You’re not seeing things, it’s a Porsche 959. And, it’s got no roof. While you search for a towel to clean up that coffee you just spit all over the screen, and furiously Google search if this thing actually exists in one tab while commenting below “it’s not a real 959”, let me save you some time. It’s the real deal – originally sold to Jurgen Lassig, a factory race driver for Porsche, this 959 was involved in an accident that required a great deal of bodywork, ultimately resulting in a one-off cabriolet/speedster by Becker that was then displayed at the IAA in Frankfurt. I was able to find an image of the car on display originally (it’s linked later), but here pictures of the 959 accident when it originally happened. What do you do with a crashed 959? Rebuild it, of course, but this time with no top. The car has been featured since in many articles and is the topic of conversation on many fora and websites; but ultimately, it’s still for sale today:
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1987 Porsche 959 Cabrio on mobile.de
Year: 1987
Model: 959
Engine: 2.8 liter twin-turbocharged flat-6
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Mileage: 8,100km (5,033 mi)
Price: Price Subject to Negotiation
The world’s only 959 speedster. Price not real, subject to negotiation.
The original (or, depending on how you look at it, replacement) Speedster windshield was replaced at some point by a more upright 964/911 unit, along with a new top to match. The result it much more clumsy than the original speedster screen; you can see an image here of the original setup. It appears though that the original screen is included. No price is laid out; the 999,999 Euro ask is up for negotiation. I’m not sure what that means ultimately; a 1987 959 sport in top condition is now pushing $900,000 these days, so it may not be far off for the right person – but surely, that’s a quite limited market. This isn’t likely your dream car, it’s more a unique one-off that will end up being a trump card for some collector. Still, it’s damn cool, and I’d love to take it for a spin – just not as many spins at Jurgen did.
Thanks to Martin for spotting this unique bit of history!
-Carter
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Amazing how you articulated all the thoughts that were going through my mind with your lead sentences!
Man, that car just does not look right in Cabriolet form, does it?
Carter, I actually have heard the story behind this but thanks again for the refresher. I stumbled across a replica 959 cabrio a while ago which then put me on a search to find if anybody chop topped the real thing and here we have just that. There are obvious advantages and disadvantages to this car but it’s admirable the conversion was done by making the best out of a bad situation. I think it looks fine, although had I been in charge I would have added a matching white fiberglass speedster-style cover for the folded top to match the famous smooth curves of the rest of the 959 body and hopefully give it a more complete, finished look. But that’s a minor nit to pick. Cool find.
Wow – didn’t know this existed! Very cool. Since this is a one-off cab conversion, anyone know if it has any rollover protection built in (doesn’t look like it does from the photos)? If it doesn’t, getting into an accident or letting your right foot get the best of you could be game over…
That is funny Carter. My coffee almost did drop as I opened the page and saw this 959.
Awesome! Thanks for finding this one, and the story behind it.
I’m surprised a Japanese collector hasn’t jumped on this. Heck, there’s already a street legal 962c rolling around.
http://www.speedhunters.com/2012/11/porsche-962c-prowls-the-streets/