The Porsche 959 Changed the Supercar Game Forever - TheSmokingTire

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The Porsche 959 set the rules for what a supercar would be in the future way back in 1986. While every other car on the road remained totally analog, the 959 brought turbocharging, all-wheel-drive, adjustable suspension, torque vectoring, and a dozen other technologies to the table. It was the fastest car in the world when it launched, reaching 198 mph in 1986, and instantly became an icon. But it also kind of looks like a 911, and kind of drives like a 911. Would the reality match the expectations? I got 2 hours with a 959 on a wet German backroads to find out!
Porsche provided the vehicle from their museum, insurance, and transportation/accomodations to Germany, albeit for the review of a different vehicle.
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Why the Porsche 959 is $2M+ AND WORTH IT - TheSmokingTire
#porsche959
#959review

[@mildmanneredthinkingman9323]

Thank you for making videos in the old format! I love this format. It's not scripted. It's authentic and more organic. Please bring this back!

[@indiebekonn]

I second that!

[@parsaerjaie6379]

yes but the full production videos are so well written and showcase the whole story of a car beautifully. Whatever video TST makes is surely fire🔥

[@JSmooVE3990]

I think both formats are really good.

[@Heyitsallgoodman]

All formats are good

[@gbarton800]

Newer/Premier vs. Older/Throwback Video Formats Why not selectively do both at some periodic cadence. Done! 🤓

[@ThatDudeinBlue]

So freaking stoked for you on this one. What an opportunity!

[@Nord_Mann]

Not only that. The 959 changed the whole automotive industry. 4x4 in super cars, adaptive suspension and a whole lot of innovations.

[@ricepony33]

I believe it has carbon ceramic brakes too?

[@Nord_Mann]

@@ricepony33 first Porsche with ceramic brakes was the 993 Turbo S

[@GazMonty]

@@Nord_Mann Incorrect, the 993 Turbo S had yellow painted callipers but steel drilled discs. The first Porsche to have carbon ceramics was the 996 GT2 and they were optional on the 996 Turbo.

[@black350Z]

It really can't be overstated how incredible and important the 959 was. Almost all modern technology we have on cars came from the development of the 959. I remember when it was released, as I was a teenager in the mid 80's. Everyone was completely blown away by how high tech it was. It was space age stuff back then. Now it's all completely normal. It was decades ahead of its time.

[@spongesurf12]

I've wanted one ever since first seeing it in magazines back then. Would be amazing to have one that Canepa does the updates to!

[@mtnman1984]

Not really decades. The R32 GT-R was released only three years later.

[@michaelschmitt9366]

Positively! Never will there be a car that I could admire more. The memories of opening that issue of Road & Track back in 1986 and reading that article word for word, over and over. Definitely a bucket list adventure!

[@user-jf8gd3lv7q]

Please, shut up dude! The Nissan R32 is something completely different. It has almost primitive tech compared to the Porsche 959. The 959 was technologically so advanced, that some trashtalkers from today, just like you, doesn't even understand how advanced it was. It's like comparing totally inferior Japanese road car turbo technology to the engine turbo technology from the legendary several LeMans winning Porsche 956! Go back to your Kindergarden, little boy! @@mtnman1984

[@robertorcutt979]

You’ve not driven a Canepa. The car you drove is slow and common in comparison to a Canepa. Power, fit, finish, ride, visual….the factory car is nice, but not even close in any regard.

[@2fast2nick]

I see 959.. I stop what I'm doing and watch.

[@BingBangBrine]

Imo the best part of this car is that most people will think it’s just some old Porsche. But the people that know will know!

[@cjh819]

You should see if Bruce Canepa would let you have a go in his 959SC. That would be a great video experience.

[@RobTheDoodler]

The 959 was at the tippety top of my list of childhood dream cars when it came out. As sexy and poster-ready as the F40 is, there was something about the 959 that always ticked every box for me. It just looks like it fits in any time period.

[@James-pl2oy]

Lots of innovations in this car. One that made its way thru to most cars is TPMS. Since it was the first to use hollow spoke wheels it was critical to monitor tire pressures in case the wheel developed a crack.

