The Same But Different: A Walk Through Luftgekühlt 6
Air-Cooled Six

When Luftgekühlt had its start six shows ago, I don’t think the organizers – or any of the attendees for that matter – expected that the event would some day be held in the Universal Studios backlot.

And yet, a little over a week ago, that’s where all of us who attended Luft 6 found ourselves, strolling around, basking in the ambiance of sheer P-car heaven.

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There were nearly 400 cars in attendance, with thousands of spectators adding to the clutter. All of which made it the show of the decade.

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If you’ve missed some of the scenes Keiron blessed us with last week, you can find them here and here. He’s done Luftgekühlt 6 some real justice, recapping on the incredible venue and even more lust-worthy lineup of cars.

That latter included a dynamic range of Porsche models, from your everyday beater 912 to priceless museum pieces like the $5million 550 Spider.

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Everything, and I mean everything about the event was simply of choice.

Where else in the world would you be able to take a stroll through the streets of New York, only to find a 917K parked on the sidewalk, in front of a theatre? Feel like taking a trip to the Wild West? Heck, they’ve got you covered there too. Or maybe you’re feeling nostalgic and hungry, so take a short trek across the lot to Courthouse Square park, where you can eat and drink alongside one of the first 911s to hit the market, all while walking on the same grounds that Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd once set their feet on.

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It was all quite overwhelming to soak in to be honest. So instead of reiterating how glorious and extravagant the event was, I figured it might be best to let the photos do the talking for me this time around.

It’s A Porsche Thing
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I think by now it’s safe to assume you guys have a solid understanding of just how over the top everything really was at Luftgekühlt 6. But despite the incredible cars, monumental faux architecture, and bipolar weather swings from all four seasons, I’ve still heard and read all sorts of comments about it just being another Porsche-themed show.

I really can’t wrap my head around that thinking. How can people come up with this sort of negativity when every single car had its own story to tell, with its own persona given to it by its rightful owner. From the scripts found on the gas station and movie theatre, to the Skittles field of 914s scattered around the entry lot, and even the family of 917s in the warehouse, every section was carefully curated and thought out to make sense for those looking to understand theme of the show.

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It’s details like these tied together with picturesque backdrops that genuinely made Luft 6 one of the most unique and memorable shows I’ve ever attended, regardless of whether people agree with the air-cooled saga or not.

As we all know, this genre of cars come from a long lineage of racing pedigree primarily based around a car that hasn’t changed its shape since the day it was born. It’s clear that neither Porsche, nor its cult following give a single care about changing things up anytime in the near future, and I’m going to have to agree here. Keep it coming!

Patrick Long, Jeff Zwart, and everyone else that make up Luftgekühlt have outdone themselves yet again, which of course means they really have their work cut out for them next year.

Naveed Yousufzai
Instagram: eatwithnaveed

Keep Em’ Coming
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23 comments

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1
thathellastocksusdm3rdgenyaris

Next Speedhunters Article Title. "New But Also Old, Irrelevant But Also Relevant, In the past but also in the future: Stanced Out LS swapped BMW Istetta"

Author2
Naveed Yousufzai

Isetta*

3

I'm a Porsche fan, and iv'e said it before, but the 34508746 recent Porsche articles screams of jumping on the bandwagon.

too much of a good thing etc......

4

I completely agree, just another Porsche event. Also, going to the Vatican is just another Catholic event, Mecca is just another Islamic event, Hawaii is just another surfing thing. It's always the same thing with Speedhunters: beautiful photos of amazing cars, day after day. Too much of a good thing, that's exactly what I think when I go to Speedhunters...

Author5
Naveed Yousufzai

I can understand how that may seem to be, but honestly, it's all I'm surrounded by. I still have a few more articles on other Porsche related things coming out. I'll try and throw other cars and events in between the mix, but the scene is really big here in California and too good not to share =).

6

A quick question : I have seen a few photo libraries from this years Luftgekuhlt, and all them seem to have quite heavy editing or filters... Was it just the lighting at this event ? or did everyone just want to add something ?
I have to say i prefer the more natural editing approach rather than the heavy contrast adding, or color filiters.

Author7
Naveed Yousufzai

I honestly tried to go easy on the edits. But I think everyone was excited about the scenes and wanted to take their own approach with so many different backdrops. I know I was excited as heck!

8

Great photos Naveed, thank you.

9

Wow! I REALLY wish I lived in California! How come Spielberg didn't send a jet to get me?(laughing). Not only am I Porsche fan for life but I worked at the U.S. Holocaust Museum in DC for a year. Listen, people can "hate" on Porsche and the "excessive" (no such thing) coverage on Speedhunters but when you have the legacy Porsche has what can I say? We just got it like that! Do you see how many different types and generations of Porsches there are here? They're ALL different! The 917 just takes the cake. I had to "slap myself" after seeing that car. Amazing. I may run out and get a Porsche tattoo today. Amazing cars! Amazing history! Never get tired of Porsche coverage! Like having "too much money.". Impossible!

10

I really like this perspective
But someone keeps missing out the 959

Author11
Naveed Yousufzai

The black contour shot with the water was I believe a 959. =)

Though to be fair, I've been to Canepa here in California so many times that I think I've become spoiled of seeing them.. They usually have 5+ at a time lol

12

I shouldn't like the targa on tracks as much as I do.

13

is there a reason there are no 924's, 944's or 928's?

14

Yeah, they're not aircooled.

15

Yeah, that would make sense... Also its what i get for commenting before the first coffee kicked in. lol

16

Naveed

How long did it take to get all these cars in there and positioned? I wish I could hear that 917.

Author17
Naveed Yousufzai

Honestly, I think they started the staging at around 7AM, but had it complete by about 9:30 ish 10. The group I was staging in was the last of the pack and by the time we got in, everything was already set. I think the more high end cars were there a day prior though.

18

I really appreciate the portrait shots for phone wallpapers, thanks!

Author19
Naveed Yousufzai

If i could take every single photo as a portrait, I would lol. Just a personal preference =)

20

By no means am I a purist, however, there are two things you just don't do to a 911. LS swaps and snow tracks. A useless fad that doesn't even make sense on 4WDs as you'll get a lot farther on a set of glacier tires, but putting them on a 911....

21

If you don't have a numbers matching 911 and your engine goes you will rethink your LS swap comment. A Porsche engine rebuild can be huge money and the weight difference isn't that bad for similar or better HP numbers out of the LS. From what i understand the LS swap also involves minimal body modification, so if the swap does nothing to decrease the overall handling or value of the car and is 100% reversible then why not do a LS swap?

22

I totally get the whole LS-the-world movement, if you are building a competition car that you need easy power and cheap accessible parts, it makes sense. I'm just tired of it, its overdone, it lacks imagination and if I have the cash to get into a 911, I'm going to keep that tight, sweet sounding flat 6 in there.

23
Gary Israelian

Anyone else spot the Paul Walker look a like? Eerie!

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