The Porsche 959 is a supercar that was produced in the years 1986 to 1989. This car was originally developed as a homologation vehicle for the Group B of the Rally World Championship but never achieved racing success in that group. Unlike its predecessor, the Porsche 911, the Porsche 959 impressed with its revolutionary technology and outstanding performance, making it one of the most advanced supercars of its time. The development of the Porsche 959 was significantly driven by Helmuth Bott and Jürgen Barth. The vehicle featured a 2.85-liter six-cylinder boxer engine with two turbochargers, providing a power output of 450 horsepower. This allowed for a top speed of over 197 mph and an acceleration from 0 to 62 mph in just about 3.7 seconds.
The 1/18 scale model car presented here was produced by AUTOart Millennium and is a first-class replica of the original Porsche 959. This model is made of die-cast material, ensuring excellent detail fidelity and durability. The miniature showcases the distinctive aerodynamic shape of the Porsche 959 with its wide, muscular wheel arches and the iconic rear spoiler. The wheels visible in the miniature reflect the original rims of the Porsche 959, specially designed for this vehicle. The model car also includes the typical ventilation grids on the sides and rear section, which ensure optimal engine cooling.
The original Porsche 959 was equipped with all-wheel drive, which was a remarkable innovation for a vehicle of this class in the 1980s. The drivetrain included a computer-controlled Variable All-Wheel System called PSK (Porsche-Steuer-Kupplung), capable of automatically changing the power distribution between the front and rear axles, depending on driving conditions and road surfaces. This significantly contributed to stability and safety at high speeds. Surprisingly, this high-performance car also had excellent everyday usability and comfort by the standards of that time.
Interestingly, the Porsche 959 was built during a period when significant global events took place. For example, in 1986, the world-famous Chernobyl disaster occurred, and U.S. President Ronald Reagan signed the Immigration Reform and Control Act. In the music scene, notable releases in 1986 included the legendary album "Licensed to Ill" by the Beastie Boys. These events help us understand the historical context in which the Porsche 959 was developed and produced.
For collectors, this model car is a valuable addition to any collection of miniature vehicles. The AUTOart Millennium model in the 1/18 scale showcases the remarkable craftsmanship and attention to detail that significantly contribute to the popularity of this brand among enthusiasts. Phat-T, a member of the Modelly community, owns this model and proudly displays its beauty and meticulous details. From the accurately replicated seats to the correctly reproduced ventilation slits, this model is a true delight for any enthusiast and collector.