Luftgekuhlt 6 - Porsche Show at Universal Studios Backlot
Bali Blue 356 at Luftgekuhlt 6, Courthouse Square Gas Station, Universal Studios Hollywood
914 revisited - Special access to the Universal Studios Backlot
A couple of days ago, I had the privilege of attending Luftgekuhlt 6—and what a day it was. The setting? The legendary Universal Studios backlot in Hollywood, a location as iconic as the cars it hosted. If you’ve never been to a Luftgekuhlt event, let me tell you, it’s the gathering for air-cooled Porsche fans, and this year’s venue made it an unforgettable experience.
Luftgekuhlt, founded by former Car and Driver editor Howie Idelson and Porsche factory driver Patrick Long, is a celebration of Porsche's air-cooled heritage, and it’s become one of the most prestigious events in the automotive calendar. But what set Luft 6 apart was its venue—the Universal Studios backlot, a sprawling film set that’s been home to countless iconic movies, from Back to the Future (IMDb - Back to the Future) to Dirty Harry (IMDb - Dirty Harry). As a photographer, having air-cooled Porsches lined up against these cinematic backdrops was a dream come true. The 370 cars on display seemed right at home on the old western streets or the iconic New York backlot, making for some truly epic shots.
Matt Farah’s Safari 911, Three Amigos Set, Universal Studios Hollywood
The centerpiece of this year’s show? The Porsche 914
Porsche 914s
Now, the 914 has long been one of the most underrated models in the Porsche lineup, but at Luft 6, it was given the spotlight it deserved. Released in 1969, the 914 was a joint effort between Porsche and Volkswagen, designed to be an affordable entry-level sports car. While it initially faced some skepticism from Porsche purists—who considered it too “entry-level” and not quite a true Porsche—it has since gained a dedicated following.
What makes the 914 special isn’t just its quirky design or unique history; it’s the driving experience. The mid-engine layout of the 914 gave it near-perfect balance, making it an absolute joy to throw into corners. The air-cooled flat-four engine (and occasionally flat-six, in the 914/6 variant) gave it a distinct, raspy sound that was unlike any other Porsche. And let’s not forget the 914’s motorsport pedigree—most notably, the 914/6’s victory in the 1970 Targa Florio (Targa Florio on Wikipedia), where it finished 1-2-3. The 914 was also a key player in the SCCA racing series (SCCA - Sports Car Club of America) and has since become a beloved classic among Porsche collectors.
1.21 Gigawatts! 1965 Porsche 911 at Courthouse Square, Universal Studios Backlot
As for the event itself, Luft 6 offered plenty of memorable moments, from the visually stunning cars to the incredible backdrop. The Courthouse Square set (made famous by Back to the Future) was an amazing place to shoot. Then there was Western Town, where 914s and early 911s sat under the dusty, sunbaked facades of sets that have appeared in films like Three Amigos (IMDb - Three Amigos) and Westworld (IMDb - Westworld (1973)).
One of my favorite shots of the day came from the New York Street set—perfectly suited to the urban, aggressive lines of a 930 Turbo. The atmosphere was electric, with a palpable excitement in the air as Porsche fans from all walks of life mingled, talked shop, and celebrated their shared passion. The cars weren’t just cars—they were pieces of history, and each one told its own story.
That said, the event was incredibly popular, and with Luftgekuhlt tickets selling out fast, I’d recommend grabbing an early-bird ticket next time.
Getting there at 8 a.m. would have made the photography process a bit easier, without the crowds. But in the end, it was the energy of the crowd that made the event so special. There’s something about a group of enthusiasts sharing the same passion that’s contagious.
In addition to the Porsche 914’s spotlight, the event showcased other legendary models, from early 356s to the more modern 911 variants. It was a wonderful reminder of Porsche's incredible evolution, and a perfect opportunity to capture the raw beauty of these air-cooled machines.
Patrick Long, who helped found Luftgekuhlt, is a key figure in Porsche motorsports. Long, a factory driver for Porsche, has an extensive racing career, including wins at the Le Mans 24 Hours (Le Mans on Wikipedia) and numerous Porsche Carrera Cup titles. His passion for the brand and deep knowledge of its history made Luftgekuhlt a personal mission to bring together enthusiasts and show the world the full extent of Porsche’s air-cooled legacy.
If you're a Porsche fan or simply appreciate well-designed cars, Luftgekuhlt is an event you need to experience. It’s not just a car show—it’s a celebration of everything that makes Porsche special: the engineering, the passion, and the culture.
For more information on future Luftgekuhlt events, check out their official website: Luftgekuhlt. And for an in-depth look at the cars on display at each event, don’t miss their online tool, LuftCars: LuftCars. Trust me, it’s worth the visit. I’m already looking forward to the next one!
