VIN: the Rothmans Racing Porsche 956 chassis 001
History of chassis 001
Between 1982 and 1984, Porsche produced ten works 956s for Group C racing.
The first was chassis 001 which served as the initial test and development car.
Built around a more substantial tub than subsequent examples, 001 was therefore slightly heavier. It also featured mechanical fuel-injection instead of electronic engine management along with many other detail differences.
Originally presented in a plain white livery, chassis 001 was used for the initial shakedown tests at Weissach in late March of 1982 where it was driven by Jurgen Barth.
It then made the model’s competitive debut at the Silverstone 6 Hour race in mid May. By now resplendent in the colours of Rothmans cigarettes, 001 was driven at Silverstone by Jacky Ickx and Derek Bell.
Ickx set the fastest time in qualifying and went over a second quicker than the best Martini Racing Lancia LC1.
However, punitive fuel restrictions for Group C cars meant the Group 6 Lancias were untouchable in the race. 1982 was the last year for Group 6 machinery but such cars were not eligible for championship points.
Ickx and Bell finished second overall and first in the Group C class at Silverstone.
Afterwards, 001 completed a 24 hour Le Mans simulation test on the rolling road at Weissach. It then appeared at Paul Ricard for extended sessions to refine the bodywork.
001 served as the T-car at Le Mans where Ickx and Bell won outright in 002. Mass and Schuppan were second in 003 with Holbert, Haywood and Barth third in 004.
001 then made one final competitive appearance when Jochen Mass drove it in the Deutsche Rennsport Meisterschaft event at the Norisring.
Torrential rain in the second practice session meant the drivers’ morning times stood and Mass started third. He went on to score the narrowest of victories in the race as Manfred Winkelhock’s Zakspeed C100 closed to within a second on the final lap.
Thereafter, 001 became the factory test car until 1985 when it was retired from active duty.
001 was subsequently refurbished by the factory and gifted to Jacky Ickx in recognition of his extraordinary contribution to the marque’s success.
Ickx sold the car in 1993 to Bruce Zeigler in California.
Notable History
27/03/1982 Weissach track tests (J. Barth)
Rothmans Porsche
16/05/1982 WSC Silverstone 6 Hours (J. Ickx / D. Bell) 2nd oa, 1st C class (#1)
20/06/1982 WSC Le Mans 24 Hours (J. Ickx / D. Bell / J. Mass / V. Schuppan / A. Holbert / H. Haywood) T-car (#T)
27/06/1982 DRM Norisring (J. Mass) 1st oa, 1st C class (#10)
12/10/1986 gifted to Jacky Ickx
1993 sold to Bruce Zeigler (Zeigler Coach Company), California
Text copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
Photo copyright: Porsche - https://www.porsche.com
