Reflections on Truly Great Automotive Gatherings while Social Distancing:

I was fortunate to visit Luftgekuhlt 6 nearly a year ago now. And with the ever-intensifying reality of pandemic vulnerability in which we are currently living I find myself reflecting upon the true genius of the event. Sadly, the forthcoming Luft 7 taking place in Durham, North Carolina might be threatened by the spread of COVID 19, but in the meantime, I will continue to reflect upon air-cooled ecstasy in sunny Hollywood. The true genius of the Luftgekuhlt concept is in its brilliant amalgamation of art, social gathering, photography, and a true representation of the Porsche ethos. The way the event is set up was a true masterpiece of logistics and presentation in and of itself. Attendees traveled to the Universal Studios back lot by bus to be greeted by stylistically positioned icons of the air-cooled canon. One was able to walk through Hollywood’s golden age playground and delight in sightings of gleaming 356 speedsters, cheerful 911s,

and the elegant sweeping curves of the flat-12 Le Mans winning 917 donning the iconic colors of the Gulf livery. Luftgekuhlt is the marvelous brainchild of Le Mans champion Patrick Long and creative director Howie Idelson. Luftgekuhlt is an expression of Porsche enthusiasm being entwined in the fabric of the California lifestyle. And in that one can take part in the vibrant community of Porsche enthusiasts in California, as Southern California especially is the favorite home away from Stuttgart for the marque. I invite you to take in the photos below and revel in Porsche perfection as we are all going through withdrawal from automotive gatherings as we are sadly relegated to our homes. Yet, perhaps the definition of social distancing can be stretched to include a spirited drive.