Blog

As members of the Las Vegas Region Porsche Club, we know the appeal of Porsche heritage and distinctive gatherings. Few events embody that spirit like Luftgekühlt. Founded in 2014 by racer Patrick Long and creative director Howie Idelson, this curated display of air-cooled Porsches has grown from a small meetup into a highly anticipated tradition, featuring unique venues that combine history, architecture, and automotive culture.

Focusing on the U.S. editions (excluding international events), Luftgekühlt has primarily stayed on the West Coast while gradually expanding:

• Luft 1 (2014): Deus Ex Machina, Venice, CA – The original intimate gathering.
• Luft 2 (2015): Bandito Brothers, Culver City, CA – A creative studio space.
• Luft 3 (2016): Modernica Factory, Vernon, CA – Industrial setting with mid-century design.
• Luft 4 (2017): Port of Los Angeles, San Pedro, CA – Waterfront warehouse atmosphere.
• Luft 5 (2018): Ganahl Lumber, Torrance, CA – A lumber yard with ties to Porsche’s early Austrian roots.
• Luft 6 (2019): Universal Studios Backlot, Universal City, CA – Widely regarded as the greatest car show ever, thanks to the cinematic backdrops enhancing the display of rare air-cooled models.
• Luft 7 (2021): Bottleworks District, Indianapolis, IN – A shift to the Midwest motorsport hub.
• Luft 8 (2022): Brouwerij West, Port of Los Angeles, CA – Return to the harbor area.
• Luft 9 (2023): Mare Island Naval Base, Vallejo, CA – Historic military site in Northern California.
• Luft 10 (2024): Universal Studios Backlot, Universal City, CA – A successful revisit to the Luft 6 venue, coming in as a strong second in overall impact.
• Luft 11 (2025): American Tobacco Campus, Durham, NC – The debut on the East Coast in a restored historic industrial complex.

These locations stand out for their unexpected character: repurposed industrial spaces, historic sites, or creative environments that frame the cars as part of a larger narrative.

Luft 6 remains the benchmark, with the Universal Studios setting creating an immersive experience around iconic air-cooled Porsches like 356s, 911s, and racing variants. The return for Luft 10 recaptured much of that appeal, showing that certain venues merit a second chapter.

For Luft 12, the location remains a well-kept secret, as always. Patterns suggest a possible return to California origins, perhaps another Southern California spot to mark the event’s West Coast foundation. Recent moves to the Midwest and East Coast open possibilities for further exploration—maybe the Southwest, with Las Vegas offering vibrant energy and access to scenic routes like Valley of Fire, ideal for our local club members. Texas could provide wide-open spaces, or the Pacific Northwest a fresh regional flavor. Regardless of the choice, expect a venue rich in history and surprise. Keep watching for updates, fellow Porsche enthusiasts—the next chapter awaits!