Luftgekühlt has become one of the most important events in the world of classic Porsche, but its origins are surprisingly simple. The concept was born in 2014 in California, created by Patrick Long — the only American overall winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans — and Jeff Zwart, a filmmaker, photographer and long-time Porsche enthusiast. Their goal was not to build another traditional car show, but to celebrate air-cooled Porsche heritage in a living, authentic way.
The name Luftgekühlt — literally “air-cooled” — defined the event from the very beginning. It was never about modern models or performance figures. It was about history, culture and the people who shaped the Porsche legacy over decades.
From California to Europe
Early editions of Luftgekühlt took place in unconventional locations around Los Angeles — abandoned warehouses, port parking lots and industrial spaces. Over time, the concept began to travel: San Francisco, New York, and eventually Europe.
The Luftgekühlt map has since included:
- Berlin, highlighting European Porsche heritage
- London, blending car culture with the urban landscape
- Stuttgart, a symbolic return to Porsche’s roots
- Warsaw and Wrocław, reflecting the growing importance of Central Europe within the global classic Porsche scene
Each location follows the same philosophy: no barriers, close proximity to the cars, and atmosphere over formal exhibition.
Cars that tell the full story
What truly defines Luftgekühlt is the diversity of cars on display. Perfectly restored examples stand next to cars with visible patina, motorsport history or deeply personal stories.
Over the years, visitors have seen:
- early Porsche 356 models in original condition,
- classic 911 F and G-series cars in both road and competition specifications,
- legendary 911 Carrera RS 2.7,
- rare 930 Turbo variants,
- homologation specials and race cars,
- as well as carefully executed restomod projects that reinterpret the classics.
Luftgekühlt does not promote a single definition of “correct.” What matters is the story behind the car and how it is used, not simply visual perfection.
Luftgekühlt Wrocław 2024 – a mature European chapter
The Luftgekühlt Wrocław 2024 edition reflected this philosophy perfectly. Set within the city’s industrial landscape, it brought together cars from different eras and countries, offering a broad perspective on European Porsche culture.
Rather than focusing on scale, the event emphasized:
- direct interaction with the cars,
- conversations with owners and builders,
- a calm, almost intimate atmosphere despite its international reach.
RCR as a participant
During Luftgekühlt Wrocław 2024, we had the pleasure of taking part as participants in the event. For us, it was not about presentation alone, but about being part of a community that approaches classic cars with a shared mindset.
Conversations, observations and exchanges during Luftgekühlt reinforce our belief that the path RCR follows — grounded in craftsmanship, experience and authenticity — resonates well beyond local borders.
Why events like Luftgekühlt matter
At a time when automotive culture is increasingly defined by technology and digital experiences, Luftgekühlt reminds us of the fundamentals: mechanics, form, sound and emotion. It shows that cars can still be cultural objects, not just technical products.
For RCR, events like Luftgekühlt serve as natural reference points. When building our projects, we strive for the same balance — respecting classic architecture while applying a contemporary understanding of engineering and driving dynamics.
Experience that stays with you
Taking part in Luftgekühlt Wrocław 2024 was an experience that stays with us. Not as a one-off event, but as part of an ongoing process — influencing how we think, design and build cars meant to remain relevant for years to come.