The 935 was the version of the 930 (better known as the 911 Turbo) intended for Group 5 racing (hence the name: 930 + 5). The regulations for group 5 racing were less strict than for group 4 (in which the Porsche 934 competed) and allowed major changes to the front and rear bodywork, and the addition of a huge rear wing. Whereas the 934 looks the same as the roadgoing 911 Turbo, the 935 has cut down front wings with the headlights located low down in the front spoiler/oil cooler assembly. It also has much wider rear wings with additional engine air intakes located ahead of the rear wheels. Vent slots cut into the tops of the front wings allowed air to escape from under the front of the car aiding downforce, another benefit allowed by the changes to the front wings. A large rear spoiler and a lift out (as opposed to hinged) front bonnet completed the changes. These alterations greatly improved the aerodynamics of the standard 911 and allowed the 935 to be a seriously fast race car. In fact, a later version of the 935 won LeMans outright in 1979, with another 935 taking second place in the same race co-driven by actor Paul Newman!
This particular 935 is the 1976 Group 5 World Sportscar Championship winner, as driven by Jacky Ickx and Jochen Mass. They won races at Mugello, Vallelunga and Dijon to clinch the championship. In fact, when they didn't win then their team-mates usually did, so dominant was the 935 in Group 5 racing.
Exoto make this superb model of this great car. Like their 934 models (of which I have three, the No.24 934 RSR in Jaegermeister livery, Vasek Polak's 1976 TransAm 934, and Al Holbert's 1976 TransAm car) it remains one of the best 1:18th scale Porsche models available. As Exoto first introduced their 934/935 line in 1999, the fact that they are still considered first rate models in 2004 is testament to the high quality of Exoto's 1:18th line up. All four wheels can be removed (by undoing the centrelock wheel nut) to reveal finely detailed brakes. The flat six turbocharged engine looks great as does the surrounding rear suspension detail. The stark race car interior is realistic, and like the 934 there is a large silver turbo boost adjustment knob on the dashboard (the theory behind this was that the driver could limit the boost for much of the race to improve his fuel efficiency and thereby go further between stops, and when needed for overtaking or when defending position on the track, the boost could be wound up to maximum to give as much power as possible). In fact, the interior is more stark than the 934s, as it did not have to have a passenger seat (which was required for Group 4 cars) and the door trim was allowed to be removed (which was not allowed in Group 4 hence the 934 even had electric windows as on the roadgoing 911/930 Turbo!).
This 935 is another great model from Exoto, being an extremely well made and finely detailed 1:18th model of a superb race car.
83.75%
