1979 Porsche 935

OVERVIEW

View high resolution photos

Two 1st place finishes with a total of 15 podiums
First of the Joest Porsche 935s
Driven by Reinhold Joest, Rolf Stommelen, Volkert Merl, Jochen Mass
Owned by former F1-czar Bernie Ecclestone
Chassis never damaged or modified, remains as raced by Joest
Major top-end rebuild on engine performed recently with 3 hours on engine
3.2-liter twin turbocharged flat six engine

When Porsche announced that they would be ending factory support for the 935 at the beginning of 1979, there was a collective sigh among competitors who had finally waited for the extremely dominant 935 to stop being produced. While the factory wouldn't be building new cars, Porsche would keep supplying new parts and a few independent teams, with Porsche's blessing, were keen to build modified 935s and to breathe new life into the platform. Joest Racing was one of those who continued to develop and advance the 935 to levels beyond what Porsche might have even considered possible in the first place. This car, 009 0001, is the first Joest Porsche 935 ever built.

Of the complete Porsche 935 body-shells that were made available by Porsche, Joest Racing was the first to receive one. Modifications included turning the rear of the Porsche tub into a tubular space frame, allowing better suspension mounting and was much lighter. Porsche ran a special type of bodywork on the "Baby" Porsche 935 2.0, with Joest being the only team that was supplied and allowed to use these factory-specific panels. Special aerodynamic tuning was done to eke out every conceivable extra bit of downforce while reducing drag, originally lead by Norbert Singer during development. Some of the most notable differences include the front fenders with the raised channels to guide air down the car to the rear inlets near the rear window to aid the intercoolers. The factory air-to-water intercoolers were replaced with a more efficient air-to-air version, with proven race application through Joest's own racecars. Joest's racing and design acumen would lead 009 0001 to two 1st place finishes with 15 podiums during its racing career.

After finishing the 1981 season, this 935 was retired from active racing duty. The car was then purchased by Swiss collector Albert Obrist, who would then sell the 935 to former F1-czar Bernie Ecclestone. Canepa would purchase the car in early 2006 and performed a major race preparation on the car including brakes, fuel system, fuel injection pump, shock absorbers and chassis setup. The 935 was subsequently purchased by Jamie Mazzotta who would own the car until sold to its most recent owner.

The LiquiMoly Porsche 935J would return to Canepa in October 2018 with a fresh rebuild of the top-end components of its engine. Inspected from back to front, the original Joest chassis was in the same condition as it arrived at Canepa the very first time 12 years earlier. Employing the "Canepa Difference" process, the car was cleaned by hand ensuring that every inch of the car was spotless. Its mechanical inspection resulted in a clean bill of health and is an excellent example of an iconic and historic 935.

This Porsche 935J, the first chassis constructed by Joest, represents an incredible piece of automotive history. Its impressive provenance, proven race history, excellent condition and ownership history is compounded by that this 935J is a product of a proven race team that to this day remains in the limelight. With its significant performance tuned to perfection with more power available at the turn of the boost knob, this incredibly authentic Group 5 racer is at home at any vintage historic racing weekend or part of an exquisite private collection.

Racing History

1978

1.10.1978 DRM Nürburgring Reinhold Jöest 4th

1979

11.3.1979 DRM Zolder Rolf Stommelen 2nd
8.4.1979 DRM Hockenheim Rolf Stommelen 4th
29.4.1979 DRM Nürburgring Rolf Stommelen 3rd
20.5.1979 DRM Salzburgring Rolf Stommelen 5th
17.6.1979 DRM Mainz-Finthen Rolf Stommelen 2nd
24.6.1979 DRM Norisring Rolf Stommelen 14th
24.6.1979 Norisring Trophäe Rolf Stommelen 1st
1.7.1979 DRM Zandvoort Rolf Stommelen 13th
22.7.1979 DRM Diepholz Rolf Stommelen 3rd
19.8.1979 DRM Zolder Rolf Stommelen 5th
26.8.1979 Ulm [Gr.5 +2.0] Reinhold Jöest 5th
2.9.1979 DRM Hockenheim Rolf Stommelen 8th
23.9.1979 DRM Nürburgring Rolf Stommelen DNF

1980

23.3.1980 DRM Zolder Volkert Merl DNS
30.3.1980 DRM Nürburgring Volkert Merl 1st
13.4.1980 DRM Hockenheim Volkert Merl 3rd
27.4.1980 DRM Nürburgring Volkert Merl 10th
18.5.1980 DRM Mainz-Finthen Volkert Merl 2nd
1.6.1980 DRM Spa Volkert Merl 5th
22.6.1980 DRM Norisring Volkert Merl 2nd
13.7.1980 DRM Salzburgring Volkert Merl 4th
27.7.1980 DRM Diepholz Volkert Merl 5th
24.8.1980 DRM Zolder Volkert Merl 5th
7.9.1980 DRM Hockenheim Volkert Merl 5th
21.9.1980 DRM Nürburgring Volkert Merl 3rd
28.9.1980 DRM Hockenheim Volkert Merl 2nd

1981

22.3.1981 DRM Zolder Volkert Merl 6th
29.3.1981 DRM Nürburgring Volkert Merl 4th
5.4.1981 DRM Hockenheim Volkert Merl DNF
26.4.1981 DRM Nürburgring Volkert Merl DNA
17.5.1981 DRM Mainz-Finthen Volkert Merl 3rd
28.6.1981 DRM Norisring Volkert Merl Raced
28.6.1981 Norisring Trophäe Volkert Merl DNA
1.8.1981 DRM Hockenheim Volkert Merl 4th
6.9.1981 DRM Hockenheim Volkert Merl 4th
20.9.1981 DRM Nürburgring Volkert Merl 3rd
11.10.1981 Interserie Zolder Jochen Mass 2nd
6.11.1981 9 h Kyalami Bell / DeNarvaez / Moretti 3rd