1981 Porsche 911SC (959 Replica) Convertible

The Porsche 959 is one of a select breed of supercars built in the 1980s for homologation in the short-lived Group B category. The 959 was a technological Tour de Force, with an active four-wheel drive system, electronically controlled differentials, six-speed gearbox and a twin sequential turbocharged 450bhp 2.8-litre version of the venerable flat six motor beneath bodywork largely made of Kevlar. The sculpted lines of the 959 set the scene for future 911s, in particular the 993 series, while the technology found under the skin has similarly filtered down to lesser Porsches.

With only 283 examples ever made, ownership of a genuine 959 is for the select few and cars routinely trade hands for seven figure sums on the world market. Unsurprisingly, given the exclusive nature of the 959, a number of clones have been made using genuine Porsche mechanicals and this example is one of the best. The Kevlar bodywork is beautifully finished and in creating a cabriolet version the American builders have created something quite unique. Based on a 1981 911SC, a year when the 3-litre flat six was further tweaked with 9.8:1 compression ratio to give 204bhp and sub-six second 0-100km/h times, the 959 replica is an excellent performer in its own right.