It really can't be overstated how incredible and important the 959 was. Almost all modern technology we have on cars came from the development of the 959. I remember when it was released, as I was a teenager in the mid 80's. Everyone was completely blown away by how high tech it was. It was space age stuff back then. Now it's all completely normal. It was decades ahead of its time.
Positively! Never will there be a car that I could admire more. The memories of opening that issue of Road & Track back in 1986 and reading that article word for word, over and over. Definitely a bucket list adventure!
Please, shut up dude! The Nissan R32 is something completely different. It has almost primitive tech compared to the Porsche 959. The 959 was technologically so advanced, that some trashtalkers from today, just like you, doesn't even understand how advanced it was. It's like comparing totally inferior Japanese road car turbo technology to the engine turbo technology from the legendary several LeMans winning Porsche 956! Go back to your Kindergarden, little boy! @@mtnman1984
You’ve not driven a Canepa. The car you drove is slow and common in comparison to a Canepa. Power, fit, finish, ride, visual….the factory car is nice, but not even close in any regard.
@@Nord_Mann Incorrect, the 993 Turbo S had yellow painted callipers but steel drilled discs. The first Porsche to have carbon ceramics was the 996 GT2 and they were optional on the 996 Turbo.
The 959 was at the tippety top of my list of childhood dream cars when it came out. As sexy and poster-ready as the F40 is, there was something about the 959 that always ticked every box for me. It just looks like it fits in any time period.
Lots of innovations in this car. One that made its way thru to most cars is TPMS. Since it was the first to use hollow spoke wheels it was critical to monitor tire pressures in case the wheel developed a crack.
I have driven 16,000 kms in 3 years in one of the last 8 produced. Very few issues and lots of smiles per mile. Included an autobahn blast. The weakest link was me, rock steady up to 170 MPH. 🐐
This car blew me away when reading about in 1986. But as a testament to the technology that it introduced and the improvements since then, I have to imagine that from a driving experience perspective, it was matched if not exceeded by the time of the 997.1 Turbo in 2007. And today by a run of the mill 991.2 or 992 Carrera S. Still the fact that it took 20+ years for regular production cars to match the then hyper-car 959 is a credit to how far ahead of its time it was.
I had a toy car of a 959 as a kid and you could open up the 'trunk' and see there was an engine there. Mind blowing for me at 5 years old. That was the moment I fell in love with Porsche and I'm forever a fan thanks to this car.
Great video, my all time favorite Porsche. I bought a 993 Turbo 12 years ago (when they were cheap, $70k) because it reminded me of this car for 1/20 the price. Approximately 340 Porsche 959’s were produced. Why so few? List price was $225,000 so buyers were few and far between and it cost Porsche $500,000 to produce so they lost 6 figures on every car they sold.
When everything on the roads had been detuned to laughable levels (180hp V8 Corvette, anyone?), a 6 cylinder with 440-450hp was absolutely nuts (saying nothing about all of the other tech).
I don't mind the stripped down video experience at all, feels like a classic One Take! Can already tell this is going to be another criminally underviewed video though. What a cool car.
For me, the 959 was always going to be a poster car, even though the tech was astonishing... I still just drooled at its beauty and styling. Great content Matt❤
This is my ultimate dream car. However, like most other dream cars has reached the point of unobtanium. Love seeing a modern take on how it is to drive though!
959 and Ferrari F40 are the two first genuine supercars. Then came Jaguar XJ220, Bugattis and McLarens but they weren't the same as these two were the first.
Years ago I used to see a black 959 all of the time. The owner drove it everyday. I really liked it then ,but I didn't have the appreciation for it that I have now.I used to think of it as just another Porsche now they are kind of like seeing the holy grail.
great review and cool to see a modern review of this car! those wipers are so interesting. never seen that pattern before and seems to clear up a huge portion of the windshield
I saw one of these in person and it was such a memorable experience. It messed me up for the entire weekend. Couldn’t believe I finally saw one in person.
Thanks Matt for taking me for a ride in my all time dream car The PORSCHE 959,and with only 19,000 miles on it !!! You might try looking up a guy named Bruce Canepa .Heis still developing the 959 as we speak.And has gotten the 959 up to about close to 900 hp.
