1976 Porsche 935 (Estimate: $4,500,000 – $5,500,000)

Chassis No. 935-001

The First 935 Built; A Significant Piece of Motor Sports History

Factory Prototype (R15) Used for Testing and Development

An Integral Component of Porsche's 1976 Group 5 Championship

Captured 1st Overall at Watkins Glen and 3rd Overall at Dijon in 1976

Fully Restored to Concours Standard by Marque Specialist Cavaglieri Restorations

The Sole Works Martini Racing Porsche 935 in Private Ownership

Gooding & Company is proud to offer this 1976 Porsche 935, chassis 935-001, the first-ever 935 built. Constructed in late 1975, 935-001 made its racing debut at the 6 Hours of Watkins Glen in July the following year, with Rolf Stommelen and Manfred Schurti at the wheel. After qualifying in 2nd position, 935-001 dominated the race, setting the fastest lap and taking the checkered flag. It was then sent to Dijon, France to take part in the final race of the 1976 championship season, finishing 3rd Overall. 

Thereafter, Porsche included 935-001 in a package of cars sold to Vasek Polak in Hermosa Beach, California, and it remained in his garage for the next two decades. After passing through the hands of two American owners, 935-001 was acquired by Matthew Drendel in 2008, who retained it in The Drendel Family Collection until 2012. 

The current owner purchased it at this time, and since then, has had the car restored to exacting, concours standards by the renowned Cavaglieri Restorations, with an engine rebuild carried out by the experts at Ed Pink Racing Engines. Accurately presented in its victorious 1976 Watkins Glen livery, 935-001 was awarded Best Race Car Restoration at Amelia Island in 2018; its only other public showing took place at Rennsport Reunion VI in 2018. As the first 935 built and the only complete, ex-works 935 in private ownership, this iconic car represents a remarkable opportunity not to be missed by the most discerning Porsche connoisseurs.