Porsche 961

Information

Based on a modified 959, intended for endurance sports car racing.
Raced twice at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, during the 1987 24H of Le Mans it crashed and caught fire
It was later rebuilt to original Specs and retained as part of the Porsche Museum

The car was based on the 959’s advanced PSK four-wheel-drive system and aluminium-steel monocoque structure but was extensively re-engineered for circuit use. Weight was reduced by approximately 200 kilograms, and power was increased using a 2.85-litre twin-turbocharged flat-six engine derived from the Group C 956, producing around 680 horsepower in race trim.

The 961 made its debut at the 1986 24 Hours of Le Mans, entered by Porsche AG and driven by René Metge and Claude Ballot-Léna. It finished seventh overall and first in the IMSA GTX category, marking the first time an all-wheel-drive car had successfully completed the event. The car returned to competition in 1987, entering the 24 Hours of Daytona, where it finished 24th overall after suffering gearbox and overheating problems. Later that year, it reappeared at Le Mans, driven by Kees Nierop, René Metge, and Claude Haldi. After 235 laps, the car spun at Mulsanne Corner and caught fire, forcing retirement and bringing the 961’s racing career to an end.

Following the 1987 Le Mans accident, the sole chassis was returned to Weissach for repair and restoration. It was subsequently retired from competition and added to Porsche’s permanent factory collection. Since then, the 961 has been displayed at numerous heritage events and exhibitions, including the Frankfurt Motor Show, the Goodwood Festival of Speed, and Porsche’s 75th Anniversary showcase. Today, it remains in the Porsche Museum in Zuffenhausen, preserved in its original 1987 Rothmans livery as a unique link between the Group C 956 and the 959 road car, and as the only 959-based racing car ever officially built by Porsche.