porsche 959 -the first 911super car

[@hughoxford8735]

When it came out, I was ten years old. I wrote to Porsche in Germany and they sent me back a press brochure in German. It was silver, like this very car. There hasn’t been a car as significant as the 959 since.

[@kevmagill5163]

Amazing story... when I was 14, I was blown away by the Lamborghini Espada, and at the time, I would draw these detailed sports car concepts all day long. I wrote to Lamborghini in Italy, telling them how much I loved their cars, and sent some of what I thought were my best concepts. They sent back me all sorts of press for Lamborghini cars and wrote a personal letter saying how talented I was and should pursue a career in car design. It meant everything to me getting that letter back. I ended up going into medicine because of my family, but hearing back from heroes is a special moment, isn't it?

[@kylewashington5567]

Ferrari F40 significant,McClaren f1 significant,lambhorghini countach significant.dodge daytona,Plymouth superbird,significant,buick grand national,significant,Ford cobra,significant,corvette zr1,significant.

[@Porsche1969]

@@kylewashington5567 Forget about quite 2/3 of all these cars, you've mentioned as being "significant", because they absolutely WEREN'T significant, dude! The Porsche 959 at that time was the biggest rival to the Ferrari F40, which for example was the last Ferrari developed under Enzos supervision. THIS was SIGNIFICAN'T, but not the existance of some douchebag vehicles, like an American "Plymouth Superbird" or "Buick Grand National".... LOL. The Porsche 959 had the same importance than the Carrera GT or 918 Spyder decades later! You are talking bullshit, dude! "Plymouth Superbird"... WTF is this? "Corvette ZR1"... compared to a Porsche 959... Really???? Come on, you clown!! The new bi turbo "sequentially" register charging of the Porsche 959 was absolutely groundbraking at that time, it was totally important and the FIRST of its kind. It also was a very important racecar with its Paris-Dakar success and showed the superiority of a perfect AWD system, which paved the way for all the later 911 Carrera 4 models.

[@Backin48]

I was 15-16 and had pics of it in my HS locker. I didn't realize how advanced it was at the time. I loved the looks and speed of the car and it was 4WD, never seen that before. Obviously, years later I realized how it was so advanced at the time. And I still love it!! It amazes me how many people do not realize that many of today's cars options and safety came from cars like this. Granted most people are not into cars like us.

[@fraa888grindr6]

​@@kylewashington5567I couldn't agree less about the Ferrari F40 being significant, when compared to the Porsche 959. The 959 was a truly original feat of engineering, while the F40 was an obsession of Enzo Ferrari's to merely beat out the Porsche stats. The 959 was offered at $225K, while the following year the F40 retailed at $399K. That was getting awful close to twice the price for a car .4 seconds slower @100kmh and only 6 kmh fast at the top. The 959 was Porsche's first supercar, a version of their 911 built for B Group racing, while Ferrari had their first supercar in the 1984 288 GTO built for the same purpose. And both Ferrari's are twin turbocharged V8s, while the 959 is a twin turbocharged flat in-line 6. Likewise, the Porsche is mechanically superior in reliability. All-in-all, a Porsche is better car and similar to the VW Beetle; the Porsche is a people's car - much more affordable and reliable to drive. You can get into a 2024 Porsche for less than $70K, while Ferrari's start at $250K. It's apples to oranges. Ferrari models are amazing, but not when compared to Porsches.

[@donswier]

20+ years ago in Tigard Oregon, a white Porsche pulled onto the road ahead of me. I first thought it was just a cool bodykit on a 911. Then, stopped ahead at the next traffic light, I was admiring the perfect body gaps. It occured to me this was a genuine 959😮 Like a true car creeper, I followed the driver til he parked. He was so amazed that I knew the 959 history that he gave me a tour. Cool memory 😊

[@rolandalfonso6954]

Just wonderful. What a car! Thank you! As a side note, many years ago I was stopped at a stop light in downtown St. Petersburg, Fl.. And a one just like this pulled up and stopped at the light next to us. One in the wild. It was a special moment, never to be forgotten.

