Derived from the potent 911 Type 930 Turbo, the Porsche 935 was one of the most dominant competition cars ever built. In the hands of privateers, few teams achieved the success and notoriety of the American father-and-son duo, John Paul Sr. and Jr. Their JLP Racing operation built a series of ever-more-radical 935 machines. This specific chassis, the 1980 Porsche 935 JLP-2, represents a crucial milestone between their initial efforts and later, more extreme designs.
The JLP Racing Development Milestone
JLP-2 was constructed following the 1979 racing season and the destruction of the team’s first car, JLP-1. The team started with a chassis, engine, and components purchased directly from Porsche. The build incorporated everything learned so far, with a particular focus on rigidity. The team concentrated efforts on substantially stiffening the tub and sills. This focus helped tame the massive power output. The car was wrapped in the proven, performance-enhancing Kremer K3 bodywork.
An Extensive Endurance Race History
The racing career of JLP-2 spans over 40 races between 1980 and 1985. Its debut season was immediately successful, delivering a class win and 3rd overall at the 1980 Silverstone 6 Hours. This was followed by a 9th overall and 2nd in class finish at the 1980 24 Hours of Le Mans. The car continued its winning ways in the US. It earned 1st place at the Road America 500 Miles with the Pauls sharing driving duty.
Notable Podium Finishes
The JLP-2 chassis remained a contender for many years, even after being sold to racer M.L. Speer. Under Speer’s ownership, the car achieved a 3rd overall finish at the challenging 1982 12 Hours of Sebring. It also secured a 4th overall at the 1983 Daytona 24 Hours, a testament to its durability. The car saw four Daytona 24 Hours starts in total. These results solidify JLP-2’s position as a highly significant piece of endurance motorsports history.
Restoration and Historic Racing Eligibility
The car was retired after the 1985 season before being acquired by collector Dick Silva in 1988. From 1994 to 1995, it underwent a thorough restoration by the noted California Porsche specialists at ANDIAL. It was again restored in 2015 by Crubilé Sport of France for classic endurance racing. Crubilé Sport rebuilt the engine again in 2019 and restored the bodywork back to its 1980 Le Mans specification. Today, it is supplied with an FFSA passport.
Power, Engine Specs, and Performance
The engine is a ferocious 3.2-liter forced-induction flat-six. It is equipped with twin KKK turbochargers and a Kugelfischer fuel injection system. This setup could produce well in excess of 740 horsepower, depending on the chosen boost level. The engine is mated to a stout four-speed transaxle. The car was described by John Paul Jr. as having great brakes. This lightweight, rigid, and wickedly powerful machine offers a legendary experience.
Summary of the Historic 935 JLP-2
In summary, this 1980 Porsche 935 JLP-2 is an extremely significant and successful endurance racing machine. It boasts an incredible competition career with podiums at Le Mans, Sebring, and Daytona. The car has been meticulously restored and maintained by premier Porsche specialists like ANDIAL and Crubilé Sport. Presented in its striking light blue and yellow JLP Racing livery, this 935 is eligible for top-level vintage racing events worldwide, offering a powerful piece of motorsport history.
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Source: rmsothebys.com
