Chassis No. WP0ZZZ95ZJS900155
Engine No. 65H00224
Transmission No. 75H219
Produced in March of 1988, this Porsche 959 Komfort, chassis number 155, is one of only 266 production examples of Porsche’s famed first supercar. Constructed in German-market (C00) specification, it was ordered in Guards Red (L80K) over a Dark Grey Metallic (SG) leather interior. As one of 29 Komforts specified in this classic color combination, it was additionally optioned with tri-color leather front sport seats and an alarm system. When new, the 959 retailed at approximately 430,000 DM ($225,000), a hefty sum, but in fact, those lucky enough to purchase a new 959 were receiving a significant discount on the actual production cost due to the high levels of engineering investment typical of Porsche.
According to documentation available with the car, it is said that 155 left Germany early on and was imported to Japan. At the time, Japan’s economy was experiencing explosive growth, and as a result, nationals had an insatiable appetite for European exotics and supercars. It is believed that the car remained in Japan until sold in 2003 with information provided noting that it had accumulated a scant 2,600 kilometers, or approximately 1,600 miles at the time. According to paperwork on file, the car was brought into the United States by Symbolic Motor Car Co. with Wayne Jackson the new fortunate owner. It joined an impressive collection that, over the years, included the 1971 Sebring 12 Hours-winning Porsche 917K, various Porsche 962s, and a Ferrari 333 SP among others. Jackson was no mere collector as evidenced by his time behind the wheel in Grand Am endurance races in the early 2000s, often sharing a seat with Gunnar Jeannette in a variety of cars including a Porsche 911 GT1 and Panoz LMP-1 Roadster-S, along with his Ferrari 333 SP.
After a short time with Jackson, the car entered long-term ownership with Robert Ingram via Randall Yow in May 2004. The Komfort, now with 3,944 kilometers, joined the rapidly growing Ingram Collection based in Durham, North Carolina and known worldwide not only for the high quality of their cars but the variety as well. Their new 959 fit in quite well with their 356 Gmünd coupe, America Roadster, a 911 R, various Carrera RSs, and two 911 SCRSs. During their 18-year ownership, the Ingrams put just under 3,300 kilometers on the car on various driving tours, special events, and even occasional day-to-day use – just as Porsche intended. An engine out service in 2005 was conducted by European Performance in Raleigh, North Carolina invoiced at $35,000 and including new fuel lines, seals, and gaskets along with a service to the brakes. Under the Ingram’s care, just 663 kilometers were put on the car over the next eight years before visiting Tony Callas at Callas Rennsport in Torrance, California for a thorough inspection and service in 2013. A history file binder included with the sale of the car records that over $84,000 worth of maintenance work was performed by the 959 experts at Callas, that included a full engine and mechanical service, new coolant pipes and hoses along with a service to the self-leveling suspension and ABS systems. Small issues with the interior were fixed, various leaks remedied, along with a fresh set of tires among other items. Evidently the service by Callas and his team was first-rate as the Ingrams added an additional 2,400 kilometers to the car before their own Road Scholars team took over servicing the car prior to sale in February 2021. Those services included a full mechanical inspection and a service that featured an oil change, belts, a fuel pump leak fix, a brake fluid flush with new brake hoses, and a fresh set of Bridgestone RE71 tires. The car left the Ingram Collection in March 2021 for the first time in 18 years with 7,242 kilometers, returning to Germany that May. It was a short-lived but no-doubt welcome repatriation!
In August 2022 the car was reimported to the United States acquired by the consignor with little additional mileage added since leaving The Ingram Collection. Back in the U.S., chassis number 155 returned to its former home at Road Scholars in January 2023 for a compete fluid change for the engine (Motul oil), front and rear differentials, transmission, coolant, power steering system, and suspension, and a brake fluid flush, along with a new driver’s side seat switch. Retained within a private collection since 2023, 1988 Porsche 959 Komfort chassis number 155 was invited to compete at in the 959 Class at 2023’s The Amelia. It is offered with its rare multi-piece toolkit with centerlock socket, books, warning triangle, jack, and a full paint protection film (PPF) treatment, and recent dry ice cleaning. It should also be noted that as of July 1 this 959 has been scheduled for a Porsche Classic Technical Certificate (CTC) to determine its numbers matching status.
The Porsche 959 stands as the seminal supercar of the 1980s, credited with catapulting Porsche to unprecedented heights through the introduction of pioneering technologies housed within a remarkable, futuristic design. Rare indeed is the chance to procure a meticulously maintained and well-documented 959. Now, returned to the United States outside of the famous 25-year import restriction, this 959, infused with motorsport heritage, features less than 5,000 miles at cataloging and the expectation that any future owner will continue adding to that total.
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