The Porsche 962 is widely regarded as one of the most successful race cars in the history of motorsports. Introduced in 1984 as the successor to the equally impressive 956, the 962 remained highly competitive well into the 1990s, dominating both the Group C category in Europe and the original IMSA GTP class in North America.
Exciting news for racing enthusiasts and collectors, as one of these iconic cars is now up for sale at Mechatronik in Germany. This particular Porsche 962, chassis number 165, was built in 1991 and was initially owned by Porsche’s factory team as a reserve vehicle. However, it was loaned to the Obermaier Racing team for the Nürburgring round of the 1991 FIA Sports Car World Championship. Piloted by Jürgen Oppermann and Otto Altenbach, the car achieved an impressive fourth-place finish in its only race.
Following that race, the car returned to Porsche’s collection and remained there until it was sold to a loyal customer in 1995. Under the careful ownership of that individual, the car was cherished and well-maintained until 2019 when it was purchased by Mechatronik. Now, this incredible piece of racing history is available for sale, with an asking price of 1,449,000 euros (approximately $1.534 million).
What makes this particular Porsche 962 even more special is its highly original state. Due to its limited competitive use, the car has been preserved in its original condition. The previous owner requested the removal of the Primagaz livery that the car raced with. Additionally, the rear body panel that was used for the Nürburgring race was replaced with the original rear panel that the car had when it was first built at Porsche’s motorsports headquarters in Weissach.
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Underneath its iconic exterior, the Porsche 962 was powered by a twin-turbo 2.6-liter flat-6 engine, producing an impressive 680 horsepower. This immense power propelled the chassis, which weighed less than 2,000 pounds, to incredible speeds. Combined with the ground-effects bodywork designed by legendary Porsche engineer Norbert Singer, the 962 proved to be a world-beater.
While the Porsche 962 may no longer be as competitive as it once was, there is still plenty of enjoyment to be had with this legendary machine. The growing number of historic racing events around the world offers the perfect opportunity for owners to showcase their classic race cars and compete against outdated rivals in category races. These events bring together a community of passionate racing enthusiasts and offer a thrilling experience for both participants and spectators.
For those who appreciate the heritage and significance of the Porsche 962, acquiring this car offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of racing history. Not only does it represent the pinnacle of motorsports engineering and design, but it also carries with it the legacy of a golden era in racing. As the Porsche 962 continues to be celebrated and revered by racing fans and experts alike, owning one allows enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the rich history of motorsports and experience the exhilarating performance of a true racing legend.
