1985 Porsche 962C Pilots: J. Pareja, J. Gouhier, O. Larrauri Team: Brun Motorsport Race: 2nd overall (C1 class) at Le Mans in 1986 Spark - S1941 (resin)
Published 08/09/18
Though extremely successful in the European endurance circuit, Porsche couldn’t use the mighty 956 in the North American IMSA championship. IMSA regulations were more lax about engine characteristics, but they were much more strict in terms of safety. As fantastic as the 956 was as a race car, it wasn’t exactly a safe car. One of it’s main issues was that the pedals were located in front of the front axle, exposing the pilot’s feet. IMSA wouldn’t have that, so Porsche would need a longer car. The engineering department at Weissach had to basically re-engineer the 956’s chassis making it longer, and they also used the opportunity to equip the new car with a stronger engine. So they used the old Typ-935 2.8 l engine, but with a single turbo (IMSA didn’t allow twin-turbo systems). All that done, in 1984 the first 962 was born.
To be eligible for the World Sportscar Championship, the 962 received a few upgrades and a twin-turbocharged engine, and these models received the designation 962C. Car #17 was built by Porsche for Brun Motorsports at the end of 1985, already as a C1 model. It sported Porsche’s flat-6 with 24 valves, DOHC and 2994 cm³ of displacement. With the two KKK turbos, the engine produced over 750 hp. The 1986 race was once again a Porsche affair, and Brun’s #17 car came in second place to the Porsche works #1.
I have to say that 962C #17 here is not a dazzling car, but did finish in second place. So with that result I thought it was a nice model to have, and here it is. BUT, as you can see, or not see, it’s missing a mirror. And I only noticed when I made these shots. Boogers 😣.
And you know what else I noticed only now? The 962C #17 has different wheels on the front . A fellow S143 forum (now defunct) member pointed that out. We think it was “donated” from the #16 sister car, that DNFed. But who knows? Still a cool detail, though.