.
Additional features and marked differences unique to the Prototypes include the earliest rear wing type, very
rare prototype wheels in hollow magnesium and finished in pearlescent white, and LHD prototype headlights
which are entirely different to the production versions. Offered from its long-term owner of more than 15 years,
RM Sotheby’s estimates the Prototype carries a pre-sale value of $1,300,000 - $1,600,000.
The RM Sotheby’s Porsche 70th Anniversary Auction is an exclusive, single-marque auction to be held at the
home of Porsche Cars North America (PCNA) in Atlanta. Set for the weekend of 27 October, the sale shortly
follows official U.S. 70th anniversary celebrations taking place in 2018 and will feature approximately 70 of the
world’s most important and most sought-after, privately-owned collectible Porsche models, spanning the
marque’s illustrious 70-year history as a sports car manufacturer. The entire PEC Atlanta will be open for RM
Sotheby’s registered bidders to view auction cars, 26 and 27 October, all made easily accessible thanks to
the facility’s location adjacent to the runways of Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.
“It is fantastic to be able to offer one of the very few 959 Paris-Dakar rally cars at auction, especially at our
Porsche 70th Anniversary sale,” says Alexander Weaver, Car Specialist, RM Sotheby’s. “Just six of these
impressive machines were ever built, with five examples surviving and perhaps a mere two or three, including
this car, in private hands. The Paris-Dakar presents in as-raced, highly original condition, and is being
commissioned to complete running order prior to the sale in October.
There has been a considerable surge in the popularity of safari-style, rally-spec 911 builds, and the 959
Paris-Dakar is essentially what sparked all of these on/off-road Porsche models. For any die-hard Porsche
collector and off-roader, this is an unheard-of opportunity.”
Following its retirement from racing, the 959 has been shown and used regularly at vintage events across the
U.S. and Europe, including appearances at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2004-2006 under former owner
Jacky Ickx, at the Royal Automobile Club in London, and at The Quail: A Motorsports Gathering, where it won
Best in Class in 2008. Offered from long-term ownership in a private collection of important sports and vintage
race cars, this 959 Paris-Dakar played an integral role in the development of the original Porsche supercar,
and is one of the most iconic rally cars of the 1980s. The first example to ever be offered for public auction,
the 959 is estimated by RM Sotheby’s to bring $3,000,000 to $3,400,000 this fall.
Related Material
... Consolidated 2014 - 2017 Auction Results sorted by Price descending >>>
... Consolidated 2014 - 2017 Auction Results in gallery view >>>
|
