Cars of the 1970s and 1980s
1969-1970 An Elephant in a Convertible
2016 SOLD for $ 2.675M before fees
The high end muscle cars gradually turn into efficient and driver friendly sports cars. For its 1970 models, Chrysler unveils its new type E chassis which equips the new model Dodge Challenger and the new generation of Plymouth Cuda.
In the opposite to the old practice in car industry, the customer chooses within a wide range the engine model that he wants to have installed with the bodywork. The top choice remains the overpowered 426 Hemi engine nicknamed The Elephant, launched in 1964 but significantly improved for the 1970 season. The customer also opts for a manual four-speed or an automatic transmission. A manual gear box is now highly considered by the collectors.
The Clean Air Act of 1970 and the increase in insurance premiums discourage the US customers now reluctant to spend much money in prestige cars. The production of the 426 Hemi is definitively stopped after the 1971 season.
The convertible versions of the Chrysler models with the 426 Hemi engine are extremely rare: 14 cars in 1970 and 11 in 1971 for Plymouth, 9 cars in 1970 and none in 1971 for Dodge.
The sale by Mecum in Kissimmee FL on January 22 includes an example of each of these three models, all offered with many original options.
Lot F111 is a 1970 Dodge constructed in December 1969. Its transmission is automatic. It is estimated $ 2M.
Lot F109 is a 1970 Plymouth constructed in October 1969. Its transmission is manual. It is estimated $ 2.75M.
Lot F102 is a 1971 Plymouth built in September 1970. It is estimated $ 2.25M. Its transmission is automatic. Only two 1971 Plymouth Hemi Cuda convertibles were equipped with a manual transmission. One of them was sold for $ 3.5 million before fees by Mecum on June 14, 2014.
I invite you to watch the videos shared by Mecum to introduce the 1970 cars : Plymouth Hemi Cuda and Dodge Challenger.
RESULTS BEFORE FEES :
1970 Plymouth (constructed in 1969) : $ 2.675M
1971 Plymouth (constructed in 1970) : $ 2.3M
1970 Dodge (constructed in 1969) : $ 1.65M
In the opposite to the old practice in car industry, the customer chooses within a wide range the engine model that he wants to have installed with the bodywork. The top choice remains the overpowered 426 Hemi engine nicknamed The Elephant, launched in 1964 but significantly improved for the 1970 season. The customer also opts for a manual four-speed or an automatic transmission. A manual gear box is now highly considered by the collectors.
The Clean Air Act of 1970 and the increase in insurance premiums discourage the US customers now reluctant to spend much money in prestige cars. The production of the 426 Hemi is definitively stopped after the 1971 season.
The convertible versions of the Chrysler models with the 426 Hemi engine are extremely rare: 14 cars in 1970 and 11 in 1971 for Plymouth, 9 cars in 1970 and none in 1971 for Dodge.
The sale by Mecum in Kissimmee FL on January 22 includes an example of each of these three models, all offered with many original options.
Lot F111 is a 1970 Dodge constructed in December 1969. Its transmission is automatic. It is estimated $ 2M.
Lot F109 is a 1970 Plymouth constructed in October 1969. Its transmission is manual. It is estimated $ 2.75M.
Lot F102 is a 1971 Plymouth built in September 1970. It is estimated $ 2.25M. Its transmission is automatic. Only two 1971 Plymouth Hemi Cuda convertibles were equipped with a manual transmission. One of them was sold for $ 3.5 million before fees by Mecum on June 14, 2014.
I invite you to watch the videos shared by Mecum to introduce the 1970 cars : Plymouth Hemi Cuda and Dodge Challenger.
RESULTS BEFORE FEES :
1970 Plymouth (constructed in 1969) : $ 2.675M
1971 Plymouth (constructed in 1970) : $ 2.3M
1970 Dodge (constructed in 1969) : $ 1.65M
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 Six Hours on the Nürburgring
2017 SOLD for $ 3.6M including premium
Porsche understood that they cannot win all the endurance competitions with a single model. The powerful and heavy 917 brings the necessary top speed to win Le Mans.
On winding roads a nimble car is needed. The 908 with its 3-liter engine is the subject of successive variants that follow both the critical need of lightening for maintaining the lead over its competitors and the unceasing changes in the regulations.
The first 908's are coupes. In 1969 with the 908/02 Porsche gives up the closed cockpit. This very low spyder opens the period of extreme minimalism in the shape of the cars : the optimization of the aerodynamics leaves no place for an aesthetic initiative. These flat cars are even more spectacular with garish colors.
