The 959 supercar was specifically built to race in the FIA Group B rally class. Porsche decided it wanted to use the racing regulations as a test bed for future models.

Group B was a wide-open, high-profile class made up of loosely regulated classifications. During its brief existence, the group would spawn the Audi Quattro, Lancia Delta S4, Peugeot 205 and Ford RS200.

At the time, Porsche was reluctant to compete in the World Rally Championship. First, the 959 was too heavy compared to its rivals. Second, competitors such as Audi were already heavily involved in the WRC. They had many years of development and experience that would be difficult for Porsche to overcome. Porsche also did not want to spend the large sums of money required to race a whole season in the WRC.

What to do? Porsche wanted to get the marketing benefit that came from racing its cars. Racing also enhanced its product development, and the existing 911 platform was beginning to show its age. Porsche was all about racing and winning.

The solution turned out to be a simple one.

World champion driver Jacky Ickx convinced Porsche management to compete in the high-profile Paris-Dakar rally. It was rugged, but the competition was not as stiff, and only competing in this one event would hold costs down. It was to be an excellent venue to demonstrate the 959's capabilities.

But Porsche first needed to meet the homologations rules, which required it to build 200 cars. To give it time to produce that many 959s, Porsche modified its existing 911 platform to 959 specifications. With Ickx in the driver lineup, Porsche finished 1-2 in the 1984 race with the modified 911s.

In 1985, Porsche made its first appearance in the Sahara desert with a trio of homologated 959 cars. But it was not a good year. All three cars failed to finish the rally — two were involved in accidents, and the third suffered a broken oil pipe. Despite this, Porsche decided to return to the African desert in 1986.

1986 would be magic. Porsche again brought three cars to the rally. This time, Porsche dominated the event with its 959s, finishing first, second and fifth.

The Porsche 959 was one of the 1980s' ultimate super cars. It could even be considered the first modern supercar with technology such as adjustable-height suspension, twin-turbos and a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system. The 959 is one of the most desirable cars of the 1980s, and is fast becoming one of the most desirable cars ever built.