Porsche recently won the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans, continuing a tradition that began in 1970 with the first overall victory of the Porsche 917. However, the most successful Porsche at Le Mans was the Type 956/962 and one of the most famous is now being auctioned by Gooding & Co on August 15/16 at Pebble Beach, chassis number 956-003.
Built to win
Norbert Singer developed the Porsche 956 with the FIA Group C rules in mind. And he made a stroke of luck, as the 956, together with its evolutionary model 962, won 120 times in around 13 years.
Winning model
Jochen Mass and Vern Schuppan drove 956-003 in the Le Mans endurance race in 1982, finishing second behind another 956. 956-003 was not put aside, however, but continued to race, finishing on the top step of the podium four times in a row, with Jacky Ickx, Jochen Mass and Derek Bell, among others, at the wheel.
In 1983, 956-003 was again entered for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The crew consisted of Vern Schuppan, Al Holbert and Hurley Haywood. And the three of them won by 63 seconds ahead of another 956 with Ickx and Bell at the wheel.
In collector's hands
After its active racing career, 956-003 became the property of Vern Schuppan, who sold the car on after around 10 years. Since then, the prototype has passed from collector to collector several times, has been completely restored to the 1983 Le Mans specification and even celebrated a success at the Amelia Island Concours d'Elégance.
Now the car is to find a new owner for USD 7 to 9 million. A lot of money, but there is hardly a more successful 956 for sale.
Further information on the Gooding auction at Pebble Beach can be found on the auction house's website.
