Rare Derek Bell Porsche 962 for sale

You might think Audi invented Le Mans, what with Ingolstadt's utter domination of the race since 2000, but it's actually Porsche that stands on top of the pile. It's won at La Sarthe 16 times.

Here are some more stats. Twice, Porsche won at Le Mans with the legendary 962, one of the finest, hardest and most symbolic prototypes to have ever been raced. And driving it was none other than friend of TG Derek Bell, who, incidentally, has won at Le Mans five times, four of those with Porsche. He sits third in overall Le Mans victories behind Jacky Ickx and Tom Kristensen.

So it's a very good day indeed when a car bearing his signature comes up for sale. Specifically, a road-going Porsche 962 bearing his inscription. This, Internet, is a very special, very rare and very desirable Porsche 962 that's technically a ‘one-off'.

Of course, there are a few converted-for-the-road Porsche 962s, but this particular one was supposed to kick-start a run of Derek Bell limited editions. Only this one exists, and it's quite a bit of kit.

It's being offered up for sale by Specialist Cars of Malton, who told TopGear.com they picked it up from a ‘serial collector'. It was apparently built by the ex head of Sauber's Formula One team at a cost of around £1.3m, featuring an aluminium Fabcar monocoque and an integral rollcage. There's no confirmation, but the Dyson Racing IMSA team in the US were the original intended recipients.

Still, it's been fitted with a Porsche 911 GT3 engine (from the 993 generation), replacing the standard 962's 2.8-litre unit. In went the twin-turbo 3.6-litre from the GT3, producing some 580bhp and a whopping 546lb ft of torque. Consider that it weighs just 830kg, and you've got quite a lairy package.

There's Koni adjustable suspension together with an adjustable ride height underneath, as well as huge 350mm floating Brembo brakes with adjustable bias. Inside, there's a pair of leather buckets, harnesses, a removable steering wheel, air-condition for those sweaty-buttocked oversteer moments, and even an intercom between driver and passenger. Its even got parking sensors!

And, of course, it's got Derek Bell's signature on it. Derek ‘five-times-winner-at-Le-Mans-and-three-times-winner-at-Daytona-24-and-two-times-winner-of-the-world-sportscar-championship' Bell. Find £324,995. Click the link. Buy it.

Click here to view the Porsche 962 for sale