For the ninth time, Luftgekuhlt, the air-cooled Porsche car show started by Porsche racer Patrick Long and Howie Idelson, his business partner, maintained its perfect record of wowing show goers and setting a standard by which other organizers aren’t likely to recreate easily. This time around it was Northern California serving as host to hundreds of P-cars and a rush of visitors treated to an assortment of colors, styles, and varying states of tune.
Rather than a free-for-all, Luftgekuhlt events curate select vehicles as undeniable crowd pleasers and all other hopefuls must pre-register under strict scrutiny by organizers. This keeps the quality elevated and guarantees an eclectic bunch for fans to pore over. It’s the key ingredient to maintaining a level of quality and variety that keeps each chapter fresh and intriguing.
Having surprised fans with events held at unique venues, including Ganahl Lumber for Luft 5, and Universal Studios’ backlot for part 6 of the series, no one really knows what to expect prior to the official announcement. For their ninth installment, a retired Naval shipyard called Mare Island would play host to the gathering. Situated in Vallejo, about 25 miles northeast of San Francisco, the peninsula and aged yard equipment and storage areas offered the sort of backdrop that Luftgekuhlt has become widely known for.
Highly polished Porsches set against classic brick and aging wood as well as rusted iron and exposed scaffolding presented the sort of contrast that makes for bold photography. All is not lost, though, Luftgekuhlt will once again be back to present their tenth gathering, and though we don’t know where it will be just yet, you can expect it will include yet another unforgettable backdrop.
The sort of bumper-to-bumper traffic you’d expect in California, though this type excites rather than enrages.
Inside one of the yard buildings is where you’d find more curated exhibits, some of which were placed on elevated platforms and placed strategically throughout the venue.
This 356’s green hue was almost glowing with the weathered white tones on the steel and brick that surrounded it.
Outside, framed pallets offered a makeshift pedestal of sorts for some of Luft’s most wanted.
And, if your thing is race cars, then this event had you covered, as always.
Rather than being spotlighted, this display was set under strained lighting which provided an eerie, mysterious vibe. Just one more little nugget that Luftgekuhlt organizers worked into the venue to make things even more interesting.
Regardless of the venue or region, positioning a pristine condition Porsche within the confines of rusted metal structures under overcast conditions is an unbeatable combination.
Browse through the accompanying gallery and kick yourself for not attending.
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