1988 Porsche 959

To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys Arizona event, 23 January 2026.
$1,800,000 - $2,200,000 USD

• One of only 292 examples of the Group B competition-derived technological powerhouse
• Upgraded by 959 specialist Canepa Design to Phase II specification, delivering approximately 640 hp; also benefits from Canepas suspension upgrade
• Finished in factory colors of Polar Silver over tri-tone Dark Grey full leather
• Displaying just 2,011 miles at cataloguing time
• Updated, extreme performance wrapped in a familiar yet awe-inspiring package

When Porsche unveiled the 959 as the Gruppe B Concept at the 1983 Frankfurt Auto Show, it immediately stunned the automotive world. By the time it reached production in 1985, it unequivocally redefined the supercar market at its very highest end, where there are no compromises on performance or limitations on cost. Joining icons like the Lamborghini Countach and Ferrari F40, the 959 became an emblematic poster car for a generation of enthusiasts, representing technological ambition and engineering excellence. While 959s were originally available in Sport and Komfort trims, a handful of extremely rare cars have been further enhanced by Canepa Design of Scotts Valley, California, a firm that has dedicated years to understanding and refining the 959, blending modern performance upgrades with full compliance to California and federal emissions regulations.

Benefiting from Canepa Designs Phase II Upgrade package, this 959 Komfort, chassis 225, is a German-market example completed in July 1987. Finished in its factory colors of Polar Silver with Silver wheels over a rare, tri-tone Dark Grey full leather interior, it was further equipped from the factory with heated seats and an alarm system.

Headlining Canepas Phase II Upgrade package is a Garrett twin-turbo system with ball-bearing turbines and redesigned wastegates featuring titanium heat shields. Other touches include blueprinted valve springs, optimized timing, and a state-of-the-art fuel system precisely controlled through an advanced engine management unit with an F1-inspired wiring harness. Supporting these upgrades is a suite of sensors, wiring, adapters, and connectors over 369 new components in total.

Further elevating chassis 225 is Canepas upgraded suspension package, featuring a gas-strut setup with titanium coil-over springs in place of the original electronically adjustable ride height and damping controls. The factory wheels were also re-engineered with a revised bead design to accept modern high-performance Z-rated tires. Together with the upgraded suspension, these changes deliver significantly sharper handling and a far better connection to the road.

To maximize sensory enjoyment, Canepa installed a stainless-steel exhaust system that integrates Porsches original catalytic converters with a bypass system that amplifies horsepower and produces a more aggressive exhaust note, adjustable via a dash-mounted switch. The results are extraordinary, with Canepa claiming that its Phase II Upgrade package delivers 640 horsepower, enabling a sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just three seconds and a top speed of 222 mph.

Recently, the car received a light recommissioning by renowned performance specialist Fast Cars Ltd. of Redondo Beach, California. This included inspecting major mechanical components and bringing the car to optimal operating condition. A tool roll and owners manual are included in the sale.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/auctions/az26/.