Cars of the 1970s and 1980s
1970 The Preferred Car of Jo Siffert
2017 SOLD for $ 14M including premium
Porsche had never won the 24 hours of Le Mans. A change in regulations announced after the 1968 season by the ACO for the two classes 3 liters and 5 liters is seized as an opportunity. Porsche creates in parallel the models 908 and 917.
The rule for the 5 liter homologation requires that the model is produced in 25 identical units. Porsche's motivation is so intense that they line up their twenty-five 917 in the yard of the factory as early as April 1969. Success is still questionable because the 917 is very difficult to drive. None of them finished the 24 hours of Le Mans 1969 and a driver died during that race.
Porsche immediately conceived the necessary improvements, resulting in two variants of the chassis for each of the two models : K for Kurz Heck and LH for Lang Heck. The short variant is faster in top speed but less stable. Many drivers will prefer the LH.
On August 18 at Pebble Beach, Gooding sells a historically important 917K, lot 44 estimated $ 13M. Here is the link to the press release.
This car assembled in 1970 was immediately entered in the training and test sessions at Le Mans, Nürburgring and Ehra-Lessien in April and May, demonstrating the exceptional speed achieved by the 917K model.
It is purchased in June 1970 by Jo Siffert who does not use it in competition but leases it for the preparation of the film Le Mans. It is one of three 917K starring in this movie for which they also served as camera cars for shooting at full speed. This 917K was Siffert's favorite car and led his funeral procession in October 1971.
The car was found 30 years later in a Parisian suburb, covered with dust but untouched except for the absence of the engine. The next owner bought an original engine from the same series. The complete restoration was supervised by a former Porsche engineer who still had access to the factory archives of the 917 program.
Please watch the video shared by Gooding.
The rule for the 5 liter homologation requires that the model is produced in 25 identical units. Porsche's motivation is so intense that they line up their twenty-five 917 in the yard of the factory as early as April 1969. Success is still questionable because the 917 is very difficult to drive. None of them finished the 24 hours of Le Mans 1969 and a driver died during that race.
Porsche immediately conceived the necessary improvements, resulting in two variants of the chassis for each of the two models : K for Kurz Heck and LH for Lang Heck. The short variant is faster in top speed but less stable. Many drivers will prefer the LH.
On August 18 at Pebble Beach, Gooding sells a historically important 917K, lot 44 estimated $ 13M. Here is the link to the press release.
This car assembled in 1970 was immediately entered in the training and test sessions at Le Mans, Nürburgring and Ehra-Lessien in April and May, demonstrating the exceptional speed achieved by the 917K model.
It is purchased in June 1970 by Jo Siffert who does not use it in competition but leases it for the preparation of the film Le Mans. It is one of three 917K starring in this movie for which they also served as camera cars for shooting at full speed. This 917K was Siffert's favorite car and led his funeral procession in October 1971.
The car was found 30 years later in a Parisian suburb, covered with dust but untouched except for the absence of the engine. The next owner bought an original engine from the same series. The complete restoration was supervised by a former Porsche engineer who still had access to the factory archives of the 917 program.
Please watch the video shared by Gooding.
1970 Porsche 917K / 917 Spyder
2010 SOLD for $ 4M by Bonhams
Winning at Le Mans was for many years the ultimate dream for Porsche. In 1969, they missed it when a 908 was not powerful enough to overcome a veteran Ford GT40 Mk I in the last lap. The Ford was operated by John Wyer Automotive.
In 1970 the new coupes 917K and 917LH were highly promising and John Wyer left Ford for Porsche, including a full factory support. The race was won by another works 917K ahead of a 917LH and a 908.
None of the three 917K entered by John Wyer Automotive Gulf finished that race. One of them crashed under heavy rain. It had been specially filmed in the race by a 908 equipped for the preparation of Le Mans film, which will be released in 1971. It is this car which is featured in its resplendent Gulf-Porsche blue and orange livery as the winning car starred by Steve McQueen.
The chassis was repaired and renumbered in 1971 by the factory. It was re-bodied at that time as a spyder according to the new 917/10 design prepared for the CanAm. It was then raced for three seasons in the Interserie.