[@ricepony33]

I’m reminded of this technology every time I drive my Toyota truck… constantly reminded :)

[@gyneve]

​@@ricepony33Those things do like to crap-out.

[@jnichols959]

This car was a significant inflection point in sports car tech. And at the tail end of Group B rally, it's just an epic car in an epic era.

[@DaZ403]

The greatest car ever built!

[@santiagobenites]

You are SO fortunate to be able to drive amazing cars like that! What a job!

[@dissaver]

You are looking good Matt, keep it up. Incredible car to say the least.

[@gunsandcommissions]

I agree. Our boy is looking good and seems to be losing weight.

[@RaiderTheGhost]

I saw the same thing. He's looking quite svelte.

[@777jones]

Positive lifestyle decisions detected

[@HumperMKB]

I came to say that 👍🏻

[@iluvtorace4786]

Came to say the same. Keep up the great work Matt!

[@paulpressland]

I have driven 16,000 kms in 3 years in one of the last 8 produced. Very few issues and lots of smiles per mile. Included an autobahn blast. The weakest link was me, rock steady up to 170 MPH. 🐐

[@romanovmarkelyon1021]

What a legend! You’re a lucky man, Matt!

[@gunsandcommissions]

When everything on the roads had been detuned to laughable levels (180hp V8 Corvette, anyone?), a 6 cylinder with 440-450hp was absolutely nuts (saying nothing about all of the other tech).

[@tehbrutenextdoor]

I have waited a long time for this moment. My dream car.

[@levyphi]

What an amazing opportunity for you. The 959 was along with the F40 my original dream cars.

[@dlg5485]

You lucky dog. The 959 was THE dream supercar of my adolescent years and it's still my all-time fav.

[@freeplax17]

Lol not sure what I’m more jealous of Matt driving 959 or Matt getting to drive the roads in the Black Forest what a road…

[@deathcab4booty]

Absolutely wild that the Canepa 959s almost double the stock horsepower

[@05EVORS]

Would be great if he could get the keys to a Canepa car back in California and flog it, and give everyone the Bill Gates story w the 959s coming into the USA and the 'Supercar' law created for Gates by his lawyers to drive his 'illegal' 959s on the street.

[@kristene2372]

What's wild is that the engine was good for 800hp but for some reason it didn't get that much hp from factory. Only 450 /500 hp 959 was meant to get the 17' in wheels in 18' in but couldn't get them made so got the 17's The white car with those fan wheels 😍 Just magnificent

[@kristene2372]

Canepa charges I think 700,000 us + donor car ridiculous

[@petermacmill703]

@@kristene2372You have no idéa what you are talking about and what they do 🤦🏻‍♂️! The price is $ 1.650.000 + tax and it’s a new car you get back! Every part of the car is new, refurbished or upgraded and it takes 4000-4500 hours to do and takes a 2 years in total! Bruce has scheduled my car from March 1st and it will be midnight blue with a 2-tone interior in black/cognac. Upper part of dash/doors in black and the rest in cognac with contrast stitching. My car has bucket seats and sport steering wheel from Werk 1 so factory parts!

[@keithprice6581]

I had a toy car of a 959 as a kid and you could open up the 'trunk' and see there was an engine there. Mind blowing for me at 5 years old. That was the moment I fell in love with Porsche and I'm forever a fan thanks to this car.

[@alangil40]

This car blew me away when reading about in 1986. But as a testament to the technology that it introduced and the improvements since then, I have to imagine that from a driving experience perspective, it was matched if not exceeded by the time of the 997.1 Turbo in 2007. And today by a run of the mill 991.2 or 992 Carrera S. Still the fact that it took 20+ years for regular production cars to match the then hyper-car 959 is a credit to how far ahead of its time it was.

[@user-dw4cv3xq5u]

Quite literally the ultimate car. What an experience.

