Porsche's sumptous 'Gruppe B' turned a lot of heads at the 1983
Frankfurt Motor Show, and would go on to become the 959, which was
unleashed on the public some three years later in 1986. Its 2,848cc
6-cylinder boxer engine was based upon the powerplant employed by the
high performance 956 and 962 race cars, and with two turbochargers it
provided 450hp. Its full-time 4WD system had computer-controlled
variable torque that took into account surface conditions for the
ultimate combination of safety and power, while the long-tail body used
plenty of aluminum and FRP, had a drag coefficient of just 0.39 and
contributed to the 959's exemplary stability at speeds of up to 300km/h.
Only 250 were produced, but that was more than enough for this
legendary forerunner to modern 4WD sportscars to make an indelible mark
on motoring history.