Many think it takes self-belief that borders on megalomania to graze a mountain road’s guardrails in a turbocharged 911. As it turns out, some of the race-bred machines of this era and configuration are planted and confidence-inspiring—even when it’s wet out.
Alexandre Comby, a Swiss hillclimber with some experience in lively Porsches, decided that this piece of IMSA history would be a fitting steed for his weekend hobby. After years of hairy hillclimbing experiences in a 930 Turbo, he graduated to its more athletic sibling and has enjoyed the improvement in stability and speed ever since. Though the street car had its shortcomings, this 934/5 sports the typical 935 wheels, tires, and rear wing configuration of the 935, which makes it quite planted and reassuring—at least in the medium-speed bends.
Traction in the hairpins, even the damp ones, is impressive. Comby regularly spins the wheels out of corners, but after a mild twitch and a flash of opposite lock, the car straightens and rockets forward. Power is delivered smoothly, and the powerband is broad. Best of all, Comby looks comfortable planting his right foot over crests and cambers; such is the stability offered by the 934/5’s rear.
Unlike the original 934/5s used in IMSA, this car uses a watercooled 2.8-liter turbomotor good for 450 horsepower. Sent through a 4-speed gearbox with long ratios, that power is more than enough to get the 2,300-pound 934/5 up to frightening speeds along these Swiss mountain roads. In the faster, flowing sections, the rear does like to dance, as we can see in the footage below:
Though the contemporary road cars might’ve been more than most could handle, the improved roadholding from the racing car makes it seem manageable. Of course, this old-school Porsche requires an unflappable driver with quick hands for those odd snaps, but with the right driver, it is something one could eventually develop a healthy, long-lasting relationship with.
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Great sound.