The story behind the Porsche 935 “Moby Dick”
Posted on 21-04-2016 at 22:22 by MauritsH – 24 Comments”
A car with such an inspiring nickname’ve got an interesting story to stick, right? Judge for yourself.
Who/what was Moby Dick?
For the younger reader a small little history. Moby Dick is the title of a book by the hand of Herman Melville. This classic is in the sign of a particularly cranky sperm whale, which is the one after the other wreaking havoc. Captain Ahab, whose leg ever by Moby Dick was eaten, is determined to use the beast to catch. I’ve also not figured out.
The Porsche 935/78 in question, such as by the slash in the model number probably already guessed, is a further development of the brute 935 and fits absolutely in the category of, if possible, even gekkere 917/30, the strongest racecar ever(!). It is the last version that Porsche, the 935 built and the car was specially developed for participation in the 24 hours of Le Mans.
Max. 850 hp
With a power output of 750 hp from a 3.2-litre biturbo six-cylinder boxer) at a weight of around 1.030 kg, lag the performance potential in each case in line with the rather bizarre appearance. Incidentally, took the car to the mentioned power at 1.5 bar of boost, but with 1,7 bar was 850 hp. Nice to mention by the way, is that the engine in this 935/78 the first 911-engine with liquid-cooled cylinder heads.
In the context of the best possible aerodynamics went Porsche complete loco of the carriage, including a big nose and giant tail. You will also understand where that nickname comes from. Incidentally, it took the 935/78 coolly 366 km/h on Mulsanne Straight, thanks to that streamlined coachwork that was fitted with a lovely Martini livery.
Not a great success at Le Mans
Unfortunately threw the Moby Dick in 1978 to Le Mans is not very high eyes. Motor issues verpestten the party and thus ended the 935 in the hands of Rolf slowly approaching and Manfred Schurti on a 8th place in the overall standings. Then would the car even a few times can be used, and then a well deserved rest to get in the Porsche-museum.
Trivia
A few loose facts, to tomorrow, during the Friday afternoon drink with your colleagues fully aware of their socks to blow up:
- Later versions of the ‘Moby Dick’ by racing with private teams built on the basis of original drawings.
- On the former circuit of Silverstone was the 935/78 only 4(!) counting slower than the fastest Formula 1 car during the Grand Prix that year. Behind the wheel of that F1 car was by the way James Hunt.
- The turbogat of the 3.2 six-cylinder was large enough to have a Cayenne in a car park.
- Thanks to loopholes in the regulations, could the Porsche is a lot lower on the struts. That resulted, of course, the necessary (additional) aerodynamic advantages.
- Because of the layout of the Circuit de la Sarthe, was the steering wheel to the right side moved. This had beneficial effects for both the weight distribution as for the view of the driver.
Gallery
Nuff said. Cheers!
Gallery: Porsche 935 Moby Dick
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