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Derek Bell Reunited with 1982 Porsche 956 – Widescreen Gallery

Submitted by on November 22, 2014

1982 Porsche 956-001

Images & Story Jayson Fong of Form & Function

The very first chassis from a very long and distinguished line of successful racing cars, Porsche 956-001 holds a very special place in the history of Porsche Racing.

Synonymous with the 956/962 is the name Derek Bell. Five time Le Mans Champion and motor racing icon, Bell drove successions of the masterpiece from this Rothmans chassis 001 to the IMSA-spec 962 in which he won his last 24hr race.

1982 Porsche 956-001

Earlier this year, Bell was reunited with the Rothmans-liveried 956-001 at the Festival of Porsche held at the iconic Brands Hatch. But how special was the 956 to Bell? He was once quoted by Evo Magazine, “What can I say about the car that set me up for life?”

A legendary car, a legendary driver, a legendary track – A very special moment indeed.

1982 Porsche 956-001

Originally built to comply with the FIA World Sportscar Championship’s new Group C regulations for 1982, the 956 was a replacement to the successful 936 which had previously competed in the Group 6 category.

Designed by Norbert Singer, the 956 was an innovative turn for Porsche as its first all-new bodied race car in over a decade and also featuring the company’s very first Aluminium monocoque with front and rear sub frames. Although powered by the same turbo flat-six of the 936 (albeit with smaller turbo’s to comply with Group C fuel regulations) the 956 was anything but similar.

1982 Porsche 956-001

The 956 would go on to be perhaps the marque’s most significant achievement in racing and definitely one of the most successful cars in endurance racing. Remarkably, the 956/962 design won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in its debut race and in its very last 12 years later.

The recipe for success in Group C endurance racing was perfected with Porsche 956/962, and it all began with chassis 001.

1982 Porsche 956-001

1982 Porsche 956-001

1982 Porsche 956-001

1982 Porsche 956-001

1982 Porsche 956-001

1982 Porsche 956-001

1982 Porsche 956-001

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