"Wundercar" honors the mystical allure of the trailblazing Porsche 959, the initial hypercar on the scene.
In 1985, Porsche blew everyone's minds at the Frankfurt Motor Show, unveiling the awe-inspiring 959. This road beast began as a racing machine, playing a starring role in the high-octane world of Group B rallying. The prototype rally car debuted in 1983, turning the racing world on its head with its badass body made of aluminum, Kevlar, and hollow magnesium wheels, adjustable ride height, and a state-of-the-art all-wheel drive system.
But then Group B became extinct like the dinosaurs, thanks to the FIA (Federation Internationale de l'Automobile), who shut it down due to the madness of hugely overpowered cars and rogue spectators causing chaos on those winding rally stages. Three drivers and three spectators lost their lives in the 1986 season, making it clear that a change was needed.
Porsche listened and pivoted. Not only did they adjust the 959 for the grueling Paris-Dakar rally, they transformed it into an insanely powerful road car, too. From 1986 to 1993, 292 road-going versions of the 959 rolled out of the factory, with some intended for daily use and others for an adrenaline rush, aptly named 'Sport.' In 1993, they even produced eight more of the popular Sport models.
The 959 was a true "Wundercar," as London-based creative studio INK describes it in their upcoming exhibition, also named Wundercar. Featuring artworks by INK, Benedict Radcliffe, Chris Labrooy, Benedict Redgrove, Colorsponge, and Wooden Gun, the show is a love letter to the 959 in all its glory—from the battered-up development mule to the battle-worn Dakar racer and the prototype road car.
INK’s got a soft spot for automotive imagery, and it shows in this exhibition. The show centers around Redgrove's images of the 959's historic trio—the development mule, the Dakar racer, and the road car. In 1986, 959s took first, second, and sixth positions in the Paris-Dakar—talk about dominating! The Sport version of the road car could sprint from 0 to 60 mph in a mind-blowing 3.4 seconds, breaking speed barriers unseen in the pre-EV era. These road cars are now super sought-after collectibles, worth millions at auction, and serving as an inspiration for the current Porsche 911 Dakar.
INK isn't just a one-trick pony. They've worked with luxury brands like Polestar, Aston Martin, Hermès, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, and even freakin' Nasa! Recent studio projects include the monograph Automotive Type D and the 'Plain Body' series of automotive reimaginings.
Get ready to immerse yourself in the Wundercar exhibit, which runs from May 22-25, 2025, at 41 Quaker Street, London, E1. For more updates and design inspiration, sign up for INK's daily newsletter at Wundercar.INK or WeareINK.co.uk. Follow them on Instagram @weareINK for the latest on all things 959 and beyond.
- Porsche's 959, showcased in the 1985 Frankfurt Motor Show, transcended the automotive industry, making a significant impact on segments like sports and technology with its advanced features.
- Today, INK, a creative studio known for its collaborations with luxury brands such as Polestar, Aston Martin, and Hermès, is preparing an exhibition, the Wundercar, to honor the remarkable legacy of the 959, highlighting its influence on the finance sector through its high-value auctioned collectibles.
- The Wundercar exhibit, scheduled from May 22-25, 2025, in London, will also delve into the realm of transportation, presenting reimagined designs like the 'Plain Body' series, further emphasizing INK's multidimensional work that extends from the automotive world to partnerships with space exploration brands like NASA.
