Finally driving my HERO CAR! 1985 Porsche 962 Rothmans | Ben Collins | RM Sotheby's Le Mans Auction

[@BenCollinsDrives]

What an experience this was! Where would you love to drive a Porsche 962? 👇 Discover the car for sale: rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/lm23/le-mans/lots/r0011-1985-porsche-962/1356749

[@T-Bag13]

Anywhere I could max it.

[@PiDsPagePrototypes]

Thank the editor for the perfect music at the perfect level.

[@lol911000]

Why 956 on the wheels?

[@Czechbound]

I like to drive it down to the shops here in Prague. It would scare the bejeezus out of the locals. And out of me !

[@scarletcollins]

@bencollinsdrives 🎉🎉🎉 whooop

[@BigMaxGames]

As a Rothmans employee in the 80's I had the incredible honour of being part of this era with Derek Bell and Mr. Mass. What a great video. In my 60's now this brings back amazing memories. Still one of the most beautiful liveries in motorsport INO.

[@gathel8574]

Rothmans employee? Tobacco companies. Sry i don't know rothmans

[@lukeyanes47]

Not just your opinion my man, that’s a fact. Beautiful Livery!

[@thepro08]

they sold cancer and lobby medics about it ..... its a roth child company indeed.... devils rothen people....

[@kramnam4716]

As a Rothmans employee I’m amazed you’re still alive!

[@BigMaxGames]

@@kramnam4716 Alive and still kicking #ss

[@blakecapon4627]

I was telling my grandad about this car this morning. It's such a timeless classic and in that livery as well, its just perfect. Whoever buys that car is going to own a piece of history.

[@BenCollinsDrives]

This car, is just perfect.

[@Lavaman3682]

Cool grandpa

[@jurigelato4366]

I remember the era. Also the silk Jags.

[@awd_junkie]

Wonder what happen to the Japanese fellow that previously owned it as a dd

[@robertgreenwood6940]

I'm lucky enough to be the proud owner of a Porsche 962 in the Rothmans livery.... But is 1:32nd scale... And it's a scalextric car 😂

[@k0618202]

Ben’s last three videos have been absolutely epic. Seriously this channel deserves more views. The cinematography, commentary and effort are all 5*.

[@BenCollinsDrives]

Glad you're enjoying it all! 2 more insane videos on the way. Another Group C car next week!

[@Czechbound]

Hear, hear ! This is top quality stuff from a very experienced expert who is great in front of a camera. And hats off to the director/ production team. Top quality visuals, sound and editing. Well done all.

[@klintonkacatin]

This is really good stuff. I never heard the 962 sound that great. Just came from Luft and Canepa so this thing is fresh in my mind. Keep it up Ben and crew!

[@k0618202]

@@BenCollinsDrives thanks for replying Ben. Please keep up the great work, and may you inspire more people with your passion for racing.

[@paulthomas6609]

Re cinematography definitely vibes of the older Catchpole films on Carfection

[@MeteoraEra]

This is the best thing that has ever happened to youtube, the best stig doing car reviews and he's actually good at being a presenter. Sir you have massive respect from car enthusiasts.

[@BenCollinsDrives]

Glad you're enjoying the videos! 2 more from this series to come.

[@paulredding5864]

Very true but needs better audio kit esp after the quality intro

[@flemmingploug2670]

This is easily one of the best looking racecars of all times...and in this livery.....its perfection. Looking at this car, there is absolutely nothing that says 38years old its a piece of art....a damn fast piece of art

[@BenCollinsDrives]

Couldnt have said it better.

[@stevennagley3407]

The side view mirrors look like something pulled off an economy car, but other that it’s a piece of art

[@dt9r]

still a timeless piece of beauty

[@BenCollinsDrives]

It is! Timeless indeed.

[@41BOT]

Top car, top driver, top car presenter and enthusiast. Thank you for sharing this.

[@BenCollinsDrives]

Top viewer. Thanks for watching!

[@jeremyschuh]

That turbo noise is glorious...... wow.

[@megat3d561]

I love Bens passion. No car content creator comes close when it comes to speed, and describing the physics of driving. Love it.

[@BenCollinsDrives]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@rynosraceroom66]

Pure gold content .

[@warrengday]

Looks like sometimes it is good to meet/drive your heros.

[@BenCollinsDrives]

Definitely! Glad I met this hero.

