Porsche 935

The Porsche 935: The Dominant Turbocharged Titan of the Tracks

The Porsche 935 is one of the most successful and iconic race cars in Porsche’s storied motorsport history. Developed in the mid-1970s, the 935 was a turbocharged powerhouse that dominated endurance racing and established Porsche as the team to beat. Known for its distinctive wide-body design, massive rear wing, and relentless speed, the 935 not only showcased Porsche’s engineering prowess but also became a symbol of the turbo era in motorsport. Its numerous victories and innovative design have ensured the Porsche 935’s place as a legend of the racetrack.

Origins and Development

The Porsche 935 was developed to compete in the FIA Group 5 "Special Production" class, which allowed significant modifications to production-based cars. Based on the Porsche 911 Turbo (930), the 935 was introduced in 1976 as Porsche’s weapon of choice for international endurance racing. Under the guidance of Norbert Singer, Porsche’s engineers took the 911 Turbo platform and transformed it into a formidable race car.

At the heart of the 935 was a 3.0-liter turbocharged flat-six engine, initially producing around 560 horsepower. As development continued, Porsche refined the engine, increasing its displacement and power output, with later versions pushing out over 800 horsepower. The use of turbocharging gave the 935 incredible straight-line speed, and the car’s lightweight construction and aerodynamic bodywork allowed it to handle corners with precision.

The 935 featured extensive modifications to the bodywork, including widened fenders, an aggressive front spoiler, and a massive rear wing. These aerodynamic changes improved downforce and high-speed stability, while the use of fiberglass and aluminum panels kept the car’s weight to a minimum.

Racing Success

From its debut in 1976, the Porsche 935 quickly established itself as the car to beat in endurance racing. In its first year, the 935 secured the World Championship for Makes, winning major races such as the 6 Hours of Watkins Glen and the 1000 km of Mugello. The car’s reliability, speed, and adaptability made it a favorite among both factory and privateer teams.

The following year, in 1977, the 935 achieved even greater success. Porsche introduced the 935/77, which featured improved aerodynamics and a more powerful engine. The car dominated the 24 Hours of Daytona, the 12 Hours of Sebring, and various European endurance races. The highlight of the 1977 season came when Jacky Ickx and Jochen Mass piloted a 935 to victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the Group 5 class.

In 1978, Porsche unveiled the 935/78, affectionately known as "Moby Dick" due to its elongated body and distinctive white paint scheme. This version featured a 3.2-liter twin-turbocharged engine producing an astonishing 845 horsepower. While Moby Dick did not win Le Mans outright, it demonstrated Porsche’s commitment to pushing the limits of turbocharged performance and aerodynamics.

Throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s, the Porsche 935 continued to dominate, with privateer teams such as Kremer Racing, Joest Racing, and Dick Barbour Racing achieving numerous victories. The 935 won the 24 Hours of Le Mans overall in 1979, driven by Klaus Ludwig and the Whittington brothers, marking a historic achievement for a Group 5 car.

The 935 also enjoyed success in the IMSA GT Championship, winning titles and races across the United States. Its adaptability to different tracks and conditions made it one of the most versatile race cars of its era.

Design and Innovations

The Porsche 935 was a showcase of cutting-edge technology and innovation. Its turbocharged engine was a marvel of engineering, delivering immense power and torque. Porsche’s mastery of turbocharging in the 935 laid the groundwork for future turbocharged race and road cars.

Aerodynamics played a crucial role in the 935’s success. The wide body, low-slung nose, and massive rear wing provided the downforce needed to keep the car planted at high speeds. The 935/78 "Moby Dick" took aerodynamics to the extreme with its long-tail design, which minimized drag and maximized top speed on long straights.

The 935 also featured advanced intercooling systems to manage the heat generated by the turbocharged engine, ensuring reliability over long distances. The use of lightweight materials such as fiberglass and aluminum kept the car’s weight low, enhancing agility and performance.

Legacy of the Porsche 935

The Porsche 935’s dominance in endurance racing left a lasting legacy. It proved that turbocharged engines could be both powerful and reliable, influencing the development of future Porsche models, including the 956, 962, and the iconic 911 Turbo road cars. The 935’s success also demonstrated the importance of aerodynamics, setting new standards for race car design.

In 2018, Porsche paid tribute to the legendary 935 by unveiling a modern reinterpretation of the car based on the Porsche 911 GT2 RS. This limited-edition model captured the spirit of the original 935 while incorporating modern technology and design.

Today, the Porsche 935 is revered by collectors, enthusiasts, and historians as one of the greatest race cars ever built. Its combination of turbocharged power, innovative design, and unparalleled success on the track ensures that the 935’s legend will endure for generations to come.