The Happening:
On October 3rd, 2025, something amazing happened in Durham, NC. As the sun rose, locals were treated to a rare sight: hundreds of Porsches driving into the city and gathering at the American Tobacco Campus. The Parking lot was filled with Porsches of all kinds – classic 1950s 356s next to the sleek, modern Carrera GT. And that was just the parking lot!
So, what brought all these iconic cars together in one place? The answer: Luftgekuhlt 11.
What is Luftgekuhlt?
Luftgekuhlt is an event that celebrates everything Porsche, with a special focus on the Aircooled Porsche models that made the brand famous. It’s a tribute to Porsche’s rich history in racing and the car culture that has grown around it. The event also highlights the work of customizers who bring their own unique twist to Porsches, making them even more special.
The idea for Luftgekuhlt came from Patrick Long, a Porsche factory racing driver, and Howie Idelson, a creative director. They created this event because they wanted something different from the usual car shows. As they put it:
“We are a team that produces extraordinary experiences, focused on the cars, the people responsible for the incredible history, and the passionate community of enthusiasts and creators.” – Luftgekuhlt.com
Luftgekuhlt 11 was the 11th event they’ve held, but it was the first one on the East Coast. The event faced many challenges, but they found the perfect location at the American Tobacco Campus, in Durham. The location itself is a nod to the tobacco money that helped fund racing and several Porsche teams over the years.
The Experience
This was my first time attending a Luftgekuhlt event, and it did not disappoint. As a lifelong Porsche fan, it felt like a dream come true – Like a kid in a candy store. Everywhere I looked, there was another stunning piece of Porsche history, with a few cars that would make anyone stop in their tracks.
The event had a fantastic vibe, thanks in part to DJ Joshua Huot. He kept the music flowing all weekend, spinning deep funk tracks from actual vinyl records. When he played “I Believe in Miracles” by The Jackson Sisters, I couldn’t help but sing along and dance!
But the art didn’t stop at the music. Tag Heuer had a special installation showcasing their classic Carrera watch collection, paired with some of the rarest racing Porsche in history. Walking into that room full of priceless vintage cars was nothing short of humbling.
The End of the Weekend
As the event wrapped up late Saturday night with after-parties, it was clear that Luftgekuhlt 11 had been a huge success. By Sunday morning, the Porsches were leaving Durham as quickly as they had arrived, heading in every direction.
If you’ve never been to a Luftgekuhlt event, I highly recommend it. In My opinion, it’s one of the most fun and unique automotive events of the year – especially if you’re a fan of Porsche.
