The Apple Porsche 935: Where Tech Icon Met Racing Legend
**In the annals of motorsport, certain cars transcend their mechanical purpose, becoming symbols of an era, a philosophy, or an unexpected collaboration. One such legend is the Apple Porsche 935, a vibrant, rainbow-liveried machine that, for a fleeting moment in 1980, brought together the nascent tech giant Apple Computer and the brutal world of endurance racing. This isn't just a story about a car; it's a fascinating glimpse into a time when Silicon Valley was on the cusp of its boom, and an ambitious company dared to put its colorful logo on a fire-breathing Porsche, creating an indelible mark on both automotive and corporate history.** It's a tale of high-speed ambition, unexpected alliances, and a car that, despite its short racing career, continues to captivate enthusiasts and historians alike, proving that some legends are born not just from victories, but from their sheer audacity and unique identity. Table of Contents:
The idea of a tech company sponsoring a high-performance race car might seem commonplace today, but in 1980, it was a novel concept. Apple Computer, then a burgeoning force in the personal computing world, was known for its innovative yet accessible technology. Its iconic rainbow-striped logo symbolized creativity, individuality, and a break from the monochrome norm. To see this vibrant emblem emblazoned across the aggressive, wide-bodied silhouette of a Porsche 935 was, to say the least, unexpected. This unique partnership brought forth the **Apple Porsche 935**, a car that quickly became a visual spectacle and a talking point in the racing community. While some popular lore suggests that the fearsome 215 mph Le Mans-winning 935 "Moby Dick" caught Steve Jobs' eye and became the first "Apple car," the actual sponsored vehicle was a different beast: a 1979 Porsche 935 K3. This distinction is crucial for historical accuracy. The sponsorship was applied for the 1980 season, specifically for races like the 12 Hours of Sebring and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It was a bold move, signaling Apple's ambition to reach a broader, perhaps more adventurous, audience beyond the confines of computer labs and homes. The **Apple Porsche 935** wasn't just a car; it was a statement about a company ready to accelerate into the future, both on and off the track.
The Genesis of a Racing Icon: The Porsche 935
To understand the significance of the Apple sponsorship, one must first appreciate the machine it adorned. The Porsche 935 was introduced in 1976 as the racing version of the formidable 930 Turbo, Porsche's first production car with a turbocharged engine. Built to dominate the FIA Group 5 "Special Production Car" category, the 935 quickly earned the nickname "Moby Dick" for its elongated, aerodynamic bodywork on certain variants, particularly the 935/78. This car was a testament to Porsche's engineering prowess, pushing the boundaries of what was possible with a production-based racer.
From Road to Race Track: The 930 Turbo's Transformation
The transition from the road-going 930 Turbo to the track-devouring 935 was comprehensive. While it retained the basic architecture of the 930, the 935 was a purpose-built racing machine. Its flat-six, air-cooled engine was heavily modified, featuring twin turbochargers that boosted power output well beyond 600 horsepower, and in later iterations, exceeding 800 horsepower. The bodywork was radically redesigned for optimal aerodynamics, with massive wings, wide fenders, and a distinct front end that varied depending on the specific variant (K1, K2, K3, etc.). The K3, developed by the German racing team Kremer Racing, was particularly successful, winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans overall in 1979. It was this highly capable and visually striking 935 K3 model that would eventually wear the iconic rainbow livery, transforming it into the **Apple Porsche 935**. Its raw power and aggressive styling made it a true spectacle, perfectly suited for the high-octane world of endurance racing.
Dick Barbour Racing: The Team Behind the Apple Livery
The **Apple Porsche 935** that raced in 1980 was not a factory Porsche entry, but rather a privateer effort by Dick Barbour Racing. Dick Barbour, an accomplished racer and team owner, had a reputation for running competitive Porsche programs. His team was a significant force in American endurance racing during the late 1970s and early 1980s, often fielding powerful Porsche 935s. The decision to secure sponsorship from a burgeoning tech company like Apple was a shrewd one, reflecting the changing landscape of corporate patronage in motorsport. The team behind the wheel of the Apple-sponsored 935 K3 was a formidable lineup, featuring some of the legends of the sport. While the specific driver roster varied for different races, the team consistently attracted top talent. One notable figure associated with the team and the car was Bob Garretson, a driver who would go on to achieve significant success in endurance racing. The combination of a killer car, a professional racing team, and the eye-catching Apple sponsorship created a buzz that extended beyond the traditional racing fan base.
