1977 Porsche 934.5 Coupe

The Porsche 934 was introduced in 1976 as the FIA Group 4 GT entry, replacing the Carrera RSR 3.0. FIA regulations stated a minimum weight of 1,120 kg and near-standard body configuration. The 934, based on the production 930 Turbo, used the 930/75 air-cooled, flat-six-cylinder engine and a larger KKK turbocharger, enlarged intake and exhaust ports, and stronger pistons. At 18.5 psi of boost, the engine delivered 485 horsepower.

During its inaugural racing season, the 934 won the European and Trans Am championships.

For FIA Group 5 competition, Porsche used the 935 model which was based on the 934 with more exaggerated bodywork, a large rear wing, and a twin-turbocharged engine. It dominated the competition, winning nearly one-third of the races it contested, including the 1979 Le Mans.

For the 1977 IMSA season, Porsche modified ten examples of the 934 (chassis 930 770 0951–930 770 0960), giving them the rear bodywork and wing of the 935, resulting in the 934/5. Before the 934/5 coupe race, it was banned from IMSA competition. Instead, it competed in the SCCA Trans Am Series.

This particular example was the eighth customer-ordered 934/5 built and sold to German-born Canadian Ludwig Heimrath. During the eleven races contested that season, scoring seven top-two finishes, including an overall victory at the Mosport 6 Hours. Peter Gregg in another 934/5 would ultimately win the championship on points. After Heimrath successfully protested Gregg's championship victory, claiming that Gregg's car was unfairly modified. After several months, Gregg's win was nullified.

Heimrath continued to campaign the car until the early 1980s, albeit in modified 935-specification condition. It is thought to have passed through Rivard Compétition, but its history remains a mystery. In 2006, it was acquired by its current caretaker from Andre Gaudet of Québec. A short time later, the car was prepared for historic motor racing, including rebuilding the engine, regearing and refreshing the transaxle, overhauling the suspension, and installing a new fuel cell.

This Porsche is currently equipped with twin turbochargers and 935 double-bubble manifolds. It has raced at various Monterey Motorsports and Rennsport Reunions, along with the 2017 Classic 24 Hour at Daytona.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2022

This car is one of ten cars built by Porsche in 1977 exclusively for the North American IMSA and Trans-Am series. Chassis number 930-770-0958 was the eighth customer delivery and was campaigned by Canadian Ludwigh Heimrath in both IMSA and Trans-Am. Heimrath won the 1977 Trans-Am Series championship after successfully protesting Peter Gregg for illegally using parts from a 935.

The car was subsequently converted into a 935 and raced by Heimrath from 1978 to 1980. It was retired at the end of the 1980 season and parked in a warehouse in Toronto, Canada.

Porschehaus acquired the bare chassis and a container of related bits and pieces in 1995. The car was rebuilt over a period of five years to the original factory specs as delivered to Heimrath. Sold to Jim and Lawrence in April of 1996.

The car was test driven for the first time at the 2004 Mont-Tremblant Legend event and the 2006 Wine Country Classic.