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.
SOLD for $ 5.4M hammer
Hammered sold at a whopping $5.4M, the Porsche 959 Paris-Dakar rally car #porsche #959 pic.twitter.com/cKVHBS9x5G
— Hagerty Price Guide (@hagertyguide) October 27, 2018
A #Porsche 959 from the 1985 @Dakar is heading for sale with @rmsothebys, along with another early 959 prototype □️
— AutoClassics (@autoclassicscom) June 29, 2018