The Porsche 956 Group C: 40 Years After Its First Win At Le Mans

There are many legendary Porsche racing cars that command respect for their legacy, their series of wins in a season, or their pure technological advancement. The Porsche 917LH and the Porsche 917K come immediately to mind, as well as the 935/78 “Moby Dick” (for having one of the craziest whale tail wings ever fitted to a 911).

There are few cars, however, that command as much fear in balance with respect as the 956. Built to conquer the new Group C class introduced in 1981 by the FIA, the 956 was years ahead of its time—a technological and engineering marvel that was capable of breakneck acceleration, had a top speed in the stratosphere, and boasted one of the most powerful yet fuel-efficient engines ever made by Porsche.