[@GregoryE.Bolton]

Thanks Matt for taking me for a ride in my all time dream car The PORSCHE 959,and with only 19,000 miles on it !!! You might try looking up a guy named Bruce Canepa .Heis still developing the 959 as we speak.And has gotten the 959 up to about close to 900 hp.

[@traviscoombes3578]

You have the best job ever. The 959 is the car I have wanted since I was a kid.

[@spacepxl]

I don't mind the stripped down video experience at all, feels like a classic One Take! Can already tell this is going to be another criminally underviewed video though. What a cool car.

[@chriswheeler6092]

Years ago I used to see a black 959 all of the time. The owner drove it everyday. I really liked it then ,but I didn't have the appreciation for it that I have now.I used to think of it as just another Porsche now they are kind of like seeing the holy grail.

[@joshwertheim]

This is insane. I gotta say though, you _need_ to talk to Canepa about getting a go in the 959SC now!

[@ribbles1699]

And shout out to Porsche for having the attitude that cars are meant to be driven, to the point where they'll hand a museum piece to a non-employee.

[@GlennsCarCollection]

Great video, my all time favorite Porsche. I bought a 993 Turbo 12 years ago (when they were cheap, $70k) because it reminded me of this car for 1/20 the price. Approximately 340 Porsche 959’s were produced. Why so few? List price was $225,000 so buyers were few and far between and it cost Porsche $500,000 to produce so they lost 6 figures on every car they sold.

[@johnnyg9804]

For me, the 959 was always going to be a poster car, even though the tech was astonishing... I still just drooled at its beauty and styling. Great content Matt❤

[@OdyTypeR]

Hehe, have a "go". Nice plate. I'm glad they let you have a "go" in the "959" for longer than "1h" so you could film it for us.

[@rodcampbell1263]

That's my high school poster car. Absolutely love it!

[@DetroitMicroSound]

I love how the speedo and other gauges, are VDO. I've had a few European mopeds with white face VDO speedo's. Austrian Puch X30 bikes.

[@arporscheman]

This is my ultimate dream car. However, like most other dream cars has reached the point of unobtanium. Love seeing a modern take on how it is to drive though!

[@ExDementia666]

Damn, bucket list car right there. So stoked you got to drive one and make a video! Also you're looking good man

[@jryalls]

The (Gruppe B) concept is fire 🔥

[@mitchellsteindler]

That second turbo is epic

[@10water]

What a treat Matt! I was lucky enough to visit Stuttgart this summer and spent 5 hours gawking at each and every model they had in that spiraling masterpiece that is the Porsche Museum. Although I didn't have the privilege to drive the 959, I did see it in person. Happened to notice a drip tray strategically positioned underneath it! I went on Aug 6th so that might have been the one you drove here? Haha :p

[@DDMSteveB]

I saw one of these in person and it was such a memorable experience. It messed me up for the entire weekend. Couldn’t believe I finally saw one in person.

[@techlaw997]

I love the 959. It’s probably why I own a 997 turbo 6MT. AWD, manual, and turbo is an amazing combination that you just can’t get today.

[@masterchinese28]

I have to say, there have been several videos come out recently with the 959 (which I love). With the Porsche Museum lending this legend out to the media, I am wondering if Porsche is going to launch a new 959 soon? I may be optimistic, but it would be awesome for Porsche to make another flagship vehicle that will set the tone for years and decades to come like they did in 1986.

[@stevec9704]

Matt you are a lucky man! Thank you, this is my ALL Time favorite car from introduction. Someday, I hope to just see one live. 🙏🏻

[@JoeEngineer]

Its so refreshing to see an example of supercar royalty get driven as intended instead of being talked about behind a velvet rope. Thanks for this!

[@original2758]

@ 6:18... genuine Porsche happiness kicking in! 😃

[@tealruby582]

Matt you are looking TRIM. Long time listener first time caller here, but holy crap man! Whatever you're doing is working. Keep it up boss man, looking super healthy.

[@233277]

Awesome video Matt. I had a 959 poster back in the 80s. Love that you were able to do this review!!!

[@jacebeleren429]

Oh dude stoked you finally got to do this! So cool.

