While we often see Porsche’s iconic 959 in perfectly preserved condition, it is a supercar capable of impressive speeds – but that doesn’t mean every millionaire owner has the skills to drive the car properly. In fact, given their status as investment vehicles, most 959 owners keep these icons of the 80s locked away in museum-like spaces. It’s hard to say whether we should praise or vilify the owner that took their 959 out of its cocoon and did the damage seen here. Find this wrecked 1987 Porsche 959 Komfort here on Mecum.com with a sale estimate of $450,000 – $550,000.
The 959 was capable of reaching speeds near 200 m.p.h. in 1987, and was a technological tour-de-force. It spent years as forbidden fruit, not meeting requirements necessary for U.S. importation. The likes of Bill Gates jumped through myriad hoops to bring them stateside, agreeing to show-and-display uses only just to have such an engineering marvel in their collection. Knowing the efforts and costs involved in owning and maintaining one, the accident damage seen here is painful to look at.
While it may seem strange not to repair such a limited-production supercar and keep it in one’s collection, the construction of the 959 is as exotic as the twin-turbocharged 2.8L mill that delivers a robust 444 b.h.p. The body features Kevlar and Nomex woven throughout, so any repair efforts to reconstruct the nose may eventually rival the costs of the pre-sale estimate. The 959 shows mileage of under 4,000 and a mint-condition cabin, along with retaining all books, manuals, and OEM tool kit.
Mecum includes a video of the 959 limping along with assistance under the right-front brake disc, which sadly points in a different direction of the opposing wheel on the driver’s side. Work will not be limited to the body only, as it is likely the adjustable ride-height and dampening suspension was affected by the crash as well. A 959 will never be written off, but repairing one back to OEM specifications will likely result in a significant loss of value long-term while also incurring the monumental labor and parts cost. I understand the decision to sell, but hope there’s a buyer out there with more money than brains.
Nice goin’, yutz,,,
Geez, I feel terrible for the guy. Not.
This already sold for 467K and it was wrecked in a trailering accident, not while being driven. The enclosed trailer it was in detached from the tow vehicle and the whole trailer hit a tree.
This car already sold for 467K. It was wrecked when the enclosed trailer it was being hauled in detached from the tow vehicle and ran into a tree, not while it was being driven.
You know, a 959 is still one ugly-ass vehicle. Age has done it 0 favors, but looks like a tree gave it a shot.
Modern version? Lexus LFA…Fugly in the same vein
Fiete, I completely agree with you. One of the ugliest cars period. Along with the Cadillac XRL.
Give it a few months, we’ll see it again here on BF mounted on a lifted Bronco chassis… the ultimate flip!
I’m leaning S10 Blazer…
That old girl is hurt bad. I’m sure the ins co totaled it. Sure it could be fixed. Interesting to see if it gets fixed. Parts made out of Unobtainium. Hard to believe its worth that kind of coin in that shape.
Good luck!!!
450k?
You’ve got a better shot of seeing Rex Reed Junior
car sold for $400k yesterday. I am guessing the person got paid full insured value when it hit the tree, paid the ins. co. $50k, then foisted it on the rubes at BJ. Everyone knows the car is worth so much more fixed. So why sell it as a wreck.?mmmmm, very suspicious.
There was a disturbance in the Force that day. I think I remember it. Now I know what it was. Thanks.
“Oak tree, your in my way”
It’ll have to go back to the factory for a proper rebuild. Mere mortals cannot repair this! It will rise again.
Jack,
I agree, only the factory has the ability to repair this properly.
Send it to Canepa Design. Bruce is the guy that got the legislation done to allow these to be in the USA. When I worked for Bruce, we had over 15 of these in various states of certification to meet the new laws. You want it fixed correctly, you send it to the best in the business.
Incredible car in virtually every way, just think the guy who bought the car will also have to spend at least another 100k to get it properly repaired. Beautiful car but you best know what your getting into!
Back in the day this Porsche could past just about anything on the road, EXCEPT . . . . . . and old Oak tree. I’m guessing $200,000 to 250,000 to rebuild it. Then you’ll have a $1,000,000 dollar Porsche if not more by the time it’s complete.
If the trailer really broke loose and hit a tree, what happened to the safety chains crossed under the hitch that every trailer tower (except one) knows about?
And who’s enclosed car trailer has a pole in the front, inside of it?
Look’s like the tree won the race !
Look’s like the tree won the race.
Worlds most expensive parts car? When you have billions and want to drive your 959, why not have a parts stash on the hoof?
Dawn of the Dead Quote: The only person who could miss with this gun is the sucker with the bread to buy it.
Perfect candidate for a 959SC
https://canepa.com/959sc/
Here’s a guy who decided to restore one on his own.
https://rennlist.com/articles/heroic-porsche-959-restoration-one-for-the-ages/
It is really humorous to see all the short cited comments. Someone paid $450k for the chance to own a car worth $1.5 million and everyone wants to put him down. But think about,if he can fix it then he has a car where there were only about 300 of these vehicles made. Porsche Classic should be able to supply the parts. If he has the skills and the money. More power to him.
For those who thought the car was ugly, well?