The Legendary 1986 Porsche 962
Ladies and gentlemen, gearheads and racing aficionados, feast your eyes on the 1986 Porsche 962—an absolute gem from the Group C racing circuit. Crafted in the tail end of 1986, this beauty was initially sold to Trust Racing in Japan, where it was put through its paces by racing legends Vern Schuppan and Keiichi Suzuki. Together, they secured a commendable second- and third-place finish during the 1987 season.
Entering the spotlight as chassis 962-127, it didn’t take long for this car to return to the Porsche factory for a gleaming rebuild, only to hit the racetracks again through Trust Racing in 1988 and 1989. From there, it caught the eye of none other than Formula One bigwig Bernie Ecclestone, who snapped it up in 1989, keeping it cozy in his collection for a solid 16 years. Fast forward to 2005, and it underwent a refresh courtesy of Bruce Canepa, prepping it for its historic racing exploits. Enter Olympic sailor and powerboat champ Lorne Leibel, who took this car for a spin at various vintage events, including the iconic Monterey Historics in 2009 and 2010.
Today, in the hands of its current owner since 2017, the 962 has continued its racing legacy, now boasting a freshly overhauled twin-turbocharged 3.2L flat-six engine, thanks to Dawe’s Motorsports Development in Pennsylvania, completed in 2023. So, what do you get in this beauty? Let’s break it down.
Specifications and Features
Dripping in a flashy white, red, and black livery, this racing machine is not just a pretty face. Here’s what it packs:
- Water-cooled block with air-cooled cylinder heads
- MoTeC engine management for precision control
- Five-speed manual transaxle paired with a Salisbury limited-slip differential
- Slotted and ventilated disc brakes with dual calipers
- Adjustable coilover dampers featuring inboard-mounted rear units
- Staggered-width multipiece wheels, dressed in black
- Single racing seat with a six-point harness and safety roll cage
- Fire-suppression system for that extra layer of safety
This fine example is currently being offered by the seller on behalf of its owner in Union Dale, Pennsylvania, along with a trove of spare parts, photos chronicling various racing stages, invoices for recent engine work, and a legitimate bill of sale.
The Evolution of the 962
Now, let’s rewind a bit. The 962 burst onto the scene in 1984, ahead of significant IMSA GTP rule changes that rendered its predecessor, the 956, out of the race. Sporting an extended wheelbase, it allowed for a more ergonomic pedal box behind the front axle. Plus, a robust steel roll cage integrated into an aluminum monocoque chassis? That’s just hot.
While IMSA variants were restricted to a single turbocharger, fear not— the 962C made its mark in the FIA World Endurance Championship sporting a twin-turbocharged configuration. The accolades? Two World Sportscar Championship titles, four IMSA GT championships, a couple of 24 Hours of Le Mans victories, and an impressive five All Japan Sports Prototype Championship titles.
Body, Wheels, and Brakes
This particular 962 boasts reinforced fiberglass body panels that have donned various liveries throughout its storied life. Currently, you’ll find it flaunting a number-100 Nisseki design layered in white with striking red, black, and gray accents. Here’s what to gawk at:
- Faired-in headlights and dual side mirrors
- NACA ducts on the roof and rear panel for that aerodynamic edge
- An imposing rear wing that ensures this beauty stays glued to the track
Those black multi-piece wheels are wrapped in Avon slicks designed for peak performance, measuring 300/650R18 up front and a more substantial 365/720R18 at the rear. Stopping power is stellar, with slotted and ventilated disc brakes mated to dual calipers, along with cooling ducts at each wheel for optimal performance. Oh, and those brake pads? Freshly replaced in 2023.
Inside the Cockpit
Once you slide into the cockpit, you’ll notice it houses a single racing seat upholstered in chic black cloth, cinched in tight with a six-point OMP harness. You’ll find exposed aluminum interior panels, a right-hand shifter, and a fire-suppression system—everything a serious racer needs.
All the Right Gauges
The steering wheel is a three-point unit, positioning you perfectly in front of a Stack tachometer and a boost gauge. Additional gauges serve as your window to monitor:
- Fuel level
- Oil pressure
- Coolant temperature
- Oil temperature
- Transaxle fluid temperature
The Heart of the Beast
Under the hood lies a 3.2-liter flat-six, turbocharged and ready to roar. It comes clad with dual intercoolers, a liquid-cooled block, and air-cooled cylinder heads—powered by fuel injection managed by MoTeC. After an overhaul by Dawe’s Motorsport Development in 2023, this engine has clocked in only a few dyno test runs.
Transmission and Suspension
Power is distributed rearward via a Type 956 five-speed manual transaxle, now fitted with a Salisbury limited-slip differential and a cooler for added performance. Suspension? MCS adjustable coilover dampers with pushrod-actuated rear units deliver a ride that feels just right.
Final Thoughts
A remarkable collection of spare parts accompanies the car, readable reminders of its illustrious past. Now showcased in historical racing events, this Porsche is ready to take you for an unforgettable ride—just remember, this beauty is not for the street and carries no title or registration; it’s all about the track here, folks.