If you’re a Porsche fan, you’ve got to check out the stunning transformations on display in this year’s Porsche Classic Restoration Challenge. From rare 1980s icons like the 959 Komfort to more modern favorites such as the 2004 911 GT3, dealerships and technicians across the U.S. went all-in to bring these cars back to life or give them a bold new twist.
With meticulous attention to detail, expert judges selected the final round of entries for the fifth annual competition. The judging for Area South-Central took place in Carmel, Indiana, on September 5, followed by Area East judging in New York City the very next day. Area West winners were announced in August during Monterey Car Week, and everything now builds toward the National Finals on October 4 in Durham, North Carolina, held alongside Luftgekühlt 11.
“Congratulations to all the winners who poured an enormous amount of time and energy into restoring these beautiful Porsche vehicles,” said Jonathan Sieber, Senior Manager of Porsche Classic. “Each of them is a testament to teamwork, craftsmanship, and passion.”
Technicians at Porsche Centers competed in three categories: Preservation, focused on keeping originality intact; Restoration, returning a car to as-new condition; and Individualization, where creativity and personal touches shine. Attendees also voted for a People’s Choice award.
A record-breaking 73 vehicles entered nationwide this year, proof that whether air-cooled or water-cooled, Porsche passion runs deep.
Porsche North Houston’s 2004 911 GT3
Restoration: Porsche North Houston for their 2004 911 GT3
The journey with this Speed Yellow 2004 Porsche 911 GT3 began with one goal: to bring a modern classic back to factory standards.
The team started with dry ice blasting, which safely removed years of grease and grime from the engine bay and undercarriage without damaging the factory finishes. The engine received fresh front and rear main seals, new coolant pipes, had the clutch replaced, and was carefully inspected thereafter. From there, attention turned to restoring the Speed Yellow paint and refreshing the interior.
Porsche North Houston’s 2004 911 GT3
When the work was complete, the 911 GT3 made its debut at the All-Stars Car Show in Daikin Park, home of the Houston Astros, delighting thousands of enthusiasts.
Porsche Louisville’s 2002 Boxster S
Preservation: Porsche Louisville with its 2002 Boxster S
Sold initially by Porsche Louisville in 2002, the Arctic Silver Boxster S was not drivable before the preservation began. Gold Certified Porsche Technician Christian Leadingham completely disassembled the engine down to the crankshaft before painstakingly rebuilding it.
Porsche Louisville’s 2002 Boxster S
Christian was just shy of three months old when this Boxster S was delivered to its original owner. Now that the work is complete, Christian is the Boxster’s second owner, proof that Porsche vehicles are enjoyed over generations.
Harper Porsche’s 1992 964 RS
Individualization: Harper Porsche with their 1992 964 RS
The philosophy underlying this build was to create a no-holds-barred 964 Carrera RS in the same vein as Sonderwunsch, utilizing the best of Porsche’s standard production, Classic, and Motorsport catalogues.
Harper Porsche’s 1992 964 RS
Starting from the outside, painters formulated their own Chromaflair-style paint, utilizing Porsche’s Oak Green Metallic as a core color with bursts of bright greens, delicate blues, and even brilliant gold tones depending on the light and viewing angle.
Inside, black leather and Alcantara provide a neutral counterpoint to expressive flashes of green leather, matched by a pair of green RS door releases, a 12 o’clock marker on the steering wheel, “Carrera RS” carpet embroidery, and the bespoke gauges whose markers reference Porsche’s connection to timekeeping.
Under the hood, the car’s original M64/03 engine was modified by technicians to 3.8 liters, in tribute to the 964 Carrera 3.8 RS and RSR.
Hendrick Porsche’s 1988 959 Komfort
People’s Choice: Hendrick Porsche with their 1988 959 Komfort
In the late 1980s, General Motors, aiming to redefine performance with the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, purchased a Porsche 959 directly from Porsche as a benchmark vehicle. This untitled 959, a pinnacle of automotive innovation with its twin-turbo engine and all-wheel-drive system, was flown to the United States for exclusive testing at GM’s Milford Proving Grounds.