This has always been a dream drive for me so cheers for sharing the experience with me Matt, also as an R32 Skyline GTR owner I can appreciate the mention there also with 4WD 4WS and ABS in the late 80s I can definitely see the comparison, 600+hp and turbo lag can add to the experience as well
What a treat Matt! I was lucky enough to visit Stuttgart this summer and spent 5 hours gawking at each and every model they had in that spiraling masterpiece that is the Porsche Museum. Although I didn't have the privilege to drive the 959, I did see it in person. Happened to notice a drip tray strategically positioned underneath it! I went on Aug 6th so that might have been the one you drove here? Haha :p
Incredible car. I first saw the 959 in need for speed hot pursuit 2 that came out in 2002. I had no knowledge of it and loved the look of it instantly. I learned over the coming years just exactly how awesome it is. Such a treat to get behind the wheel of such an icon. Happy for you
I have to say, there have been several videos come out recently with the 959 (which I love). With the Porsche Museum lending this legend out to the media, I am wondering if Porsche is going to launch a new 959 soon? I may be optimistic, but it would be awesome for Porsche to make another flagship vehicle that will set the tone for years and decades to come like they did in 1986.
One of my favorite cars as a kid that I sadly never got to see in real life. Most Porsches over here were usually 944:s or 911:s. I loved the back end with that huge wing that was part of the actual body. I still love it.
So our close family friend here in Southern California bought a 959 and was with the first of three 959’s imported to the United States. Another guy from the bay area who im sure you can guess who it is, bought the other two. Our friend rented The streets of Willow for the day. I was shocked at how unexciting it was. It is so refined that when you are hauling ass it seems like you are only doing 75 MPH. The interesting part about his car, Porsche wasn’t able to get the car to run correctly with a turbo on it. He sent his to a guy in the Bay Area who was able to figure it out. When the car was finished Porsche sent technicians to see how it was done. The car is the only 959 presented with a turbo badge from Porsche Now his 917 and 935 was a whole different story! The 935 was on the track later in the day as the sun was about to set. You could see the flames coming out of the pipes two feet long on the down shifts and the trans with the straight cut gears sounded like the car was ready for a visit to Trans-Pro. 😂 It literally sounded like war war two fighter plane with all the squeaks and rattles. I HAVE PICTURES TO PROVE IT!😂
Matt, you're really good at your job. That's all. Thanks for sharing with us. The 959 is a dream car. Just light-years ahead of anything else at the time.
One of the things that I love about the 959 is how Porsche decided to style it like a very musculed up 911 even though everything is different and they could have made it look like anything they wanted. Signaling that the 911 was going to be around for a while longer...
The first video game I ever bought was The Duel:Test Drive 2, and it featured the 959 and the F40. I couldn’t understand how the 959 could be a better car when it wasn’t as fast as the F40.
Great video, Matt. Stripped down, old-school style. Loved it, and glad for you that you got this opportunity. P.S: You’re looking great, man! Keep it going. 👍🏻
I was 16 years old when this car came out and I was blown away by this marvelous technical masterpiece. The 959 was the first true supercar followed shortly by the Ferrari F40. When I ordered my 992 911 Turbo S I special ordered it drawing inspiration from the 959, my original dream car. This is the car that made me fall in love with the brand.
Matt, Luv your content, very informative and insightful. When I was a kid every April my dad would bring me to the NY Auto Show then held at the NY Coliseum located at Columbus Circle. Could not wait to get to the Porsche exhibit to see the 959 only to be somewhat disappointed when I locked eyes on the only example they brought, a 959 split down the middle for the purposes revealing all the great technology it encompassed. A truly significant milestone in Porsche history IMHO. I’m envious that you got to drive it. Keep up the good work, thank you!
Matt you are looking TRIM. Long time listener first time caller here, but holy crap man! Whatever you're doing is working. Keep it up boss man, looking super healthy.
Great video! On camera you couldn’t tell the acceleration difference between the sequential turbos, until you could see the raindrops sliding up the windshield. Pretty cool stuff!