Bob Garretson's Journey to the Apple 935 Team
Bob Garretson's journey into cars and racing is a compelling story in itself. From his time driving for the **Apple 935** team to his World Endurance Championship win in 1981, Garretson was a prominent figure in the golden age of endurance racing. The year 1980 found Garretson working in his humble Cupertino repair shop, right as Silicon Valley was on the cusp of the technology boom. This proximity to Apple's home turf perhaps made the connection even more natural. His experience and skill were invaluable to Dick Barbour Racing, and his presence added significant credibility to the team's efforts with the Apple-sponsored car. The opportunity to drive a car with such a unique and recognizable livery, backed by a company that was rapidly becoming a household name, was undoubtedly a highlight in his distinguished career.
The 1980 Season: Hopes, Challenges, and the Apple Porsche 935
The 1980 racing season held immense promise for Dick Barbour Racing and the newly liveried **Apple Porsche 935**. With Apple's vibrant rainbow logo splashed across its bodywork, the car was an instant crowd favorite, drawing attention wherever it went. The sponsorship was specifically applied for key endurance races, aiming for maximum exposure on major stages. The team's ambitions were high, hoping to translate the car's visual appeal into on-track success. The season began with the 12 Hours of Sebring, a grueling endurance race known for its challenging circuit and demanding conditions. The **Apple Porsche 935** made its debut, turning heads with its distinctive appearance. However, the world of endurance racing is notoriously unforgiving, and mechanical reliability, combined with intense competition, often dictates outcomes more than sheer speed.
Sebring, Le Mans, and the DNFs
Despite the anticipation, the 1980 season for the **Apple Porsche 935** was unfortunately marked by a series of retirements, or DNFs (Did Not Finish). At the 12 Hours of Sebring, the car encountered issues that prevented it from completing the race. The ultimate test for any endurance racer, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, also proved to be a formidable challenge. While the race car was certainly worthy enough to compete at Le Mans, it did not manage to finish the iconic event. The Apple car was a DNF at Le Mans, a heartbreaking outcome for a team with such high hopes and a car with such immense potential and visual impact. The challenges faced by the Apple-sponsored 935 were not uncommon in the high-stakes environment of Group 5 racing, where cars were pushed to their absolute limits for extended periods. While the on-track results for the 1980 season were not stellar in terms of victories or podium finishes, the car's presence alone created a lasting impression. It only raced for one year under the Apple sponsorship, making its brief but memorable appearance even more significant in retrospect. The allure of the car, despite its racing misfortunes, is still wildly popular to this day.
The Enduring Legacy of the Apple Porsche 935
Even though the **Apple Porsche 935** had a short and challenging racing career, its legacy far outstrips its competitive record. It stands as a unique cultural artifact, bridging the worlds of high-tech innovation and high-octane motorsport at a pivotal moment in history. The car's vibrant rainbow livery, perfectly matching Apple Computer's then-colorful logo, made it instantly recognizable and unforgettable. It wasn't just a race car; it was a rolling billboard for a company that was about to revolutionize personal computing. The car's enduring popularity is evident in various forms. Model car enthusiasts meticulously recreate the 1980 Dick Barbour Racing Apple Computers Porsche 935 K3/80, with kits like the 1/24 scale Nunu Porsche 935 K3 being converted into this specific livery. Diecast models, such as the 1/43 TSM TopSpeed 1980 Porsche 935 K3 Apple Computer enclosed diecast car model and the Truescale 1:18 Porsche 935 K3 (1980) Apple Computers, are highly sought after by collectors. Artem's Apple Computer livery is a clear inspiration for designers, with the racetrack clearly in mind from the beginning. This continued fascination speaks volumes about the car's iconic status. The fact that a car, which unfortunately was a DNF in its most famous races, is still wildly popular to this day, underscores its unique appeal and cultural impact.
