The latest issue of Octane is now on sale, led by a major feature marking 40 years of the Porsche 959 – the technologically ambitious supercar that redefined high-performance road cars in the 1980s and remains one of the most influential Porsches ever built.
Issue 277 explores how the 959 combined all-wheel drive, twin-turbocharging and advanced electronics into a package that could dominate the Paris-Dakar Rally before becoming one of the defining road-going supercars of its era. The feature examines both its engineering significance and its growing reputation as a blue-chip collector car.
Elsewhere, Peter Tomalin drives the Aston Martin One-77, revisiting the naturally aspirated V12 hypercar that briefly stood among the fastest and most exclusive production cars in the world. The issue also includes a detailed look at a rare Siata 208CS Balbo – one of the most storied surviving examples of the ultra-low-volume Italian exotic.
Modern engineering meets pre-war ingenuity in a feature exploring Audi’s latest Auto Union Lucca recreation project, while another story follows an 18-year-old Australian enthusiast undertaking a concours-standard restoration of an Austin ‘Ute’. The issue also delves into the curious history of the Dodge La Femme – Detroit’s short-lived attempt to market a car specifically towards female buyers during the 1950s.
This month’s Octane Interview features former Jaguar Formula 1 boss Tony Purnell, offering insight into his career across motorsport and automotive engineering. Beyond the main features, the issue includes all the usual auction analysis, buying guide, event coverage and market insight, alongside regular columns from Jay Leno, Derek Bell, Stephen Bayley and Robert Coucher.
Octane Issue 277 is on sale now in print and digital formats. Single issues are available via the Octane store, as well as all major newsstands. Don’t want to miss an issue? Subscribe here.
