Luftgekühlt 10: Highlights From The Show That Is The Mecca For Air-Cooled Porsches

A Hollywood Backdrop for Automotive History



Imagine strolling through iconic movie sets at Universal Studios, only instead of battling zombies or dodging dinosaurs, you’re surrounded by legendary Porsches. Think pristine 911 Turbos nestled amidst a dusty Western set, or a row of vibrant 964s parked on a recreated cobblestone European street.

Co-founders Patrick Long and Jeff Zwart did a great job curating the displays, using diverse film settings to create visually stunning scenes. Wide-open spaces for each car? Now that’s how you do a car show. This creative approach not only made for some seriously Insta-grammable moments but also added a unique cinematic flair to the event.

Racing Legends Took Center Stage

But Luftgekühlt is so much more than shiny paint jobs and horsepower. It’s about celebrating Porsche’s rich history in racing. This year, the show featured some true icons, like the legendary Vasek Polak Racing 934, a Trans-Am champion, and the Kremer-prepared Wally’s Jeans 911 Carrera 3.0 RSR, a symbol of Porsche’s dominance in customer racing. But the unrestored 917 Kurzheck, (the show stopper in my opinion) which battled it out at the 1971 Spa 1000km, was a powerful reminder of the raw emotion and grit of Porsche’s motorsport heritage racing history.

Beyond the Glory

While the racing legends stole the spotlight, Luftgekühlt’s heart tulry lies in the personal stories behind these incredible machines. From meticulously preserved originals to tastefully modified gems, the event showcased a fascinating spectrum of air-cooled Porsches. You had everything from the likes of humble 356 Speedsters, 914s, and 911s of every shape, size, and color imaginable, including the much-admired Slantnose kind, this year’s show had no shortage in terms of the variety of exhibits on offer. Also, considering this was California, which has a strong Outlaw and Restomod culture, the likes of Singer and Gunther Werks were out in full swing.

A special shoutout goes to the Sahara Beige 911 S Targa (1977), a showcase of the enduring bond between a car and a father-son duo. Seeing 400 such stories unfold across the studio lots must have been truly special.

Standout cars that stole the show:

If you couldn’t make it to the show, here’s a near hour-long video, that will take you on a virtual tour and give you a chance to admire some of the cars that I’ve highlighted below.

• Vasek Polak Racing 934 (1976 Trans-Am Champion)

• Kremer-prepared Wally’s Jeans 911 Carrera 3.0 RSR (Customer Racing Legend)

• 917 Kurzheck (1971 Spa 1000km Competitor)

• Sahara Beige 911 S Targa (1977) - A Father-Son Legacy

• Type 930 (Factory-restored Classic)

• Porsche 962 (Endurance Racing Powerhouse)

• Singer Vehicle Design Restomods (Modern Performance Meets Classic Beauty)

• Porsche 959 SC (Groundbreaking Technology and Design Icon)

• Bruce Canepa’s 934/5 (Daytona 24 Hours Podium Finisher)

• 904 Carrera GTS (Lightweight Mid-Engine Sports Car)

A Community Built on Passion

It’s inspiring to see how Luftgekühlt has exploded from a humble gathering in 2014 to a global phenomenon. From Indianapolis to Denmark, they’ve brought the air-cooled Porsche love to enthusiasts worldwide. This year’s event marked a double celebration: ten years of Luftgekühlt and 50 years of the iconic 911 Turbo.

As Long himself noted, the event has grown alongside its attendees, fostering a unique community where childhood memories of Luftgekühlt can now translate into driving your own Porsche at the event. So, while I may not have been there in person this year, Luftgekühlt 10 looked like an absolute blast, and here’s to hoping I can snag tickets for the next one!