1986 962 IMSA GTP

The Porsche Race Car market is a finicky one, and one I don’t quite understand myself. A lot goes into the value of a race car, the drivers who raced it, the tracks it raced at, its winning record, and was it a Porsche factory entry, or privateer team. All of that provides a clear picture for cars of a similar model that raced during the same period. But the pricing between different generations of cars, can be quite surprising sometimes.

Take for example this 1986 962 IMSA GTP campaigned by Dyson Racing for the 1987 IMSA season. This car has two outright victories at both Road Atlanta and Road America and was piloted by three Le Mans champions: Vern Schuppan, Price Cobb, and Johnny Dumfries. After its racing career, it’s been in the hands of the same owner who had Bob Russo of Holbert Racing fame maintain the car for its various track outings and Rennsport Reunion runs. An excellent example of everything you’d want from a dominant ‘80s Porsche race car.

This 962 hammered at a final bid of $700,000. Right smack in the middle of pre-sale estimates and in line with the market, although on the lower side, for cars over the last few years. But what gets me is the other race car choices to be had at that price.

For example, for similar money one could have walked away from the auction with a 2007 911 GT3 RSR campaigned by Flying Lizard Motorsports which sold for $747,500 with fees. Or theres the 1976 934 Turbo RSR finished in Arrow Blue that is believed to be the first 934 to enter, and win a race. This car failed to sell at a final bid of $650,000, but is now for sale at an asking price of $740,000. Right there in the mix.

I would think that an overall race-winning prototype of the ‘80s, when 962s were still taking home Le Mans victories, would be worth way more than 911-based RSRs, from any generation. Maybe it’s the running costs? Would love to learn more from someone “in-the-know” when it comes to these fantastic cars.

Either way, congrats to the new owner, I think you got a deal even at a market correct price, as this will be a blast to pilot around the likes of Road Atlanta and Laguna Seca in the years to come.

Two things that go hand-in-hand? Porsche and watches. Every Porschephile I know is also a watch nerd. And like Porsches, watches can be enjoyed at all price points. 

On a recent visit to Pittsburgh, SML subscriber Allan S. tossed me his new Sheffield Allsport watch. Sheffield Watches is a reboot of an old dive watch brand founded in New York in the ‘50s that was synonymous with producing low-price point, quality watches. The weight of the stainless steel case felt robust, as did the feel of the screw-down crown and unidirectional bezel—definitely quality. As for price point, the Sheffield diver punches way above its weight at $108. You can’t buy more watch for the money, period. 

And that’s what Sheffield Watches’ founder Jay Turkbas set out to accomplish, reviving the brand's ethos and creating a watch synonymous with quality, technology, and affordability. Taking inspiration from his original Sheffield watch from the ’70s and his 30-plus years of experience in product development and innovation, he knocked it out of the park with a durable watch capable of exploring the depths of the ocean one day and cars & coffee the next. And all at a price point equivalent to the $13 the watch originally cost back then. Take a moment to give Sheffield Watches a look. I know you’ll be just as impressed as I am.

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