2025 Porsche Classic Restoration Challenge: National Champions Crowned
Porsche Cars North America announced the winners of the 2025 Porsche Classic Restoration Challenge in Durham, North Carolina, alongside Luftgekühlt 11—celebrating craftsmanship from Porsche Centers across the West, South-Central, and East regions.
W
ith a record 73 entries, the Challenge highlighted meticulous preservation, factory-faithful restorations, and creative individualization. Judges praised the remarkable attention to detail and the energy teams brought to the program, as enthusiasts engaged with the builds throughout the summer.
National Winners
- Grand National & Individualization Champion: Porsche Bend — 1973 Porsche 911T, RSR Tribute
- Restoration National Champion: Porsche North Houston — 2004 Porsche 911 GT3
- Preservation National Champion: Gaudin Porsche of Las Vegas — 1988 944 Turbo S
- People’s Choice: Harper Porsche — 1992 964 RS
1Grand National & Individualization Champion: Porsche Bend — 1973 911T RSR Tribute
Originally slated for the 2024 program, the project evolved into a full celebration of early-’70s Porsche motorsport DNA. Technicians hand-formed steel RSR fender flares to craft the wide-body silhouette, finished in a faithful and vibrant Viper Green. Inside, the team created bespoke details—houndstooth inlays across an “S” dash trim, RS-style door cards, and 964 RS America pulls also wrapped in houndstooth.
Power comes from a 2.8-liter engine built from a Porsche Classic 8R case with modern fuel injection, delivering 280+ hp through a modified 915 gearbox with a limited-slip differential. Inspired by childhood Matchbox cars, the result is more than a recreation—it’s a tribute to Porsche heritage executed with precision and imagination.
2Restoration National Champion: Porsche North Houston — 2004 911 GT3
The Speed Yellow 996.2 GT3—raw and analog with a 3.6-liter Mezger flat-six—was returned to factory form following a comprehensive inspection. The team renewed paint protection, repaired HVAC components, and dry-ice cleaned the undercarriage and engine bay. The engine received fresh seals and coolant pipes; the clutch was replaced and the transmission inspected. With paint correction and refreshed interior touchpoints, the GT3 drew a warm reception at the All-Stars Car Show at Daikin Park, home of the Houston Astros.
3Preservation National Champion: Gaudin Porsche of Las Vegas — 1988 944 Turbo S
With a colorful backstory that began over a poker table in 1994, this 944 Turbo S sat untouched for nearly two decades. Preservation focused on originality—even the hood struts and wiper blades with air deflectors were original. Mechanical recommissioning began in February 2025 with fluids, a water pump, belts, and a coolant expansion tank. A full brake overhaul restored performance and pedal feel. The first start and test drive in nearly 20 years affirmed a sympathetic, detail-first approach.
4People’s Choice: Harper Porsche — 1992 964 RS
Built in the spirit of Sonderwunsch, the Harper team pushed the envelope with a color-shifting pearlescent exterior that nods to beloved Porsche greens and Chromaflair-style finishes. The cabin blends black Alcantara with green accents and bespoke gauges inspired by Rolex Daytona and Porsche Design timepieces. Functional carbon fiber extends into the engine bay, where a special build produces 394 hp and 343 lb-ft—surpassing 100 hp per liter and achieving a power-to-weight ratio on par with the 718 Cayman GT4 RS.
5Program Background
The U.S. is home to more classic Porsche vehicles than any other market. Challenge entries are prepared by Porsche-trained technicians with access to nearly 85,000 Porsche Classic Genuine Parts. Factory Restoration and Sonderwunsch programs are supported through Porsche Classic U.S. headquarters at One Porsche Drive in Atlanta.
Follow the builds on Instagram via #porschechallenge25. Official article and media package links are included below.
Source: Porsche Cars North America press materials. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
