Heroshot

1988 Porsche 959SC

Reimagined by Canepa
$2,920,000
Sale Price
$3,000,000 - $3,500,000
Est. Range
Yes
Reserve
10 December 2022
Sold Date
132
Lot Number
#2+
Modified restoration
RM Sotheby's
Auction House
Chassis no. WP0ZZZ95ZJS900214. Emerald Green over Dark Green leather. 2.85/825hp, 6-speed manual, Penske valved shocks, titanium coilover springs, 18-inch cast-magnesium wheels.

Evaluation: Originally a 959 Komfort model, now one of just 50 of these Canepa-modified 959s and the only one in this paint-to-sample color. Canepa nearly doubled the horsepower of the stock 959 thanks to upgraded turbos, new engine management based around MoTec hardware, forged pistons, titanium connecting rods, revised cams, redesigned valvetrain, revised intake, tungsten ceramic-coated headers, and two-stage exhaust. Built over 4,000-plus hours. Completed in the 2010s and has been displayed at numerous high-profile events like the Velocity Invitational and Rennsport Reunion VI.  

Bottom Line: Although “reimagined” is the hoity-toity way of saying “modified Porsche” usually associated with Singer Vehicle Design, Bruce Canepa is about as well-known and respected in the American Porsche world as anybody. He’s also the go-to for upgraded 959s, taking what was possibly the world’s most sophisticated car 35 years ago and completely rebuilding it with upgrades performed throughout the whole process.  

Collectability-wise, you can look at these reworked 959s in a few different ways. On one hand, it has been completely gone through and rebuilt to the point where it’s essentially a new car. And with the performance and interior upgrades, it’s as quick and as nice as most other exotic cars, even at this price point. On the other hand, it’s a deviation from factory and that simple fact may put some purists off. Either way, though, this result seems modest for everything that has gone into the car, and relative to the price of a regular 959.  

by Andrew Newton
17 December 2022

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More on this topic

Hagerty Insider Newsletter

Your weekly dose of auction reports, market analysis, and more.

Thank You!
Your request will be handled as soon as possible
Hagerty Insider Newsletter
Your weekly dose of auction reports, market analysis, and more.
Share
Condition definitions
Condition #1:
Condition #2:
Condition #3:
Condition #4:
Condition #5:
Condition #6: