How Porsche Classic Can Restore Your Car

The automaker relies on decades of expertise to make vintage models new again.

Ronan Glon | 

Aug 18, 2023 | 3 min read

Porsche

Porsche likes to point out that about 70% of the cars it has built remain on the road. The enthusiast community deserves a tremendous amount of credit for preserving vintage cars, but for more than two decades, Porsche Classic has helped facilitate the task of keeping its older sports cars registered and roadworthy.

What Is Porsche Classic?

Porsche founded its Classic department in 1999 to help enthusiasts maintain and restore historic models. It provides services for any classic Porsche, ranging from the 356 released in 1948 — the year the company was founded — to the 997-generation 911 that entered production in 2004. Smaller models such as the original Boxster and SUVs such as the first-generation Cayenne fall within Porsche Classic's scope as well.

Headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, Porsche Classic operates in more than 20 countries via the firm's dealer network. Standalone facilities, including one located in Atlanta, carry out special restoration work.

Porsche Classic Services

Porsche Classic offers three basic services: preservation, restoration, and recommission.

Maintenance work ranging from an oil change to an engine overhaul falls in the preservation category. The company's technicians also maintain the suspension, braking, and electrical systems, among other parts, and they perform body repairs — including hail-related damage and paint work — and alignments.

The restoration team relies on period documents, such as technical diagrams, and brand-specific tools to tear down a vintage car and bring it back to like-new condition. The scope of the work performed varies from car to car. Some owners may want to overhaul the body and the engine while leaving the seats untouched in the name of originality, while others may ask for a complete, "concours-level" restoration — the closest to brand-new as you can get.

Porsche aims to preserve originality, but it incorporates modern techniques into its restorations when appropriate. Cars stripped to the bare metal notably get treated to a cathodic dip before receiving paint. This process prevents rust, and it wasn't used when vintage cars like the 356 were built.

One restoration option is offered only to Carrera GT owners. The recommission service lets enthusiasts configure the car of their dreams. They can choose from a wide palette of paint and upholstery options that were available new.

Porsche

What Sets Porsche Classic Apart?

Porsche Classic's dedication to keeping older models on the road sets it apart from comparable divisions run by other carmakers. In addition to providing service and spare parts, it developed an infotainment system called Porsche Classic Communication Management Plus that brings modern features, such as Apple CarPlay connectivity, to older vehicles while keeping a neat, period-correct look. Porsche Classic also markets a line of engine oil designed specifically for older cars, including air-cooled 911s.

The Cost of Porsche Classic

The cost of Porsche Classic's services depends on the car and what it needs. Restoration work often costs more than maintenance work, so Porsche Classic analyzes photos sent by the owner to provide an initial estimate. The brand breaks down the estimate into different areas, including engine, body, and paint.

Ronan Glon

Ronan Glon is an American journalist and automotive historian based in France. He enjoys working on old cars and spending time outdoors seeking out his next project car.