PROVENANCE
Dr. Friedrich Christian Flick, Gstaad, Switzerland (acquired new in January 1988)
Current Owner (acquired from the above)

THIS CAR
Between 1987 and 1989, Porsche built and sold just 284 examples of the production 959 – arguably the most technically advanced high-performance sports car of its day. Equipped with a twin-turbocharged flat-six engine, six-speed transaxle, state-of-the-art PSK variable differentials, ride-height control, and aerodynamically effective composite bodywork, the 959 was not only Porsche’s most expensive and exclusive offering, it was immediately hailed as an undisputed automotive masterpiece.

As expected, the 959 attracted a discerning international clientele, including many of Porsche’s most loyal, long-term customers. While each and every 959 is special, a select group of owners believed that owning a standard 959 was not quite special enough. For those who required a more personalized touch for their 959, Porsche had an answer – the famous Sonderwunsch or “Special Wishes” program, overseen by the Porsche Exclusive department.

Since 1986, Porsche Exclusive, whose philosophy is “individuality straight from the factory,” has produced and developed several extraordinary one-off and limited-production automobiles for the company’s most valued clients. Among the estimated 20 to 25 clients who requested a new 959 from Porsche Exclusive was Dr. Friedrich Christian Flick, a member of one of Germany’s most prominent families.

Recognized as a great patron of the arts, Dr. Flick built one of the world’s leading modern art collections, with approximately 2,500 works by 150 artists. In fact, when Dr. Flick donated 166 works to the National Gallery in early 2008, it was the largest gift from an individual person since the museum’s founding in the 19th century.

As a member of the Flick family – at one time the largest individual shareholders of Daimler-Benz – Dr. Flick was able to place an order for a very special 959 Komfort. The result is a true one-of-one Porsche supercar.

According to factory records, Dr. Flick’s 959 was completed on January 28, 1988. At his request, the car was finished in Porsche paint Code 041, making it one of just three examples known to have originally been painted black. The interior was upholstered in attractive caramel brown leather and equipped with all three available factory options: sport seats with electric height adjustment, heated seats left and right, and an alarm system. Beyond these features, the 959 was outfitted with an Exclusive Option CDR-210 radio system and a special steering wheel emblazoned with the Porsche crest. As a final special touch, Porsche Exclusive finished every available surface, including all vents, switches, and trays, in the custom-ordered leather, complemented by black carpets and stitching.

The one-off 959 was first registered in February 1988 in the name of Michael Reichardt, Dr. Flick’s Munich-based attorney. Throughout Dr. Flick’s ownership, the 959 was driven approximately 32,000 km and was regularly maintained by the Porsche factory, Porsche Zentrum München, Pichler GFG AG, and, more recently, Porsche Zentrum Gstaad. Significantly, the original service book contains 10 official stamps confirming the regular service intervals and mileage.

When Dr. Flick made the decision to part with his one-of-a-kind 959, it was sold to the current owner, a knowledgeable US collector with a passion for the most rare and exotic contemporary Porsches. Having traveled approximately 32,500 km from new and benefitted from regular maintenance in the care of its two private owners, the car presents today in excellent condition in all respects; the only deviations from its original state are a full-front clear film to protect the paint and a full window tint to preserve the interior.

Consistent with its meticulous long-term ownership, this 959 is presented with its original keys, tool kit, and handbooks, complete with the custom-made leather owner’s folio embossed with Dr. Flick’s name. It is also accompanied by an impressive file of documentation, which includes the Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, service receipts, European registration records, and important documents.

An absolutely unique specimen with numerous bespoke features and a rich, well-documented provenance, Dr. Flick’s black 959 is an exceptionally rare and desirable Porsche that possesses every special quality sought after by discerning collectors. Gooding & Company is proud to present this magnificent automobile for public sale, as it is surely among the most beautiful, distinctive, and historically significant examples of this legendary German supercar.