[@SpencerF6]

I was cycling in London a year ago or so and saw one driving down the road. I'd seen photos of it out and about but to just stumble on it in town was great! That said....right now I am sat about a 1/4 mile from one that is being stored at a local classic car dealer. I've seen it so often there that it's a bit underwhelmning now.

[@gabethomas8123]

I saw one in a funky color of green with Louisiana plates, in Fairhope AL of all places. It was parked outside a real estate office. I spent at least 15 mins staring in the windows and and going over the details to make sure it was legit. Couldn’t find anything that made me doubt it. I kept looking at other people who were walking by, looking to see if they new what the hell they were seeing. Everyone was clueless except me.

[@mullman]

Been lusting after these since high school. Absolutely timeless and still looks fresh these decades later. There is no substitute.

[@davidepperson2376]

I’m embarrassed to say that, even as a lifelong Porschephile, I couldn’t stand the looks of the 959 in high school. Boy was I wrong.

[@Edgy01]

Have been a Porsche pilot since 1974. Next year Willie fifty years! My experience with the 959 was one day at Werk I when I stopped off at the race parts shop inside there. As I walked by an open garage door (the one at the back corner) I heard a 911. But it wasn’t a 911. It was a 959! They had several strewn about Werk I in versions states of disrepair. One needed a new front clip after a bad meeting with an autobahn center divider! I wandered around to the back lot which was where Porsche used to store their cars before getting shipped out. It was packed with 959s. I was fortunate to have attended some special PCA events at the time back in the states where I got to meet with Helmut Bott and Tony Lapine. Those were the days! During my last excursion to Zuffenhausen I picked up a new Paint To Sample 911S Cabriolet only to discover my customer care representative was a former 959 test driver with some stories to tell. I truly miss the great roadways of Europe throughout the Alpenstraße and central Italy. I can’t imagine a day without an internal combustion engined 911.

[@joshthemediocre7824]

One of the great things about the internet, seeing these super rare cars that one may never see in person, being driven and explained by people who know them, this whole channel is like a college course on Porsche, I love what you're doing Magnus. Thank you for the education.

[@thomasloper1205]

Magnus, thank you for no commercials! It's clear you care more about telling the story of cars more than making money from it. So great to watch. If I could have any car at any cost, it would be between the 959 and race prepped Gullwing.

[@ctmunlimitedauctions7200]

I had the 959 poster when I was a kid. Most of my friends had the Countach or F40 poster. Still adore everything about the 959 to this day. Thanks for the review Magnus!

[@weasel3720]

@7:08 - the great gandolf of porschelandia! thanks magnus :)

[@pauljohnson7382]

Lov'n on ANY car that's DRIVEN as the design intended...not spit-shined and parked for only visual gratification...The 959 helped set a new standard that should/could still be exemplified...Thanks Magnus for another great treat...👍

[@FabTV]

Great Episode!

[@jackchn23]

Stunning. The exterior still looks modern.

[@seanmcneill8899]

I was a dozen of years old when this iconic car arrived in to the world and to this day the excitement is still with me. Thanks Magnus.

[@Patrick-bu5vy]

Hard to comprehend that the concept of this amazing machine came into being only 20 years after the very first 911. Porsche have been pushing the envelope from the very start and continue to do so. Still the greatest car company on the planet.....

[@richardcarr6493]

I COULD NOT THINK OF BETTER PRESENTER FOR THIS CAR TODAY ,when came to l got a special book from Porsche that presented everything about the car and l read over n over again .As a 16yr old just gaining interest in cars after my uncle got a 84 944 after having 6.6L firebird what a difference in performance !! One being brutal like a heavy weight boxer the other being a welter weight fast n agile .

[@haqitman]

I was in Frankfurt summer of 85 and my dad had tickets to the Auto Show. We got to go on press day, before the public was let in. The 959 on display was cut in half down the middle so you could see all the internals, like a Kimble print. It was the star of the show. And that's as close as I've ever been to a 959 😀

[@mikelyon5595]

I'd be terrified to drive the 959 because of its value, but I'm glad you shared the experience!