Still as a spyder, it was sold for $ 4M by Bonhams on August 12, 2010, lot 236, without a reference to its movie fame as a coupe.
It was later restored to its original 1970 Le Mans racing configuration as a coupe with the Gulf livery. It passed at RM Sotheby's in Monterey on August 14, 2021, lot 328. It is still accompanied by its former spyder body and still retains the engine from its factory rebuild. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
In 1970 the new coupes 917K and 917LH were highly promising and John Wyer left Ford for Porsche, including a full factory support. The race was won by another works 917K ahead of a 917LH and a 908.
None of the three 917K entered by John Wyer Automotive Gulf finished that race. One of them crashed under heavy rain. It had been specially filmed in the race by a 908 equipped for the preparation of Le Mans film, which will be released in 1971. It is this car which is featured in its resplendent Gulf-Porsche blue and orange livery as the winning car starred by Steve McQueen.
The chassis was repaired and renumbered in 1971 by the factory. It was re-bodied at that time as a spyder according to the new 917/10 design prepared for the CanAm. It was then raced for three seasons in the Interserie.
Still as a spyder, it was sold for $ 4M by Bonhams on August 12, 2010, lot 236, without a reference to its movie fame as a coupe.
It was later restored to its original 1970 Le Mans racing configuration as a coupe with the Gulf livery. It passed at RM Sotheby's in Monterey on August 14, 2021, lot 328. It is still accompanied by its former spyder body and still retains the engine from its factory rebuild. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
1971 Lamborghini Miura SV Speciale
2020 SOLD for £ 3.2M including premium by Gooding
narrated in 2015 before the sale of a Miura SVJ by RM Auctions (see below)
Ferruccio Lamborghini, an industrialist specializing in tractors, had a passion for fine automobiles. When he launched his business into the latter specialty, he voluntarily went opposite to the strategy of the major manufacturers : Lamborghini sports cars will be perfect, using techniques similar to racing cars, but will remain road vehicles without specific adaptation to track racing.
The Lamborghini Miura is a masterpiece by the coachbuilder Bertone. When the prototype was released in 1965, it was the precursor of the current era of supercars. The prestige of the new brand was immediate.
Lamborghini developed in 1970 a high-end variant, the Miura SV, meaning Super Veloce and so clearly identifying which market was targeted.
The boss accepted the SVJ project of a competition variant of the SV. His intention concerning the SVJ was probably to test new solutions which can then be reused in later high-end road cars. When the SV is released in 1971, Lamborghini requires the destruction of the only SVJ prototype. The car escaped the sentence but was destroyed in an accident shortly after.
Discretion was not total, and the SVJ had created some desires. For three years, Lamborghini accepted exceptionally to transform some SV cars into the SVJ configuration. The population of this ultimate Miura does not exceed seven vehicles.
A 1971 Miura SV factory converted in SVJ was sold for $ 1.9M including premium by RM Auctions on January 15, 2015. An SV Speciale with the lubrication and the differential of the SVJ was sold for £ 3.2M including premium by Gooding on September 5, 2020, lot 2 (auction postponed from April 1). Here is the link to the pre sale press release.
The Lamborghini Miura is a masterpiece by the coachbuilder Bertone. When the prototype was released in 1965, it was the precursor of the current era of supercars. The prestige of the new brand was immediate.
Lamborghini developed in 1970 a high-end variant, the Miura SV, meaning Super Veloce and so clearly identifying which market was targeted.
The boss accepted the SVJ project of a competition variant of the SV. His intention concerning the SVJ was probably to test new solutions which can then be reused in later high-end road cars. When the SV is released in 1971, Lamborghini requires the destruction of the only SVJ prototype. The car escaped the sentence but was destroyed in an accident shortly after.
Discretion was not total, and the SVJ had created some desires. For three years, Lamborghini accepted exceptionally to transform some SV cars into the SVJ configuration. The population of this ultimate Miura does not exceed seven vehicles.
