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Porsche's illustrious connection with the 24 Hours of Le Mans reaches its zenith through the achievements of the Group C era, prominently featuring the groundbreaking 956 and 962 models. The introduction of the 956 represented a pivotal moment for Porsche, departing from the traditional tubular chassis to embrace an aluminum monocoque. Accompanied by a twin-turbocharged 2.65-liter six-cylinder engine, the 956 harnessed ground-effect aerodynamics, generating substantial downforce. Noteworthy was its adaptability, featuring a distinctive long-tail configuration tailored for the demands of Le Mans, and a short-tail "Sprint" setup for regular circuits. This design versatility proved instrumental in the vehicle's success, contributing to five consecutive World Sportscar Championships, an unparalleled achievement.
Chassis 004, a distinguished Works 962, entered the Le Mans stage in 1985, adorned in the iconic Rothmans livery. Piloted by John Watson, Vern Schuppan, and Al Holbert, it showcased exceptional performance, sustaining second place for over 12 hours until a crankshaft failure halted its progress after 21 hours. Undeterred, chassis 004 transitioned into the 1985 World Sportscar Championship, making notable appearances at Hockenheim, Mosport, and Spa-Francorchamps.
In the following 1986 season, chassis 004 underwent evolution to the 962, adapting to IMSA regulations. Notably, its long-wheelbase setup allowed pedals to move behind the front axle center line, enhancing mechanical efficiency. The 962 maintained structural similarities with its 956 predecessor, solidifying its competitive edge.
The 1986 24 Hours of Le Mans saw chassis 004, now sporting the number "No. 2," led by drivers Jochen Mass, Bob Wollek, and Vern Schuppan. The vehicle's acutely honed aerodynamics, especially in its long-tail configuration, played a crucial role as the trio contended for the lead. Despite encountering an oil spill at 3:04 am, leading to a mistimed departure from the track and subsequent retirement, the vehicle showcased its technical prowess.
Acquired by Joest Racing in April 1987, chassis 004 continued to shine. The twin-turbocharged 2.65-liter six-cylinder engine, a hallmark of Porsche's endurance racing success, remained a force on the racing scene. With Joest Racing, the vehicle secured a notable 2nd-place finish at the 1987 1000 Kilometres of Nürburgring, exemplifying its enduring competitiveness.
The pinnacle of chassis 004's Le Mans journey occurred in 1988, draped in Blaupunkt colors. With drivers David Hobbs, Didier Theys, and Franz Konrad, it navigated the race flawlessly, finishing 5th overall, surpassing the second factory Shell Dunlop 962.
Beyond its racing achievements, chassis 004 became a focal point at major events, chosen by Valentino Rossi at the 2015 Goodwood Festival of Speed and showcased at Goodwood and the Silverstone Classic in 2022 alongside legends Derek Bell and John Watson. A meticulous restoration in 2018 by marque expert Trevor Crisp attests to the vehicle's enduring legacy, combining technical innovation, aerodynamic precision, and a storied racing history.
