1986 Porsche 962C
Porsche met Group C regulations introduced by FISA in 1982 with a fresh concept. This new car would be the focal point of factory racing efforts. These new Group C regulations led to the re-birth of the two-seat, special race sports car which no longer had to be declared a prototype for some future production car, but rather was seen as a high-performance vehicle in its own right.
The 956 from which evolved the later 962, developed to comply with American IMSA race regulations but raced around the globe – was the first Porsche race car with a monocoque chassis and an aerodynamically designed underside to generate ground effects to literally suck the car down into firmer contact with the track. The use of advanced fuel injection and ignition systems not only enabled the 2.6-litre engine to develop 630bhp, but combined this with low fuel consumption – a crucial advantage given the racing regulations of the time.
The sporting career of the 956 was no less impressive; right off the drawing board and only a few weeks after the first cars were built, the 956 scored an impressive 1-2-3 victory in the 1982 Le Mans 24 Hours endurance classic. That same year brought the World Championship for Makes trophy to Porsche and the World Endurance Drivers’ Championship for Porsche factory driver Jacky Ickx, of Belgium.
In 1983, Porsche offered the car to customers to race themselves alongside the factory-supported team. So began an unrivalled run of success in World Endurance Championship racing, and at Le Mans, that continued well into the 1990s.
Story by Porsche UK
In Detail
| type | Racing Car |
| built at | Germany |
| engine | Air Cooled, Boxer-6 |
| position | Mid, Longitudinal |
| aspiration | Twin KKK Turbos |
| valvetrain | DOHC, 4 Valves per Cyl |
| fuel feed | Fully-Electronic Bosch Fuel Injection |
| displacement | 2649 cc / 161.7 in³ |
| bore | 95 mm / 3.74 in |
| stroke | 70.4 mm / 2.77 in |
| power | 462.3 kw / 620 bhp @ 8200 rpm |
| specific output | 234.05 bhp per litre |
| bhp/weight | 756.1 bhp per tonne |
| body / frame | Fiberglass Body over Aluminum Monocoque |
| driven wheels | RWD |
| front brakes | Discs w/Twin Calipers |
| rear brakes | Discs w/Twin Calipers |
| f suspension | Wishbones w/Coil-Overs |
| r suspension | Rocker Arms w/Coil-Overs |
| curb weight | 820 kg / 1808 lbs |
| wheelbase | 2650 mm / 104.3 in |
| length | 4800 mm / 189.0 in |
| width | 2000 mm / 78.7 in |
| transmission | 5-Speed Gearbox |
| top speed | ~349.2 kph / 217 mph |
Auction Sales History
1986 Porsche 962C 962-122 – did not sell for $650,000 Ex-Rob Dyson Racing; Porsche factory chassis tub and engine. Comprehensive four-year restoration completed in 2011. Single ownership since 1992. Ideally prepared for vintage racing.
Auction Source: 2013 Monterey Auction by RM Auctions
1987 Chapman 962-C04 – sold for $825,000 From the Steve Goldin Collection. Bob Akin Racing Coca-Cola/Yokohama sponsored 962. 3.2L Air-Air motor. Porsche trans-axle. Low hours. Late production car. Bob Akin Racing’s last 962. Sold on bill of sale.
Auction Source: 2012 Daytime Auction by Mecum
986 Porsche 962 113 – did not sell for $900,000 From the Steve Goldin Collection. 1986 Sebring Winner. Bob Akin Racing Coca-Cola/Dominos Pizza sponsored 962. 3.2L Air-Air motor. Low hours. Factory racing drivetrain. Possibly the most famous and photographed 962 in IMSA history. Recent restoration. Corners have been crack checked. Sold on bill of sale. Auction Source: 2012 Daytime Auction by Mecum
Löwenbräu Special 1985 Holbert Racing 962-HR1. Nine Wins and 17 Podium Finishes over Four Years. An Integral Part of Three IMSA GTP Championship Seasons. Driven by Al Holbert, Derek Bell, Al Unser Jr. and Chip Robinson. Limited Chain of Ownership with Just Three Caretakers Since 1988. Faithfully Presented in Original Löwenbräu Livery. Displayed at the Rolex 24 Heritage Exhibition and Rennsport Reunion. Best of Class at the 2007 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. Offered with Holbert Racing Memorabilia and a Set of Body Molds. Auction Source: The Amelia Island Auction 2012 by Gooding & Company
Holbert Racing Löwenbräu Special 1984 Porsche 962-103 – sold for $1,925,000 The Winningest 962 in History. The First 962 Chassis to Score a Race Victory. 15 Overall Wins Between 1984 and 1987. 1986 and 1987 24 Hours of Daytona Winner. Contributed to Three Championship Seasons for Holbert Racing. Driven by Derek Bell, Al Holbert, Chip Robinson and Al Unser Jr. Subject of a Special Comparison Test in Road & Track Magazine. Just Two Owners from New. Accompanied by Exceptional Documentation and Memorabilia. Auction Source: The Amelia Island Auction 2012 by Gooding & Company
1990-91 Porsche Type 962 Group C. The Ex-Team Trust – double-Le Mans 24-Hour race.Here we are delighted to be able to offer this beautifully restored, rebuilt 2.8 liter twin-turbo engined example of the ultimate Porsche Typ 962 design chassis ‘962-159’ as campaigned by the celebrated Japanese Team Trust. Auction Source: 2008 Monterey Preview