Holly WOW ,just WOW !!! I saw this car live on the highway when Porsche started selling them in Canada and saw it in the province of Quebec . First time seeing it , I was in Ahhhhhh of admiration of the futuristic ahead of its time design ! Thanks for the very interesting and informative detailed video Matt !!! 😎
I don't even fathom driving a pristine, Porsche-kept ultra-rare $2 million supercar in the rain. I'd be absolutely terrified of crashing or damaging it. But I love the video!
Hell yes. What an opportunity for a lover and driver of great automotive examples. I remember seeing this thing in a few automotive magazine articles, yet I never saw it on public roadways in the US where I'd see countless examples of other 80s porsche offerings. With such a low production number, I can understand why!
There are a few upgrade options to upgrade the sequential turbos to a true Twin Turbo setup where one turbo does 3 cylinder and the other does the other 3, with larger turbos with more flow and higher boost. The Canepa upgrade is substantial with almost 800hp
Great review Matt. Most reviews don't treat the 959 as though it's basically a regular car by today's standards. No sure I'd pay 2 mil, but what a machine!
If I could afford any Porsche, It would certainly be the 959... Wouldn't even consider any other model. It is the ultimate Porsche, IMHO. Beautiful car!
So freaking stoked for you on this one. What an opportunity!
Thank you for making videos in the old format! I love this format. It's not scripted. It's authentic and more organic. Please bring this back!
I second that!
yes but the full production videos are so well written and showcase the whole story of a car beautifully. Whatever video TST makes is surely fire🔥
I think both formats are really good.
All formats are good
Newer/Premier vs. Older/Throwback Video Formats
Why not selectively do both at some periodic cadence.
Done! 🤓
It really can't be overstated how incredible and important the 959 was. Almost all modern technology we have on cars came from the development of the 959. I remember when it was released, as I was a teenager in the mid 80's. Everyone was completely blown away by how high tech it was. It was space age stuff back then. Now it's all completely normal. It was decades ahead of its time.
I've wanted one ever since first seeing it in magazines back then. Would be amazing to have one that Canepa does the updates to!
Not really decades. The R32 GT-R was released only three years later.
Positively! Never will there be a car that I could admire more. The memories of opening that issue of Road & Track back in 1986 and reading that article word for word, over and over. Definitely a bucket list adventure!
Please, shut up dude! The Nissan R32 is something completely different. It has almost primitive tech compared to the Porsche 959. The 959 was technologically so advanced, that some trashtalkers from today, just like you, doesn't even understand how advanced it was. It's like comparing totally inferior Japanese road car turbo technology to the engine turbo technology from the legendary several LeMans winning Porsche 956! Go back to your Kindergarden, little boy! @@mtnman1984
You’ve not driven a Canepa. The car you drove is slow and common in comparison to a Canepa. Power, fit, finish, ride, visual….the factory car is nice, but not even close in any regard.
Not only that. The 959 changed the whole automotive industry. 4x4 in super cars, adaptive suspension and a whole lot of innovations.
I believe it has carbon ceramic brakes too?
@@ricepony33 first Porsche with ceramic brakes was the 993 Turbo S
@@Nord_Mann Incorrect, the 993 Turbo S had yellow painted callipers but steel drilled discs. The first Porsche to have carbon ceramics was the 996 GT2 and they were optional on the 996 Turbo.
The 959 was at the tippety top of my list of childhood dream cars when it came out. As sexy and poster-ready as the F40 is, there was something about the 959 that always ticked every box for me. It just looks like it fits in any time period.
And shout out to Porsche for having the attitude that cars are meant to be driven, to the point where they'll hand a museum piece to a non-employee.
Lots of innovations in this car. One that made its way thru to most cars is TPMS. Since it was the first to use hollow spoke wheels it was critical to monitor tire pressures in case the wheel developed a crack.
I’m reminded of this technology every time I drive my Toyota truck… constantly reminded :)
@@ricepony33Those things do like to crap-out.
You should see if Bruce Canepa would let you have a go in his 959SC. That would be a great video experience.
This car was a significant inflection point in sports car tech. And at the tail end of Group B rally, it's just an epic car in an epic era.
You are looking good Matt, keep it up. Incredible car to say the least.
I agree. Our boy is looking good and seems to be losing weight.
I saw the same thing. He's looking quite svelte.
