The Porsche 959 is unquestionably one of the greatest supercars to have ever been built, an era defining technological marvel with incredible ‘near 200mph’ performance and superb road holding thanks to its highly advanced four wheel drive system, a first for a road going Porsche. Originally built as a homologation car to allow Porsche to enter Group B rallying, a total of 288 examples were produced making it both extremely rare and highly desirable.
Chassis 148 left the Porsche factory on 9th June 1988 and was delivered to the Porsche main agent in Padova, Italy destined for its new owner, Dr Enrico Capilanio on 17th June 1988. The build sheet indicates that Dr Capilanio specified exterior paint code S7S7 (metallic silver), triple grey leather sports seats with electric height adjustment and an alarm. As the 959 was so well equipped from new, there were very few additions that could be chosen from the options list.
Dr Capilianio retained the 959 for nine years, transferring the title of the car to his company in 1993 and eventually selling to another Italian collector, Giuseppe Zannoni in 1997. During his tenure the 959 was regularly serviced by the supplying dealer in Padova.
Mr Zannoni had a large collection of cars and the 959 remained in his ownership for 15 years, used sparingly but always properly maintained. The downsizing of Mr Zannoni’s collection meant that the current owner was able to purchase the car in 2012.
Chassis 148 is incredibly original and has never been repainted. So original in fact, that the entire chassis, gearbox, front differential, and suspension is still covered in its original protective wax ensuring the car has remained in excellent original condition.
Offered with full service history accompanied with its original, unused tool roll (which includes the belts in their original packaging and the white maintenance gloves) jack, warning triangle, centre lock wheel brace and reduction gear socket, compressor and first aid kit (both unused and in their original packaging). The original embossed owner’s wallet comes complete with all books and maintenance records, Blaupunkt Bremen radio manual, guarantee and car care notes as delivered when new and a Certificate of Authenticity from Porsche AG.
During summer 2013 a comprehensive service was undertaken at Porsche GB with new Bridgestone RE71 run-flat tires, new suspension spheres, restoration of the suspension valve block, renewal of the hydraulic filters and flush of the hydraulic system and full systems test, meaning that chassis 148 is a fully functional ready to drive example.
In May 2013 chassis 148 was awarded 1st in class at the inaugural ‘Warren Classic and Concours’ and was also invited to take part in the parade at ‘Classics at the Castle’, the UK’s premier classic Porsche event.
One of the most original, well presented and properly sorted examples extant and ready to be driven and enjoyed, rarely do examples like this come to the market. The Porsche 959 is a car that will remain the stuff of legends for many years to come.