One to Buy: ex-Willi Marewski 1989 Porsche 959 Sport
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Somewhat surprisingly given the red hot nature of the late 1980s collector car market, Porsche only built 29 copies of the formidable 959 Sport between 1987 and ‘89. Conceived to take the 959 platform to the limit of its performance capability, the Sport was a simplified, lightened, more potent iteration of the Komfort version offered alongside.
In total, 100kg was cut from the Komfort’s kerb weight. This was achieved by replacing the complex hydraulic ride height system with a more straightforward coil-over arrangement. The rear seats, air-conditioning, electric windows, leather seat upholstery and central locking were also junked.
As for the twin turbocharged 2.85-litre Flat 6, modified turbos took the power output from 450bhp to 508bhp at an unchanged 6500rpm. The torque rating was also improved with 414lb-ft now on tap at 6450rpm compared to the Komfort’s 369lb-ft at 5000rpm.
For those that wanted even more punch, the factory went on to offer a Stage II package developed by Porsche’s legendary turbo maestro, Elmar Willrett. Uprated turbochargers and intercoolers plus 961 camshafts and a re-mapped ECU with recalibrated fuel-injection system yielded 540bhp. Throttle response was improved and turbo lag reduced.
Just three copies of the 959 Sport are believed to have undergone the Stage II upgrade, one of which is currently residing at the Road Scholars showroom in Durham, North Carolina.
Completed on August 4th 1989, chassis WP0ZZZ95ZJS905006 was one of eleven 959 Sports finished in Grand Prix White. The car was originally delivered to renowned Frankfurt-based collector, Willi Marewski, who commissioned the Stage II upgrade in 2002.
Mareweski retained chassis ‘06’ until 2007, at which point it was sold to fellow countryman, Sigurd Lutz Legner in Hohendubrau. A few years later the 959 crossed the Atlantic, since which time it has resided with two US custodians.
Today, chassis ‘06’ is showing a little under 30,000km and is said to remain “all‑original and unrestored, presenting beautifully throughout. Its mechanical condition is exceptional thanks to extensive maintenance history, including a $55,000 Porsche Classic service in 2011 and $59,000 engine out service performed by Road Scholars in 2021”.
The car is accompanied by its original book pack, tool kit, service records and extensive documentation.
