Technologically groundbreaking and remarkably powerful, the Porsche 959 started life as a project for the legendary Group B regulations. It utilised the same 2,270-millimetre wheelbase chassis as the 911 Carrera and, as a competition model, was equipped with the 2.85-litre horizontally opposed six-cylinder racing engine. A motor found in the 935 “Moby Dick” and Porsche IndyCar project, before undergoing development for the 956 and 962 Group C cars.

Chief engineer Helmuth Bott insisted on a high degree of technology, starting with the 959’s all-wheel-drive system. A torque differential dubbed PSK (Porsche-Steur-Kupplung) allowed the driver to manually adjust power between the front and rear axles, with as much as 80 per cent reserved for the rear under hard acceleration. Double-wishbone suspension with dual shock absorbers was adopted at all four corners. All in, the 959 developed 444 horsepower at 6,500 rpm, outperforming the larger V-12s emanating from Italy.

The exterior borrowed heavily from traditional 911 styling, while incorporating numerous venting ducts for cooling. Chief designer Dick Söderberg and aerodynamicist Herman Wurst formulated the iconic integrated rear wing, which contributed to an impressively low drag coefficient of 0.31. Although the floor and central cabin remained composed of steel, weight was reduced by using aluminium for the front deck lid and doors, polyurethane for the moulded nose, and fibreglass-reinforced Kevlar for the remainder of the body shell.

With the cancellation of Group B in 1986, the 959 continued as a customer road car. By the conclusion of production in 1988, just 292 examples had been specified in the Komfort trim level with leather upholstery and air conditioning. Still widely celebrated by collectors today, the 959 remains one of the most iconic models ever overseen by Weissach.

Claiming a life of minimal road use during single ownership by a Saudi prince, as well as a unique colour combination, this sensational 959 is clearly one of the most desirable examples ever publicly offered. This late production car was specified by the purchasing owner, its only private caretaker, a member of the Saudi royal family.

According to the research of Porsche expert Jürgen Barth, only two 959 examples were finished in Ruby Red Metallic paint. But only one car, the featured example, is believed to have been trimmed with a Burgundy Metallic interior, including full leather seats. Completed in September 1988, the 959 was built to specification for delivery to France but soon joined the prince’s impressive collection. It has since benefitted from dutiful, climate-controlled storage and maintenance. Over the course of its 38-year life, the Porsche has been driven minimally. At the time of cataloguing, the odometer displayed just 1,823 kilometres, reflecting how little road use the car has incurred.

In preparation for the auction, the 959 was submitted in April 2026 to Porsche Centre Dubai for a full service, including the installation of a new battery, spark plugs, fuel regulator, and injectors, plus the mounting of new Michelin Pilot tyres. At this point the car was authenticated with a Porsche Classic Technical Certificate, available to view on file, and this beautifully presented 959 is further offered with its owner’s manual. The issuing certificate confirms that the 959 retains its matching-numbers engine and gearbox.

Such a pristinely presented and minimally driven 959 would make a superlative acquisition for any Stuttgart enthusiast, as a bellwether example of one of the marque’s most legendary models.