Hendrick Porsche’s 1988 959 Komfort
For 30 years, this 959 sat dormant, its legacy preserved in GM’s archives. Hendrick Porsche revived the car to its original glory while preserving select patina, scuffs, and wear from its proving ground days, as a testament to its storied past.
The restored 959 stands as a bridge between automotive history and engineering excellence, ready to captivate enthusiasts once more.
Porsche Edison’s 911 C2 Cabriolet
Restoration: Porsche Edison 1996 911 C2 Cabriolet
The owner, a true Porsche enthusiast, made a promise to his 92-year-old father to care for the 911 Cabriolet he bought from him. His dedication is evident in the complete restoration of the car’s interior, exterior, and mechanicals as it approaches its 30th production anniversary.
Porsche Edison’s 911 C2 Cabriolet
His father, now 94, can look upon the vehicle and see that it has, in fact, been well cared for and can provide many more years and miles of enjoyment.
Porsche Beachwood’s 1995 911 Carrera 4
Preservation: Porsche Beachwood 1995 911 Carrera 4
This 911 Carrera 4 has been single-family owned since 1996, first owned by father Daniel Fox, then son Brennan. Little did Brennan know that this 911 would inspire a decade-plus-long career with the Penske Automotive Group and Porsche. Brennan started with Porsche of Beachwood in April of 2013 and became a certified Porsche Brand Ambassador in 2016.
Porsche Beachwood’s 1995 911 Carrera 4
When Porsche Beachwood opened its new Destination Porsche Center in 2024, Roger Penske signed the underside of this 911 hood as part of the celebration.
The vehicle had a mechanical refresh, with parts like clutch fork, bearings, and chain guides being replaced. Additional wear items, including gaskets and hoses, were also exchanged, but many original parts and accessories were meticulously refreshed to maintain as much originality as possible.
Porsche Clifton Park’s 1988 911 Carrera Coupe
Individualization: Porsche Clifton Park 1988 911 Carrera Coupe
Owned by Christian Trujillo, general manager of Porsche Clifton Park, this 911 Carrera Coupe was named Beauty by Christian’s daughter when she was a toddler. The genesis of this project was a serious accident last October when a deer hit Christian while driving the 911.
It was vital to Christian that the car be repaired and not sent to the junkyard, as he planned to pass “Beauty” down to his kids. He used it as an opportunity to participate in the Restoration Challenge.
Porsche Clifton Park’s 1988 911 Carrera Coupe
Christian and his crew also used it as an opportunity to adopt a healthier lifestyle. During the project, the team lost more than 100 pounds, which they documented as part of their journey with Beauty.
Christian says it has given them strength when they faced challenges that seemed insurmountable. The interior now sports a custom red and black interior, and the once-damaged windshield, hood, front quarter panel, and headlight are back to their original state.
Porsche Delaware’s 1986 928 S
People’s Choice: Porsche Delaware 1986 928 S
This 928 S, which spent most of its life in Germany, has undergone a remarkable transformation. When it arrived in the United States, it was in desperate need of both body and mechanical work.
Porsche Delaware’s 1986 928 S
Among the highlights are a new custom interior and the addition of gullwing-style doors. The team also upgraded the suspension, restored the brakes, added custom headers, and installed new factory headlights in the intricate build.
About the Restoration Challenge
Cars competing in the Restoration Challenge are worked on by Porsche-trained technicians who have access to a vast portfolio of nearly 85,000 Porsche Classic Genuine Parts, ensuring a comprehensive restoration process. The Porsche Classic U.S. headquarters, alongside One Porsche Drive in Atlanta, provides Factory Restoration services for all classic models and Sonderwunsch factory programs for all Porsche models.
To follow along and learn about each entry, visit Instagram and search the official event tag #porschechallenge25.