Porsche Cars North America has announced the 2026 Porsche Classic Restoration Challenge, marking the sixth year of the programme for Porsche Centers across the US.
The initiative invites official centres to restore, preserve or individualise classic Porsche models using Porsche Classic Genuine Parts alongside in-house technical expertise. The programme is designed to support long-term maintenance of historic Porsche vehicles while showcasing the capabilities of dealer-based restoration teams. According to Porsche Cars North America, the US has the highest number of classic Porsche vehicles in operation globally, while the Porsche Classic parts catalogue currently includes approximately 85,000 genuine parts
The 2026 Challenge will be structured around three regional judging events. The western round will take place at Werks Reunion on August 14, 2026. The south-central round is scheduled for Artomobilia on August 28-29. The eastern round will be held at the Audrain Newport Concours on October 2-3. A national final will follow in October.
Participating teams will document their progress throughout the year via social media using the hashtag #porschechallenge26. Entries are divided into three categories. Preservation focuses on maintaining originality while improving functionality. Restoration returns vehicles to near-factory specification. And Individualisation allows for bespoke builds influenced by Porsche’s Sonderwunsch programme.
The 2025 Porsche Classic Restoration Challenge attracted a record 73 entries, with the final held alongside Luftgekühlt 11 in Durham, North Carolina. It concluded with four category winners, each reflecting a different approach to restoration, preservation and individualisation using Porsche Classic support. Let’s take a look at last year’s winners…
Grand National and Individualisation Champion: Porsche Bend, 1973 Porsche 911T (RSR tribute)
This project began as a planned entry for the previous year’s Challenge, but changed direction once the car was stripped down and its potential reassessed. The team elected to develop it as an RSR-style tribute, drawing on period competition cars while retaining a road-focused specification. The body was reworked with steel fender flares, fabricated and welded to achieve a wider stance. It was refinished in Viper Green, consistent with the car’s original colour.
Inside, the team introduced houndstooth trim elements, including on the dash and door panels, alongside RS-style components. The engine is a 2.8-litre unit based on a Porsche Classic ‘8R’ case, fitted with modern fuel injection and producing over 280bhp. It is paired with a modified 915 gearbox and limited-slip differential. The project reflects a deliberate balance between period reference and modern usability.
Restoration National Champion: Porsche North Houston, 2004 Porsche 911 GT3 (996.2)
The objective of this project was to return a well used 996.2 GT3 to factory specification. Work began with a detailed inspection, identifying areas affected by age and use, including paint-protection film and mechanical components. The restoration involved partial disassembly of the interior to address HVAC function, as well as extensive cleaning of the engine bay and underbody using dry ice blasting.
Mechanical work included replacement of engine seals, coolant pipes and clutch, alongside inspection of the transmission. The car’s Speed Yellow finish was restored, and interior contact points refreshed. The approach focused on returning the car to its original condition rather than modifying it, reflecting the increasing recognition of early GT3 models as modern classics.
Preservation National Champion: Gaudin Porsche of Las Vegas, 1988 Porsche 944 Turbo S
This car had remained unused for nearly two decades before work began. Its history, including long-term ownership prior to being stored, informed the decision to prioritise preservation over restoration. The team’s objective was to retain as much of the original car as possible while returning it to running condition. Mechanical recommissioning included a full fluid service, replacement of the water pump, drive belts and coolant expansion tank, and a complete overhaul of the braking system.
Original components, including hood struts and wiper blades, were retained. The car was returned to operational condition and driven again after a prolonged period off the road, with minimal visual alteration to its original state.
People’s Choice Award, Harper Porsche, 1992 Porsche 964 RS (modified)
This project was developed as a modified interpretation of the 964 Carrera RS, guided by the principles of Porsche’s Sonderwunsch programme. The aim was to extend the original concept rather than replicate it. The exterior features a colour-shifting pearlescent paint finish, referencing historic Porsche colour palettes while introducing a contemporary effect.
Inside, Alcantara trim, custom instrumentation and lightweight materials were used to revise the cabin environment. The engine was rebuilt and modified to produce 394bhp and 343lb ft of torque, with further use of carbonfibre components contributing to weight reduction.
More information can be found here.
