This 1985 Porsche 962 was the sixth customer chassis constructed by Porsche and was delivered to Jim Busby Racing for the 1985 IMSA racing season. It competed under BF Goodrich sponsorship in over 35 races during 1985 and 1986. It is the original factory monocoque and is displayed with the 1985 Sun Bank 24 Hours of Daytona livery. In 1985, under the Busby Racing banner, it finished second at Riverside and was driven to a 3rd place finish at the 24 Hours of Daytona by Jochen Mass, Jim Busby and Rich Knoop. 1986 saw Mass and Busby, joined by Derek Warwick and Darin Brassfield achieve a back-to-back repeat at the 24 Hours of Daytona. For two successful seasons, including eight podiums and 12 top five finishes, chassis 962-106 was a fierce competitor on the IMSA circuit. Purchased in 2011, the car has undergone a complete race prepared restoration by Bob Russo with paint by Blades Enterprises and graphics by Dave Schnorr of Auto-Graph-It.
Overview
- Production Year: 1985 (and continued production and development throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s)
- Manufacturer: Porsche
- Class: Group C / IMSA GTP race car
- Body Style: Closed-cockpit prototype
Design and Specifications
- Engine:
- The Porsche 962 was equipped with a 2.65-liter flat-six engine in the IMSA specification, featuring a single turbocharger.
- The engine produced around 620 horsepower.
- For the Group C specification, the 962 typically used a 3.0-liter flat-six twin-turbocharged engine, capable of producing up to 700 horsepower.
- Transmission:
- The car featured a 5-speed manual transmission.
- Chassis:
- The 962 utilized an aluminum monocoque chassis, a significant advancement over the tubular frame used in the earlier 956.
- This chassis provided increased rigidity and safety.
- Suspension:
- Front: Double wishbones with pushrod-actuated coil springs and dampers.
- Rear: Multi-link suspension with pushrod-actuated coil springs and dampers.
Performance
- Top Speed: The Porsche 962 could reach top speeds of around 230 mph (370 km/h) on long straights, such as those at the Le Mans circuit.
- Acceleration: It featured rapid acceleration, with the ability to go from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 3 seconds.
- Handling: The 962 was known for its excellent handling, a result of its advanced aerodynamics, suspension design, and low center of gravity.
Design Features
- Bodywork:
- The 962's body was designed for optimal aerodynamic efficiency, featuring a low, sleek profile and extensive use of aerodynamic aids, such as large rear wings and ground-effect tunnels.
- The closed cockpit design improved driver safety and aerodynamic performance.
- Notable design elements included a long, flat nose, wide fenders, and a large rear wing to provide necessary downforce.
- Interior:
- The interior of the 962 was spartan and functional, designed solely for racing purposes.
- It featured a racing seat, basic instrumentation, and essential controls, all arranged to optimize driver focus and performance.
- Customization:
- Many 962s were customized by teams to suit specific racing conditions and regulations, resulting in a variety of configurations and specifications.
Legacy
- Historical Significance:
- The Porsche 962 is considered one of the most successful and influential race cars in motorsport history, continuing the dominance established by the 956.
- It achieved numerous victories in prestigious races, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the 24 Hours of Daytona, and the World Sportscar Championship.
- Racing Pedigree:
- The 962's racing record is impressive, with wins at Le Mans in 1986 and 1987, and a dominant presence in the IMSA GTP series throughout the late 1980s.
- It was driven by some of the most famous drivers in motorsport, including Derek Bell, Hans-Joachim Stuck, and Al Holbert.
You may purchase a print of the 1985 Porsche 962 in our dElegance 2014 online gallery.