Microsoft Corp. co‑founder Bill Gates waited 13 years and paid roughly $133,000 in storage penalties to reclaim the Porsche 959 he bought in 1988, a car U.S. customs impounded because it failed to meet federal safety and emissions rules.
What Happened: The twin‑turbo, 200‑mph supercar was then the fastest street‑legal production vehicle in the world, one of just 292 built. According to a 2023 report by Dupoint Registry, when the silver "Komfort" coupe arrived at the Port of Seattle, Customs officials refused entry because the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Environmental Protection Agency had never crash‑tested or certified the model.
