By Connor Schaal
Universal Studios’ Backlot was an unlikely location was host to an exclusive Porsche exhibition, but Luftgekuhlt 10 is a rare experience for car and popular culture enthusiasts alike.
Luftgekuhlt in German translates to air-cooled; thus, the origin of this car exhibition centers on featuring and commemorating historically interesting air-cooled Porsches. The show attracts a crowd of Porsche enthusiasts with an infatuation with air-cooled Porsches’s built from 1947 through 1998.
This now semi-annual car gathering originated in 2014 by Patrick Long, former Porsche factory driver, and Los Angeles art director Howie Idelson. In 2014, the first event took place at Deus Ex Machina in Venice Beach and was an extremely small gathering in contrast to the crowds that now flock from around the world to these semi-annual events.
This year, the October event returned to Universal Studios’ backlot. The last time Luft held one of their show’s at Universal was for Luftgekuhlt 6 back in 2019. Now with Jeff Zwart who’s been on board in recent years, the Luft team carefully curated and staged air-cooled Porsches around the backlot, creating a scavenger hunt-like experience for attendees around every corner.
Marking a decade of Luftgekühlt, this celebration showcased Porsche car culture in inspiring locations, creating a one-of-a-kind blend of classic cars and captivating spaces. This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the 911 Turbo, the quintessential iconic 911.
The event is a curated collection of historic race cars, personal vehicles, along with restored classics fueled by car purist, artistic expression, and innovation.
For these Porsche enthusiasts a one day event just doesn’t cut it. A pre-party experience was offered on October 3rd at Gunther Werks in Huntington Beach, CA. This California based garage pride’s themselves on their fully in-house restoration programs focused on rebuilding air-cooled 911s from the chassis up. This was followed by a Race Service
“Rise and Shine” on Venice Blvd. in Los Angeles on October 4th.
Race Service is a premier creative agency growing car culture through pushing the creative boundaries within the car industry. Peterson Automotive Museum also held a pre-party show Friday evening. A caravan ride and and post-event brunch was also held on Sunday October 6th by Porsche Santa Clarita wrapping up the weekend of automotive festivities.
At the pre-Luft event hosted by Race Service, Los Angeles local and internationally renowned Porsche restorer and collector Magnus Walker made a brief appearance, engaging with attendees and sharing a moment over coffee.
“I’m just here to enjoy a Friday morning coffee, see people support Porsche car culture, and gain some inspiration myself,” Walker said while seated and taking in the event.
With a background in fashion design and a reputation as a trendsetter, Walker’s influence on Porsche restoration and Los Angeles car culture is unmistakable.
The opportunity to attend this year’s event and observe such magnificent cars, as well as witnessing the ability these classic automobiles have to bring friends, family, and people from around the world together was an incredible experience that attendees will never forget.
John, a first-time exhibitor showcasing his Porsche 911 Carrera G Body, expressed his excitement about the event.
“This is my first year with my Porsche 911 Carrera G Body, and I’m thrilled to be able to show at such an amazing space,” he said.
Luft 10 was a memorable experience for those with a passion for Porsche, cars, art, and an appreciation for creating an atmosphere that pushes cultural trends. Having an opportunity to celebrate the historic air-cooled Porsche surrounded by a crowd of creative, fun, and passionate people set in an extraordinary venue is phenomenal experience not to be passed up.