1988 Porsche 959

OVERVIEW

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8,613 original miles!
Upgraded to Canepa Generation III specification in 2016
763 horsepower, 635 lb-ft of torque
Canepa 959SC 18” magnesium hollow-spoke wheels
Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires - 245/40-18 Front, 275/35-18 Rear
Imported to the U.S. in 2015
Optioned in full Dark Grey Metallic leather with tri-color seats
6-speed manual transmission with advanced AWD

Canepa Generation III Upgrade

Canepa has had a long history with the 959 platform. Over the course of 25 years different stages of upgrades were developed to not only increase the output of the 2.85L engine, but also to increase the handling and reliability of the overall car. The Generation III upgrade included upgrading a wide range of components and systems to yield an unrelentless and controllable amount of power and torque, but also to give it modern-era handling, comfort, and reliability.

The Canepa Generation III engine system includes eliminating the factory sequential turbo system and installation of an all-new parallel twin-turbo system including contemporary Borg-Warner turbos with integrated wastegates and titanium heat shielding. Cam timing is optimized in addition to blueprinting all intake and exhaust valve springs. New intake runners are matched to a proprietary Green air filter designed just for this application. Upgraded fuel system, EGR, modern engine management system with ADL, F1 technology engine wiring harnesses, high output ignition system, upgraded alternator charge system and battery module, spark plugs, idle control valve, sensors, connectors, harness shielding, switches, adapters, hardware, etc. A completely new stainless steel exhaust system was created by Canepa for the application. The exhaust is fitted with our new bypass system producing increased horsepower and a more aggressive engine note at the flick of a dash mounted switch. In addition the entire clutch system has been modified and upgraded to improve pedal feel and actuation. This includes an improved pressure plate, disc, and modified clutch pedal assembly.

In the handling department, Canepa upgraded both the springs and shocks to “Canepa S” suspension, replacing the factory adjustable suspension incorporating titanium springs and custom Bilstein shock absorbers for a more compliant and reliable ride. In addition, the Porsche 959 also received air conditioning and heater upgrades as well as upgraded headlights.

About this Porsche 959

This 1988 Porsche 959 was produced in March of 1988 and delivered to the German market. It was optioned with Guards Red paint, a Dark Grey Metallic leather interior with tri-colored seats and an alarm system.

In 1990 the car was exported to Japan where it would remain for 25 years before being imported to the United States in late 2015 and acquired by Canepa with 8,038 miles on the odometer. Shortly after arriving at Canepa’s doors, the Porsche 959 was sold and the new owner asked to receive the Canepa Generation III upgrade, a host of engine, suspension, and other componentry upgrades honed through years of exhaustive real-world testing by Canepa. The air conditioning and heating systems were updated as well as the headlights for increased visibility. Taking close to an entire year and completed in early 2017, the upgrades yielded the most powerful Canepa-upgraded Porsche 959 at the time, with 763hp and 635 lb-ft of torque, and increasing the handling to modern levels. The total cost of this upgrade today is in excess of $500,000.

Shortly after the owner took possession of the 959 in early 2017 and kept it at their residence in Arizona, remaining in their care. During this time, the car was regularly serviced at Porsche Chandler dealership which included oil changes, a transmission oil change, new battery, and a Full body PPF treatment.

In 2024 Canepa reacquired the car, with only 8,613 miles on the odometer. The 959 returned exactly in the condition that it left, the Guards Red paint in immaculate condition and the Dark Grey Metallic leather interior in time-capsule like condition. Canepa added its 18” magnesium 959 wheels in Titanium Matte finish coating originally designed for the 959SC to take advantage of superior engineering and Michelin tire technology.

Now ready for its next owner to take full advantage of modern engine, handling, and aesthetic upgrades, this Porsche 959 with the Canepa Generation III upgrade is the perfect way to enjoy an 80s icon with 21st century performance and handling.

Upon arrival at Canepa, every collector vehicle for sale is put through an extensive and diligent process called the “Canepa Difference”. This includes a major and comprehensive mechanical inspection where all systems are checked and serviced as necessary. They also receive award-winning concours-level detail, including a thorough cleaning of each and every surface that ensures that every car is a sight to behold.

About the Porsche 959

​​The Porsche 959 was by far the most technologically advanced sports car in the world when it was introduced in 1985. Timeless design, state-of-the-art systems, and superior driving characteristics make them one of the greatest sports cars of all time.

In the early 1980s, to the joy of race fans worldwide, FISA introduced its new Group B road regulations. To qualify for homologation, manufacturers would have to produce and sell 200 road versions of their cars. Only two stepped up to the challenge: Porsche with its 959, and Ferrari with its 288 GTO.

Porsche developed the ultimate powerplant; a twin-turbocharged six-cylinder boxer engine with air-cooled cylinders and water-cooled heads, displaced 2.85 liters, about half a liter less than a contemporary 911 engine.. The motor had originally been developed for the "Moby Dick" race car and then been redeveloped slightly for the short-lived Porsche Indy Car before being "tweaked" a last time for use in the 961, the 959's racing counterpart. The water-cooled cylinder heads combined with the air-cooled cylinders, 4-valve heads and sequential turbochargers allowed Porsche to extract 450 hp (approx. 480 for the 959S) from the compact, efficient and rugged power unit. The engine was coupled to a unique manual gearbox, which was the first 6-speed manual transmission sold in a streetcar.

In an attempt to create a lightweight shell, Porsche employed an aluminum and Aramid (Kevlar) composite body panels along with a Nomex floor, instead of the steel normally used on their production cars. The vehicle's weight of 3,190 pounds (1,450 kg) helped to achieve its high performance level.

Porsche also developed the car's aerodynamics, with automatic ride-height adjustment and "zero lift" aerodynamics. The 959 also featured the most advanced all-wheel-drive system available in a production car. Capable of dynamically changing the torque distribution between the rear and front wheels, the PSK system gave the 959 the adaptability it needed both as a race car and as a "super" street car. Under hard acceleration, PSK could send as much as 80% of available power to the rear wheels. It could also vary the power bias depending on road surface and grip changes, helping maintain traction at all times. The magnesium alloy wheels were unique, being hollow inside to form a sealed chamber contiguous with the tire and equipped with a built-in tire pressure monitoring system.