[@saksris2]

Ben Collins and Randy Phobst on Hagerty would be fire !

[@devolution1310]

It all starred with the legendary 917. Now there would be drive for The Stig and all your fans. 😎

[@josephkelly4893]

That car has to be priceless. So interested to see what it fetches at auction, I smell a record price. Thanks Ben for the ride along.

[@BenCollinsDrives]

I'm definitely keeping my eyes on this one.

[@turboslag]

This made the hairs on my arms stand on end! I watched 956's and 962's race and win at Lemans several times in the 80's, still have all the posters, circuit tickets, photos etc, it was a glorious time in motor racing! I was there the first time Jaguar took the title, and when Mercedes took it off them! Porsche was just a 24 hour juggernaut though, they just had such a complete understanding of what it took to win a 24 hour race. I think it was one of their engineers that said 1 racing mile is the equivalent of 1000 road miles.

[@PeterKKraus]

I saw them at Lime Rock 1984 and 85. No 956 though.

[@dg8062]

962 has always been my definition of the ultimate race car!❤

[@evalonious]

I saw this class in '85 & '86 at the grand prix of Miami. Insane! Yes, greatest Era of all time! I was 13 yrs and it was the Lowenbrau porsche.

[@benpenagonzales6014]

I had this and the Castro jaguar as scalextric cars! With lights!!

[@BenCollinsDrives]

Nice! Rare models now!

[@philguzman6932]

I loved those cars when I was a kid.

[@Christoffski]

Thank you for reviewing this legend.

[@hendrikvandenberg]

Love this kind of content!

[@BenCollinsDrives]

Glad you enjoyed it! I love making it.

[@EmilTheoneandonly]

Legendary

[@BenCollinsDrives]

It certainly is. Very fortunate to be able to drive it!

[@scottulrich2725]

I got to see that car race many times. And meet one of my heroes --- Derek Bell.

[@rolux4853]

I just love your regular uploads from the last month, it’s so amazing hearing you talk about those great cars, it’s funny that you have much more talent and knowledge than the top gear presenters combines but couldn’t talk. This is easily my favorite „newcomer“ channel on KZbin by an automotive legend and what’s most amazing is your personality! Your just a very friendly and nice person and don’t have the obnoxious behavior some people in the industry have. I’m very glad I found your channel and I really look forward what amazing things you will show us in the future! Best regards from Germany! You ever raced the track in Oschersleben by chance? It’s my „go to“ track being only an hour away where I drove quite a few laps with some cool cars.

[@BenCollinsDrives]

Thank you and really glad you’re enjoying it - like most racing drivers i mustn’t be fed after midnight or i bite but so far, thanks to the superb film crew, ive been fairly well behaved so far. More to come 👊

[@qwerty69600]

You're a good presenter, Ben. I like your style and, of course, being an actual racing driver your opinion really matters. Subscribed.

[@BenCollinsDrives]

Thanks for the kind words. Welcome along 🙌🏻

[@carljuztine3328]

FRICKING GLORIOUS

[@BenCollinsDrives]

YEP

[@SwitchyCrystals]

The noises coming off that thing!

[@BenCollinsDrives]

She's a snarler!

[@andreiionescu205]

This is a proper car channel,a guy that knows how to drive,with a great screen appearance,very few guys can do stuff like this

[@Marthaviews]

Envious? Hell yes!

[@roconnor01]

My first visit to a motor race, was at the 1000km of Silverstone in 1986, where I watched Derek Bell and Hans Joachim Stuck race their factory Rothmans Porsche 962C to second place behind the Silk Cut Jaguar XJR-6 of Derek Warwick and Eddie Cheever. Before that race,there was only Formula One in my life,after it, there was only Group C,The World Sportscar Championship, IMSA and WEC.

[@viktor4860]

my goodness its stunning to this day !

[@bobroberts3968]

I had the Tamiya model of that car. Every paint code excruciatingly detailed. This was the first race car that my younger self really connected with.

[@richardcarr6493]

l remember watching IMSA back in the day as a teen and being amazed how well the 962 performed on the track consistently .

[@JackRoseTravels]

I'm so jealous, Ben. Not only will I never get to drive a race car, I'll never get to drive something I drove so much in Gran Turismo! I also had the Shell coloured livery as a diecast model when I was a young child!

