Porsche's outrageous Le Mans racer
Derived from the potent Porsche 911 Type 930 Turbo, the Porsche 935 competition car enjoyed a long and immensely fruitful racing career in the hands of Porsche’s Works drivers and privateers worldwide. Of that latter group, few were as successful, and arguably none were more colourful, than the American father-and-son team of John Paul Senior and Junior.
Beginning with the 935 JLP-1 of 1978, the Pauls’ JLP Racing would construct a series of ever-more-radical 935-based racing machines, culminating in the ground-effect aerodynamics-equipped JLP-4. Following the 1979 racing season and the destruction of JLP-1, the team decided to build a new 935 from the ground up. Starting with a chassis, engine, and other components purchased from Porsche, the so-called JLP-2 was wrapped in Kremer K3 bodywork. The build incorporated everything the team had learned about the 935 so far; in addition to the proven performance-enhancing and weight-shaving efforts developed by Kremer, there was a particular focus on improving chassis rigidity, in part to help tame the car’s ferocious 3.2-litre forced-induction flat-six. Equipped with twin KKK turbochargers and a Kugelfischer fuel injection system and mated to a four-speed transaxle, this engine could produce well in excess of 740 horsepower.
Lightweight, rigid, and wickedly powerful, JLP-2 enjoyed a successful debut season, with Paul Sr. and British driver Brian Redman notching a class win and a 3rd overall at the 1980 Silverstone 6 Hours; a 9th overall and 2nd in class at the Le Mans 24 Hours followed, with Paul Sr., Paul Jr., and Guy Edwards taking stints at the wheel. Back on the other side of the Atlantic, JLP-2 remained a contender, earning 1st at the Road America 500 Miles with both Pauls sharing driving duty.
Today, this significant Porsche 935 is presented in its 1980 24 Hours of Le Mans livery, including the striking light blue and yellow JLP Racing colour scheme. It’s currently available from the RM Sotheby’s Private Sales department for $2.1m. Photos: Remi Dargegen © Courtesy of RM Sotheby's.