Porsche 935 gets a safety update
An ex Kremer 740 bhp Porsche 935 K3 caused a stir when it arrived at Custom Cages but for the wrong reason. It still had its original aluminium roll cage fitted: aluminium roll cages have been banned by the FIA for more than a decade because steel is significantly safer.
The immaculate ex Danny Ongaise /Ted Field Interscope series car was just as it finished racing at Daytona in 1981 so the challenge for Custom Cages was to remove the old aluminium cage, manufacture an exact replica in steel and then paint it- normally welded-in cages are painted when the interior is re-sprayed.
"This job was a big challenge because the owner wanted an exact replica cage which was then welded in and painted in situ," explained director Roger Nevitt, " but we are really proud of the finished cage as it was one of our best jobs."
While the aluminium cage saves weight poor manufacturing meant that the tube had been crushed during bending so its strength was worryingly impaired. Also the brackets and clamps used in this 1980s car are no longer permitted as stronger designs are now required by the regulations.
When the Porsche factory switched its attention to prototype racing the Kremer brothers decided to build their own version of the 935 based on a factory tub. Named the 935 K3 these mighty 911s were particularly popular in US IMSA sports car racing at the famous road racing circuits like Lime Rock, Road Atlanta and Laguna Seca.