Ultra-Rare 1985 Porsche 959 “Vorserie” Surfaces for Auction

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Ultra-Rare 1985 Porsche 959 "Vorserie" Surfaces for Auction

As a seasoned gamer with a penchant for vintage automobiles and a deep appreciation for historical significance, this announcement of the auctioning of the 1985 Porsche 959 ‘Vorserie’ prototype has left me utterly spellbound! The sheer rarity and provenance of this vehicle, coupled with its groundbreaking technology that revolutionized the supercar market, is a dream come true for any automotive enthusiast.

An exceptionally scarce 1985 Porsche 959 ‘Vorserie’ prototype, famous for its innovative technology and rich heritage, is going under the hammer at RM Sotheby’s. This specific vehicle is one of only five remaining V-series prototypes, and it carries notable history, as it was originally registered to Ferdinand Piëch, a significant figure in Porsche’s past.

Introduced in 1985, the 959 model significantly reshaped the supercar industry by introducing groundbreaking features such as sequential turbochargers, adjustable suspensions, and four-wheel-drive systems with intelligent control. Notably, these innovations were combined with lightweight magnesium wheels. Under the leadership of Helmuth Bott and Manfred Bantle, Porsche’s engineering team built a supercar that represented the pinnacle of technological advancement at the time, making it the world’s most sophisticated supercar during its era.

The V-series model, often referred to as “V5KOM,” stands out due to its extensive documentation and photos taken by its factory tester, Dieter Röscheisen. Significantly, Röscheisen put the V5 through rigorous testing at prestigious tracks like Ehra-Lessien, Nardo, the Nürburgring, and Contidrome, as well as lengthy journeys across Europe. Later, his meticulous notes and photos were showcased in Jürgen Lewandowski’s book, “Porsche 959.”

Initially, the V5 model was completed in Grand Prix White, boasting a Dark Grey upholstery interior. It was primarily utilized for testing various aspects such as chassis, suspension, and traction control. Later, it was passed on to Piëch. Unique attributes, including a solitary wing mirror, a fuel-filler cap concealed beneath the hood, and rear fender vents, are distinctive features of this prototype.

Following testing, V5 was driven by Piëch personally until 1987, at which point it was purchased by chef Hasi Unterberger. Subsequently, the vehicle changed hands several times, with automotive photographer Rene Staud among its prestigious owners. He upgraded the interior to leather. In 2021, V5 was obtained by its latest owner, raising its total mileage to around 48,143 miles.

The legendary automobile will soon be up for auction by RM Sotheby’s during their Monterey Sale, with an estimated selling price reaching up to 2.3 million US dollars.

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2024-08-07 11:26