Broad Arrow Auctions to Present Remarkable 1988 Porsche 959 SC at Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance
A Legendary Vehicle with an Intriguing History
Broad Arrow Auctions is set to showcase an extraordinary 1988 Porsche 959 SC Reimagined by Canepa at this year’s Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. This specific car stands out for a host of unique reasons, making it far more significant than the average 959. One notable factor is its provenance; it was originally acquired by Nissan to develop the all-wheel-drive system for the R32 Skyline GT-R. This historical linkage bolsters its valuation, alongside an extensive four-year refurbishment by Porsche specialist Canepa, culminating in a striking metallic green finish. These elements contribute to an estimated pre-sale price ranging from $3.25 million to $3.75 million.
The Skyline-Porsche Connection: A Tale of Engineering Rivalry
The affiliation between the Nissan Skyline and the Porsche 959 is a celebrated anecdote in the annals of automotive history. However, the roots of their rivalry trace back even further. In 1964, Porsche’s 904 triumphed over Japan’s Prince Motors’ factory team of Prince Skyline S54 GT cars. Following this defeat, Prince engineers, led by Dr. Shinichiro Sakurai, developed a new engine and car, leading to the Prince R380’s victory over Porsche in the 1966 Japanese Grand Prix. This engine would form the basis for the S20 inline-six that powered the first Nissan Skyline GT-R, which debuted in 1969.
Engineering Ingenuity: The R32 and the Porsche 959
By 1984, following Nissan’s merger with Prince, the brand sought to resurrect the GT-R badge. With the R31 Skyline faltering, they aimed to create a flagship performance car. Under the guidance of Naganori Ito, Nissan’s engineering team turned their attention to Porsche’s 959, considered the pinnacle of automotive technology at the time. Despite initial resistance from Porsche to sell a 959, the determined engineers used an intermediary in Belgium to acquire one covertly. This acquisition led to the development of Nissan’s Advanced Total Traction Engineering System (ATTESA ET-S) and Super HICAS all-wheel steering, integral to the R32’s handling prowess.
The Canepa Transformation: Turning a Classic into a Masterpiece
The Porsche 959, used for the GT-R’s development, remained in Japan under the care of a Nissan engineer until it was sold to an American enthusiast. With less than 900 miles on its odometer, the car was sent to Canepa’s workshop in 2019 for an extensive overhaul, costing $950,000 and spanning four years. Canepa’s SC treatment included a comprehensive rebuild of the twin-turbo 2.8-liter flat-six engine using a Stage III kit, which featured advanced components such as titanium connecting rods and BorgWarner turbos. This upgrade boosted the engine’s output from 444 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque to over 800 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque.
The car’s suspension was converted to a lighter 959 Sport setup with Penske shock absorbers and titanium springs, enhancing its agility. Custom 18-inch wheels and upgraded brakes were added to handle the increased power, allowing the 959 SC to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 230 mph.
Exclusivity and Style: Limited Production and Unique Finishes
Bruce Canepa has announced that only 50 SC-spec Porsche 959s will be produced, each starting from low-mileage examples. Future owners are invited to select their color combinations, with this particular model finished in a rare Oak Green and Tobacco leather interior that is sure to turn heads.
Lot 220, this exceptional Porsche 959 SC by Canepa, will be available at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance on March 1-2.
Conclusion
The offering of this remarkable 1988 Porsche 959 SC Reimagined by Canepa is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts alike. Its illustrious history, masterful engineering, and stunning transformation make it a standout vehicle that commands attention. With its unique heritage and cutting-edge modifications, this car is poised to be one of the highlights of the auction.
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Lawrence Jacobs, Editor of Automotive.fyi
