Introduction to the Dream Car of Bill Gates and Jerry Seinfeld, 959
As the title reads, Bill Gates sought for a passage of the law, "Show and Display", for one particular Porsche model. And he did. The law was passed in 1999 and he did get his car of his dream. Oddly it wasn't the most modern, high-tech super car of the year. The car actually was available starting from 1986 and the production was at halt in 1993.
Introducing, Porsche 959.
Let's get on to it.Porsche 959, the father of modern cars.
In the beginning of early 80s, Porsche was constantly searching for a model that'll inspire the next generation of 911. So they decided to embark a cost-no-object project that eventually pave the direction for future 911 models.
It first started as a Group B rally car. Porsche's initial judgement was that as it was pushed into rally racing games, the knowledge gained through construction would be valuable.
Originally called Gruppe B. It looked like a spaceship at that time. It's exterior stood out from not only other Porsche models but prototypes and futuristic versions of other Super Car manufacturer. As a matter of fact, it felt as if Porsche engineers took a time machine and brought back a technology of 10~20 years ahead to their time.
And indeed, no doubt about it.
It was nothing like what they had in the 80s. Sequential twin turbo-charged engine allowing smooth speed transition as car accelerates instead of Porsche's conventional on-off power characteristics for their faster models. When it was introduced, it was the world's fastest street legal production car with top speed of 195mph (314km/h). Not to mention the 3.7 sec record for 0-60mph.
The performance was already expected, 444hp! Everything was optimized for agility and drivability. The car had aluminum and aramid composite body design in lieu of conventional steel body which significantly reduced the weight. For extra weight cut and durability, the magnesium alloy wheels with hollow spoke were in place.
But the real reason the 959 production technology was considered "the next level" to its contemporaries is not its power, speed, or lightness.
It had PSK all wheel drive which allows torques distribution change from rear wheel to front. When it goes through hard acceleration the suspension spread 80% of its power to the rear, the very optimal distribution at the particular point of driving. And of course, we cannot leave out the eight hydraulic connected dampers from mentioning when it comes to suspension. Just like the top notch suspension, it was equipped with 6-speed manual, very rarely found on cars at the time.
For consumers in the 80s, ABS brake wasn't commonly found. But, how far Porsche took 959 to the next level is their automatic ride-height adjustment and unprecedented aerodynamics. Although the car looks very futuristic and beautiful, the shape wasn't designed for aesthetic purpose; but the ability to have an edge on every aspect when it comes to racing. Thus the result of drag coefficient of 3.1 and zero lift. This was almost like a non-sense before you witnessed it with your own eyes.
Porsche's judgment had changed overtime in the midst of its production. Although, in the long run, the technology they honed through the 959 production turned out to be valuable, they decided it wasn't exactly the direction they want to go with their 911s. However, despite the fact that Porsche was not seriously considering to win as the cost outweighs what can be learned as technology development through rally race, 959 finished first and second in 1986 rally race.
In 1987, the Komfort variant was sold at $225k but the actual manufacturing cost was later calculated and turned out to be twice the selling price. Yes, they had to shut it down.
Until 1999, US importation of 959 was prohibited. Bill Gates and Bruce Canepa along with other successful Porschephiles, pushed to pass the "Show and Display" law, under certain situation and usage the car stays legal—the circumstances were, well, the name of the law speaks for itself.
Recently, Canepa Motorsports, specializing classic sports cars and racing, rebuilt 959 and launched a machine that can outrun the Porsche 918 Spyder. The beast is named Gen III 959. It has 763 hp, more than 300 extra compared to the original. Check out the reborn beast!
And this beast is claimed to take on my all-time favorite, the notorious Spyder.
Currently the Porsche 959 is traded at $1,000,000. On that note, if you were able to buy 959 in the 80s, your ROI on the collection could have been 350%!! Not bad, not bad at all.