Derek Bell Reunited with 1982 Porsche 956 – Widescreen Gallery

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.

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.

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.

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.