On February 2, a 1987 Porsche 959 rolled into the service bay at Hendrick Porsche in Charlotte, North Carolina. The delivery of this iconic vehicle marked the beginning of a bold, months-long journey as Hendrick Porsche entered the 2025 Porsche Classic Restoration Challenge. What followed is a story of passion, craftsmanship, and the power of teamwork in pursuit of a shared vision.
First held in 2020, the annual Porsche Classic Restoration Challenge celebrates the care, dedication, and artistry required to restore classic vehicles while educating and inspiring a new generation of technicians and enthusiasts. Now in its fifth year, the Restoration Challenge invites Porsche Centers across the United States to restore classic Porsche models in need of expert care and attention so they may return to their original glory.
The vehicle at the center of Hendrick Porsche’s Restoration Challenge is widely considered one of the most groundbreaking sports cars ever built. The Porsche 959 debuted in 1986 as the world’s fastest production vehicle. Marveled for its revolutionary technology, engineering, and performance abilities, the 959 was truly ahead of its time and often described as a “bona fide legend” and “engineering masterpiece.” With only 292 units ever produced, the 959 remains one of the rarest and most advanced vehicles Porsche has ever created.
The 959 that arrived at Hendrick Porsche in February is a piece of that legacy and carries a remarkable story. Originally purchased by General Motors to study how the Corvette could reach 200 mph, the majority of its mileage comes from high-speed proving grounds testing. It was never titled, and at the time, it wasn’t actually legal for public sale or use in the United States.
For decades, it sat untouched and uncranked. That’s until it was discovered and purchased by Hendrick Automotive Group Chairman and CEO Rick Hendrick in late 2024, setting the stage for its restoration journey at Hendrick Porsche.
Restoring a vehicle of such pedigree required more than technical skill; it demanded vision. Led by Hendrick Porsche General Manager Albie Blanco, a select team of expert technicians spent nearly six months methodically bringing the 959 back to life, working inch by inch, piece by piece.
Hendrick Porsche General Manager Albie Blanco
“We probably underestimate how much we’re going to have to do, but at the same time, I think being able to find these things and make it perfect is really going to be rewarding,” said Blanco at the beginning of the restoration.
The early phases of the restoration focused on discovery and understanding. Once in their possession, the team conducted a thorough inspection of the 959. From brake pads to fuel injectors, they assessed the condition of every component to determine what was in good working order and what required replacement or repair.
This process was crucial, as it allowed the restoration team to map out the work that lay ahead. However, it also posed a unique challenge considering there was no data, owner’s manual, or guide to reference for properly working on this vehicle.
“Picking and choosing how to fix things, how to take them apart, and how to put them back together, it’s going to be tricky,” said Blanco.
The team quickly recognized that a successful restoration would require complete trust, not only in their skills and expertise, but also in each person involved in the project.
For the Porsche 959, a vehicle revered for elite performance, the engine is its lifeblood. Every component must be in peak condition and operate harmoniously to unlock the car’s full potential.
Before the Restoration Challenge, the 959 spent the majority of 30-plus years as a museum piece. In fact, the last time it ran was believed to be in 2009. So, returning it to its former prestige was no simple task.
“We really just want to make sure that we keep some of that history behind the car,” said Blanco. “But also making sure we can run it, drive it, and have some fun with it.”
In April, after months of working, testing, calibrating, and repeating the process over again, it was time for the moment of truth. They were ready to attempt the first engine start.
To the team’s relief, and somewhat of a surprise, the 959’s engine roared to life with minimal issues and instantly enveloped the service center at Hendrick Porsche with the sound of raw power.
With mechanical integrity achieved, attention turned to restoring the appearance of the 959. However, this went beyond a traditional detail. In addition to years of accumulated residue, the entire underside of the vehicle was coated in cosmoline, a thick protective substance used to guard against corrosion.
“It was very, very thick on this car,” shared Blanco. “So, we made the decision to actually dry ice blast.”
Dry ice blasting is a cleaning process that uses compressed air to rapidly propel carbon dioxide, removing grime and buildup in a nonabrasive manner. Although the process began with appearance and functionality in mind, it soon uncovered a story worth preserving.
As the cosmoline faded, original manufacturer markings and logos emerged, providing a rare glimpse into the 959’s storied past.
Blanco reflected on the significance of this moment, stating, “It’s just absolutely amazing to see the preservation that was there and is still there.”
As the restoration progressed and the 959 began to resemble its original factory version, the team made thoughtful decisions in the name of preservation. While the front bumper, rear bumper, and trunk lid required repair and repainting, certain exterior panels showed subtle traces of patina. In the 959’s case, this natural wear and tear told the decades-old story of its on-track testing. Rather than erasing that story, the team chose to continue it.
“The value of the car, and the history and the prominence of the car really speak for itself,” shared Blanco. “For us, to make sure we do it right all the way through, is I think key.”
These final stages reminded everyone involved that the Restoration Challenge was about more than making the 959 new again; it was also a way to honor its past.
Determined to perfect every detail, the team spent the summer putting the final touches on the 959. Six months of hard work, long days, and the occasional headache all came to fruition when the fully restored Porsche 959 arrived at Ten Tenths Motor Club in Concord, North Carolina, on August 1.
In what was a true full-circle moment, the 959 took the track for the first time in nearly 40 years, tested by the very people who brought it back to life. With its prowess and spirit on full display, each lap was a reminder of why the Porsche 959 remains one of the most esteemed automobiles ever built.
In that powerful moment, it became clear that the Restoration Challenge wasn’t just a goal to achieve. It was an opportunity to showcase the uncompromising standards that define who we are and everything we do at Hendrick Automotive Group.
Blanco captured this feeling, saying, “At the end of the day, putting the best product out there is what’s important to us. And having something we can rest our head on that we know is done the right way, I think Mr. Hendrick appreciates that.”
So, what’s next for the 959? It will travel to Carmel, Indiana, for the Artomobilia car enthusiast event on September 5. There, it will compete against other entries from Porsche Cars North America’s south-central sales region, where an expert panel of judges will select the regional champions. If chosen, Hendrick Porsche and the 959 will advance to the Luftgekühlt Porsche celebration event in Durham, North Carolina, on October 4, to face off against fellow regional winners for the title of Grand National Champion.
How You Can Support:
- Attend Artomobilia and select Hendrick Porsche and the 959 for the prestigious People's Choice award.
- After the regional competition, visit Hendrick Porsche to view the 1987 Porsche 959 on display.
- Follow Hendrick Porsche on Facebook and Instagram for updates and to watch the "Restoring the 959" docuseries for a behind the scenes look at the restoration.
For Hendrick Porsche, the Restoration Challenge was as much about the people behind the work as it was about the car itself. Every long hour of work, every bolt tightened, and every problem solved is a testament to the team’s remarkable craftsmanship and dedication. Six months of precision and patience ultimately paid off as brilliance officially returned to the Porsche 959.
As the dust settles on the 2025 Porsche Classic Restoration Challenge and Hendrick Porsche prepares to put their work on full display, one question remains – was it worth it?
Without hesitation, Blanco answered, “I would do it all over again. When we look back at it, the 959 is probably a pretty ambitious goal, but to do it the right way is the way we do it at Hendrick.”
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