As an appraiser, my daily contact with cars tends to be pretty analytical. I thoroughly enjoy the number-crunching aspect of the profession, but the process of appraising includes a fair bit of qualitative judgement as well. For example, understanding the collector car market means more than just financial savvy. To effectively track trends and changes in the market, it helps to be deeply connected to the enthusiast communities that you serve. This past weekend, I attended one of the nation’s most lauded Porsche events: Luftgekühlt 11. In today’s Market Monday, I’ll share my thoughts on the first East coast Luftgekühlt.

Luftgekühlt is a traveling automotive event celebrating Porsche’s air-cooled era — the cars built before 1998 that helped define the brand’s identity. Founded in 2014 by Porsche factory driver Patrick Long and creative director Howie Idelson, the event began as a small Los Angeles gathering meant to unite enthusiasts around the design, engineering, and culture of air-cooled Porsches. Over time, it evolved into one of the most respected shows in the automotive world, known for its curated mix of rare models, artful presentation, and emphasis on community rather than competition.

Each edition of Luftgekühlt has been staged in a distinct, often unexpected setting,  from lumber yards and warehouses to docksides, with every location chosen to highlight the cars in a new light. The first ten events showcased everything from early 356s and 911 race cars to museum-level one-offs, attracting collectors, designers, and casual fans alike. What sets Luftgekühlt apart is its balance of high culture and grassroots passion, creating an atmosphere where a perfectly restored 962 race car can sit beside a well-worn driver, and both are equally admired.

The sprawling American Tobacco Campus in Durham, North Carolina, was originally built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as part of the American Tobacco Company’s manufacturing operations. After the factories closed in the 1980s, the site remained largely vacant until a major redevelopment effort began in the early 2000s. The project preserved many of the original brick structures while converting them into offices, apartments, restaurants, and public spaces. Today, the campus serves as a mixed-use district that anchors downtown Durham’s economic and cultural activity, with the Durham Bulls Athletic Park and Durham Performing Arts Center located nearby.

It’s truly one of the most impressive examples of industrial redevelopment I’ve ever seen. With its many nooks and crannies, abundant amenities, dynamic water features and architectural interest, it’s no wonder the organizers selected this location for their 11th edition of this spectacular show.

Car show participants and spectators at Luftgekühlt 11 were treated to a panoply of special Porsche cars, from authentic period race cars such as Porsche 550-01, to modern reimaginings of air-cooled 911s from brands like Singer and Gunther Werks.

The Durham-area based Ingram family is well-known for their extensive collection of rare and special Porsches as well as their investment in what has become a preeminent Porsche restoration shop. Through their Ingram Experience venture, they curate special events for the upper echelon of collectors. It was only natural that several (possibly more) of the historic and special cars on display hailed from the Ingram collection, including my favorite: a 1967 Porsche 911R. The Ingrams, whenever I’ve had the pleasure of interacting with them, have always been extremely kind, and their fingerprints are all over this year’s Luftgekühlt.

Jeff Zwart — noted photographer, director and race car driver, is a key element in the visual spectacle that is Luftgekühlt 11. Around every corner you’ll find a perfectly framed automotive vista, which is likely why this event draws so many photographers and artists. Both Jeff and event founder Patrick Long can be seen working hard during the entire event to position cars, meet fans, participate in special programs and direct the army of Luft crew that help pull off an event this complex and impressive.

A static display of incredible Porsche cars from the brand’s incredible history would be a blast on its own, but the Luft team knows their audience. Porsche people are monied people, and generally enjoy exclusive experiences. For example, VIP and Premier ticket-holders received access to a special “1948 Lounge” experience sponsored by Tag Heuer. This display included amazing cars like Bobby Rahal’s Champagne Yellow Porsche 914 race car and Revs Institute’s 550-01 Spyder surrounded by beautiful watches and included an access-only mezzanine to take in the view and refreshments.

The hoi polloi, like yours truly, are not left in the dust. Special Q&A sessions included talks with noted race car drivers Bobby Rahal and Tommy Kendall, as well as periodic “Moments of Loudness” where a special (and ear-splittingly loud) car would be fired up for thrilled onlookers.

I was among the last to be admitted to the premier of a short film called “Powering Icons” featuring Andial co-founder Dieter Inzenhofer. After the showing, we were treated to a Q&A with Dieter and Jeff Zwart, who both signed commemorative posters for the crowd. As a bonus, co-founder Alwin Springer was also present to support his friend!

With a confined space and commitment to artistic curation, car show participants are vetted before tickets are awarded. Two tiers are available, with the more costly Premier level providing a prominent car location and extras such as a pre-event party. The Feature level is more cost-effective and gets you a parking spot within the event and admission for yourself and a guest. Car show entries go fast and are limited to air-cooled Porsche cars only, but if you miss the opportunity you can purchase a spectator ticket. I saw loads of spectator and early entry bands during the event.

One benefit of having a car show entry is that you get into the event before the general admission folks, opening up the chance to explore the displays with far fewer crowds. That said, given that many of the cars load in on Friday afternoon and the space was not locked down, a night-time walkabout the day before the event could probably be done for free. Many of the most special cars will not be present or will be covered, however.

From the standpoint of comfort, the event was run very well. Restrooms on campus were plentiful, amenities including food options were easy to find and excellent, and the overall process of load-in was smooth as glass. Major kudos here to the organizers and staff for delivering a high-quality and trouble-free experience.

I will readily admit that my primary reason for attending my first Luftgekühlt in Indianapolis and this year’s Luft in Durham is the cars. However, the automotive experience is enhanced by the sense of community you feel around every corner. Being so close to our hometown of Richmond certainly played a part, but from the moment we arrived at our hotel we reconnected with Porsche friends from all over the country. Every single person was excited to be there, blown away by the experience, and extremely grateful to the Luftgekühlt team for bringing this event to the East coast.

Luftgekühlt can be expensive once you tally up the cost of entry, travel, lodging and food. Is it worth an expense of likely over $2,000 for a weekend? Yes, absolutely. Luftgekuhlt is Porsche heaven for the kind of crowd that prefers to add bug guts and road dirt to their Porsches instead of picking grass out of tire treads. As much as I enjoy scrutinizing a car as a judge, events like Luftgekuhlt and L’oe Show — which emphasize passion and community over concours competition — may represent the future of the car show experience, and I’m all for it.

I had a fabulous time at Luftgekühlt 11, and I sincerely hope the show returns to this side of the USA in the future. Check out the gallery below for mor pics from the show.

Have a great week, everyone.

Wolf and Mare provides car finding, appraisals, and auction services for buyers and sellers of collector European cars. If you’re interested in acquiring an overseas car, give us a call or drop a line!