1969 Volkswagen Porsche 959 Tribute Roadster
We could fill ten pages on the history of the Porsche 959, a legendary supercar and its list of "firsts," its involvement in IMSA and Group B rally racing, its local tie to a Pennsylvania racer who provided input into the development, and the updated Canepa versions being built in California. The twin turbo DOHC flat six was reliable for 0-60 runs of 3.7 seconds in the late 1980's, and its lightweight body was sculpted for optimum aerodynamics. With the 25 year exemption, you can pick one up for a few million dollars.
For consignment, a 959 tribute that starts with a 1969 Volkswagen Beetle then heavily modified for performance and appearance. There was only one real 959 cabriolet and that was constructed by a third party after the donor car crashed on the Autobahn. Our car represents a wild combination of 959 aerodynamics and an open air cab and was hand built with all "new nuts, bolts, and performance components." We've never seen one before and this is quite the ride.
Exterior
Guards Red was used on the original 959's and was often the color used as the press and poster car. It covers our tribute here in fine fashion, beginning on the front fascia where a series of open vents resemble the long openings of the original. Where functional vents and ducts on the 959 appeared, open body work and vents on our tribute are mainly cosmetic, look the part and are good enough to turn heads at just about any car show. The hard tonneau shell behind the seats is reminiscent of the Porsche speedster and almost serves as a fairing due to the low seating position. Double trunk mounted air intakes are embedded on the rear deck which flows into the long integrated wing that rises above the taillights and middle reflector that creates a continuous red band. Dual exhaust exit below the rear bumper cover and 17-inch Porsche style wheels tuck under the fenders, effectively lowering the car. We would be remiss if we didn't mention the rear quarter intake ports which appear on very few Porsche models and are just plain cool and appear functional on this car, sending fresh air into the engine bay. Overall, the paint is in great shape but we note some scuffs under the chin, a circle paint chip in the same area, and some black paint overspray near one of those side ports.
Interior
Simple black vinyl door cards include a stitched pattern panel and corner speaker box, but no window crank handle as there are no side windows. Red stitched black vinyl bucket seats are well padded and conjure up Porsche 550 seats, and include a headrest attached to the rear wall. A wood rimmed, 3 spoke steering wheel leads things off for the driver and has the Porsche crest front and center. On the dash, a faux carbon fiber panel houses a bevy of beautiful chrome rimmed AutoMeter gauges and some familiar VW knobs. Embedded cleanly in the center of the dash is touchscreen radio with Bluetooth and backup camera. A Empi short shifter is floor mounted and the floor, footwells, and sill are covered with a low pile black carpet in good shape.
Drivetrain
Under the trunk lid we find a very clean engine bay housing a Scat 1835cc flat 4 cylinder with a 110 cam, F40 heads, and dual Weber 44 IDF 1-barrel carburetors. A Freeway Flyer close ratio 4-speed manual transmission keeps power in the back where 4.120 gears live. Disc brakes are found on all four wheels, just like a real 959!
Undercarriage
Clean underneath, dominated by a flat belly pan in great condition. The brakes, axles, and shocks are bright red and the engine brings some color with gold pushrod tubes. Trombone shaped exhaust headers meet at a stock style muffler and exit via stainless pipes and chrome tips. CV boots, front and rear sway bar bushings, and hardware all look clean and dry. A transverse torsion bar is up front and a swing axle with trailing arms and torsion bars makes up the rear independent suspension. Adjustable Koni shocks are at all four corners.
Drive-Ability
We mind our exit ramp as we take this low, wide car onto the test loop. It feels light and has some pep and handles very well. While you may not get to 200mph in this car, at least you'll know what the engine is doing as all gauges and other functions work just fine!
This is a unique kit that runs well and will stun showgoers if car shows are your thing. This car did win in the V-DUB category of a local show, so it has some provenance. Real 959's are rare and almost never on display. This one provides glimpses of the unique aerodynamics that defined, in part, the 959. You'll have the only one in town, that's for sure!
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
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