Canepa and his 800-horsepower Porsche 959 SC

The Porsche 959 was the greatest supercar the world had seen when it was first put on sale in the mid-1980s. Yet here in America, it wasn't possible to buy one — at first. Enter Bruce Canepa.

With help from a friend, Canepa was able to purchase one and drive it in the states on a tourist Visa, and the rest is history. Following that fateful year, he embarked on a journey to federalize the 959 with customers including Bill Gates, and since then has worked tirelessly to make 959s legal here for whoever can purchase one — and also modify them to be the best that they can be.

In the video above, Canepa talks about what he did to bring the 959 onto our streets plus what he is currently doing to boost the power output while keeping them street legal. Watch what it's like to be the forerunner on the Porsche 959.

[jamo]

The 959 was a dream when I was young and now in my mid fifties it’s still a dream Car.!!

[sullyjag]

The 959 looks just as spectacular today as it did when I first saw pictures of one. Truly an incredible car.

[jacktripper]

This was my absolute dream car when I was a kid. It did 0-60 mph in 3.6 sec, stock...in 1986! A car ahead of it's time.

[wprann]

One of the greatest cars ever built! My dream car!

[brarautorepairs]

When I was a child, I had a book about supercars of the day and they had the 959 as one of those cars. Pretty much have loved this car since.

[NINE]

These cars are one of the most visually harmonic ever designed. The functionality is also well balanced. It's a rare combination that Porsche has mastered many times.

[julianjh]

I was lucky enough to manage Porsche Centre Reading in the UK. It was the only centre authorized to maintain the 959’s in the UK. I was very lucky to drive the car and it was incredible. The technology with the magnesium wheels and two stage twin turbo’s was so far ahead of its time. Still the most memorable car I have ever driven. We were also the centre for the Carrera GT which was yet another very special Porsche. We had a 550, 356, GT1, 962 and 917 in the showroom which were Porsche museum cars and leant by customers. Wonderful cars, wonderful company!

[jamesgarner]

I remember when I was a kid and had a trapper keeper with a 959 on the front. I always dreamed of that car. So cool to see one in America.

[primokona]

I remember when Bill Gates bought the 959 as his first super car back in the 80s and it made headlines because it cost $500, 000...

[basithph]

The 959 is my favorite Porsche
I just love the looks and how advanced the car is

[thomasr]

I have a beat-up metallic blue hot wheels 959. Still sits on my shelf. Such a revolutionary automobile.

[jamescrozier]

I grew up with Porsche’s as a kid. My dad had over a dozen 911’s. 930’s. I have a rsamerica that I will never sell. And when the conversation comes up as what would your dream car be if you had unlimited funds. The 959 will always be the car that is top on my list. Just something about that car for me that trumps pretty much anything ever made. I can’t explain it.

[DJBobbyChicago]

wow... these things are a dream come true. i think if i walked into that garage, i would faint lol I had a radio controlled 959 Rally Car as a kid and i took that thing everywhere. what a dream.

[Pstaines]

My love for the 959 just got bigger. Great work Bruce!

[ontarget]

The original unmolested versions are gaining in value! Not many originals left! Thanks Bruce?

[brandons]

In two weeks I'm going to see his museum/showroom in Scott's Valley. I can't wait.

[markgreene]

Having seen these in person, they are killer! Bravo Bruce Canepa, bravo!

[runningdummy]

Here because of the VinWiki video. Such an awesome story. Thank you for sharing.

[coreydunn]

Stunning, positively stunning. Diligence in attention to detail wins again...

[vaughnandrako]

Bruce, I have watched this video more than a few times, your convincing passion ranks right with the 959's capabilities.