How Bill Gates Waited 13 Years and Paid $133,000 in Fines for the Legendary Porsche 959

Bill Gates and His Unwavering Passion for Porsche

When it comes to car collecting, few stories are as captivating as Bill Gates’ determined quest to own one of the rarest and most technologically advanced sports cars in automotive history—the Porsche 959. Renowned for his affinity for Porsche vehicles, Gates is not only a tech visionary but also a true car enthusiast who prefers to be behind the wheel himself.

The Arrival of a Legend: Porsche 959 Komfort

Back in 1988, at a time when the Porsche 959 was the undisputed king of performance cars, Bill Gates acquired his own 959 Komfort. This model was a marvel of automotive engineering, boasting a cutting-edge 2.85-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six engine, delivering up to 450 horsepower, and an electronically adjustable suspension system that set new benchmarks for both comfort and handling. The all-wheel drive system and advanced aerodynamics contributed to the Porsche 959 becoming the world’s fastest street-legal production car of its era.

Exclusivity and Rarity

With only 337 units ever produced, the Porsche 959 was an ultra-exclusive supercar from the moment it debuted. Its scarcity and ingenuity fueled the imagination of collectors worldwide, making it irresistibly attractive to passionate enthusiasts like Gates.

The American Roadblock: Emissions and Safety Regulations

Despite its many accolades, the Porsche 959 faced a brick wall in the US market due to stringent emissions rules enforced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and safety requirements set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The 959 did not meet these federal standards, resulting in most units being barred from import or destroyed upon arrival at US ports.

A Pricey Detour: Years in Impound and Daily Fines

Gates’ dream machine was impounded at the Port of Seattle, where US Customs refused to destroy but also would not release the vehicle. The solution? Gates was required to pay a $28 fine for each day his Porsche remained in storage—a penalty he endured for an astonishing 13 years, ultimately amounting to more than $133,000. This cost was over half of the car’s original price tag of $225,000, but the determined tech mogul never gave up hope.

The Turning Point: Show and Display Rule

Relief finally came in 1999 with the introduction of the federal “Show and Display” law. This new provision allowed cars deemed historically or technologically significant, but non-compliant with US safety and emissions standards, to be legally imported—provided they were only used for limited purposes. Under these regulations, eligible vehicles could be driven up to 2,500 miles per year, mainly for exhibitions and collectors’ events.

The Ultimate Return and Enduring Legacy

With the law in place, Bill Gates was able to reclaim his cherished Porsche 959 by 2001. Today, the Porsche 959 stands as an icon among classic supercars, sought after by collectors and automotive investors. While Gates paid a steep price of patience and fines, his perseverance paved the way for car enthusiasts to legally import unique and iconic cars. Modern market values reflect the 959’s status, with pristine examples fetching up to $1.5 million or more at auction.

Porsche 959: A Benchmark in Supercar History

The Porsche 959’s legacy is defined by its pioneering technology, rarity, and unmatched driving experience. Comparisons with other supercars, even decades later, often cite the 959’s innovative all-wheel-drive system and turbocharged performance as game-changing influences on the industry. For those passionate about automotive excellence, the story of Bill Gates and his Porsche 959 is a striking example of what true car passion looks like.