Porsche celebrates its past with the 935
Last year Porsche reinvented their famous 935 racing car. After unveiling it in the legendary Martini colours, a tribute their ‘Moby Dick’ racer, they’ve now decided to release another seven livery designs based on famous Porsche racing cars from days gone by. These will all be available to the lucky owners of the limited edition track focussed cars, of which just 77 will be produced.
Porsche worked together with Grant Larson to develop seven eye-catching designs which include a couple of legendary 917 liveries, the Porsche Salzburg Team and the Gulf Racing Team.
In 1970, the Salzburg Team shocked the world, as the small closely knit team from Austria won the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Porsche’s first victory at the blue ribbon event. From the same period John Wyer, with support from Gulf Oil, secured victory for Porsche with the 917 in the 1970 and 1971 World Sportscar Championship. The Gulf 917s were also Hollywood stars thanks to Steve McQueen and his film Le Mans (1971).
Team Kremer Racing feature in not one but three of the designs. John Player Special (JPS), Sachs and Vaillant were all run by the dominant private customer racing team from Cologne. Fans favourite, the Vaillant backed 935 was piloted by Bob Wollek who claimed victory in a baptism of fire at the Nürburgring in 1977, which brought the sponsor and heating manufacturer to international prominence.
Dick Barbour drove a the Sachs car at the 24 Hour of Le Mans together with Brian Redman and John Fitzpatrick and managed to fight their way into the lead until heavy rain put an end to their plans. However, it returned with Dick Barbour in 1980 where he drove it to victory in the 12 Hours of Sebring.
The Interscope Porsche 935 was driven by Bob Garretson and Brian Redman to victory in the 1981 24 Hours of Daytona. This sleek black look endured many more years of successful racing.
Finally the Momo Racing 935 Group 5 was raced by Gianpiero Moretti at Spa, Watkins Glen and Silverstone.