A 1971 Miura SV factory converted in SVJ was sold for $ 1.9M including premium by RM Auctions on January 15, 2015. An SV Speciale with the lubrication and the differential of the SVJ was sold for £ 3.2M including premium by Gooding on September 5, 2020, lot 2 (auction postponed from April 1). Here is the link to the pre sale press release.
1972 The Roar of the Matra
2021 SOLD for € 6.9M including premium
Jean-Luc Lagardère has been Matra's operational manager since 1963 with the position of Directeur général. His mission is to diversify the activities of this company previously focused to the aeronautical and military sector. In 1964 he declares his ambition for Matra to become the leader in automobile competitions within ten years. In the same year, Matra buys the company of the Automobiles René Bonnet.
In a gradual approach, Matra indeed manages to win successively in Formula 3, Formula 2 and Formula 1. In 1969 Jackie Stewart is world champion with a Matra MS 80 equipped with a V8 Cosworth engine. In the following year Matra Sports joins forces with Simca.
For endurance, Matra's learning is a bit slower. In 1972, after several years of failure, the Matra team enters four cars at Le Mans. The race is won by an MS 670 fitted with the 1972 version of the Matra Sports V12 engine. It was piloted by Henri Pescarolo and Graham Hill. The latter thus becomes the only motorsport champion to have won the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the 500 miles of Indianapolis and the Formula 1 World Championship.
Matra's victory revives French motorsport. Introduced for Formula 1 in 1968, the V12 played an important role in the popularity of the brand. Lagardère wanted its noise to be a roar, which spectators cannot ignore each time a Matra passes through Mulsanne straight.
This car ended its racing career in the following year but was retained by the company. Its many modifications are consistent with the period configuration. It is estimated € 4M for sale by Artcurial in Paris on February 5, lot 5. Please watch the video shared by the auction house and discover therein the howl of the Matra, described by Artcurial as a fabulous symphony.
Matra Sports largely won its challenge and ceased competition after the 1974 season but supplied engines to Ligier until 1978. Lagardère became Chairman and CEO of Matra in 1977.
In a gradual approach, Matra indeed manages to win successively in Formula 3, Formula 2 and Formula 1. In 1969 Jackie Stewart is world champion with a Matra MS 80 equipped with a V8 Cosworth engine. In the following year Matra Sports joins forces with Simca.
For endurance, Matra's learning is a bit slower. In 1972, after several years of failure, the Matra team enters four cars at Le Mans. The race is won by an MS 670 fitted with the 1972 version of the Matra Sports V12 engine. It was piloted by Henri Pescarolo and Graham Hill. The latter thus becomes the only motorsport champion to have won the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the 500 miles of Indianapolis and the Formula 1 World Championship.
Matra's victory revives French motorsport. Introduced for Formula 1 in 1968, the V12 played an important role in the popularity of the brand. Lagardère wanted its noise to be a roar, which spectators cannot ignore each time a Matra passes through Mulsanne straight.
This car ended its racing career in the following year but was retained by the company. Its many modifications are consistent with the period configuration. It is estimated € 4M for sale by Artcurial in Paris on February 5, lot 5. Please watch the video shared by the auction house and discover therein the howl of the Matra, described by Artcurial as a fabulous symphony.
Matra Sports largely won its challenge and ceased competition after the 1974 season but supplied engines to Ligier until 1978. Lagardère became Chairman and CEO of Matra in 1977.
1972 The Winning Porsche of the Can-Am
2012 SOLD 5.8 M$ including premium
In the early 1970s, the cars competing in endurance racing change their look and increase their speed. The development of the Porsche 917 in Spyder bodywork is a great success, both in terms of engineering and sport.
And indeed the car for sale in Monterey on August 18 by Mecum had won the best track record of the Porsche 917 model.
In 1972, Porsche subcontracted to Penske Racing the participation in the competitions. Their goal to dominate the prestigious series of events known as the Can-Am (Canadian American Challenge Cup) met a total success.
Driven alternately by the two Penske drivers, George Follmer and Mark Donohue, this serial number 917/10-003 actually won in 1972 no fewer than five of nine races counted for the Can-Am.