With a shorter chassis the 908/03 introduced in 1970 weighs no more than 500 Kg. It includes the ultimate subtlety of decentering the weights to the right side for a greater efficiency in the closed circuits of Nürburgring and Targa Florio. Vertical fins are added to the rear in 1971.
The 908 wins the 1000 Km Nürburgring every year from 1968 to 1971, breaking the record of 6H 54 obtained in the previous year by a Porsche 910. The progression rewards the efforts of the designers : 6H 34 by a 908 in 1968, 6H 11 by a 908/02 in 1969, 6H 05 by a 908/03 in 1970 and 5H 51 in 1971 by a 908/03 piloted by a private team.
Built as a prototype in January 1970, a 908/03 finished second in the same year at the 1000 Km Nürburgring. It then came back to the factory as a development car and received the rear fins. Restored in its configuration and pale yellow livery of the 1970 Nürburgring, it is estimated $ 3.5M for sale by RM Sotheby's in Monterey on August 19, lot 256. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
On winding roads a nimble car is needed. The 908 with its 3-liter engine is the subject of successive variants that follow both the critical need of lightening for maintaining the lead over its competitors and the unceasing changes in the regulations.
The first 908's are coupes. In 1969 with the 908/02 Porsche gives up the closed cockpit. This very low spyder opens the period of extreme minimalism in the shape of the cars : the optimization of the aerodynamics leaves no place for an aesthetic initiative. These flat cars are even more spectacular with garish colors.
With a shorter chassis the 908/03 introduced in 1970 weighs no more than 500 Kg. It includes the ultimate subtlety of decentering the weights to the right side for a greater efficiency in the closed circuits of Nürburgring and Targa Florio. Vertical fins are added to the rear in 1971.
The 908 wins the 1000 Km Nürburgring every year from 1968 to 1971, breaking the record of 6H 54 obtained in the previous year by a Porsche 910. The progression rewards the efforts of the designers : 6H 34 by a 908 in 1968, 6H 11 by a 908/02 in 1969, 6H 05 by a 908/03 in 1970 and 5H 51 in 1971 by a 908/03 piloted by a private team.
Built as a prototype in January 1970, a 908/03 finished second in the same year at the 1000 Km Nürburgring. It then came back to the factory as a development car and received the rear fins. Restored in its configuration and pale yellow livery of the 1970 Nürburgring, it is estimated $ 3.5M for sale by RM Sotheby's in Monterey on August 19, lot 256. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
1971-1972 The Sharp Angles of the Boomerang
2015 SOLD for € 3.3M including premium
From his early career, Giorgetto Giugiaro introduced sharp angles in car bodies. Employed by Bertone and afterward by Ghia, he worked on many brands and continued with the same diversity after he created his own company Italdesign in 1968.
In 1971 Italdesign draws for Citroën the body of the Maserati Bora. Giugiaro takes a chassis without engine to assemble a futuristic body known as the Maserati Boomerang. The concept car is on display at the 1971 auto show in Turin.
This car is created to dream. Maserati apparently did not intend to build further copies but made the effort in 1972 to make functional the unique Boomerang concept car. A major achievement was reached in 2003 when a new owner commissioned the changes required to its registration for French roads, still valid today.
The Maserati Boomerang is for sale by Bonhams in Chantilly on September 5, lot 11.
This low and tapered coupé is still highly futuristic 44 years after its conception. It recently participated in several concours d'elegance where it is hard to overcome. I invite you to watch the video shared by the auction house. It has a dedicated page in Wikipedia.
Here is the image shared by Herranderssvensson (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
In 1971 Italdesign draws for Citroën the body of the Maserati Bora. Giugiaro takes a chassis without engine to assemble a futuristic body known as the Maserati Boomerang. The concept car is on display at the 1971 auto show in Turin.
This car is created to dream. Maserati apparently did not intend to build further copies but made the effort in 1972 to make functional the unique Boomerang concept car. A major achievement was reached in 2003 when a new owner commissioned the changes required to its registration for French roads, still valid today.
The Maserati Boomerang is for sale by Bonhams in Chantilly on September 5, lot 11.
This low and tapered coupé is still highly futuristic 44 years after its conception. It recently participated in several concours d'elegance where it is hard to overcome. I invite you to watch the video shared by the auction house. It has a dedicated page in Wikipedia.
Here is the image shared by Herranderssvensson (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
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 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 private teams.
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.
I invite you to 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 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 private teams.
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.
I invite you to 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.
