Porsche 959

The vehicle in detail

The Porsche 959 represents one of the most significant technological achievements in automotive history. With only 292 examples ever produced, the 959 emerged as Porsche’s definitive statement on what a supercar could be in the late 1980s, introducing technologies that would influence the industry for decades to come.

This particular example carries a remarkable history. Delivered on May 26, 1988, through the French importer Sonauto S.A., the original invoice from May 18, 1988, shows a purchase price of 420,330 DM (including delivery, VAT, and fees).

What makes this 959’s history truly unique is its original owner—Claude Duboc, who would later become infamous as one of the world’s most significant drug traffickers in the 1990s. Duboc was arrested in Hong Kong in 1994 and subsequently extradited to the United States. Due to the extensive international criminal network uncovered, his arrest attracted significant media attention, adding a fascinating chapter to this vehicle’s lineage.

From the outset, this 959 received diligent care through Sonauto, the official French Porsche importer, with notable service visits on July 21, 1988 (2,270 km), June 5, 1990 (6,802 km), November 5, 1990 (7,087 km), and January 27, 1993 (9,466 km). Even after Duboc’s 1994 arrest, the car’s provenance remained thoroughly documented, including registrations in England (2017) and Italy (2018).

A significant phase of partial restoration took place between June 2020 and December 2021 at Porsche Padua. In addition to overhauling the engine, brakes, and suspension, the work included fitting a new front fender, applying protective film, and addressing interior details as well as refinishing select bodywork. The process concluded with a final inspection in early 2022, confirming the vehicle’s excellent condition.