VIN: the Bob Akin Porsche 962 chassis 102

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History of chassis 102

Chassis 102 was one of five customer cars built for the Porsche 962’s inaugural season: 1984. It was supplied to New York industrialist, team owner and racing driver, Bob Akin. 

Between 1974 and 1995, Akin served as the president of the Hudson Wire Company which dominated the market for aviation and aerospace wiring. Hudson Wire was founded by Akin’s grandfather in 1901. The company was sold to the Phelps Dodge Corporation in 1989.

Bob Akin began motor racing aged 21 in 1957. Over the next four years, he variously pedalled an Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider, a Volpini Formula Junior and a Ferrari 500 TRC. Akin then quit the sport to concentrate on the family business. 

He returned in 1973, initially in historic machinery, before moving up to a Porsche 911 RSR for the 1978 IMSA season. The RSR was campaigned with his friend, Steve Earle. It was raced under the Earle & Akin Racing Associates banner.

That year, Akin also had a one-off drive in a Dick Barbour 935, a partnership he continued for 1979.

Between 1980 and 1984, Akin campaigned his own 935s and then moved up to a 962 when chassis 102 arrived mid-way through ‘84. The 962 was painted red and appeared with title sponsorship from Akin’s long-term backer, Coca Cola, with whom he had been associated since 1980. 

Over the next six months, the best results for Akin and his regular co-driver, John O’Steen, were a brace of sixth place finishes at the Road America and Pocono 500km races.

Things improved for 1985; at the Daytona 24 Hour season-opener, Akin, Hans-Joachim Stuck and Paul Miller claimed fourth. 

After a couple more DNFs and a 17th at Road Atlanta, Akin scored another fourth place finish, this time with Jim Mullen at the Riverside 600km.

The strong result at Riverside was the last time chassis 102 made it to the finish line; three weeks later it was heavily damaged in a crash with John Paul Jr.’s March 85G at the Charlotte 500km. 

Shortly before the race’s halfway point, Paul Jr. braked late on the low side of the track and lost control. The March span across the grass along the front straight and then through the left-hand entrance to the midfield where it clipped 102. Akin went up and over the wall and the 962 incurred heavy damage. 

Chassis 102 was subsequently repaired, but thereafter served purely as a show car. It was quickly replaced by a new 962: chassis 113. 

Later in the decade, chassis 102 went on display at the Penske Racing Museum in Phoenix, Arizona, where it resided for around 20 years. The car was then restored by Gunnar Racing to its original configuration. 

Notable History 

Sold to Bob Akin, (Bob Akin Motor Racing), New York, USA 

Red Coca Cola livery 

20/05/1984 IMS Charlotte 500km (B. Akin) DNF (#5)
28/05/1984 IMS Lime Rock 1 Hour (B. Akin) DNF (#5)
08/07/1984 IMS Watkins Glen 6 Hours (B. Akin / J. O'Steen) 15th oa, 9th GTP class (#5)
29/07/1984 IMS Portland 3 Hours (B. Akin / J. O'Steen) 11th oa, 11th GTP class (#5)
26/08/1984 IMS Road America 500 mile (B. Akin / J. O'Steen) 6th oa, 6th GTP class (#5)
09/09/1984 IMS Pocono 500km (B. Akin / J. O'Steen) 6th oa, 6th GTP class (#5)
16/09/1984 IMS Michigan 500km (B. Akin / J. O'Steen) DNF (#5)
30/09/1984 IMS Watkins Glen 500km (B. Akin / J. O'Steen) 18th oa, 10th GTP class (#5)
25/11/1984 IMS Daytona 3 Hour Finale (B. Akin / J. Mullen) DNF (#5) 

03/02/1985 IMS Daytona 24 Hours (H.J. Stuck / B. Akin / P. Miller) 4th oa, 4th GTP class (#5)
24/02/1985 IMS Miami 3 Hours (B. Akin / J. Mullen) DNF (#5)
23/03/1985 IMS Sebring 12 Hours (H.J. Stuck / B. Akin / J. Mullen) DNF (#5)
14/04/1985 IMS Road Atlanta 500km (B. Akin / J. Mullen) 17th oa, 12th GTP class (#5)
28/04/1985 IMS Riverside 600km (B. Akin / J. Mullen) 4th oa, 4th GTP class (#5)
19/05/1985 IMS Charlotte 500km (B. Akin / J. Mullen) DNF (#5)

Heavily damaged at Charlotte and retired from competition duty

Text copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
Photo copyright: Supercar Nostalgia