Go to Ultimatecarpage.com

 groupc Ultimatecarpage.com  > Cars by brand  > Germany  > Porsche
Racing cars  > Group C / IMSA GTP
     962C
Car search:
Quick Advanced 


  Porsche 962C      

  Article Image gallery (747) Chassis (25) Specifications User Comments (9)  
Click here to open the Porsche 962C gallery   
Country of origin:Germany
Produced from:1985 - 1989
Internal name:962
Predecessor:Porsche 956
Author:Wouter Melissen
Last updated:January 01, 2005
Download: All images
Page 1 of 2 Next >>
Click here to download printer friendly versionOriginally conceived as the IMSA/GTP version of the all conquering Porsche 956, the 962 would grow out to become the mainstay of Porsche's sportscar program. Outwardly similar to the 956 used in the Group C class, the 962 IMSA/GTP featured a slightly longer wheelbase and a single Turbocharged completely air-cooled 2.8 litre boxer engine. With 180+ wins the 962 would outscore the unbeatable 956 it was derived from.

Main reason for the conception of the 962 was the stricter safety regulations of the IMSA series. The rules dictated that the pedal box had to be mounted behind the front axle line, to which the 956 did not comply. The 956 was a lot of things, but safe it sure wasn't, which is underlined by the fatal crash of one the day's biggest talents, Stefan Bellof. To make the 956 eligible for the IMSA's GTP series, the wheelbase was increased to make room for the pedal box. Further modifications included the addition of a steel rollcage.

Five IMSA 962s were constructed for the 1984 season. Work was under way on a larger engine, but in the meantime the 934 derived 2.8 litre engine was used. In its first season the Holbert and Bell driven 962 scored four IMSA victories, a sign of things to come. For 1985 a 3.2 litre was available and the 962's stronghold on the IMSA GTP series was complete. Up until 1993 the 962 was successful in the IMSA GTP series, the 962's roll of honour includes 5 victorious in the gruelling Daytona 24 Hours race.

For the 1985 WEC (World Endurance Championship) the works team fielded a new car, the 962C. It was similar to the IMSA 962, but it featured the twin Turbo charged engine found in the 956. In the hands of talented drivers like Bell, Ickx and Stuck, the 962C dominated that year's championship. At Le Mans the 962Cs showed blistering pace in qualifying, but in the race they were outrun by the Joest entered 956, which scored the 956's fourth consecutive victory.

Page 1 of 2 Next >>

  Article Image gallery (747) Chassis (25) Specifications User Comments (9)