[@edwnaya]

I adore this car. Glad you showed us. thank you

[@jameschaves5723]

Fell I love with it in 1986. In 1999 while Backpacking through Europe I went to Porsche museum only to realize it wasn’t on display. Last summer it was part of the “SuperCar Exhibit” at the Audrain museum in Newport RI. It sat next to a F1. Still it got all my attention over the McClaren. It was an amazing exhibit. CLK GTR, F40, Carrera GT, Veyron, Muira…

[@BleezyD]

It's amazing it still looks like a modern Porsche. It's aged wonderfully.

[@JoeAchilles1]

What a car, way ahead of it's time! Another great video Magnus, thank you ♥

[@mtnvalley9298]

Thanks for your efforts here Magnus; I appreciate the drive along.

[@davedovala2700]

Thanks for assessing the 959 in such relatable terms -- I think I get it. This was truly an inflection point in the evolution of the 911.

[@kevingolden5675]

I had a book with a picture of a gruppe b 959 when I was about 4 or 5 white with the solid wheels. They are the best porsche ever for me 😍👌💚

[@kuzeyyavas]

It has features and performance that cannot be put into words, it is simply awesome, it completes dreams and pleasures Porsche I am speechless 🔥🔥

[@kylereed3577]

In the late 80s I lived in the Bellevue area. I was stopped at a light and a 959 stopped to my right. I looked over and saw it was Paul Allen in his. All I could do is mouth 959, he was looking at me smiled, the light changed. I watched him drive on and the car behind me started honking in anger at me. Worth every second, can’t forget it. Thanks for letting me ride along in this one.

[@nisanursezer3368]

one of my favorite models

[@motorclaimguru]

my dream car. Perfection, when it came out, I was 13, I got to sit in one at RUF in Germany in 1996, would love to drive one, have a 996 turbo, as near as I will ever get.

[@stuartsmith5308]

Porsche 959 Komfort, 959 Sport, 959 Komfort series 2 and Bruce Canepa cars. Love to see a review of a 959 BRUCE CANEPA REIMAGINED SC. These are the best versions of the 959, but there are no road tests, acceleration times of these cars.

[@stuartsmith5308]

The Ferrari F40 was never recorded by any motor journalist at over 199mph. The Porsche 959 Sport was driven by many journalists at over 210mph.

[@thefrog9119]

You're right naming it "the first supercar". The technology inside it was way advanced and I guess is still nowadays more than all the other exotic cars from the era.

[@jn904]

Countach was the first Supercar.

[@gabrielg8826]

Gandolf has become so chill and very Californian it seems.

[@makyol580]

I'm officially in love with the vehicles king they are all hot

[@kellingtonlink956]

Great review. Simply brilliant! Thanks for the video.

[@joaoportesantava1412]

I love that car and older 911’s

[@stevenhendrikx4440]

Great video once again! Only got a bit seasick from the camera man's movement during the part when you were talking about the engine.

[@petrolheadfrombr]

Yeap, happened to me as well. Would be cool to have some close shots focusing on the engine and an off-camera microphone like in the Big thing series.

[@Gerigeldik01]

It was a very good presentation, I sincerely wish you success.

[@RabeHighPerformance]

First one here. Thanks for the awesome videos mate. My first car is 1986 Pontiac Grand Prix LE I still have to this day. Bought back in 2004.

[@d23bw]

That was a cool drive and talk about such an Icon. We get a great feel, at a distance, for these wonderful cars. Thanks man.

[@Brian-os9qj]

A dream car to road-trip. Thx man

[@C.Brooks]

ITS GONNA BE A GREAT DAY!!! MAGNUS + 959!?!?!?!? 🤩🤩🤩

[@Putt-Putt-Vroom]

my favorite since a child

[@ksteak27]

Magnus walking past a Ferrari / Lambo / Bentley / Aston owner's house = doors locked and police called. Magnus walking past a Porsche owner's house = epic freak-out and tackling hugs!!!! Know your heroes!!!