Porsche engineers could do better, and they did. Prepared in 1973, the Porsche 917/30 Spyder was later elected by a committee of experts as the greatest racing car of all time. One of the four cars of this model was sold $ 4.4 million including premium by Gooding on March 9, 2012.
I wrote at that time that the overwhelming success of the Porsche 917 had killed the suspense in the Can-Am events. This is not the only reason for the ephemeral career of the 917: the oil crisis also forced the organizers of car racings to cut the costs.
I invite you to play the video introducing the 917/10-003, shared on YouTube by Mecum.
POST SALE COMMENT
Top collectors are finally starting to pay attention to these remarkable cars of the early 1970s, just before the oil crisis. The exceptional prestige of this unit pushed it up to $ 5.5 million, hammer price.
And indeed the car for sale in Monterey on August 18 by Mecum had won the best track record of the Porsche 917 model.
In 1972, Porsche subcontracted to Penske Racing the participation in the competitions. Their goal to dominate the prestigious series of events known as the Can-Am (Canadian American Challenge Cup) met a total success.
Driven alternately by the two Penske drivers, George Follmer and Mark Donohue, this serial number 917/10-003 actually won in 1972 no fewer than five of nine races counted for the Can-Am.
Porsche engineers could do better, and they did. Prepared in 1973, the Porsche 917/30 Spyder was later elected by a committee of experts as the greatest racing car of all time. One of the four cars of this model was sold $ 4.4 million including premium by Gooding on March 9, 2012.
I wrote at that time that the overwhelming success of the Porsche 917 had killed the suspense in the Can-Am events. This is not the only reason for the ephemeral career of the 917: the oil crisis also forced the organizers of car racings to cut the costs.
I invite you to play the video introducing the 917/10-003, shared on YouTube by Mecum.
POST SALE COMMENT
Top collectors are finally starting to pay attention to these remarkable cars of the early 1970s, just before the oil crisis. The exceptional prestige of this unit pushed it up to $ 5.5 million, hammer price.
1973 The Porsche 917/30 Spyder
2012 SOLD 4.4 M$ including premium
2016 SOLD for $ 3M including premium
PRE 2016 SALE DISCUSSION
Porsche dominated the Can-Am in 1972 with the 917/10. Its engineers did even better in 1973 : the Porsche 917/30 Can-Am Spyder is commonly regarded as the best racing car of all time. Its participation to competition was provided by the drivers of the Penske team including Mark Donohue.
With its 5.4-liter engine, 917/30 has an unsurpassed power. Compared to the 917/10, its aerodynamics is improved and a clever system of temporary acceleration raising up to 1500 bph enables to instantly leave any competitor behind.
This ultimate model of motor racing is indeed extremely rare despite its dominant performance : only six chassis were built.
001 is a prototype that had ensured the transition from 917/10 to 917/30. All feats in competition including the speed record of 355 km/h in closed circuit were achieved either by 002 or (mostly) by 003. Both are currently owned by Porsche although 002 was badly damaged in a crash at Watkins Glen.
004 was originally intended for the Penske team but the uninterrupted performance of 002 and 003 did not appeal for a spare unit. No longer needed in 1974 due to the fuel limitation imposed from the oil crisis, it is bought, admired and exhibited by the Porsche importer in Australia without entering a race.
005 and 006 have been much later assembled with smaller engines, 5 and 4.5 liters respectively.
Carefully maintained by its successive collectors and repainted in the livery of Sunoco which had been the main sponsor of the Penske team, 004 was sold for $ 4.4 million including premium by Gooding on March 9, 2012. I had discussed it in this column at that time. Coming now from the collection of Jerry Seinfeld, it is estimated $ 5M for sale by Gooding in Amelia Island on March 11, lot 044. Here is the link to the press release announcing the collection.
Porsche dominated the Can-Am in 1972 with the 917/10. Its engineers did even better in 1973 : the Porsche 917/30 Can-Am Spyder is commonly regarded as the best racing car of all time. Its participation to competition was provided by the drivers of the Penske team including Mark Donohue.