Positive lifestyle decisions detected
I came to say that 👍🏻
Came to say the same. Keep up the great work Matt!
Imo the best part of this car is that most people will think it’s just some old Porsche. But the people that know will know!
I see 959.. I stop what I'm doing and watch.
You are SO fortunate to be able to drive amazing cars like that! What a job!
13:04 turbo 1, TURBO 2...
I have driven 16,000 kms in 3 years in one of the last 8 produced. Very few issues and lots of smiles per mile. Included an autobahn blast. The weakest link was me, rock steady up to 170 MPH. 🐐
I have waited a long time for this moment. My dream car.
You lucky dog. The 959 was THE dream supercar of my adolescent years and it's still my all-time fav.
Hehe, have a "go". Nice plate. I'm glad they let you have a "go" in the "959" for longer than "1h" so you could film it for us.
The greatest car ever built!
What an amazing opportunity for you. The 959 was along with the F40 my original dream cars.
This car blew me away when reading about in 1986. But as a testament to the technology that it introduced and the improvements since then, I have to imagine that from a driving experience perspective, it was matched if not exceeded by the time of the 997.1 Turbo in 2007. And today by a run of the mill 991.2 or 992 Carrera S. Still the fact that it took 20+ years for regular production cars to match the then hyper-car 959 is a credit to how far ahead of its time it was.
Lol not sure what I’m more jealous of Matt driving 959 or Matt getting to drive the roads in the Black Forest what a road…
What a legend! You’re a lucky man, Matt!
That's my high school poster car. Absolutely love it!
I had a toy car of a 959 as a kid and you could open up the 'trunk' and see there was an engine there. Mind blowing for me at 5 years old. That was the moment I fell in love with Porsche and I'm forever a fan thanks to this car.
Great video, my all time favorite Porsche. I bought a 993 Turbo 12 years ago (when they were cheap, $70k) because it reminded me of this car for 1/20 the price. Approximately 340 Porsche 959’s were produced. Why so few? List price was $225,000 so buyers were few and far between and it cost Porsche $500,000 to produce so they lost 6 figures on every car they sold.
This is insane. I gotta say though, you _need_ to talk to Canepa about getting a go in the 959SC now!
Quite literally the ultimate car. What an experience.
When everything on the roads had been detuned to laughable levels (180hp V8 Corvette, anyone?), a 6 cylinder with 440-450hp was absolutely nuts (saying nothing about all of the other tech).
The (Gruppe B) concept is fire 🔥
996 Turbo has 959 DNA. A good amount of it.
I don't mind the stripped down video experience at all, feels like a classic One Take! Can already tell this is going to be another criminally underviewed video though. What a cool car.
I love how the speedo and other gauges, are VDO. I've had a few European mopeds with white face VDO speedo's. Austrian Puch X30 bikes.
For me, the 959 was always going to be a poster car, even though the tech was astonishing... I still just drooled at its beauty and styling. Great content Matt❤
This is my ultimate dream car. However, like most other dream cars has reached the point of unobtanium. Love seeing a modern take on how it is to drive though!
My hero car. Favorite car of all time. Seeing one in person was an emotional experience
You have the best job ever. The 959 is the car I have wanted since I was a kid.
959 and Ferrari F40 are the two first genuine supercars. Then came Jaguar XJ220, Bugattis and McLarens but they weren't the same as these two were the first.
Years ago I used to see a black 959 all of the time. The owner drove it everyday. I really liked it then ,but I didn't have the appreciation for it that I have now.I used to think of it as just another Porsche now they are kind of like seeing the holy grail.
great review and cool to see a modern review of this car! those wipers are so interesting. never seen that pattern before and seems to clear up a huge portion of the windshield
I saw one of these in person and it was such a memorable experience. It messed me up for the entire weekend. Couldn’t believe I finally saw one in person.
I love the 959. It’s probably why I own a 997 turbo 6MT. AWD, manual, and turbo is an amazing combination that you just can’t get today.
Thanks Matt for taking me for a ride in my all time dream car The PORSCHE 959,and with only 19,000 miles on it !!! You might try looking up a guy named Bruce Canepa .Heis still developing the 959 as we speak.And has gotten the 959 up to about close to 900 hp.
