Finalists announced for 2026 Porsche Classic Restoration Challenge

ATLANTA, OCT. 8, 2026 — For months, Porsche-trained technicians across the United States have dedicated their expertise, creativity, and countless hours to preserving and restoring some of Porsche's most iconic vehicles. Whether carefully maintaining original condition, returning a classic Porsche to its former glory, or creating a one-of-a-kind expression through individualization, each project represents a deep commitment to craftsmanship and Porsche heritage.

Now, those efforts have led to a distinguished group of finalists. Following area competitions held throughout the summer and fall, Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA) has named the contenders who will advance to the sixth annual Porsche Classic Restoration Challenge National Championship to compete for top honors in three categories: Preservation, Restoration, and Individualization. This year, sixty entries representing Porsche Centers across the United States competed.

"Making it to the finals is a real testament to the passion, skill, and teamwork behind each of these projects," said Jonathan Sieber, Senior Manager of Porsche Classic. "The quality of work this year has been exceptional. We're excited to welcome these teams to the National Championship and celebrate the craftsmanship and dedication that keeps Porsche heritage thriving."

Participating Porsche Centers compete in one of three categories: Preservation (maintaining originality while improving functionality), Restoration (returning vehicles to like new condition while adhering to original specifications), and Individualization (creating highly personalized, one-of-a-kind vehicles inspired by Porsche's Sonderwunsch philosophy). Area winners move on to the National Championship in Fayetteville, Georgia, from October 9-10, with judging at Trilith Studios and display during Luftgekühlt at Town at Trilith.

Area East: Individualization, Porsche Englewood, 1980 911 Targa, dubbed "The Gentleman's Outlaw," a concours-level, nut-and-bolt restoration finished in Oak Green Metallic with a rebuilt transmission with limited-slip differential and a reworked 3.0-liter engine. Preservation, Porsche Mechanicsburg, 2003 911 Carrera 4S Coupe, a Dark Teal Metallic daily driver given major mechanical repairs, cosmetic and interior refurbishment, dry-ice blasting and paint correction. Restoration, Porsche Beachwood, 1969 912 Targa Soft Window, a comprehensive revival with extensive engine rebuild and cosmetic restoration that also helped raise tens of thousands of dollars for Alzheimer's disease research.

Area South | Central: Individualization, Porsche Orlando, 1997 Porsche 911 Carrera 2 (993), stripped to its bare shell and reimagined as a bespoke 993 RS interpretation with a high-revving 4.0-liter engine. Preservation, Porsche Cary, 2001 Porsche Boxster, a Guards Red roadster given a comprehensive mechanical refresh, extensive interior restoration, convertible top refurbishment and a complete brake system overhaul. Restoration, Harper Porsche, 1978 Porsche 930 Turbo, finished in rare Paint to Sample Buick Medium Green Poly metallic over white leather and pinstripe velour, restored after years of neglect with extensive rust repair, a bare-metal repaint and a comprehensive rebuild of the engine, transmission and turbocharger.

Area West: Individualization, Porsche Tucson, 1973 Porsche 914, built from a gutted rolling chassis through extensive fabrication, restoration and performance upgrades as a tribute to Master Technician Jim Guthrie. Preservation, Gaudin Porsche Las Vegas, 1996 Porsche 911 Turbo (993), returned to factory-correct configuration by reversing decades of aftermarket modifications, with authenticity verified through a Porsche Classic Technical Certificate. Restoration, Porsche San Francisco, 2003 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S, a retirement project sidelined for years with a suspected engine issue, restored by two first-year technicians under veteran Porsche mentors.

Fans can follow the finalists by searching #porschechallenge26 on social media. With more classic Porsche vehicles on U.S. roads than in any other market worldwide, the Porsche Classic Restoration Challenge showcases the expertise, passion, and craftsmanship that keep the brand's heritage alive for future generations.