1976 Porsche 935
1976 Porsche 935
Brand
Porsche
Year
1976
Country
Germany
Generation
Porsche 930 I (G-Modell Turbo)
1976 Porsche 935
Brand
Porsche
Year
1976
Country
Germany
Generation
Porsche 930 I (G-Modell Turbo)
About this car
Discover the history
The 1976 Porsche 935 holds a special place in motorsport history as one of the most iconic race cars ever built by Porsche. Designed to compete in the FIA Group 5 regulations, which encouraged manufacturers to heavily modify production cars, the Porsche 935 was essentially an evolution of the road-going 911 Turbo (930). It quickly became a dominant force on the track, showcasing Porsche’s engineering prowess and setting the stage for future turbocharged endurance race cars.
The Porsche 935 was a powerhouse, thanks to its twin-turbocharged flat-six engine, capable of producing anywhere from 550 to 630 horsepower depending on race conditions. This engine’s performance was enhanced by cutting-edge technology like an air-to-air intercooler (later changed to air-to-water due to FIA regulations), which maximized turbo efficiency. The body underwent substantial aerodynamic modifications compared to the road-going 911, with features like a lowered stance, wide rear fenders, and a flat, sloping nose referred to as the “Flachbau” (flat nose). These changes helped the 935 achieve immense downforce and reduce drag, making it one of the fastest cars on long straights, with speeds reaching over 200 mph.
One of the critical milestones for the Porsche 935 was its debut at the 1976 World Championship for Makes, where it immediately made a mark. The Martini Racing team, led by drivers like Jacky Ickx and Jochen Mass, dominated races throughout the season. Their notable victory at the 6 Hours of Mugello solidified the 935’s status as a race-winning machine. However, despite this early success, the FIA began to impose tighter restrictions, particularly around the car’s intercooler design and fuel injection, forcing Porsche to make adjustments that briefly affected its performance. Nevertheless, by mid-season, the 935 had adapted and was once again a front-runner, as seen in victories like the Nürburgring 1000 km, where it outclassed rivals from BMW and other manufacturers.
The Porsche 935 was not only a factory-backed success but also found a thriving customer base in privateer teams. Notable teams like Kremer Racing took the 935 and developed their own versions, the K1, K2, and ultimately the K3, which won the 1979 24 Hours of Le Mans. This level of modification and success by privateers only reinforced the car’s adaptability and performance potential.
Over the years, the Porsche 935 continued to evolve, with subsequent versions such as the 935/77 and the legendary 935/78 “Moby Dick” pushing the boundaries of performance even further. The car’s endurance credentials were cemented through its repeated successes in events like the 24 Hours of Daytona, the 12 Hours of Sebring, and various European endurance races. Even though it faced mechanical setbacks at times, like engine failures during key races, its overall performance and wins more than compensated for those losses.
Ultimately, the 1976 Porsche 935’s blend of raw power, cutting-edge technology, and relentless development made it a dominant force in international motorsport during the late 1970s. Its legacy lives on in the realm of classic endurance racing, where surviving examples still compete in historic motorsport events, reminding fans of its revolutionary role in racing history.