This has always been a dream drive for me so cheers for sharing the experience with me Matt, also as an R32 Skyline GTR owner I can appreciate the mention there also with 4WD 4WS and ABS in the late 80s I can definitely see the comparison, 600+hp and turbo lag can add to the experience as well
Damn, bucket list car right there. So stoked you got to drive one and make a video! Also you're looking good man
Nissan bought and benchmarked a 959 back in the day when developing the R32 Skyline so it's interesting that you made that comparison.
What a treat Matt! I was lucky enough to visit Stuttgart this summer and spent 5 hours gawking at each and every model they had in that spiraling masterpiece that is the Porsche Museum. Although I didn't have the privilege to drive the 959, I did see it in person. Happened to notice a drip tray strategically positioned underneath it! I went on Aug 6th so that might have been the one you drove here? Haha :p
That second turbo is epic
Its so refreshing to see an example of supercar royalty get driven as intended instead of being talked about behind a velvet rope. Thanks for this!
Incredible car. I first saw the 959 in need for speed hot pursuit 2 that came out in 2002. I had no knowledge of it and loved the look of it instantly. I learned over the coming years just exactly how awesome it is. Such a treat to get behind the wheel of such an icon. Happy for you
O man you really need to drive a Canepa 959. They are insane!
It’s nice to see you having great fun! Thank you very much for your generosity and sharing the experience.
I have to say, there have been several videos come out recently with the 959 (which I love). With the Porsche Museum lending this legend out to the media, I am wondering if Porsche is going to launch a new 959 soon?
I may be optimistic, but it would be awesome for Porsche to make another flagship vehicle that will set the tone for years and decades to come like they did in 1986.
Oh dude stoked you finally got to do this! So cool.
I have always loved the 959! Great video!!!
One of my favorite cars as a kid that I sadly never got to see in real life. Most Porsches over here were usually 944:s or 911:s.
I loved the back end with that huge wing that was part of the actual body. I still love it.
I love it, I think I saw the same exact grey 959 in the Porsche museum parking garage a few years back but its tag was S G0 9591
Matt you are a lucky man! Thank you, this is my ALL Time favorite car from introduction. Someday, I hope to just see one live. 🙏🏻
Wicked dope awesome! Poster car for me back in the day! Glad you got to experience it and share with us!
That second turbo really kicks in on the video when the whole car just leans back a bit more!
my favorite Porsche of all time, next is the 918, then comes the 991 and 992 gt3s
That's a pretty big ticket bucket list item right there, glad you got the opportunity, and also that you are sharing it with us all!
@ 6:18... genuine Porsche happiness kicking in! 😃
So our close family friend here in Southern California bought a 959 and was with the first of three 959’s imported to the United States. Another guy from the bay area who im sure you can guess who it is, bought the other two. Our friend rented The streets of Willow for the day. I was shocked at how unexciting it was. It is so refined that when you are hauling ass it seems like you are only doing 75 MPH. The interesting part about his car, Porsche wasn’t able to get the car to run correctly with a turbo on it. He sent his to a guy in the Bay Area who was able to figure it out. When the car was finished Porsche sent technicians to see how it was done. The car is the only 959 presented with a turbo badge from Porsche Now his 917 and 935 was a whole different story! The 935 was on the track later in the day as the sun was about to set. You could see the flames coming out of the pipes two feet long on the down shifts and the trans with the straight cut gears sounded like the car was ready for a visit to Trans-Pro. 😂 It literally sounded like war war two fighter plane with all the squeaks and rattles. I HAVE PICTURES TO PROVE IT!😂
Yep. that car lives at Westside Collector Car Storage. I see it every day from my office.
Matt, you're really good at your job. That's all. Thanks for sharing with us. The 959 is a dream car. Just light-years ahead of anything else at the time.
One of the things that I love about the 959 is how Porsche decided to style it like a very musculed up 911 even though everything is different and they could have made it look like anything they wanted. Signaling that the 911 was going to be around for a while longer...
The first video game I ever bought was The Duel:Test Drive 2, and it featured the 959 and the F40. I couldn’t understand how the 959 could be a better car when it wasn’t as fast as the F40.
