Broad Arrow’s 75th Anniversary Porsche auction, scheduled for June 10, is drawing some spectacular consignments into the market. The most recent is the ex-Bob Akin 1984 Porsche 962, done up in vintage Coca-Cola livery.
This car is s/n 962 102 — the second customer 962 delivered. It was ordered by Akin as soon as the 962 project was announced, as he understood that the nature of the 962 would make it dominant when it hit the track. He’d just taken second at the 1983 Sebring 12 Hours in a Porsche 935, and running the new GTP car would ensure he’d have an edge.
Akin’s racing team paired up with Mike Valentine to buy this car — Valentine Racing owned it, but Akin would run it. After its competition days were over, it would return to Valentine. Coca-Cola came on as a sponsor, and Akin was joined by racers John O’Steen and Jim Mullen for the 1984 season.
One year later, this car saw some success on the track, and the team was joined by Hans-Joachim Stuck. The team took fourth in the Daytona 24 Hours, as well as setting the pole at the 12 Hours of Sebring and setting a new track record there as well — although the car retired from the race in just 66 laps.
In the later 1980s, Penske acquired the car and used it as a show car in Miller High Life livery. In 2005, Penske sold the car, and Gunnar Racing was commissioned to bring it back to its original Coca-Cola colors. The restoration took two years, and since the car only saw limited racing in period, it’s now among the most original 962s around.
The car has run regularly in the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, has taken part in three Rennsport Reunions and was featured in the 21st Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. It’s on the button and ready for more track time or concours display.
The estimate on the car is $1,000,000 to $1,300,000.
“The ex-Bob Akin 1984 Porsche 962 is a car I have known virtually my entire adult life,” says Ray Shaffer, Car Specialist and Brand Ambassador for Broad Arrow. “It represents a hugely significant piece of Porsche Motorsports history and its inclusion as one of the highlight lots in this 75th Anniversary auction is truly fitting and appropriate.”
Broad Arrow’s 75th Anniversary Auction at the Porsche Experience Center in Atlanta takes place on June 10. Learn more here.
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