Porsche 959 (1986 to 1993)

The fabled halo car, the Porsche 959, was introduced as a model in 1986 after extensive Group B racing research and development. The 959 was designed by Helmut Bott in the style of a traditional 911 with a rear-mounted flat-six engine. However, the 959 broke with the tradition of the 911 by utilizing four-wheel drive and a sequential twin-turbo 2.8L water and air-cooled motor, producing an astounding 450hp and running to almost 200mph. Power was delivered through a unique six-speed transmission with five forward speeds and an "off-road" gear. Its body was crafted from aluminum, Kevlar, and Nomex to retain rigidity and lightness. Buyers chose the "Komfort" or "Sport" models, outfitted in a corresponding trim. The Sport models were an attempt by Porsche to provide American customers with a racing example, but they failed emissions standards. Today the Sport model achieves higher prices in the market, coming with a roll bar, S steering wheel, harness, and no back seat. In 2018 a restomod version of the 959, from Bruce Canepa, called the SC, was modified to produce 800hp. In its day, the 959 set its customers back $225,000, with only 345 examples being made available as production ended in 1993.