[@fatma-jk9uh]

My dream car. It looks very nice

[@loomspace]

This vid starts off like a SNL Californians skit 😂. That out of the way, thank you for this glimpse into our childhood dreams.

[@mrmorizofan7001]

It was the most expensive car to be sold in Finland back in the days, was 3M finnish marks back then. Not one was sold but it was on the sales list.

[@BACKO7777]

My bedroom poster car as a 16 year old, absolutely love the 959.

[@bentickner1]

I love listening to Magnus talk about Porsche's. He really has a unique way of explaining the experience and is all about the experience. If you can follow his discussion you'll appreciate the content.

[@amazingjason455]

I bet the sorting hat put him in Hufflepuff.

[@fixyourautomobile]

I'll live in the janitors closet if you let me keep the Porsche's clean. Still to this day, I respect the hell out of the fact that you don't focus entirely on 911's I'm a 931 Enthusiast myself and consider them unloved and forgotten pillars of automotive progress!

[@kanaan1972]

Time seems to have no effect on this matter. One of the things I've been lusting after since high school. Even after years, they keep their freshness and they still impress me.

[@dmn23]

I attended the '83 Frankfurt auto show and I clearly remember that metallic pearl Group B show car. It was amazing but I didn't realize how big of a deal it would become.

[@ralleyquattro]

This is the ultimate 911 IMHO, even now I would take this over anything Porsche has made to date.

[@GratzRides]

I don’t know why but I love that the engine cover’s hinges squeak. Such an iconic car.

[@taforth]

Never tire of 959 vids (largely because they’re SO scarce! This car was an alien spaceship in its day, as far as tech is concerned! A sport version did exceed 200 mph on Nardo, during a comparison test with an F40 among other supercars of the day. The test was done my auto motor und sport.

[@analogspeed]

I loved everything about this episode! 🏁🏁🏁

[@carsmartsmedia2324]

Absolute dream car. Ever since it was on the cover of Autoweek (Feb. '88) with Al Holbert test driving.

[@polloloci21]

I’m here for Porsches and weird hats.

[@axe2grind244]

You’re in the right place

[@jochenwagner5170]

Hey DUDE! Greets from Banania! Have a great time, we love you.👨🏼‍⚖️🐶🏴‍☠️

[@mykilfremn26]

just to see this again as a dream come come true

[@sickjohnson]

Another awesome video Magnus...can't wait for the next one man! When I was kid this was one of my favorite poster cars, and started me down the road of being tech obsessed also reading about it in more than just auto magazines.

[@tonychavez2083]

a true legendary motorcar...

[@stephenabril7084]

Every time I see your show I need to go for a drive. In a Miata with the top down and lots of fun. Don’t have the$$$ for a Porsche but always wanted a 911SC like a former boss had. Love your show.

[@jmsjms296]

Keep enjoying your Miata.

[@stephenabril7084]

@@jmsjms296 every non rainy day.👍

[@ronstuff6330]

I love how it has the same interior headliner lights as the earliest 911's.

[@CORPOR-iThomasKorb]

First!! Love the Channel!!

[@TheSimonhammond]

I always went for the 959 when playing Test Drive II 'The Duel' on my Amiga 500+.

[@motorconcierge]

Never been so early on Magnus' video! Let's gooooo!

[@danv8717]

So ahead of it's time.

[@pameladunn7346]

magnus ... at 80,000 lbs it's tricky at best to stop a "big rig" even at low speed - and when almost all people cut in and then slam on the brakes (because they think) the 18 wheeler behind them can maneuver exactly like a small car , that tends to make most if not all hard working truck drivers to be protective with there "big rig" not to mention that a fender bender with a diesel truck is always bad and a insurance company will take away the license of the victim "the truck driver" of the "big rig" it really is a stressful livelihood ... especially in California as rear ending is your fault

[@idontmindifisaid]

Timeless design!

