In the late 1980s, when Ferrari’s F40 was all about raw power, Porsche took a different route. They loaded the 959 with technology that seemed almost futuristic at the time. It had adjustable suspension, an intelligent four-wheel-drive system, and even tire pressure sensors. Today, these features are standard on many sports cars. But back in 1986, they were revolutionary. This forward-thinking approach came at a cost. Porsche priced the 959 at over $300,000, but they still lost money on each one. The reason? Developing and building that kind of technology wasn’t cheap. And they didn’t make many—just 292 units between 1986 and 1988. Of those, only 29 were the Sport version, like the one now on the auction block at RM Sotheby's. Read More Triple Eight Ditching Chevy for Ford in 2026 Supercars Season No Frills, Just Speed Porsche didn’t waste an ounce on the 959 Sport. They stripped out anything that didn’t make it faster. Out went the adaptive suspension, air conditioning, and stereo. In its place, Porsche used a simpler coilover setup, ditching the heavy hydraulics. This cut 220 pounds off the Komfort version’s weight. Inside, there’s a leather-wrapped roll cage and four-point racing harnesses to keep you in place when the corners get tight. No leather seats here—just cloth to save a few more pounds. Porsche didn’t give buyers much to customize. Every 959 Sport was built exactly the same, down to the last nut and bolt. The only decision was the paint: Grand Prix White or Guards Red. That’s it. More than comfort or cruising, this car was about getting from point A to point B as fast as physics would allow. And that’s exactly what the first owner, Werner Funk, had in mind. Funk was a former crew chief for a Porsche racing team. He knew this car was something special. But he also knew he couldn’t bring it home. The 959 didn’t meet US import laws, so Funk picked it up at the Porsche factory in Stuttgart. He only kept it for two to three weeks before selling it through Graber Ferrari in Switzerland. But not before giving it a proper send-off. Funk rented a track in France and let the 959 Sport stretch its legs alongside a Ferrari F40 and a 288 GTO. Three of the greatest supercars of their time, all on one track. Funk put about 100 miles on the 959 Sport that day, a memory he still recalls fondly as “what fun it was.” A Well-Traveled Legend with Low Miles This Porsche 959 Sport has seen the world but barely seen the road. It started its life in Switzerland, moving to Italy, then Sweden, before finally landing in the US. Despite this globetrotting journey, the odometer shows just 3,757 miles. It wasn’t neglected—far from it. The car was pampered everywhere it went. In 2008, it received engine and gearbox work, along with repairs to the ABS and limited-slip differential at Porsche Zentrum Schinznach Bad in Switzerland. From then until 2015, it followed a “no-expense-spared” maintenance routine, with every detail meticulously documented. Read More Mercedes Expands Electric Lineup, Keeps V-12 and V-8 Alive It’s now part of a Porsche collector’s prized collection, and it shows. The paint is flawless, the interior looks untouched, and it’s clear this car has been cherished. With order correspondence, a Bill of Sale, photos, and the original owner’s manual all on file, it’s one of the most thoroughly documented 959 Sports out there. If you’re hoping to add this time capsule to your garage, mark your calendar for February 28. That’s when it hits the auction block at RM Sotheby’s in Miami. With an estimate of $5,500,000 to $6,500,000, it’s expected to fetch a hefty price, but that’s not surprising given its history and condition. This 959 Sport will be up against some tough competition. A Ferrari F50 and Ferrari Enzo are both estimated at $5,500,000 to $6,500,000, while a 1908 Mercedes is expected to go for $7,000,000 to $9,000,000. The star of the show, a 1966 Ford GT40 MKII, could fetch up to $11,000,000. Source: RM Sotheby's
