1977 Porsche 934/5
1977 Porsche 934/5
Brand
Porsche
Year
1977
Country
Germany
Generation
Porsche 930 I (G-Modell Turbo)
1977 Porsche 934/5
Brand
Porsche
Year
1977
Country
Germany
Generation
Porsche 930 I (G-Modell Turbo)
About this car
Discover the history
The 1977 Porsche 934/5 was a hybrid marvel that combined the features of both the 934 and the 935. It emerged from Porsche’s desire to dominate in racing categories that were becoming increasingly competitive, especially within the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) and the SCCA Trans-Am Series. With only 10 examples ever made, this vehicle stands out not just for its rarity but also for its unique design and impressive performance in a brief but noteworthy racing history.
Technically, the 934/5 retained much of the foundation from the Porsche 934 but borrowed heavily from the more advanced Porsche 935. The chassis and engine came from the 934, while the wider tires, massive rear wing, and other aerodynamic tweaks were inspired by the 935. This blend resulted in a car that was both lightweight and powerful. Its three-liter, air-cooled flat-six engine, equipped with a single KKK turbocharger, produced around 590 horsepower. This power output was higher than that of the 934, pushing the 934/5 into the realm of serious racing contenders. The car could reach 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds, and its top speed approached 178 mph. It had enhanced handling due to its reduced weight, and combined with its monstrous torque, it posed a significant challenge to its competitors.
The 934/5 was intended for IMSA’s Group 4 regulations, but due to its hybrid nature and extreme modifications, it was banned from IMSA competition before it had a chance to compete there. This forced teams like Peter Gregg’s Brumos Racing to pivot and enter the car in the SCCA Trans-Am Series instead. Despite these setbacks, the Porsche 934/5 excelled in the Trans-Am, winning six out of eight races in the 1977 season. Gregg himself drove the car to clinch the championship, though his title was later stripped due to a protest lodged by Canadian driver Ludwig Heimrath, who claimed that Gregg’s car was overly modified. Heimrath was eventually awarded the title, but the 934/5’s performance could not be denied.
The car also participated in a handful of other significant races, including the Nürburgring 1000 km and the Australian Sports Car Championship, where it earned wins and podiums. Its versatility and raw power made it a tough competitor in both endurance and sprint racing formats. Drivers like Hurley Haywood and Ludwig Heimrath also took the 934/5 to various podium finishes in different series, further solidifying its reputation.
Despite its relatively short-lived presence on the racing scene due to regulatory challenges, the Porsche 934/5 is remembered for its blend of innovative engineering and raw performance. The rarity of the model has also made it a sought-after collector’s item, with some cars fetching over a million dollars at auctions. Over the years, many of the original 934/5s were upgraded to 935 specifications or restored to their original configurations, maintaining their status as one of Porsche’s most iconic and rarest racing cars from the 1970s.
The Porsche 934/5 remains a symbol of engineering prowess and adaptability, a bridge between two of Porsche’s most successful racing models that made a significant mark in racing history despite its regulatory hurdles. Its blend of lightweight construction, turbocharged power, and remarkable speed for its time made it a force to be reckoned with on the track.