[@CanonicalBomb]

The 959 is the do everything Porsche, Rally yep, Le Mans Yessir, Road Comfort yeah, REALLY FORKIN’ FAST of course

[@familyguy5150]

One 959 or an equivalent collection of…say 25 immaculate Porsches of your choosing at par value? Me, I’ll take the the one gem every time.

[@alicom3101]

Beau Travail comme d'habitude🔬🛠Toujours un Moment de Détente🎬Alex France🍻🙏🌌

[@squarebackjedi]

Magnus, do you have a photographic memory? I love your story telling, but I’m amazed by your recall of factual information. I have a 19 Volkswagen Alltrack. I love it. But it’s taken on some cosmetic damage that smashes my heart. I’m saving up to take care of a few repairs, but then I want to pursue a few mods. Your videos inspire me.

[@jmsjms296]

Interesting elocution, Magnus!

[@milescivis1018]

If it’s good enough for Gandalf, it’s good enough for me.

[@ClarenceBRamos]

LEGEND!!!

[@thegolfingmusician6345]

The greatest sports car ever created!

[@esaugamez4249]

Bruce Canepa has killer 959’s in CA as well!

[@fiveacrespread3756]

This is a piece of art compared to anyone else making car chat vids.

[@analogspeed]

Appreciate you!!

[@ross2812]

I earned a Bachelor of Science in Automotive Technology in 1990 and the 959 was an educational topic through those college years. I had a 5' long poster of a Silver 959. At the time I owned a '73 911T (German Racing Silver) with an S spoiler and Sport seats. All the advanced technology in the 959 was mind blowing. Hollow spoke wheels to monitor and maintain proper tire air pressure. When the C4 came out, the power management to the wheels (and sorta...not fully... active-suspension) was quicker than the 959, as if it needed to be quicker. Back then the interstate highways were really good condition and you could do 130-140. US roads are shit.

[@MrJeepCanada]

I was 18 when this car came out I had a poster on my wall and that's how I fell in love with Porsche ❤

[@kevmagill5163]

Oh man...I've been waiting for this one!

[@martinogold]

6:54 He was very disparaging of the F40. I wonder it's because his nemesis Sauron drives one 👁

[@perryholmes8652]

I think the 959 is absolutely the best car Porsche has ever made.

[@83GruppeB]

My favorite car of all time 😍

[@jcferrarif40]

Mangnus Stuff...Always super great content!!!!

[@markjfox866]

U got taste sir.👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👌🏼

[@itsruf1]

I found a diecast toy of this in the 80's. Hangs on a pegboard hook in my woodshop.

[@docholliday2754]

Another great OPP, could you put OPP in the titles? Look forward to the next one!

[@Lindleyferchel]

Smile mile no truer words spoken..Magnus you are so right!

[@berponteberponte3231]

tremendo!!!!! Sigue dandole!!!!!

[@aspenyukon6845]

The concept 959 looked like a million dollars...the general public got this 959....

[@RichardWarner-df7dz]

Super cool vid and car. I have a 996 Turbo S. So called poor man’s 959. Articles have been written. Lots of similarities and it’s the grand child of the 959. Cheers

[@joseph40ninjas88]

Dream car!

[@MichaelCoburn]

love the commentary, but the camera work is making me motion sick. Hold still. Keep up the great driving one takes.

[@mrmorizofan7001]

they raced the Dakar so technically they did something, of course it had different Porsche ID but it had lots of 959 tech in it.

[@MW-uy3np]

Peter Schutz is a legend

[@rkirschner7175]

Years ago. Watched one absolutely destroy a Testarossa . Only time I ever saw one.

[@4200timeB]

Wanted one the day they came out an nothing has changed. Just a matter of time.

[@mikepaul396]

Great piece Magnus. Thank you. Do you like the more powerful engines Canepa putting in. Or do you have a preferred improved power plant. A 3.8 with twin turbo? Maybe