Luftgekühlt 10: Air-Cooled Magic at Universal Studios
New York Street, Universal Studios Backlot
As a commercial photographer, I’ve had the privilege of shooting everything from chocolate factories to high-performance sports cars, but there’s something uniquely special about the Luftgekühlt event. Celebrating its 10th iteration this year, Luft 10 took place at the iconic Universal Studios Backlot in Hollywood. It wasn’t just another car show—it was a celebration of air-cooled Porsche history, a gathering of enthusiasts, and a collision of automotive culture with the magic of Hollywood.
1964 Porsche 904 Carrera GTS
For those unfamiliar, Luftgekühlt (meaning “air-cooled” in German) is a celebration of Porsche’s air-cooled era, particularly the 911 and its predecessors. The event draws air-cooled Porsche owners and fans from around the world to showcase their prized machines, many of which are as unique as the people who own them. It's a gathering of like-minded individuals who are passionate about these classic machines, and this year, the venue—Universal Studios’ legendary Backlot—only made the experience even more surreal.
Porsche 930 Slantnose
The History of Air-Cooled Porsches
Porsche’s air-cooled engines have an almost mythical status among car enthusiasts. The iconic Porsche 911, introduced in 1964, was powered by an air-cooled engine, a design choice that set the 911 apart from almost every other car on the road. The air-cooled engine, which relied on cooling fins and a fan to regulate temperature, was a simpler, lighter, and often more reliable solution than the liquid-cooled engines used by most other manufacturers.
This unique engine design gave early Porsches a distinctive sound—throaty, mechanical, and undeniably Porsche. The Porsche 356, the brand’s first production car, also used an air-cooled engine, and the brand’s commitment to this design continued through the 930 Turbo, the 964, and the 993, all of which were powered by air-cooled engines.
The last of the air-cooled 911s, the 993, was produced until 1998, when Porsche switched to water-cooled engines for better performance, fuel efficiency, and emissions standards. Despite the technological advancements of water-cooled engines, the air-cooled Porsches still hold a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts. Their simplicity, their raw mechanical feel, and their unmistakable sound make them irreplaceable in the world of classic cars.
Porsche 930 in Minerva Blue Metallic
A Drive to Remember: San Diego to Hollywood
The journey to Luft 10 started the day before the event. I flew down to San Diego to meet up with my good friend Tony, a fellow Porsche enthusiast, who needed a second driver for the trip. Tony had two of his stunning 930 Turbos—painted Minerva Blue Metallic and an Ice Green Metallic—invited to the event. Both cars are head-turners, and I was more than happy to help drive them up the coast to Universal Studios.
After catching up and enjoying a quick lunch, we hit the road in these eye-catching Porsches. The Minerva Blue is a rich, deep blue that practically glows under the sunlight, while the Ice Green Metallic has a cooler, almost ethereal hue. Both cars drew attention wherever we went, and it wasn’t hard to see why—aside from their rare colors, both were in pristine condition, with that signature Porsche finesse.
There’s something magical about taking an air-cooled Porsche on the open road—especially a 930 Turbo. The turbo’s roar, the smooth hum of the air-cooled engine, and the responsive handling made the journey a perfect start to the weekend. We arrived at Universal Studios in the evening, just in time to stage the cars for the next day’s show and enjoy a relaxed pre-party with fellow car owners. With very few people around, it also gave me some prime opportunities to take photos in the soft, evening light before the crowds descended the following day.
Luft 10: A Celebration of Air-Cooled Legends
The history of Porsche’s air-cooled engines was alive and well at Luftgekühlt 10. Hosted at Universal Studios’ historic Backlot, the venue itself was almost as iconic as the cars it showcased. With movie sets from The Bourne Identity to Jurassic Park lining the streets, it was surreal to be surrounded by such cinematic history while also celebrating one of the most revered car brands in the world. The combination of Hollywood’s movie magic and Porsche’s automotive craftsmanship was an experience unlike any other.