Great video, Matt. Stripped down, old-school style. Loved it, and glad for you that you got this opportunity.
P.S: You’re looking great, man! Keep it going. 👍🏻
What an impecable car. I am really happy for you that you had this opportunity to drive it.
THANK YOU. My favourite Porsche of all time, but in white.
I can only imagine the value of that 959. So beautiful, you are a lucky man to get to drive that, well done Matt, peace
I was 16 years old when this car came out and I was blown away by this marvelous technical masterpiece. The 959 was the first true supercar followed shortly by the Ferrari F40. When I ordered my 992 911 Turbo S I special ordered it drawing inspiration from the 959, my original dream car. This is the car that made me fall in love with the brand.
Matt, Luv your content, very informative and insightful. When I was a kid every April my dad would bring me to the NY Auto Show then held at the NY Coliseum located at Columbus Circle. Could not wait to get to the Porsche exhibit to see the 959 only to be somewhat disappointed when I locked eyes on the only example they brought, a 959 split down the middle for the purposes revealing all the great technology it encompassed. A truly significant milestone in Porsche history IMHO. I’m envious that you got to drive it. Keep up the good work, thank you!
Awesome video Matt. I had a 959 poster back in the 80s. Love that you were able to do this review!!!
What a incredible opportunity!
The smoothness of the car comes through on the video.
Some years ago I got to see a 959 up close. So beautiful.
You kept your eyes on the road, good man. Such a vehicle.
My favorite Porsche of all time. I still haven't seen one in the California. When I do it will make my day!
Matt you are looking TRIM. Long time listener first time caller here, but holy crap man! Whatever you're doing is working. Keep it up boss man, looking super healthy.
Great video!
On camera you couldn’t tell the acceleration difference between the sequential turbos, until you could see the raindrops sliding up the windshield. Pretty cool stuff!
and the let you take it out in the rain?! Porsche really are a different kind of manufacturer.
Holly WOW ,just WOW !!! I saw this car live on the highway when Porsche started selling them in Canada and saw it in the province of Quebec . First time seeing it , I was in Ahhhhhh of admiration of the futuristic ahead of its time design ! Thanks for the very interesting and informative detailed video Matt !!! 😎
It is truely unreal how fast this car STILL looks!
If I ever get my 3.2 Carrera’s seats re-trimmed, it’s going to be VERY difficult not to go for something replicating those…
I've never been more jealous of Matt Farah in my life. The 959 has always been my ultimate dream car.
Looking great Matt, well done. What a car!
Loved these cars when they come out, first road Porsche with all wheel drive and the test bed for use in the later 911
Wow thats an amazing piece of history you got to drive :) congratulations on the opportunity. The car is the stuff of my childhood
Wow - Matt, you've lost a lot of weight. Looking great sir. Keep up the good work! (Excellent an interesting video as well, of course)
It’s a pleasure watching Matt drive such an icon. 👍
Love the video, old school review of a legend of a car. Great job Matt, thank you much. What a treat of a car, have only ever seen one in person.
My dream car growing up!
I’m no Porsche guy but this was HEAVEN
I don't even fathom driving a pristine, Porsche-kept ultra-rare $2 million supercar in the rain. I'd be absolutely terrified of crashing or damaging it. But I love the video!
Hell yes. What an opportunity for a lover and driver of great automotive examples. I remember seeing this thing in a few automotive magazine articles, yet I never saw it on public roadways in the US where I'd see countless examples of other 80s porsche offerings. With such a low production number, I can understand why!
There are a few upgrade options to upgrade the sequential turbos to a true Twin Turbo setup where one turbo does 3 cylinder and the other does the other 3, with larger turbos with more flow and higher boost. The Canepa upgrade is substantial with almost 800hp
It's so good it feels normal. I totally understood that. On the other hand, i can't imagine why it would be so expensive to maintain.
Still looks great 30+ years later. Classic.
Great review Matt. Most reviews don't treat the 959 as though it's basically a regular car by today's standards. No sure I'd pay 2 mil, but what a machine!
If I could afford any Porsche, It would certainly be the 959... Wouldn't even consider any other model. It is the ultimate Porsche, IMHO. Beautiful car!