One to Buy: ex-Jurgen Lassig / Karl-Heinz Feustel 1987 Porsche 959 Komfort 'Cabrio-Speedster'
Although Porsche ultimately sold more than the 200 959s that would have been required for Group B homologation, the project ended up costing an exorbitant sum – rumoured to have been well into six figures on every unit sold.
With that in mind, an alternative body style to the Coupe format offered was likely never considered. However, set to go under the hammer at RM Sotheby’s sale on May 22nd in Milan is a tantalising example of what might have been: chassis ‘900142’.
Having emerged from Porsche’s Stuttgart factory on November 6th 1987, chassis ‘900142’ was originally configured to Komfort trim with Silver Metallic paint over a bi-colour Cashmere Beige and Black interior. The car was subsequently delivered to Jurgen Lassig who had successfully raced various Porsches throughout the 1970s and 80s.
Unfortunately, during 1988 Lassig’s 959 was involved in an autobahn crash, after which it was acquired by Cologne-based racer and workshop owner, Karl-Heinz Feustel.
Rather than simply repair chassis ‘900142’ to its original configuration, Feustel and his team elected to bring the car back to life as an open-bodied 959 that could be configured as a Cabriolet, a Hardtop Coupe or, once fitted with a cut-down windscreen also supplied, a Speedster.
Now refinished in Grand Prix White with Blue upholstery, the completed car made its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 1989 with a price tag of $1.2m. This was of course at the height of the late 80s price boom for high end classic and exotic motor cars and, in 1990, Feustal sold his heavily publicised creation to a German customer.
Today, this unusual and recently overhauled piece of aftermarket Porsche history is being offered with a little over 8000km on the odometer. It comes complete with Hardtop and Speedster screen along with carry cases for both.
Reprinted below is RM Sotheby’s description:
Chassis No. WP0ZZZ95ZHS900142
Engine No. 65H00094
A stunning one-off creation built by master craftsman Karl-Heinz Feustel in 1989
Reportedly sold new to 24 Hours of Daytona victor and Le Mans runner-up Jürgen Lässig
‘Speedster’ conversion exhibited at the 1989 Frankfurt International Motor Show and 1989 Essen Motor Show
Finished in Grand Prix White with a blue soft-top roof over a blue leather interior
Offered from long-term ownership; part of the consignor’s collection since 2008
Benefits from a 12 March 2025 service by Porsche specialist ADR Motorsport
Accompanied by a matching-colour hardtop roof in a transport case, tonneau top, spare ‘Speedster’ windscreen and door mirrors, plus owner’s guides
Please note this car is titled as 1997
Rolling off the Stuttgart production line on 6 November 1987, this Porsche 959 ‘Komfort’ sported Silver Metallic paintwork and a two-tone Cashmere Beige and Black leather interior. It is believed that the car was delivered new to racing driver Jürgen Lässig, winner of the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1995 and runner-up at Le Mans in 1987.
Having registered the car on 23 November 1987, Lässig reportedly covered a few thousand kilometres in his new 959 before it was involved in an unfortunate autobahn accident sometime in 1988. Lässig decided to sell the car, and it was acquired by Porsche racer and master craftsman Karl-Heinz ‘Charlie’ Feustel.
Feustel ran a small, specialised workshop with two others in a quaint village to the east of Cologne. With a passion for performance machines, he set about creating something that had not been done before, as the 959 ‘Speedster’ was born.
This was no rushed conversion, with the process requiring over 4,000 hours. According to a comprehensive February 1990 article published in Sports Car International Magazine, “the whole package…reflects the ideas and true German craftsmanship of three people who have a deep-seated interest in and love for fine cars”.
There was immense focus on the fit and finish, with the team making sure that all modifications were as refined as possible. The result spoke for itself, with the 959 ‘Speedster’ sporting glossy Grand Prix White paintwork and a blue leather interior. Feustel wanted to give the new owner multiple options, so the car came fitted with an electrically operated soft-top in addition to a removable hard top.
Displayed on the Auto Becker stand at the 1989 Frankfurt International Motor Show in September and then at the Essen Motor Show in December, the 959 ‘Speedster’ was available to buy, with Feustel asking approximately $1,200,000 to part ways with his masterpiece—a princely sum for 1989. Photographs of the ‘Speedster’ at both motor shows are available to view on file.
Reportedly sold to a German collector from the 1990 exhibition, Dr Berg Klaus of Karben is listed as the owner in the replacement service book (available to view on file). Remaining in use throughout the turn of the century, the consigning owner acquired Feustel’s remarkable ‘Speedster’ in 2008.
The 959 presents wonderfully and still wears Grand Prix White paintwork over a striking blue leather interior. It is accompanied by its hardtop in a transport case, plus tonneau top, interchangeable ‘Speedster’ windscreen, spare door mirrors, and owner’s guides.
The opportunity to acquire this 1987 Porsche 959 ‘Speedster’ is not to be missed. As the sole example on the planet, it would certainly let the new custodian stand out from the crowd.
