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Porsche’s big reveal of a ‘new’ 935 was one of many highlights at a spectacular Rennsport Reunion VI. For starters it was a great way for Germany to demonstrate how seriously it takes this monster of a show, which has made its home for the last three occassions on the US West Coast. Revealing a car with such historical significance in a setting where it would be surrounded by fanaticals who will remember the original with great fondness reminds us that despite Porsche’s exponential growth as a Vw-aligned corporate company, fans who made the brand in the first place are still fondly thought of. It is a shame the decision-makers didn’t take this a step further and reveal the new Speedster at Laguna Seca also, enthusiasts having to make do with the concept car while the production version was wheeled out to ‘suits’ at the Paris Motor Show.

So what to make of the ‘new’ 935? At face value it’s a brilliant, modern take on one of the most famous cars from Porsche’s history. In the metal the car is simply stunning, I and others revisiting the 935 over the course of the weekend to pore over every motorsport-inspired detail present. Its proportions, not to mention that Martini livery, gives it epic presence.

The price tag of £850,000 should deter flippers too – as only 77 will be made – but that does mean Porsche is valuing all that aero at £600,000, as underneath the 935 is a stripped-out and mechanically stock 991 GT2 RS. Some people see right through that. I asked Jürgen Barth, one-time tester of the original Moby Dick, what he thought of the new 935 at Rennsport Reunion. “It’s a stupid car and I hope nobody buys it,” came the reply, Barth sighting the fact it can’t be entered into any proper racing series and is thus consigned to a life as a very expensive track day toy. It’s an undeniable truth which, like Project Gold, ultimately shows the heavy influence of the marketing folk at Porsche, but it’s great all the same that the company is still daring to make cars which it believes will appeal to enthusiasts of the marque.

“Fans who made the brand are still fondly thought of”