The Porsche 935 K3 is a legendary race car that was a dominant force in motorsports during the late 1970s and early 1980s. It was developed by Kremer Racing, a German racing team, based on the Porsche 935. The „K3“ stands for „Kremer Version 3,“ as it was the third iteration of Kremer’s modifications to the base 935.
Cologne based Erwin and Manfred Kremer aka “The Kremer Brothers” had extensive knowledge of upgrading Porsches and competing against factory- built cars starting in the early 70ies. Their K3 version of the Porsche 935 was a great success, winning the 1979 Le Mans 24 hours outright as well as the German Championship, followed by overall victories of the Sebring 12 hours and IMSA in 1980. Only 17 Porsche 935 K3 were built by the Kremer brothers.
Kremer Racing extensively re-engineered the 935, improving aerodynamics, weight distribution, and performance. The K3 introduced several innovations, including advanced bodywork and an intercooler for better turbo efficiency. Its key features were:
- Engine: a turbocharged flat-six engine with air-to-air intercoolers, with displacement typically around 3.0 liters, though variations existed. Output ranged from 740 to 800 horsepower depending on tuning.
- Aerodynamics: the K3 featured a heavily revised body, including a distinctive slanted nose, integrated rear wing, and optimized cooling vents.
- Chassis & Weight: Lightweight materials like Kevlar (made by DP Motorsport) were used extensively, reducing weight and improving handling.
- Performance: With an upside-down gearbox and improved braking, it was one of the fastest and most reliable cars in endurance racing, capable of incredible straight-line speeds and cornering performance.
Our car, with VIN # 009 00016, was delivered by the factory to Kremer in 1979 and transformed into a 935 K3 as per above. Its first race was at the 1980 Daytona 24hr and, from mid-year onwards, its regular driver was Bob Akin until a dramatic crash at the Nurburgring 1000km in May 1981 which destroyed the car (the detailed race history is listed in the History section below). In 1987, Kremer sold the remains of 009 00016, together with its original ONS Wagenpass and surviving VIN Nr section, to DP Motorsport who sold everything on to S&N Automobilzentrum (Aachen, Germany) in 2009. Their goal was to rebuild the car to its original and historic specification using the correct 930 FIA homologation body as basis. The essential reconstruction of chassis and bodywork was carried out at DP Motorsport, the same company who did this work for Kremer so as to maintain the original period-specification of the car as raced by Bob Akin 30 years ago.
S&N Automobilzentrum built the 3.2 litre engine, upside-down gearbox and drive train using new original parts and they also did the final assembly, again strictly respecting the correct period-specification of this 935 K3 culminating in its stunning red Coca-Cola livery.
Once completed in 2010, the car was used by Ralf Heisig at various historic events, such as the German Oldtimer Grand Prix (OGP), where it ran in both heats of the German Rennsport-Meisterschaft. In 2016, 00900016 was bought by its current owner who has raced the car very successfully during the last 5+ years at various race events including Peter Auto’s CER2 and the 2018 and 2023 Le Mans Classic.
The car is sold in race-ready condition with a new fuel cell and with current crack test, seat and belts. The engine and gearbox only have 4 hours running since rebuild in June 2023, and its FIA HTP is valid until the end of 2026. Spares consist of 2 spare wheel sets, multiple gear-ratios, turbo’s and miscellaneous running spares.
This state-of-the-art and proven recreation of Bob Akin’s “Coca- Cola” livered Porsche 935 K3 is now ready to continue its front running racing career in the hands of its new, lucky owner.