The story of chassis number 022, now up for auction, adds another layer of intrigue to this already fascinating and historied vehicle. It was initially acquired by Nissan Motor Company for reverse engineering Porsche’s advanced all-wheel drive system, serving as a benchmark that would inform the development of Nissan’s own ATTESA ET-S system, famously utilized in the R32 GT-R. Curiously, this car was never registered or titled but kept instead as a piece of automotive research history in Japan until it arrived in the U.S.

Under the meticulous care of Canepa, chassis 022 was transformed into the 959 SC (Sport Canepa), a process that involved over 4,000 hours of restoration and a total cost of $950,000. Every aspect of the car was reconditioned or re-engineered, from the paintwork and interior to the mechanical components. The result is a car that pays homage to its original design but also propels it into the modern era with over 800 hp and a top speed exceeding 230 mph.