[@user-nd3xh2gj9g]

Matt, Luv your content, very informative and insightful. When I was a kid every April my dad would bring me to the NY Auto Show then held at the NY Coliseum located at Columbus Circle. Could not wait to get to the Porsche exhibit to see the 959 only to be somewhat disappointed when I locked eyes on the only example they brought, a 959 split down the middle for the purposes revealing all the great technology it encompassed. A truly significant milestone in Porsche history IMHO. I’m envious that you got to drive it. Keep up the good work, thank you!

[@motorcopT2]

So our close family friend here in Southern California bought a 959 and was with the first of three 959’s imported to the United States. Another guy from the bay area who im sure you can guess who it is, bought the other two. Our friend rented The streets of Willow for the day. I was shocked at how unexciting it was. It is so refined that when you are hauling ass it seems like you are only doing 75 MPH. The interesting part about his car, Porsche wasn’t able to get the car to run correctly with a turbo on it. He sent his to a guy in the Bay Area who was able to figure it out. When the car was finished Porsche sent technicians to see how it was done. The car is the only 959 presented with a turbo badge from Porsche Now his 917 and 935 was a whole different story! The 935 was on the track later in the day as the sun was about to set. You could see the flames coming out of the pipes two feet long on the down shifts and the trans with the straight cut gears sounded like the car was ready for a visit to Trans-Pro. 😂 It literally sounded like war war two fighter plane with all the squeaks and rattles. I HAVE PICTURES TO PROVE IT!😂

[@TheSmokingTire]

Yep. that car lives at Westside Collector Car Storage. I see it every day from my office.

[@scottfielding6179]

When I visit the 959 parking at Rennsport Reunion, I just sit there and imagine the amount of money that sits in that tent. Furthermore, the 959 population at Canepa's shop (been there too, was 16 count at that visit) Probably the GDP of most mid level countries. Wonderful review.

[@michaelfjmusic]

I don't even fathom driving a pristine, Porsche-kept ultra-rare $2 million supercar in the rain. I'd be absolutely terrified of crashing or damaging it. But I love the video!

[@button-jeff]

Matt, you're really good at your job. That's all. Thanks for sharing with us. The 959 is a dream car. Just light-years ahead of anything else at the time.

[@SoupyTurtle]

Amazing video! Thanks for sharing with us Matt and Zak!

[@1in7.8b]

996 Turbo has 959 DNA. A good amount of it.

[@rosochowicz]

Love the video, old school review of a legend of a car. Great job Matt, thank you much. What a treat of a car, have only ever seen one in person.

[@jeroenvanboxtel8801]

Looking great Matt, well done. What a car!

[@chrisoliver9204]

Great video, Matt. Stripped down, old-school style. Loved it, and glad for you that you got this opportunity. P.S: You’re looking great, man! Keep it going. 👍🏻

[@tlrprice7]

I have always loved the 959! Great video!!!

[@justaddafan]

One of the things that I love about the 959 is how Porsche decided to style it like a very musculed up 911 even though everything is different and they could have made it look like anything they wanted. Signaling that the 911 was going to be around for a while longer...

[@slbowling]

O man you really need to drive a Canepa 959. They are insane!

[@bradcoram509]

Wow - Matt, you've lost a lot of weight. Looking great sir. Keep up the good work! (Excellent an interesting video as well, of course)

[@afrojoe24]

Wicked dope awesome! Poster car for me back in the day! Glad you got to experience it and share with us!

[@poppajack5332]

This has always been a dream drive for me so cheers for sharing the experience with me Matt, also as an R32 Skyline GTR owner I can appreciate the mention there also with 4WD 4WS and ABS in the late 80s I can definitely see the comparison, 600+hp and turbo lag can add to the experience as well

[@MrGeek70]

My dream car growing up!

[@waltciii3]

My favorite Porsche of all time. I still haven't seen one in the California. When I do it will make my day!

[@leddygee1896]

If I could afford any Porsche, It would certainly be the 959... Wouldn't even consider any other model. It is the ultimate Porsche, IMHO. Beautiful car!