[@camcoulter5993]

My mind can't handle that it has been more than 30 years since seeing the 962 Rothmans at the Riverside 6 hour endurance races. For me it is the sweetest shape, and in the Rothmans colors, the best looking race car. Great video.

[@brianfreeman8290]

That weighs the same as my smart car, just a tad more grunt ! Thank you, Ben, for describing that experience so vividly.

[@kyokuten]

Excellent driving Stiggy, but that goes without saying, I’m here to comment though to shout out to the people responsible for the camera work and the camera choice, good work!

[@BenCollinsDrives]

The team are seeing all the comments, I can assure you! They're loving it!

[@imfrcd]

@@BenCollinsDrives The shot at 8:16 with the airliner in the background is magic.

[@samuelgarrod8327]

Tongues out of bums please. They are being paid.

[@jezzter4293]

Glad I visited Le Mans when these things were running. I was a TWR Jaguar person ... but this video is wonderful. Thank you Porsche & Ben. Brilliant

[@BenCollinsDrives]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@richardgillmann87]

So cool watching the stig again! Except he can now describe the works of engineering art!!!

[@brad4057]

One of the best race cars ever made love the turbo cars from the 1980s and 1990s ...great videos thanks

[@BenCollinsDrives]

It is! It's the GOAT.

[@neilreid2298]

Great vid, Ben. I'm one of the millions who can't get over hearing you speak. We know how incredibly fast you are. Thanks for all the smiles!

[@BenCollinsDrives]

Haha hello! I do have a voice ;)

[@DMroczek]

I really enjoy your commentary about the balance of the car etc. It really distinguishes your channel from others. Viewer can really sense that you are a true racing driver and you see the world of cars through that lense. This material is really fantastic and please don't "dumb down" your future content to gather more casual motorsport fans. As a person who is a lot into more in-depth side of motorsport/simracing I really appreciate the way you share your impressions here. Great camera work too. If you guys keep up with such a quality content you are soon gonna hit major major numbers in terms of channel subscriptions.

[@kelevra558]

Such a selfless man. Driving his hero car and he's a good enough guy to give us an encyclopedia level of history on it instead of going 10/10ths. Respect. ALL the respect.

[@Metal05]

And still no one does it better than Porsche.

[@swmatthews005]

Was my favourite Scalextric car growing up as kid! 😊

[@SnowdriftBoy]

Exceptional car, great video as always!❤ But drum track never really goes away…💔

[@jgcarlover_9273]

here in Brazil I always watched documentaries or read in magazines about this car. When I was able to drive it in Project Cars 2 I spent almost two hours at Daytona 24h Circuit dreaming and getting emotional. Along with the Lotus 72, the Porsche 962 are my emotional cars... that just watching videos or hearing the sound of the engine makes me cry. I can't wait to see it up close one day.

[@Twobarpsi]

Pure Motorsport!!

[@deldridg]

What a marvellous visceral experience this must have been, and one that only a driver of your calibre could fully appreciate. Thank you for bringing it to us in such an immersive and beautifully produced form, including the interesting historical details. Much appreciated. Makes me really miss my beloved 964 that I foolishly parted with back in '09. Nobody quite does it like Porsche do. Cheers from Australia - Dave

[@BenCollinsDrives]

Thanks Dave - it was a special day.

[@Nadbull49]

I still can't believe I got to see and listen to one with the updated front end at Dubai Autodrome back in December for the Gulf historic event. Truly a highlight of my life.

[@tweed0929]

So glad to found your channel, Ben! If anyone deserves to drive this marvel of 80's engineering, it's the Stig himself! Instant subscription. Drive on!

[@BenCollinsDrives]

Glad you're enjoying. Got 90's engineering coming on Sunday!

[@UncleManuel]

This era was bonkers! A turbocharged semi-aircooled boxer with 2.9 litres and 680 horsepower driving 24 hours - in the 1980s! It's amazing that these engines lastst that long on racespeed... 😎😎🤘🤘

[@althejazzman]

Your description and understanding of the handling and aero is so insightful. What a dream car!

