Porsche's trailblazing supercar debut
Long before the hypercar era, which is defined by hybrid drivetrains with a stratospheric output and active aerodynamics, the Porsche 959 was the pinnacle of German engineering and the blueprint for future performance cars. Developed as an answer to the grueling requirements of Group B, often referred to as the golden age of rallying, and famously conquering the grueling Paris-Dakar, the 959 was Porsche’s first true supercar. It was a rolling technological laboratory that pioneered sequential turbocharging and an intelligent all-wheel drive system.
While the Ferrari F40 dominated the headlines with raw aggression in the late eighties, the 959 offered a level of precision and usability that was decades ahead of its time and a stark contrast to the prancing horse from Maranello. Despite its immense historical pedigree and the small production numbers, less then 300 units were built, the 959 remains arguably undervalued in today’s market when compared to the heavy price jumps seen in other high-end supercars from the same era. For discerning collectors, securing an example now is a strategic move, as its long-term value is widely expected to appreciate. The 959 Sport, which sold for 5.5 million dollars at Broad Arrow's Amelia Island auction in early March, is a clear indicator of that.
The example first registered in 1990 and currently offered by Amian Collection Cars for 1.85 million Euros is a meticulously preserved 959, representing the final evolution of this limited production run. Finished in an understated Silver, this "Komfort" specification perfectly bridges the gap between the outstanding performance with a 317 km/h top speed and the level of refinement and equipment expected of a flagship grand tourer.
Having covered 55,997 kilometers under the care of just four owners, this 959 has been driven enough to remain mechanically "alive" while being kept in excellent original condition. With its 450 hp twin-turbo flat-six and the precise 6-speed manual gearbox, it is a usable masterpiece as well as a compelling investment.
The pure soul of Maranello
As the final masterpiece personally overseen by Enzo Ferrari, the F40 stands as the definitive analog supercar and, as the 959's most famous competitor, it made the perfect foil for the studio shoot by Rudolf van der Ven. Designed to mark the Maranello marque's 40th anniversary, it discarded Gran Turismo comforts in favor of a lightweight, carbon-fiber body and a ferocious twin-turbocharged V8. It remains the ultimate expression of raw, unadulterated performance and the perfect bridge between a road car and a pure racer that defined a generation of enthusiasts.
While the F40 featured in this photoshoot was already sold and handed to its new owner just a few weeks ago, Amian Collection Cars can effortlessly source a similar, investment-grade example through its extensive international network should you wish to add this icon to your own collection.
