1976 Porsche 935

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The genesis of 935-001 and Porsche's 935 program lies in a significant overhaul of the FIA's Group 5 category in 1976. This revision allowed extensive modifications to production-based vehicles homologated in Groups 1 through 4, leading to the creation of "special production cars" for the World Championship for Makes. Porsche seized this opportunity to refine the turbocharged 911 and compete for the Manufacturer's Championship with a highly developed works entry, resulting in the birth of the 935.

Development of the Type 935 began in late 1975, with 935-001 being the first built and the first Porsche to carry a 930-prefix chassis number. It made its debut at the Paul Ricard Circuit in December of that year. The 935 featured radical fiberglass bodywork, coil-spring suspension, massive rear tires, and a turbocharged flat-six engine, boasting around 590 bhp, with bursts up to 630 bhp.

935-001 played a crucial role in testing and development, contributing to the factory effort alongside its counterpart, 935-002. Despite initial reliability issues, 935-001 was brought into service late in the 1976 season to secure the Group 5 Championship, notably winning its debut race at the Six Hours of Watkins Glen and contributing to Porsche's championship victory.

After its racing career, 935-001 passed through several owners, including Vasek Polak, who acquired it along with other significant Porsche racing cars and a remarkable collection of spare parts. Polak campaigned 935-001 in several IMSA races during the 1979 season with Hurley Haywood behind the wheel. When the Polak collection was eventually sold in the late 1990s, Kevin Jeanette acquired 935-001, and it joined an exceptional stable of racing Porsches. Subsequently, John Kotts of Houston, Texas, acquired the car, known for his passion for important competition cars.

In July 2009, after a lengthy pursuit, Matthew Drendel was finally able to acquire 935-001. Due to its status as a factory team car and its unique place in Porsche history, the 935/76 was always considered a centerpiece of the Drendel Family Collection, and its close relationship to R9 - the 1974 Martini & Rossi Carrera Turbo 2.14 - speaks to the earliest days of turbocharged racing cars.

Since acquiring 935-001 in 2012, the current owner commissioned a full multi-year restoration by Cavaglieri Restorations, with the engine built by Ed Pink Racing Engines. It was unveiled at the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance in 2018, where it won the Phil Hill / PPG award for Best Sports / Race Car Restoration. Furthermore, Porsche displayed it in conjunction with the unveiling of the new 2019 935 at the 2018 Rennsport Reunion VI at Laguna Seca Raceway.

935-001 retains several important distinctions, including being the first 935 built, the only ex-works 935/76 in private ownership, and its racing achievements contributing to Porsche's reputation for technical innovation. Today, the Porsche 935 holds legendary status in motorsport history.

Car Highlights 

• The first 935 built

• Factory Prototype Used for Testing and Development Work

• First overall at 1976 Watkins Glen 6 Hours

• Third overall at 1976 Dijon 6 Hours

• Driven by Rolf Stommelen and Manfred Schurti

• An Integral Component of Porsche's 1976 Group 5 Championship

• The Only Works 935/76 in Private Ownership

• Ownership history: Porsche AG (Martini Racing factory team car), Vasek Polak Porsche (purchased circa 1977), Kevin Jeanette (1997), John Kott (1999), Matt Drendel (2009), Current Owner (2012)

• Additional racing history under Vasek Polak's ownership in 1979 / driven by Hurley Haywood

• Fully restored by Cavaglieri Restorations

• Engine built by Ed Pink Racing Engines

• Unveiled at the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance in 2018, winning the Phil Hill / PPG award for Best Sports / Race Car Restoration.

• Displayed by Porsche in conjunction with the unveiling of the new 2019 935 at the 2018 Rennsport Reunion VI at Laguna Seca Raceway.

Racing Highlights

• 1976 Watkins Glen 6 Hours / 1st place overall / Race Livery No. 4

• 1976 Dijon 6 Hours / 3rd place overall / Race Livery No. 3

• 1976 24 Hours of Le Mans Pre-Race Testing / Race Livery No. 40

• 1979 Portland 100 / 2nd place overall / Race Livery No. 7

• 1979 Sears Point 100 / 3rd place overall / Race Livery No. 7

Technical Specs

• 2,875 CC SOHC Flat 6-Cylinder Engine Bosch Mechanical Fuel Injection

• Single KKK Turbocharger

• Estimated 590 BHP at 7,800 RPM 4-Speed Manual Gearbox

• 4-Wheel Drilled and Ventilated Disc Brakes

• Independent MacPherson Strut Front Suspension with Coil-Over Shock Absorbers and Anti-Roll Bar

• Independent Double Wishbone Rear Suspension with Semi-Trailing Arms, Coil-Over Shock Absorbers and Anti-Roll Bar

Inquire via CabiglioGarage@gmail.com