[@1BlinkwithAngels82]

This is an awesome video, thank you Matt.

[@jordanhughes1245]

What a incredible opportunity!

[@youremostwelcome]

If I ever get my 3.2 Carrera’s seats re-trimmed, it’s going to be VERY difficult not to go for something replicating those…

[@Ferrum84]

great vid - love this format

[@JayAgassi]

It’s a pleasure watching Matt drive such an icon. 👍

[@chillislives]

That was my all time favorite car.

[@dbeckMSP]

great review and cool to see a modern review of this car! those wipers are so interesting. never seen that pattern before and seems to clear up a huge portion of the windshield

[@hanyolo4882]

Incredible car. I first saw the 959 in need for speed hot pursuit 2 that came out in 2002. I had no knowledge of it and loved the look of it instantly. I learned over the coming years just exactly how awesome it is. Such a treat to get behind the wheel of such an icon. Happy for you

[@ivanzalac1698]

Holly WOW ,just WOW !!! I saw this car live on the highway when Porsche started selling them in Canada and saw it in the province of Quebec . First time seeing it , I was in Ahhhhhh of admiration of the futuristic ahead of its time design ! Thanks for the very interesting and informative detailed video Matt !!! 😎

[@detonator2112]

959 and Ferrari F40 are the two first genuine supercars. Then came Jaguar XJ220, Bugattis and McLarens but they weren't the same as these two were the first.

[@davidkeenan5989]

The smoothness of the car comes through on the video.

[@baseigs]

Oh man I needed that. After a disappointing day, this brought me back up…thank you sir!

[@hby7768]

my favorite Porsche of all time, next is the 918, then comes the 991 and 992 gt3s

[@CorradoAlley]

I love it, I think I saw the same exact grey 959 in the Porsche museum parking garage a few years back but its tag was S G0 9591

[@nathangiles8258]

Thanks for the glimps of the 959. Looking good man!

[@YasumotoUS]

Hell yes. What an opportunity for a lover and driver of great automotive examples. I remember seeing this thing in a few automotive magazine articles, yet I never saw it on public roadways in the US where I'd see countless examples of other 80s porsche offerings. With such a low production number, I can understand why!

[@robbosco6896]

Great review and driving impression of the 959, Matt. Cool to see some footage on the road, too.

[@pereldh5741]

I’m no Porsche guy but this was HEAVEN

[@thedrivebygg]

THANK YOU. My favourite Porsche of all time, but in white.

[@anomuumit]

That second turbo really kicks in on the video when the whole car just leans back a bit more!

[@violinmiata]

Great video! On camera you couldn’t tell the acceleration difference between the sequential turbos, until you could see the raindrops sliding up the windshield. Pretty cool stuff!

[@Milkinporsche]

959 has such a timeless design!

[@Viridis_k]

A great future review would be the Canepa's 959 restomod .

[@mvryan]

So cool. It’s the poster I’d look at from my Countach car bed as a kid.

[@mmerritt143]

I was 16 years old when this car came out and I was blown away by this marvelous technical masterpiece. The 959 was the first true supercar followed shortly by the Ferrari F40. When I ordered my 992 911 Turbo S I special ordered it drawing inspiration from the 959, my original dream car. This is the car that made me fall in love with the brand.

[@FCT8306onTwoWheels]

Wow thats an amazing piece of history you got to drive :) congratulations on the opportunity. The car is the stuff of my childhood

[@mtlsi]

What an impecable car. I am really happy for you that you had this opportunity to drive it.

[@FredroStarr12]

Such an iconic car, by the way my kids loved it when you went “turbo 2!!” 😂

[@bespincustompropsbombarta8300]

Loved these cars when they come out, first road Porsche with all wheel drive and the test bed for use in the later 911

[@marco2k6]

Enjoyed that. Thanks buddy!

[@feenyx6394]

That's a pretty big ticket bucket list item right there, glad you got the opportunity, and also that you are sharing it with us all!

[@DaveFuucck]

The one take format is so good man