ATLANTA. Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA) has named Harper Porsche the Grand National Champion of the 2026 Porsche Classic Restoration Challenge for its restoration of a 1978 Porsche 911 Turbo 3.3. National Championship honors also went to Gaudin Porsche of Las Vegas in Preservation and Porsche Orlando in Individualization, with Porsche Orlando additionally earning the People's Choice Award.
For nearly a year, Porsche-trained technicians from Porsche Centers across the United States devoted their expertise and countless hours to preserving, restoring and reimagining classic Porsche vehicles. Following regional competitions held throughout the year, finalists gathered in Fayetteville, Georgia, during Luftgekühlt 12, one of the world's most celebrated Porsche enthusiast events. There, they competed for national honors and celebrated the craftsmanship behind their creations.
Finalists gathered in Fayetteville, Georgia, at Luftgekühlt 12
"This year's winners should be incredibly proud of what they accomplished," said Jonathan Sieber, Senior Manager of Porsche Classic. "The quality of work across the board was impressive. Their passion and commitment to craftsmanship is what makes the Restoration Challenge so special."
This year's highest honor of Grand National Champion went to Harper Porsche for its work on a rare 1978 Porsche. The project earned the Restoration National Champion honor as well. Finished in Paint to Sample Buick Medium Green Poly metallic over a distinctive white leather and pinstripe velour interior, the early Sonderwunsch (“special wishes”) commissioned vehicle arrived in need of extensive repairs after years of neglect. The team completed a full restoration that included significant rust repair, a bare-metal repaint, and comprehensive rebuilds of the engine, transmission and turbocharger.
2026 Porsche Classic Restoration Challenge Grand National Champion
The Preservation National Champion award went to Gaudin Porsche of Las Vegas for its work on a 1996 Porsche 911 Turbo. Decades of aftermarket modifications had altered much of what originally made the car special. Rather than replacing original components, the team focused on carefully reversing those changes and returning the vehicle to its factory-correct configuration. Original finishes were preserved, factory equipment was restored, and authenticity was verified through a Porsche Classic Technical Certificate.
2026 Porsche Classic Restoration Challenge Preservation National Champion
Porsche Orlando earned the Individualization National Champion award for its 1997 Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe. What began as a well-loved Pastel Yellow 993 evolved into a deeply personal Sonderwunsch-inspired creation for its longtime Porsche enthusiast owner. The vehicle was stripped to its bare shell and reimagined as a bespoke 993 RS interpretation, blending handcrafted details, custom touches and a high-revving 4.0-liter engine into a one-of-a-kind build.
The same vehicle also captured the People's Choice National Champion award after receiving the most votes from enthusiasts attending Luftgekühlt 12 at Town at Trilith.
2026 Porsche Classic Restoration Challenge Individualization and People's Choice National Champion
What started with 60 entries from Porsche Centers across the United States concluded with three national champions. Together, the winning projects showcased the craftsmanship, creativity, and technical expertise that define the Porsche Classic Restoration Challenge. In the world's largest market for classic Porsche vehicles, the competition highlights the expertise of the trained technicians at Porsche Centers nationwide, who have access to nearly 85,000 Porsche Classic Genuine Parts.
To learn more about the 2026 National Champions and their restoration journeys, visit Instagram and search #PorscheChallenge26.