One of the most striking things about Luftgekühlt 10 was the diversity of cars on display. From immaculate restorations to weathered classics, each car told its own unique story. A particularly exciting presence this year was the collection of 1974 3.0-liter Porsche 911 RSR racing cars, which were among the stars of the event. These legendary racing machines, originally built to take on the world’s toughest motorsport events, are the epitome of Porsche’s engineering prowess. Their wide bodies, iconic rear wings, and aggressive stance made them one of the most exciting cars to see in person. The RSR’s distinctive silhouette, paired with its motorsport pedigree, was a true highlight for anyone passionate about Porsche’s racing history.
Porsche 911 RSR IROC Race Cars
The Porsche 356, the model that laid the foundation for the 911, was also well-represented, including a beautifully restored 356 A Coupe finished in a striking shade of red. The 356 was Porsche's first production car, and seeing one up close at Luftgekühlt was a reminder of how far the brand has come.
Among the crowd was a Porsche 911 2.7 Carrera RS—one of the most coveted models in Porsche history. The RS, introduced in 1973, was originally designed for racing but became an icon due to its lightweight design, aggressive stance, and unmatched driving dynamics. Seeing one of these in person, especially in the signature Porsche Gelb (yellow) color, was a treat for anyone who appreciates Porsche's racing pedigree.
Other standouts were a collection Porsche 911 Turbos, the first of the turbocharged 911s. Which had that unmistakable wide body and rear wing, a symbol of Porsche’s entry into the turbocharged world. These early 911 Turbos represent a raw, unrefined era in Porsche’s history, where driving was about feeling the road and controlling the power rather than relying on the assistance of modern technology.
Iconic Filming Locations & Prime Photo Opportunities
The Universal Studios Backlot provided an unforgettable backdrop for these legendary cars. As a photographer, I couldn’t help but marvel at the scene. The mix of Porsche’s timeless designs against the backdrop of famous movie sets—from the New York Street set to the Universal City Walk—was nothing short of cinematic.
Being able to load in the night before the general public arrived gave us a unique opportunity. With no crowds around and the golden light of the setting sun casting long shadows, it felt like a private, exclusive event. The cars were freshly staged, and the weather was perfect for shooting. The lack of spectators made for more intimate shots, allowing us to capture each car in all its glory without distractions.
As the sun began to set, a leisurely parade of air-cooled Porsches cruised down the Backlot’s streets. The sound of the engines was a chorus of mechanical bliss, each car singing its own tune. The low rumble of a 930 Turbo, the high-pitched whine of a 356, and the throaty roar of a 911 all blended together, creating a soundtrack for the day that was pure Porsche.
The Luftgekühlt Community
While the cars were the stars, it was the people who made Luftgekühlt 10 truly special. There’s something about the air-cooled Porsche community that feels more like a family reunion than a car show. People don’t just come for the cars; they come for the stories, the friendships, and the shared passion for these machines. You can tell when someone loves their Porsche—it’s not just a car, it’s a part of who they are. Whether it’s the owner of a lovingly restored 911 or a 356 that’s seen decades of adventure, the air-cooled Porsche community is bound together by a love for these timeless machines.
As I wandered through the rows of cars, I couldn’t help but smile at the personalities on display. There was a Porsche 912 with more stickers than a kid’s science project, a 356 Speedster that looked like it had been through more road trips than I’ll ever take, and a Porsche 914 that had a distinctly rebellious attitude. Chris Harris once said that cars have personalities, and the air-cooled Porsches on display were no exception. They each had their own stories, from weekend canyon drives to cross-country road trips, each one a reflection of its owner’s passion for driving.
356 Speedster Interior
356 Speedster
The Legacy of Air-Cooled Porsches
At the end of the day, Luftgekühlt 10 wasn’t just a celebration of cars—it was a celebration of a legacy. The air-cooled Porsche has become an icon in the world of automobiles, revered for its simplicity, its engineering brilliance, and its soul. While these cars may no longer be in production, they’ve earned a place in automotive history that is anything but fleeting.
For the community of air-cooled Porsche enthusiasts, the cars are more than just machines—they are a connection to the past, a symbol of freedom, and a reminder of the raw joy of driving. Luft 10 brought all of these elements together in one unforgettable event. It was a reminder that the love for air-cooled Porsches isn’t just about the cars themselves, but the experiences they create, the friendships they foster, and the memories they help build.
So here's to the air-cooled Porsche—a machine that continues to inspire, delight, and bring people together, even long after it’s driven off into the sunset.
