Nine finalists have been announced for the 2026 Porsche Classic Restoration Challenge. The competition attracted 60 entries from Porsche Centers across the United States, with technicians tackling projects ranging from factory-correct preservation and comprehensive restorations to highly individualized builds. Following regional judging, nine vehicles have advanced to the finals in three categories: Preservation, Restoration, and Individualization.
Competition categories:
- Preservation: Maintaining originality while improving functionality.
- Restoration: Returning vehicles to like-new condition while adhering to original specifications.
- Individualization: Creating bespoke vehicles inspired by Porsche’s Sonderwunsch (“Special Wishes”) philosophy.
National judging will take place at Trilith Studios, with the finalists displayed during Luftgekühlt at Town at Trilith. Category winners and the Grand National Champion will be announced at the Porsche Classic Restoration Challenge Awards Banquet.
Area East
Individualization: Porsche Englewood | 1980 911 Targa
Nicknamed “The Gentleman’s Outlaw,” this 1980 Porsche 911 SC Targa underwent a complete nut-and-bolt restoration and extensive mechanical upgrades.
Finished in Oak Green Metallic, the reimagined 911 features a rebuilt 3.0-liter flat-six, upgraded suspension and brakes, and a rebuilt transmission with a limited-slip differential. Subtle body refinements complete a build that blends classic air-cooled styling with enhanced performance and a distinctly individual character.
Preservation: Porsche Mechanicsburg | 2003 911 Carrera 4S Coupe
After nearly two decades of daily driving through Pennsylvania winters, this Dark Teal Metallic 996-generation Carrera 4S received a comprehensive mechanical and cosmetic refurbishment. Work included major mechanical repairs, dry-ice cleaning, paint correction, refinished wheels, restored carbon-fiber trim, and a Porsche Classic Communication Management system. The project preserves the character of a well-used 911 while preparing it for many more miles.
Restoration: Porsche Beachwood | 1969 912 Targa Soft Window
Originally delivered in Ohio, this rare 1969 Porsche 912 Soft Window Targa spent years in storage before Porsche Beachwood undertook its restoration. Previously owned by longtime Porsche enthusiast Bruce Schwartz, the car received an extensive engine rebuild, cosmetic restoration, paint correction, and detailed finishing work. Beyond the restoration itself, the project helped raise tens of thousands of dollars for Alzheimer’s research in honor of its former owner.
Area South | Central
Individualization: Porsche Orlando | 1997 Porsche 911 Carrera 2 (993)
Porsche Orlando transformed a Pastel Yellow 993-generation Carrera into a bespoke, Sonderwunsch-inspired interpretation of the 911 RS. Stripped to its bare shell, the car was rebuilt with a handcrafted interior, carefully selected factory-style details, and a high-revving 4.0-liter engine incorporating components from several Porsche platforms. Commissioned around the personal vision of longtime Porsche enthusiasts Byron and Carey, the finished 993 combines classic RS influences with modern performance.
Preservation: Porsche Cary | 2001 Porsche Boxster
Porsche Cary returned this Guards Red 2001 Boxster to roadworthy condition through a comprehensive mechanical and cosmetic refurbishment. The project included a mechanical refresh, interior restoration, convertible-top refurbishment, and complete brake-system overhaul. The emphasis remained on preserving the roadster’s original character while improving reliability and drivability.
Restoration: Harper Porsche | 1978 Porsche 930 Turbo
One of the competition’s more unusual entries, this 1978 Porsche 930 Turbo features rare Paint to Sample Buick Medium Green Poly metallic paintwork paired with white leather and pinstripe velour upholstery. Years of exposure to the Florida sun left the early Sonderwunsch-commissioned Turbo requiring extensive attention. Harper Porsche undertook rust repairs, a bare-metal repaint, and complete rebuilding of the engine, transmission, and turbocharger. The restoration followed original factory specifications, preserving the car’s distinctive 1970s configuration.
Area West
Individualization: Porsche Tucson | 1973 Porsche 914
Porsche Tucson’s 1973 Porsche 914 is both a custom build and a tribute to Master Technician Jim Guthrie, whose nearly five decades of Porsche experience have helped shape the dealership’s restoration efforts. Starting with a stripped rolling chassis, the team carried out extensive fabrication, restoration, and performance upgrades to create a one-off 914 inspired by Guthrie’s personal vision. The project recognizes a technician who has guided the dealership through six years of Restoration Challenge participation and multiple regional awards.
Preservation: Gaudin Porsche Las Vegas | 1996 Porsche 911 Turbo (993)
This 1996 Porsche 911 Turbo arrived at Gaudin Porsche of Las Vegas carrying decades of aftermarket modifications. Rather than pursue a conventional restoration, the team concentrated on reversing tuner-era changes and returning the 993 Turbo to its original factory specification. Original finishes were preserved wherever possible, factory equipment was reinstated, and authenticity was documented through a Porsche Classic Technical Certificate. Road testing confirmed the restored Turbo’s performance and drivability.
Restoration: Porsche San Francisco | 2003 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S
Originally purchased as a retirement project, this 2003 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S had spent years off the road because of a suspected engine problem. Porsche San Francisco’s restoration addressed the car’s mechanical condition, appearance, and drivability, returning the 996-generation coupe to service. Notably, the work was completed by two first-year technicians under the supervision of experienced Porsche mentors, making the project as much a demonstration of developing technical talent as a classic-car restoration.
All nine finalists will be displayed at Luftgekühlt at Town at Trilith, where visitors can inspect the cars and vote for the People’s Choice Award.
The National Championship will recognize winners in each of the three categories, along with an overall Grand National Champion.
Additional before-and-after photography is available through Porsche’s U.S. Newsroom, while the teams’ progress can be followed on social media using #porschechallenge26.
Above contents © 2026 Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG reviewed and edited by Rex McAfee , @rexmcafee 🏁
