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| Porsche 935 | |
|---|---|
| Name | Porsche 935 |
| Manufacturer | Porsche |
| Production | 1976–1981 |
| Class | Racing car |
| Body style | Coupé |
| Layout | Rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive |
| Engine | 3.0–3.2 L flat-six turbocharged |
| Transmission | 4-speed/5-speed manual |
| Designer | Norbert Singer |
Porsche 935
The Porsche 935 was a race car developed by Porsche in the mid-1970s to compete in FIA Group 5 regulations and endurance events such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 24 Hours of Daytona. Built from the Porsche 911 lineage, the 935 combined turbocharged flat-six engine development with aerodynamic experimentation that influenced later motorsport prototypes and factory racing programs. The 935 achieved multiple major victories and became a symbol of privateer and factory collaboration across World Sportscar Championship, IMSA and national series.
The 935 originated from Porsche's response to the FIA reclassification embodied in the Group 5 (FIA) rules and the success of the Porsche 911 Carrera RSR. Engine and chassis work drew on programs run by Porsche AG engineering, led by figures associated with projects such as the 917 and the 904 GTS-R. Development took place amid competition from manufacturers including Ferrari, Ford, BMW, Alfa Romeo, and Renault, and paralleled endurance efforts in events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Petit Le Mans, and the 24 Hours of Spa. Influential engineers and racing directors from teams like Porsche Motorsport and private teams including Kremer Racing, Ludwig Racing, and Brun Motorsport shaped homologation and testing programs at circuits such as Nürburgring, Circuit de la Sarthe, Spa-Francorchamps, and Sebring International Raceway.
The 935 retained the rear-engine layout derived from the Porsche 911 platform but featured a purpose-built tubular chassis and reinforced bodywork prepared to meet FIA homologation. Aerodynamic work included extended front spoilers, slotted fenders, and a large rear wing developed through wind tunnel testing at facilities used by Daimler and other constructors. The powertrain was a turbocharged flat-six displacing roughly 3.0–3.2 litres, utilizing Garrett-style turbochargers like those used by contemporary teams at 24 Hours of Daytona and controlled by fuel management development similar to systems seen in Motul-supported entries. Transmissions were robust 4-speed or 5-speed dogbox units adapted from endurance prototypes; suspension geometry took cues from programs at FIA World Endurance Championship level. Braking systems used ventilated discs and calipers comparable to components developed by Brembo and suppliers frequented by World Sportscar Championship entrants. Cooling, oil scavenging, and weight distribution were optimized for races at venues including Le Mans, Mosport, and Brands Hatch.
The 935 debuted with competition entries in European and North American endurance calendars, scoring early class and overall successes that included victories at 24 Hours of Daytona, the 24 Hours of Spa, and rounds of the World Sportscar Championship. Factory-backed and privateer-run 935s contested seasons against rivals fielded by Ferrari, BMW Motorsport, JW Automotive Engineering, and Zakspeed, achieving landmark wins that cemented Porsche's reputation in endurance racing. Notable team triumphs occurred at the 24 Hours of Le Mans where specially prepared 935 variants and independent outfits such as Kremer Racing and Gelo Racing took class honors and overall podiums. The model also figured in championships like the IMSA GT Championship and the Deutsche Rennsport Meisterschaft where drivers from series across Europe and North America campaigned the car successfully.
Throughout its life the 935 was developed into multiple series including factory prototypes and customer evolutions. Key iterations included widebody and "slant nose" derivatives influenced by coachbuilders and racing departments similar to Pininfarina and workshops used by Martini Racing. Teams such as Kremer Racing produced tuned versions, while other shops created aerodynamic packages for circuits like Monza and Hockenheimring. Evolutions addressed power delivery, boost control, and chassis stiffness, paralleling development philosophies seen in programs run by Team Penske, Rothmans Porsche, Brumos Racing, and Rothmans International. Each variant adapted to rule changes and specific series requirements from FIA and IMSA.
The 935 was piloted by prominent drivers associated with endurance and sports car competition, many of whom had careers spanning Formula One, touring car, and prototype racing. Drivers who campaigned 935s included veterans and champions linked to teams like Porsche Motorsport, Kremer Racing, Brun Motorsport, Jürgen Barth, Derek Bell, Hans-Joachim Stuck, Jacky Ickx, Bob Wollek, Rolf Stommelen, Reinhold Joest, Hurley Haywood, Walter Röhrl, Dieter Quester, Jochen Mass, Manfred Schurti, and Eje Elgh. Teams such as Gelo Racing, Ludwig Racing, Zakspeed, and Brumos Racing provided factory and privateer support at events across the World Sportscar Championship, IMSA GT Championship, and national series.
The Porsche 935 left a lasting legacy influencing later Porsche projects including the 911 Turbo (930), subsequent Porsche 956 and Porsche 962 prototypes, and the broader approach to turbocharging and aerodynamics in endurance racing. Its success bolstered Porsche's image in motorsport marketing campaigns and inspired collector enthusiasm manifested in competitions like historic events at Goodwood Festival of Speed and Le Mans Classic. The 935's technical solutions informed practices in vehicle development used by manufacturers such as BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and Nissan as they pursued turbocharged endurance platforms. Museums and private collections such as Porsche Museum maintain examples, while restorers and historic teams preserve the car's competitive heritage at meetings organized by groups like FIA Masters Historic Sports Car Championship and Historic Sports Car Club.
Category:Porsche racing cars