Author Archive: jp

The Gaudin Classic Porsche Restoration Challenge winner, a meticulously preserved 1986 Porsche 911 Carrera Targa (M491 Turbo-Look with M470 spoiler delete), has hit the market on Bring a Trailer, giving enthusiasts a rare chance to own an award-winning piece of Porsche history right here in Las Vegas.

This one-of-seven 1986 M491 Targa (a rare Turbo-Look widebody configuration without the rear spoiler) was discovered locally in a warehouse, having been converted to a cabriolet years earlier—a common modification at the time that saw many owners hack off the signature Targa bar. Gaudin Porsche’s expert team, led by Steve Teal, uncovered its true origins through research with the M491 registry and Porsche Classic. They undertook a sympathetic preservation-focused restoration: sourcing a donor Targa bar section, precisely welding it back using factory measurements and reinforcements, performing extensive paint correction (retaining most of the original paint), refreshing the interior without full replacement, rebuilding the engine (including a top-end overhaul), [...]

The **42nd Annual L.A. Lit & Toy Show** is gearing up to be a highlight for Porsche enthusiasts on **February 28, 2026**, at the Hilton Los Angeles Airport (5711 W. Century Blvd., right near LAX). This legendary swap meet draws thousands of shoppers, vendors, and collectors for over 300 tables packed with vintage Porsche (especially 356 and early 911) and VW literature, toys, models, memorabilia, tools, trim pieces, posters, brochures, and more—it’s the ultimate treasure hunt for rare automobilia.

The Las Vegas PCA has a strong tradition of making the short drive (or flight) to this SoCal staple. Past years have seen solid turnouts from our club, with members often carpooling, sharing hotel rooms at the LAX Hilton (where special rates are typically available), and turning the weekend into a mini-road-trip adventure. The show’s timing—right after our own busy January events like the Phoenix tour and Death Valley day drive—makes it a perfect “next big [...]

By John Polnik

When Las Vegas gives you a rare rainy November day, most sensible Porsche owners stay home and polish their 911s. I, apparently, am not most Porsche owners. The moment the weather app showed actual precipitation in the desert, I knew it was time to go mud hunting in my 2008 Cayenne.

The Cayenne started life as a perfectly civilized luxury SUV, but over the years it’s been transformed into something a little less… boulevard and a little more backcountry. Thanks to the team at Eurowise, it now rides on a 2-inch lift kit, wears full rock sliders, a heavy-duty roof rack, beefy front and rear bumpers, and a stout aluminum skid plate. It’s still unmistakably a Porsche from the badge and the headlights, but it looks suspiciously ready to leave the pavement far behind.

Word of the wet weather spread quickly on Facebook, and the Southern Nevada Offroad Team (better known as [...]

By John Polnik

For ten years, Downtown Las Vegas Container Park has been many things: open-air mall, nightlife hub, home of the fire-breathing praying mantis. One thing it had never been? A car show venue. That all changed the night before SEMA 2025 when our friends at Cars und Kaffee Las Vegas threw “Cars und Kreators” and made history.

This wasn’t just any pre-SEMA party. For the first time ever, the City of Las Vegas gave permission to drive cars inside the park itself. And boy, did we use it.

The evening kicked off under the iconic 40-foot mantis as Lamborghini Las Vegas and Audi Henderson rolled in the headliners: a brand-new Revuelto in Verde Shock, a flat black Huracán Sterrato, and a matching black RS6 Avant Performance. The mantis shot flames on cue all night long; perfect backdrop for the thousand-plus creators, influencers, and enthusiasts who showed up.

Once inside the gates, it was [...]

Every year, the day after Vegas AUTOFEST, a group of car enthusiasts gathers for a beloved tradition: a drive along the scenic North Shore Road of Lake Mead. This year’s outing, blessed with ideal weather, brought together a close-knit crew of friends, their distinctive Porsches, and a shared enthusiasm for the journey—despite feeling the effects of the previous night’s late celebration.

Romi led the group in his striking 934 turbo race car, its bold presence setting the pace. Following him was Anthony from Hour Smiths, a sponsor from Idaho, who joined the drive in JP’s well-worn but reliable Porsche 964 C4 Cabriolet, enjoying the open top in the crisp desert air.

Deeb and Sahand, who traveled from San Francisco to help with the show, joined the convoy. Deeb, JP’s Bid Nerds partner, drove Romi’s 997 Turbo convertible, while Sahand took the wheel of the rare Ruf 993 turbo coupe. Both navigated the road with evident [...]

Hey Las Vegas Porsche crew! Heading to Air/Water in Orange County? Join our caravan! DM JP on Bid Nerds Instagram for the when and where. Let’s roll together!

https://www.instagram.com/bidnerds

On Sunday, February 23, 2025, the Arts District of Las Vegas transformed into a vibrant canvas of automotive artistry with the return of Cars und Kaffee. Held on the last Sunday of every month, this event—sponsored by Gaudin Classic—has earned its reputation as the go-to gathering for classic Porsche enthusiasts. But it’s more than just a car show; it’s a community-driven celebration that bridges the suburbs and the city’s creative heart.

Set against the eclectic backdrop of the Good Wolf Lifestyle Store, the February edition drew a diverse crowd, many of whom rarely venture into the Arts District. The star attractions? A stunning lineup of vintage Porsches, from air-cooled 911s to rare models preserved with the expertise of Gaudin Classic, North America’s first Porsche Classic Partner. These weren’t cars meant to roar or flaunt excess—they [...]

What started as a beloved classic Porsche gathering in Las Vegas has now grown—Cars und Kaffee is officially in two cities! Now taking place simultaneously in both Las Vegas and San Francisco on the last Sunday of every month, the event continues to bring together Porsche enthusiasts for mornings filled with iconic cars, great coffee, and an unbeatable sense of community.

This past weekend, Cars und Kaffee SF braved the elements with a fantastic turnout, despite the cold weather and rising tides. A huge thank-you to everyone who made it out, as well as to @sean.manchester for his hospitality and the incredible homemade treats from @piccinocoffeebar. A special shoutout to @thepersianpillow and @artengine8, Sahand and Yuri, for stepping up as fantastic stand-in hosts!Whether you’re in Vegas or the Bay Area, Cars und Kaffee [...]

The final Cars und Kaffee of 2024 was an absolute showstopper, held at our usual home base—the Good Wolf Lifestyle Co. in the Arts District of Las Vegas. In what was easily the largest turnout in our nearly seven years of hosting this monthly event, car enthusiasts and Porsches of every era filled the streets, creating a scene that felt like a holiday gift for all who attended.

The unseasonably warm and sunny weather certainly helped bring people out, but [...]