With its 5.4-liter engine, 917/30 has an unsurpassed power. Compared to the 917/10, its aerodynamics is improved and a clever system of temporary acceleration raising up to 1500 bph enables to instantly leave any competitor behind.
This ultimate model of motor racing is indeed extremely rare despite its dominant performance : only six chassis were built.
001 is a prototype that had ensured the transition from 917/10 to 917/30. All feats in competition including the speed record of 355 km/h in closed circuit were achieved either by 002 or (mostly) by 003. Both are currently owned by Porsche although 002 was badly damaged in a crash at Watkins Glen.
004 was originally intended for the Penske team but the uninterrupted performance of 002 and 003 did not appeal for a spare unit. No longer needed in 1974 due to the fuel limitation imposed from the oil crisis, it is bought, admired and exhibited by the Porsche importer in Australia without entering a race.
005 and 006 have been much later assembled with smaller engines, 5 and 4.5 liters respectively.
Carefully maintained by its successive collectors and repainted in the livery of Sunoco which had been the main sponsor of the Penske team, 004 was sold for $ 4.4 million including premium by Gooding on March 9, 2012. I had discussed it in this column at that time. Coming now from the collection of Jerry Seinfeld, it is estimated $ 5M for sale by Gooding in Amelia Island on March 11, lot 044. Here is the link to the press release announcing the collection.
1975 Niki Lauda in the Scuderia
2019 SOLD for $ 6M including premium
Despite his sensational success in the production of sports cars, the track remains the main goal of Enzo Ferrari. However, after the victory of John Surtees in 1964, the Formula One world championships of constructors and drivers escape sustainably his Scuderia.
Reasons for these issues were varied : funding difficulties, poor selection of some drivers, difficulty in developing a competing engine against the Ford Cosworth. In 1969 40% of Ferrari was sold to the FIAT group.
Agnelli is impatient. In 1973 he forces Enzo Ferrari to share his decisions with a young manager, Luca di Montezemolo, who cancels some blunders. Mauro Forghieri returns to his position as technical director. Back in the Scuderia, Clay Regazzoni makes Niki Lauda hired in 1974.
Forghieri had designed the Ferrari 312B in 1971. In 1975 its evolution 312T finally gives the supremacy to the Scuderia, thanks to a transversal gear box which improves the distribution of the masses. The two 312Ts driven in that year by Lauda and Regazzoni in the Grand Prix cumulate pole positions and wins. Ferrari and Lauda are world champions. Three other cars had been built.
Like many models of that period, the 312T is ephemeral. Obsolete in 1976 after a change in the rules for prohibiting the spectacular air box behind the cockpit, it is replaced by the 312T2.
On August 16 at Pebble Beach, Gooding sells a 312T raced by Lauda in 1975. It began its career by winning the Silverstone Trophy, which is not counted in the world championship. Qualified five times in pole position in the Grand Prix of the championship, it won in France.
This car is estimated $ 6M, lot 031. Here is the link to the press release. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
Reasons for these issues were varied : funding difficulties, poor selection of some drivers, difficulty in developing a competing engine against the Ford Cosworth. In 1969 40% of Ferrari was sold to the FIAT group.
Agnelli is impatient. In 1973 he forces Enzo Ferrari to share his decisions with a young manager, Luca di Montezemolo, who cancels some blunders. Mauro Forghieri returns to his position as technical director. Back in the Scuderia, Clay Regazzoni makes Niki Lauda hired in 1974.
Forghieri had designed the Ferrari 312B in 1971. In 1975 its evolution 312T finally gives the supremacy to the Scuderia, thanks to a transversal gear box which improves the distribution of the masses. The two 312Ts driven in that year by Lauda and Regazzoni in the Grand Prix cumulate pole positions and wins. Ferrari and Lauda are world champions. Three other cars had been built.
Like many models of that period, the 312T is ephemeral. Obsolete in 1976 after a change in the rules for prohibiting the spectacular air box behind the cockpit, it is replaced by the 312T2.