[@timc924]

Saw the 956's at LeMans in 1983 with my Dad. Holbert, Schuppan & Haywood won that Year. What a car. Then I got the surprise of my life transiting thought Orly Airport in March 1984 when that very car was on display. It was early in the morning and I was able to get over the roped barrier and have a really close look before a French security geezer abused me and threatened to confiscate my passport. I scarpered, but remember the delight at being so close to what is a remarkable car. I still have the tickets and programme for the race, framed and hanging on the wall of the garage with my own treasured wheels. Thanks, Ben, for a great review. Your obvious enthusiasm is worth bottling. Please do more videos- single seaters across the F1 history perhaps, as there are few reviewers whom may have the skill to exploit such icons and these are surely as worthy of a real track test as opposed to modern tin, which I'm growing weary of seeing being thrashed for sake of a plethora of slick flash pasts and slo-mo shots overdubbed with rock'n'roll riffs. Regards from Australia.

[@troon5488]

I also had the poster! Thanks so much for posting this! Everything I thought it would be.

[@BenCollinsDrives]

Glad it lived up to expectations!

[@cyoann8050]

13:37 video 😍🥰

[@elcasho]

Well done for making the car engine loud, and only adding music when required

[@theoldgitwatgames4640]

What an amazing piece of racing history, and I just love these types of videos, where you get to see them back on track rather than in a display. Love the commentary on these latest videos too.

[@BenCollinsDrives]

Glad you enjoyed it and totally agree its amazing bringing them back to life on track where they belong

[@theoldgitwatgames4640]

Closest I got to one was a goodwood and it’s an incredible looking machine. Give a kidney to drive one but that’s where sims come in handy 😉

[@nomiguda]

I sat in the 1987 Le Mans winning #17 when it was at the Porsche dealership in Auckland in 2012. You don't quite understand how low and wide these cars are until you see them in person. The proportions defy the camera and your brain when you see them on your computer screen or TV. So beautiful

[@BenCollinsDrives]

gotta love 4k - stunning machine isn't it

[@V8bgt]

Best sounding turbo engine ever. Period!

[@BenCollinsDrives]

It's up there!

[@ryansmithza]

Pure automobile beauty! That to me is the perfect looking car.

[@BenCollinsDrives]

Yeah it really is 😎

[@lemanchance7927]

Watched you talked about previous life as Stig on another channel and then this video comes up on my youtube feed. Say no more - subscribed.

[@BenCollinsDrives]

VinWiki was a lot of fun! Welcome along. New video on Sunday.

[@bozzy-101]

Around 30 or so years ago, my parents bought me a Le Man Scalextric set for Christmas which came with one of these, along with a Silk Cut liveried Jaguar XJR-9. I think that's what started my love affair with cars 🥰

[@BenCollinsDrives]

Second person to comment about that Scalextric set! Need to get my hands on one...

[@bozzy-101]

@@BenCollinsDrives 👍

[@group9622]

Well you just one the best story to tell at any bar contest. Epic car for the ages, first time I saw one at 1986 Sunbank 24 at Daytona with Derek Bell , Al Holbert , Chip Robinson I was hooked for life . The cars and drivers go hand in hand true legends.

[@stevewak72]

One of the most beautiful looking and sounding race cars ever. I love driving it in any video game it appears in, also the closest I will ever get to driving one.

[@BenCollinsDrives]

It's incredible to be in the presence of a 962, I can assure you! It's like a mythical creature.

[@shb8124]

One of my own favourites as well, probably top pick yeah, epically beautiful in that classic livery.

[@BenCollinsDrives]

Its the one isn't it!

[@bravofoxable]

I touched that exact car during the Kayalami 500 on 28 Nov 1987 after the race in the pits, Jochen Mass won the race. My friends and I were huge Porsche fans and attended all the 9 hour events at Kayalami, always rooting for the 936, 935 or 962's... Great memories

[@Brickhazard]

As a kid I got the "Porsche Power" set from Scalextric for Christmas which had two Porsche 962's in. From then on I was a petrolhead.

[@James-T-RC]

There is something so insanely special about the turbo induction noise of these old, and simply absurd engines! Music to the ears! Love it Ben. Car request: Audi 90 GTO 🙏🏻

[@BenCollinsDrives]

They don't make them like they used to! Can't go wrong with ENORMOUS turbos.

[@taurota1554]

Awesome as always.Thanks for sharing and taking us along

[@ThanasisZ]

I had that as a in-mind poster , until I found and have assembled this Icon of my youth using a Tamiya 1/.24 model car. It broke my heart when a lil kid reverse-engineered it ... Thanks @bencollinsdrives for returning the memories!!!

