2023 SoCal Porsche Week

The classic Porsche “Faithful” did not waiver

Not since 1989 did Los Angeles have an official “Blizzard Warning” issued by National Weather Service. With forecasts of 5 inches of rain, low elevation snow, and 75 mph wind gusts, one had to wonder, would anybody show up for the Porsche Week?  Rest assured, the classic Porsche community has survived decades of change and challenges, so for many, it was “business as usual,” only a bit slower and wetter.

7 Days of “Porsche Life”

To be accurate, SoCal Porsche Week starts on Monday with pre-arranged shop visits by those looking for something in particular. For example, I just learned of a $50K deal on 4-Cam parts that occurred days before the first open house. So while the schedule posted at LA Lit and Toy Show starts on Thursday, you can bet the “pros” are making their rounds earlier in the week. Likewise, some shops are just not big enough to host large groups, so it’s better to schedule an appointment. Bob Kann of GT Werk is a perfect example.

Bus Tours

One of the more unique opportunities of this annual pilgrimage is the bus tours that take the hassle out of driving on Southern California’s notoriously congested freeways. Organized by Porsche parts juggernaut Stoddard NLA LLC, they offer an excellent service to those who want to take some of the hassles out of their Porsche week. This year’s tour bus stops included:

• Sierra Madre Collection, 1669 Colorado Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90041
• Beverly Hills Car Club, 4576 1/2 Worth St, Los Angeles, CA 90063
• Redline Weber Carburetors, 1225 W. Imperial Hwy., Brea, Ca. 92821
• Callas Rennsport, 19080 Hawthorne Blvd, Torrance, CA 90503
• Klasse356, 4040 Spencer Street, Suite L, Torrance, CA 90503
• Willhoit Restoration, 1360 Gladys Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90804
• Pelican Parts, 1600 240th St, Harbor City, CA 90710
• The Parts Shop, 15725 Chemical Lane, Huntington Beach, CA 92649
• Benton Performance, 1275 North Lance Lane, Anaheim, CA 92806
• CarParc USA Open House, 1701 Pomona Ave, Unit B, Costa Mesa, CA 92627
• European Collectibles, Inc., 1665 Babcock Street, Costa Mesa, CA 92627
• California Porsches, 1638 Babcock St STE A, Costa Mesa, CA 92627
• Göritz SIXFIX, 1760 Monrovia Ave STE A12, Costa Mesa, CA 92627
• Performance Vintage International, 187 East 16th Street., Costa Mesa, CA 92627
• All-Porsche Car Show and Swap Meet

Drive Tribe

Conversely, driving an air-cooled classic “around town” for many is part of the magic of this annual affair. A few coats of Rain-X can remedy those wipers that haven’t worked in years, so I wasn’t too surprised when I rolled up on the open house at the Sierra Madre Collection to see a few blocks of Porsches parked on display. Yes, the weather did keep some enthusiasts at home, but for being in the middle of a Blizzard warning, the turnout of around 70% of last year’s crowd was respectable.

Lit & Toy Show

Now in its 39^th iteration, the Lit & Toy Show is the “cornerstone” of the week’s events. Held at the LAX Hilton Hotel, the event originated out of necessity; there simply were no easy ways to find parts for these old classic Porsches. Bringing everyone together in the parts business seemed like a good idea, and so it began. Over the decades, the demand for Porsche 356 and early 911 parts outpaced the market, and reproduction parts sources began to grow. Case in point, Stoddard NLA LLC. The “NLA” stands for “no longer available” and this segment of the classic Porsche community is now a multimillion-dollar industry.

Sunday’s Swap Meet

As if you needed to put more miles on those tired feet and aching back, set your alarm clock and leave early for the 356 Club’s “All Porsche Swap Meet.” While the LAX lit meet is more for small parts and collectibles, Sunday’s affair is for anything from a greasy transmission to a restored classic Porsche (and I saw both plus everything between). Held outdoors and inside a gymnasium, a strong turn-out proved there’s still a desire to experience a good old fashioned swap meet, where pockets lines with $20s and $100 rule the field. For many with large items to sell, this is one of the year’s best events to sell something that is too expensive to ship.

That’s a Wrap

While a few may have found that “unobtanium” part they have been tirelessly searching for, or a new home for that took-kit that has been stashed in the closet for years, most of the people I spoke with gained something far more valuable during SoCal Porsche Week; camaraderie. Regarding these classic Porsches, talking about a one-year-only turn-light bezel or radio isn’t something you can just Google or search on YouTube. This is a community where respect must be earned, and friendships blossom with those you may have never engaged with had it not been for a mutual appreciation of an old Porsche. As a Porsche friend just reminded me, “We came for the cars but stayed for the people.”