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Car Of The Day: 1985 Porsche 959 Rally

The greatest version of the 959 is, and always will be, the Rothman’s liveried Paris-Dakar racing version.  Built in 1985 for three-time Dakar winner René Metge, this 959 is just one of three cars produced by Porsche to take on the grueling Paris-Dakar rally that year.

Porsche Of The Day: 1985 Porsche 959 Rally
1985 Porsche 959 Rally | © Favcars.com

The 1985 rally didn’t go well for Porsche, unfortunately, as this very car retired early with an oil line failure, and the other two cars crashed. Many a lesson was learned, however, as Porsche took first, second, and sixth in the following year.

Porsche Of The Day: 1985 Porsche 959 Rally
1985 Porsche 959 Rally | © Favcars.com

Porsche produced only seven examples of this race-prepped rally rocket. Five of those remain and it is believed that two or three reside in private collections. As a 1985 model, this car boasts a naturally aspirated 3.2-liter flat-6 out back.