Porsche Classic Restoration Challenge Showcases Craftsmanship, Heritage in Fifth Year

The fifth annual Porsche Classic Restoration Challenge is officially underway, highlighting the artistry and dedication behind restoring iconic Porsche models. The competition, launched in 2020, has since revived over 100 classic cars, bringing them back to life through expert craftsmanship and an extensive catalog of Porsche Classic Genuine Parts.

Open to Porsche dealerships across the United States, the event allows participating Porsche Centers to showcase their restoration skills in three categories: Preservation, Restoration, and Individualization. The challenge culminates in October, when regional winners will compete for the coveted National Championship title.

This year, fans will have a new way to track the progress of the competing restorations. Porsche Cars North America (PCNA) announced that each participating dealership will document their work on social media, using the hashtag #PorscheChallenge25, offering enthusiasts a behind-the-scenes look at the process.

The 2024 contest saw remarkable entries, with Gaudin Porsche of Las Vegas taking home top honors in the Preservation category for its 1986 911 Targa. Porsche Englewood claimed both the Individualization award and the Grand National Championship with its 1985 911 Carrera Coupe, a tribute build styled after the “1971 McQueen Gulf #20 S/T.” Meanwhile, Porsche Louisville impressed judges in both the Restoration and People’s Choice categories with its fully restored 1977 911 Turbo.

“This beloved contest presents a unique opportunity for our Porsche Centers to showcase their Classic abilities through their mechanical and creative skills,” said Jonathan Sieber, Senior Manager of Porsche Classic. “We’re excited to see what each team creates in 2025.”

Entries from PCNA’s three sales regions—East, South-Central, and West—will be evaluated at public events throughout the summer, with Porsche Club of America experts and PCNA judges selecting winners. Spectators will also have a say, voting for the People’s Choice Award.

The competition categories cater to different approaches to restoration:

• Preservation: Focuses on maintaining originality while improving drivability, with minimal refinishing allowed. Vehicles must have been driven at least 2,500 miles per year or accumulated 70,000 miles since production.
• Restoration: Requires a full factory-spec rebuild to near-original condition.
• Individualization: Encourages creative modifications, following the Porsche Sonderwunsch philosophy, while ensuring the vehicle remains street legal and uses Porsche Genuine Parts.

As the world’s largest market for classic Porsche vehicles, the U.S. plays a crucial role in preserving the brand’s heritage. With Porsche-trained technicians utilizing a vast inventory of 85,000 Porsche Classic Genuine Parts, the Restoration Challenge continues to inspire a new generation of enthusiasts while honoring the marque’s rich legacy.