Vehicle Description
1981 Kremer Porsche 935 K4 IMSA GTP
Chassis: 935-K4-01
During the mid-70s the Porsche factory reigned supreme with
dominate performances from their rugged turbo-powered production
racecars. By 1979 the factory began to switch its efforts to the
new 936, 956, and 962 prototype, non-production based racing cars.
This change spelt the end for the factory Porsche 935.
However, a demand still existed for the continued development of
the ferocious 935. Fortunately some years earlier Porsche had given
its blessing to a number of racing teams with close ties to the
factory to purchase components and drivetrains, and then designed
and produced their own upgraded chassis and bodywork. While these
newly constructed vehicles were still generally referred to as
Porsche 935s, in reality, they were entirely new designs that
advanced the 935 concept to a new level of speed and
sophistication. The pinnacle of these independent efforts was the
overall win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1979 by the Kremer 935
K3, the last production based car ever to win overall at Le
Mans.
The Kremer Brothers of Cologne, Germany had enjoyed a close
relationship with the factory since 1970, and were allowed to
proceed independently with further development of many models of
racing Porsches. They built their first variant of the 935, the K1,
in 1976. By 1981, Kremer was ready to produce its fourth version of
the Porsche 935, the K4, inspired by the factory Moby Dick 935
produced by Porsche in 1978. In fact, the factory gave the Kremer's
the drawings, parts, and the Moby Dick car itself on commission to
build the new K4.
01 is the first of only two K4s produced, and as a result of
Kremer's constant development, bore little resemblance to an early
factory 935. The K4 had evolved into a totally different vehicle,
built on a full tubular chassis, with only a roof and windshield
being supplied by the Porsche factory. 01 was fielded by Kremer
Racing in Europe during the 1981 season, and was driven by Bob
Wollek to TWO WINS and a total of six podium finishes.
John Fitzpatrick bought the car from Kremer for the 1982 IMSA
season, and his team of Glen Blakely and Max Crawford immediately
set to work on upgrading and modifying the car. They built a
completely new body with in-door air ducts for the intercoolers,
and also designed a new rear suspension and belly pans.
Mechanically the K4 continued to develop the tried-and-true 935
turbo motor by using enhanced air-to-air intercoolers and ducting
resulting in a 50 horsepower advantage over other 935s. With the
boost fully turned up the car was capable of producing well over
800 horsepower. The result of all of this work was FIVE WINS and
only one DNF in 1982. In 1983 the car raced only twice, with
another win at Riverside. In 1984 the K4 was rented to Al Holbert
for three races, which saw the switch to Holbert's #14 and
Lowenbrau livery.
In 1986 the K4 moved into private hands when Fitzpatrick sold it to
Mike Hagen of Los Angeles, CA. It passed through a few owners over
the years including actor Nicolas Cage from 1999 to 2002, and most
recently Touring Auto Maintenance. During their ownership the car
was taken care of by Amalfi Racing, and there are extensive
maintenance records and race setup notes that come with the
car.
Since arriving at Canepa the K4 has received a thorough mechanical
inspection along with over 150 hours of concours detail work. With
drivers such as Bob Wollek, John Fitzpatrick, David Hobbs, Derek
Bell, Al Holbert and Preston Henn, this Kremer K4 represents the
end of one of the greatest eras of GT racing. Here is a unique
opportunity to own and drive the last in a line of stunningly
successful Kremer 935 race cars.
'The K4 was a sensational car, the fastest 935 ever, and still is.'
- John Fitzpatrick
Most recently the K4 has been featured in the August/September 2016
issue of Classic Porsche magazine.
Specifications:
Engine:
700hp @7500rpm
536 ft/lbs @ 6100rpm
3,162 cc twin-twin turbo flat six with an aluminum block and head,
dry sump lubrication, dual ignition, Kugelfisher fuel injection,
Carillo connecting rods, Mahle forged pistons.
Transaxle: Porsche G30 four-speed synchromesh, with spool
differential
Weight: 2,229 lbs, with a 39% front / 61% rear split
Top speed: 220 mph when fitted with the Le Mans gearing
Ownership History:
Early 1981: Built, owned, and raced by Kremer Racing, Cologne,
Germany
Late 1981: Sold by Kremer to John Fitzpatrick, San Diego, CA
1986: Sold to Mike Hagen, Los Angeles, CA
1989: Sold to Brian De Vries, CA
1996: Sold to Leon Desimone, Irvine, CA
1999: Sold to Nicolas Cage, Los Angeles, CA
2002: Sold to A. Ross Meyers, Perkiomenville, PA
2004: Sold to William Wonder, Harleysville, PA
2006: Sold to Rob Walton, Paradise Valley, AZ
2014: Sold to Bruce Canepa, Scotts Valley, CA
Race History:
1981
6/21/81 DRM Wunstorf 5th Bob Wollek #52
6/28/81 DRM Norisring 6th Bob Wollek #52
6/28/81 Norisring Trophy 1st Bob Wollek #52
7/5/81 DRM Nurburgring 1st Bob Wollek #52
7/21/81 DRM Salzburgring 2nd Bob Wollek #52
8/1/81 DRM Hockenheim DNF Bob Wollek #52
8/23/81 DRM Zolder 2nd Bob Wollek #52
9/6/81 DRM Hockenheim 2nd Bob Wollek #52
9/20/81 DRM Nurburgring 2nd Bob Wollek #52
1982
4/25/82 Riverside 6 hours 34th John Fitzpatrick #2
5/2/82 Laguna Seca 100 miles 3rd John Fitzpatrick #2
5/23/82 Mid-Ohio 100 miles 1st John Fitzpatrick #2
5/31/82 Lime Rock 1 hour 1st John Fitzpatrick #2
6/27/82 DRM Norisring DNF John Fitzpatrick #21
7/11/82 Brainerd 200 kilometers 21st John Fitzpatrick #2
7/25/82 Sears Point 100 miles 4th John Fitzpatrick #2
8/1/82 Portland 100 miles 19th John Fitzpatrick #2
8/22/82 Road America 500 miles 1st John Fitzpatrick / David Hobbs
#2
9/5/82 Mid-Ohio 6 hours 1st John Fitzpatrick / David Hobbs #2
9/12/82 Road Atlanta 31st John Fitzpatrick / David Hobbs #2
10/17/82 Brands Hatch 1000 km 1st in class / 3rd OA John
Fitzpatrick / Bob Wollek #22
11/28/82 Daytona Finale 3 hours 48th David Hobbs #22
1983
2/27/83 Miami GP 4th John Fitzpatrick #2
4/24/83 Riverside 6 hours 1st John Fitzpatrick / David Hobbs /
Derek Bell #2
1984
2/26/84 Miami 3 hours 27th Al Holbert / David Hobbs #14
...for more information please contact the seller.