On August 16 at Pebble Beach, Gooding sells a 312T raced by Lauda in 1975. It began its career by winning the Silverstone Trophy, which is not counted in the world championship. Qualified five times in pole position in the Grand Prix of the championship, it won in France.
This car is estimated $ 6M, lot 031. Here is the link to the press release. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
1979 Paul Newman in the Rain
2016 SOLD for $ 4.8M including premium
In 1979, the 24 Hours of Le Mans are dominated by cars built by Porsche, driven under the banner of private teams. 19 of the 55 starting cars are Porsche, spreading between the models 934, 935 and 936. The brand occupies the first 4 final positions.
This achievement rewards the effort made by Porsche to meet the complicated rules of the FIA requiring that competition cars of Groups 1 to 5 are based on production models with a minimum quantity. The Porsche 934 matches the Group 4 (special grand touring), the 935 is for Group 5 (sports) and the 936 for Group 6 (prototype). Each year brings further variations to these models.
In heavy rain, Le Mans 1979 is not spectacular in a sporting point of view. Prototypes gradually disappear from race lead after the first hours. The final winner is a Porsche 935 improved by Kremer Racing.
Fortunately, Paul Newman draws the crowd. The actor aged 54 participates for the first time at Le Mans. The Porsche 935 Type 77A driven by Stommelen, Newman and Barbour finishes in the second position.
This is a feat for Newman but also for that new car in its competition debut. Until 1987, it will be extensively raced. It went first overall at the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1981 and at the 12 Hours of Sebring in 1983.
This Porsche 935 with a prestigious history is estimated $ 4.5M for sale by Gooding in Pebble Beach on August 20, lot 060. Here is the link to the press release (shared with other Porsche vehicles).
Please watch the video shared by Gooding.
This achievement rewards the effort made by Porsche to meet the complicated rules of the FIA requiring that competition cars of Groups 1 to 5 are based on production models with a minimum quantity. The Porsche 934 matches the Group 4 (special grand touring), the 935 is for Group 5 (sports) and the 936 for Group 6 (prototype). Each year brings further variations to these models.
In heavy rain, Le Mans 1979 is not spectacular in a sporting point of view. Prototypes gradually disappear from race lead after the first hours. The final winner is a Porsche 935 improved by Kremer Racing.
Fortunately, Paul Newman draws the crowd. The actor aged 54 participates for the first time at Le Mans. The Porsche 935 Type 77A driven by Stommelen, Newman and Barbour finishes in the second position.
This is a feat for Newman but also for that new car in its competition debut. Until 1987, it will be extensively raced. It went first overall at the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1981 and at the 12 Hours of Sebring in 1983.
This Porsche 935 with a prestigious history is estimated $ 4.5M for sale by Gooding in Pebble Beach on August 20, lot 060. Here is the link to the press release (shared with other Porsche vehicles).
Please watch the video shared by Gooding.
1982 Porsche, Champion of Endurance Racing
2015 SOLD for $ 10.1M including premium
The FIA never has an easy task. Its categories and its racing regulations are a continual compromise, ever changing, with a concern for safety while reducing the fuel consumption and maintaining appealing sport features for the public.
The creation of the Group C, scheduled in 1981 and released in 1982, marks a return of prototype racing to its highest prestige. Porsche is very enthusiastic.
The effort of the engineers focuses on innovations of chassis, suspension and bodywork. Despite a similar engine to that of the 936, the Porsche 956 perfectly meets the intent of the FIA to promote a modernized range of vehicles.
The model 956 along with its further evolution as the 962 is so far ahead of its competitors that Porsche completely dominates the World Endurance Championship for five consecutive years.
Porsche designed the 956 for their own prestige. Ten cars are prepared for the official drivers of the brand and are sponsored by the Rothmans cigarette company. Twelve other units are made for the market.
First races, first triumphs: in May 1982, the 956-001 wins the 6 hours of Silverstone. A month later, the model 956 takes the first three places at Le Mans.