Beyond the Track: The Apple Car's Cultural Impact
The **Apple Porsche 935** transcended its role as a mere racing machine to become a cultural icon. It symbolized the audacious spirit of Apple Computer in its early days – a company willing to be different, to stand out, and to challenge the status quo. The rainbow livery was not just a branding exercise; it was a statement of identity that resonated with the counter-cultural and innovative ethos that defined Silicon Valley in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The car represented a fascinating intersection of two seemingly disparate worlds: the precision engineering and raw power of German sports cars, and the burgeoning digital revolution spearheaded by American tech companies. It offered a glimpse into a future where technology would permeate every aspect of life, including sports and entertainment. For many, the **Apple Porsche 935** was their first exposure to Apple's brand outside of a computer store, solidifying its image as a dynamic and forward-thinking entity. Its striking appearance and the unexpected nature of the sponsorship ensured that it lived on in the collective memory, inspiring art, models, and discussions for decades after its brief stint on the track. See more ideas about Porsche 935, Porsche, and Garretson, indicating its lasting influence on enthusiasts.
Identifying and Replicating the Apple 935 K3
Given the unique appeal of the **Apple Porsche 935**, there's significant interest in identifying the original car and in creating accurate replicas. The car in question, the one that originally wore the Apple livery, was a 1979 Porsche 935 K3. This model was a customer car, not a factory entry, and its history post-Apple sponsorship is also part of its allure. The original Apple Computer Porsche 935 was operated by Dick Barbour Racing in the 1980 season, and would later be raced by actor and racing driver Paul Newman, albeit without the distinctive Apple livery. This connection to a Hollywood legend further cemented its place in automotive lore.
The Adam Carolla Collection and Replicas
Today, that very car, the original Apple-sponsored Porsche 935, currently resides in Adam Carolla's personal car collection. Carolla, a comedian, podcaster, and avid car enthusiast, is known for his passion for vintage racing cars, particularly Porsches. His ownership of this historically significant vehicle ensures its preservation and continued visibility. It's important to note that while the original car exists, many other "Apple Porsches" seen today are often replicas. The data explicitly states: "The car in question is a replica of a 1979 Porsche 935 K3, the model that originally wore the Apple livery. This isn't the actual Apple car or an actual 935, though." This highlights the popularity of the livery and the desire among enthusiasts to recreate this iconic machine. Some replicas might even be built upon the shell of a different Porsche model, such as a 1969 912, which had been previously modified for racing. These replicas, while not the original, serve as a testament to the enduring appeal of the **Apple Porsche 935** and its distinctive rainbow design. They allow a broader audience to appreciate the visual spectacle and the unique story behind this legendary race car.
Conclusion: The Unforgettable Chapter of the Apple Porsche 935
The **Apple Porsche 935** represents a truly unique chapter in the history of both technology and motorsport. It was a bold, colorful, and utterly memorable venture that saw a nascent computer company, then known as 'Apple Computer', throw its support behind a formidable racing machine. Despite its brief one-year racing career under the Apple sponsorship in 1980 and the unfortunate DNFs at key races like Sebring and Le Mans, the car carved out an indelible niche in the collective memory. It was a killer car, backed by a driving team that consisted of some of the legends of the sport, and adorned with a livery that perfectly captured the spirit of its sponsor. This "Apple car" that used to tear up tracks, though not always successfully, remains wildly popular to this day. Its vibrant rainbow livery, its connection to iconic drivers like Paul Newman, and its current residence in Adam Carolla's esteemed collection all contribute to its legendary status. The **Apple Porsche 935** stands as a powerful reminder that sometimes, it's not just the victories that define a legacy, but the audacity, the style, and the sheer uniqueness of the journey. It's a story that continues to resonate, reminding us of a time when the worlds of computing and racing collided in a spectacular, unforgettable display. What are your thoughts on this iconic blend of tech and racing? Did you ever see the Apple Porsche 935 race, or perhaps own one of the many beloved scale models? Share your memories and insights in the comments below, and don't forget to share this article with fellow enthusiasts who appreciate the rich tapestry of automotive and technological history!
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