The challenge showcased exceptional craftsmanship in preservation, restoration, and individualization.
If you’re a Porsche aficionado or simply a fan of craftsmanship, the recent 2023 Porsche Classic Restoration Challenge is one of the most highly anticipated automotive events. Hosted during the esteemed Rennsport Reunion 7 at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, the event marked its third year in grand style, coinciding with Porsche’s 75th anniversary, and the Porsche 911’s 60th anniversary. This year’s competition had a new twist, inviting Porsche Centers across the United States to compete in one of three categories for the first time: Preservation, Restoration, and Individualization. Entries were divided by sales regions—East, South-Central, and West—and judged at central events. The winners were displayed prominently at Rennsport Reunion, where they were also crowned.
Jonathan Sieber, Senior Manager of Porsche Classic, celebrated the event as an “exhilarating platform” for showcasing not just exceptional Porsches but also the passion and craftsmanship of the participating Porsche Centers. The crowd got to weigh in as well, voting for a “People’s Choice” award, which was also bestowed during the event.
Beverly Hills Porsche outdid themselves in the Individualization category, taking a 1991 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 and giving it the royal treatment. Their process included an engine overhaul, enlarging the cylinders from 3.6 to 3.8 liters, installing new pistons, upgraded valves, and racing springs, among other enhancements. The result? A daily driver primed for Southern California’s roads but with classic Porsche character intact.
In the Restoration category, Napleton Westmont Porsche worked their magic on a 1994 Porsche 911 Turbo 3.6 Type 964. What appeared initially as a simple interior overhaul soon revealed layers of complications, including poor previous bodywork. The team undertook a comprehensive restoration, from stripping the car to its bare metal to achieving the final polished look.
The Preservation winner and the crowd’s favorite, Gaudin Porsche of Las Vegas, tackled a 1996 911 Turbo Type 993 that hadn’t run in eight years. The team meticulously revitalized the car, from stripping and rebuilding the brake calipers to reinstalling a Porsche Classic Radio and restoring the Speed Yellow paint to its original luster.
A panel of experts from Porsche Club of America and Porsche Cars North America adjudicated the finals, underscoring the high standards the competition demands. The challenge targeted Porsche models ranging from the 1950s to the 2000s, offering a glimpse into the scope of restoration and customization possibilities for these timeless vehicles. With America being home to more classic Porsches than any other market globally, events like this only serve to fuel the fervor around these masterpieces on wheels. This year’s competition was especially significant, given Porsche’s recent $50 million investment in expanding its Atlanta headquarters, including a new stand-alone Porsche Classic facility.
Image Source: Porsche