[@dealt]

My word, you just know how special a car must be when you get goosebumps simply from watching a video like this.

[@williamhayashi2190]

Donington must’ve felt small in the 962 Reaching such speeds with the screaming engine behind your head. What a dream. Amazing video.

[@michaelroberts1597]

That’s epic !! One beautiful race car ! Great video 🔥

[@mattcarper9853]

I just found the channel. What a car to carry my subscription to.

[@BenCollinsDrives]

Welcome along!

[@Lacquerhead-TX]

LOVE that car. Had that on a writing pad. Built a VERY detailed scale model. Beauty.

[@josephscheil9512]

Ben, Thank you so much for the narrative and the emotion you capture with both your experience and enthusiasm combined with the period video and pictures. Truly excellent stuff. just brilliant work, and a subscriber for life. Keep it coming!

[@KenSmith-bv4si]

Seriously awesome car Ben. I really dig watching you manually select the gears, maybe next video theres a pedal cam so we can watch the fancy foot work. Yeah I used to watch IMSA racing back in the 80's I remember Jag trying to take on the Porsche or Nissan, best road racing America had back then. Ben I would love to see you driving a diesel Audi Le Mans car.

[@simeonorive145]

This car and its sisters drove on public roads in Melbourne from the Docks to Sandown race track in my hometown back in the day bloody marvelous.

[@BenCollinsDrives]

I've seen the photos! A legendary moment.

[@vonzipper24]

That is by far the Finest Piece Of Racing Equipment made

[@mfelipetc]

So nice to see this car running and you driving it!

[@Arcturuseyes]

I'm always happy to see Drivemaster Collins, you know, all those years we all wanted the Stig to say something, to say a car is crap or awesome. We have our wish. You are an amazing man.

[@spavatch]

I had a 962 poster in my bedroom too, also in Rothmans livery. And then, in the 90s, it’s been replaced by a yellow Dauer 962 LM road car, to this day my fav 400+ kph car.

[@davidbrown418]

Had a poster with Derek Bell. Also have a great picture of Al Holbert's Lowenbrau 962. Great era.

[@BenCollinsDrives]

The best era.

[@Ruylopez778]

“Arguably the greatest era of motorsport of all time… ever…” *in the world!*

[@BenCollinsDrives]

EVER!

[@JohnHonda101]

I felt the event by your seat of the pants description.

[@warwickhewitt8844]

Such an iconic car! I still have my poster of the 1983 Rothmans Porsche team hanging up in my workshop! Bring back Group C!

[@milenkogt]

Love those 962... got to see them at HSRV event in 2001 at Road Atlanta. Incredible. Would love to see you behind the wheel of a 917K or the monster 917/30.

[@johnjones928]

The engine is actually 2.65 l and was derived from Porsche's failed Indy car's unit. In 3 IMSA race hr trim it could provide just over 700 hp.

[@AhmedAnassofu]

Al Holbert in a 962, magical. Senna-like

[@autospecial1]

I remember watching Al Holbert race one at Road Atlanta. Impressive car and driver.

[@GEARED_MrLucas]

What an iconic machine and what a video 😍 Loved watching that Ben! 👌🏻

[@BenCollinsDrives]

New video up now!

[@tomsmith2209]

So much history in one car.

[@BenCollinsDrives]

It's crazy how much history is tied to this chassis.

[@richardsmith9509]

Absolutely awesome....Ben is the new Alain DeCadanet....What a memory

[@niosanfrancisco]

Big shoes to fill

[@duileyah]

Dear Stig: you're a such a great presenter. It was a mistake not letting you talk back at top gear....you could've balanced out some of the baffoonery.

[@BenCollinsDrives]

Glad you're enjoying my company!

[@JohnH1]

Thanks for the great video mate 👍

[@lc3763]

#2 Car was owned by Dave Morse, Morspeed in California. I used to watch it lap Sears Point raceway in the 90s.

[@haralamc]

I remember finding my grandads old ride on lawnmower in the shed, basically same experience noise power whilst looking good

[@BenCollinsDrives]

Haha!

[@JackKing12.]

Had the 24hr Le Man's scalextric in the late 80s/early 90s. In the box was the Porsche 962 (as per the vid), and a red Jaguar.😊