Second at Le Mans in 1982, the 956-003 won its last four races of that year. Its victory at Le Mans in 1983 will be the greatest feat of its prestigious career. Appreciating a few minutes before the end of the 24 hours that the engine is going to expire, Al Holbert manages to keep a short lead ahead of another 956 driven by Derek Bell. It is interesting to note that the 956 cars got the top eight positions in that race.
956-003 is estimated $ 7M for sale by Gooding in Pebble Beach on August 15, lot 050. Here is the link to the press release.
Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
The creation of the Group C, scheduled in 1981 and released in 1982, marks a return of prototype racing to its highest prestige. Porsche is very enthusiastic.
The effort of the engineers focuses on innovations of chassis, suspension and bodywork. Despite a similar engine to that of the 936, the Porsche 956 perfectly meets the intent of the FIA to promote a modernized range of vehicles.
The model 956 along with its further evolution as the 962 is so far ahead of its competitors that Porsche completely dominates the World Endurance Championship for five consecutive years.
Porsche designed the 956 for their own prestige. Ten cars are prepared for the official drivers of the brand and are sponsored by the Rothmans cigarette company. Twelve other units are made for the market.
First races, first triumphs: in May 1982, the 956-001 wins the 6 hours of Silverstone. A month later, the model 956 takes the first three places at Le Mans.
Second at Le Mans in 1982, the 956-003 won its last four races of that year. Its victory at Le Mans in 1983 will be the greatest feat of its prestigious career. Appreciating a few minutes before the end of the 24 hours that the engine is going to expire, Al Holbert manages to keep a short lead ahead of another 956 driven by Derek Bell. It is interesting to note that the 956 cars got the top eight positions in that race.
956-003 is estimated $ 7M for sale by Gooding in Pebble Beach on August 15, lot 050. Here is the link to the press release.
Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
1985 Porsche on the Paris-Dakar
2018 SOLD for $ 6M including premium
The Paris-Dakar rally was prestigious for its countless safari-style difficulties through 14000 km in France, Spain and Africa. In 1984 it was won by Metge and Lemoyne in a Porsche 953 with four-wheel drive, a great novelty for the brand. The suspension has also been improved.
Jacky Ickx, who had won the previous edition with a Mercedes-Benz, is also a regular driver for Porsche, including the 956, a model for endurance well suited for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Under his influence Porsche realizes a new development for the Paris-Dakar.
Three prototypes were built in 1985 and three more in 1986. A seventh car was reclassified as Porsche 961 prototype for Le Mans. These cars are an improvement of the 953 with an electronic control of the four-wheel drive. They do not constitute a new reference but benefit from the modernization efforts of the 959 and enter that range.
In 1984 the three entered 953 had finished the Paris-Dakar. 1985 is less glorious when none of the three 959 finish. In 1986 the three new Porsche 959 are 1st, 2nd and 6th overall.
Two of the six 959 Paris-Dakar remain in private hands with only one of them in working condition. This car was one of the three Porsche entered in the 1985 rally where it was driven by Metge and Lemoyne. Retired afterward from competition, it remains highly original. It is estimated $ 3M for sale by RM Sotheby's in Atlanta on October 27, lot 196.
Jacky Ickx, who had won the previous edition with a Mercedes-Benz, is also a regular driver for Porsche, including the 956, a model for endurance well suited for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Under his influence Porsche realizes a new development for the Paris-Dakar.
Three prototypes were built in 1985 and three more in 1986. A seventh car was reclassified as Porsche 961 prototype for Le Mans. These cars are an improvement of the 953 with an electronic control of the four-wheel drive. They do not constitute a new reference but benefit from the modernization efforts of the 959 and enter that range.
In 1984 the three entered 953 had finished the Paris-Dakar. 1985 is less glorious when none of the three 959 finish. In 1986 the three new Porsche 959 are 1st, 2nd and 6th overall.
Two of the six 959 Paris-Dakar remain in private hands with only one of them in working condition. This car was one of the three Porsche entered in the 1985 rally where it was driven by Metge and Lemoyne. Retired afterward from competition, it remains highly original. It is estimated $ 3M for sale by RM Sotheby's in Atlanta on October 27, lot 196.
