In 1974 Porsche had introduced the 930 Turbo which would be the basis for its 1976 racing program. The Group 4 variant would be known as the '934', while the Group 5 variant would be known as the '935'.
The 935 Turbo began life very much like the 930 Turbo from which it was derived; the prototype chassis bearing the traditional Porsche body shape. The new Group 5 rules for 1976, however, stated '...the material and shape of the [fenders] is free'. This allowed Porsche to cut down the headlights, creating the famous 'slant nose' and the massive fenders that would become a signature of Group 5 cars. The 'slant nose' features louvres to vent air from the front wheels and greatly increases front-end downforce.
A 2,856cc flat-6 engine with a single turbocharger powered the 935 throughout the 1976 season.
Early in the season the motor produced 590 bhp at 7,900 rpm, and output increased as the season progressed.
Though Porsche preferred an air/air intercooler, the CSI declared this to be illegal forcing Porsche to adapt water-cooled units, which they did with great success!
While the basic 935 body shell came directly off the 911 production line, Group 5 allowed some significant suspension and drive train changes that aided Porsche on the track.
The 935 had it's differential removed, a fully adjustable race suspension, and massive 16"-wide rear tires on 19"-diameter rims were installed to provide grip.
The 935 chassis was lightened to nearly 200 lbs. below the minimum weight requirement so that Porsche could add lead ballast where it was required.
Most of the weight would end up in the front of the car plus a little in the passenger's foot well, resulting in a near ideal 43/57 front/rear weight distribution.
Only two cars were prepared for 1976 and they were raced exclusively by the Martini Racing team.
They would go on to win races at Mugello, Vallelunga, Watkins Glen and Dijon, bringing victory in the 1976 Championship of Makes. For 1977, the factory built thirteen '935 Replicas' for sale to private entrants that would dominate Group 5 competition.