1986 Porsche 961 demo at Zandvoort 2018
Entered in the IMSA GTX class for experimental cars, the 961 was the first 4WD car to race at Le Mans in 1986. The sole IMSA GTX, the 961 scored a default class win when it finished a credible 7th overall, after problems early in the race had thrown it right down the order. Porsche hoped to sell copies of the new racer to the United States and shipped the sole 961 to Daytona for the season ending three-hour race. The track’s banking proved very destructive for the tires and the 961 finally limped home in 24th. Due to its relatively high price, Porsche failed to sell a single example. Liveried in the Works Rothmans colors, the 961 was raced at Le Mans again in 1987. An accident 17 hours into the race saw the 961’s racing career come to a very fiery end.
