LUFT 10, At Universal Studios Backlot, The Air Era Was Breathtaking

Image Credit: Albert Wong (2024)

LUFT 10, At Universal Studios Backlot, The Air Era Was Breathtaking

Luftgekühlt, a marque display in its tenth year - LUFT 10, held at the iconic Universal Studios Backlot, was a celebration of the air-cooled Porsche era in a setting as cinematic as the cars themselves. An Octoberfest celebration of a German marque in the most dramatic way (event held October 5, 2024).

Image Credit: Lou Leto (2024)

The event, founded by Patrick Long and curated by renowned photographer and filmmaker Jeff Zwart, brought these timeless machines into a realm where they could be appreciated not just as cars, but as pieces of art. With the backdrop of movie sets, familiar yet surreal in their detail, this year's Luftgekühlt brought together automotive enthusiasts and artists alike in a way that transcended the typical car show experience.

Image Credit: Albert Wong (2024)

The air-cooled Porsches on display ranged from early 356 models to the legendary 917 race car, with nearly every variation of the 914, 550, and 911 in between. Attendees were encouraged to walk around each vehicle, giving them a chance to study every curve, contour, and color. Whether it was the sleek silhouette of a 550 Spyder or the muscular lines of a 911 Turbo, the craftsmanship of these classic machines was on full display, free from barriers and placards that might distract from the aesthetic experience. Visitors could discover the subtle details of each car, appreciating rare hues and custom finishes in a setting that felt intimate despite the event’s large scale.

Image Credit: Albert Wong (2024)

What set LUFT 10 apart from other automotive events was the seamless integration of these legendary cars into the environment of Universal’s backlot. The juxtaposition of timeless Porsches against the faux cityscapes of New York streets and European plazas created a surreal atmosphere, where the cars seemed to inhabit a dream-like world. 

Image Credit: Albert Wong (2024)

Each scene felt carefully crafted, as if the cars were actors placed in their perfect roles. It was an experience designed not just to showcase the vehicles, but to create a dialogue between art, history, and engineering.

Image Credit: Albert Wong (2024)

Photographers, both amateur and professional, found themselves in a playground of possibilities, with the challenge of capturing the perfect shot as the light shifted throughout the day. Unlike traditional car shows that rely on placards to provide information, Luftgekühlt kept distractions to a minimum by offering a simple QR code on each windshield. This left the cars to speak for themselves, allowing the visitors to focus on the form and beauty of the machines without the intrusion of excessive signage. The growing crowds made photography a test of patience, but those who waited for the right moment were rewarded with stunning images that captured the cars in their full glory.

Full photo album / CLICK Image >>> - all images by Albert Wong (2024)

The atmosphere was one of quiet reverence, where enthusiasts of all ages wandered the backlot with a sense of awe. Luftgekühlt is not just an event for Porsche aficionados; it’s a gathering where the art of automotive design is celebrated. The event attracts people from all walks of life, from seasoned collectors to younger fans just discovering the brand’s legacy. This shared passion for air-cooled Porsches creates a unique sense of community, where conversations about engine types and body styles blend seamlessly with discussions of aesthetics and culture.

Image Credit: Lou Leto (2024)

Though this is always a planned one-day event, Luftgekühlt offered a concentrated dose of nostalgia and inspiration that lingers long after the cars have been packed up and driven away. It’s an outdoor museum, where each car is a piece of rolling art, and every attendee becomes a curator of sorts, exploring the legacy of one of the world’s most iconic automotive brands. The air-cooled Porsche era may be a thing of the past, but at Luftgekühlt, it feels as fresh and relevant as ever.

Image Credit: Lou Leto (2024)

The magic of Luftgekühlt lies in its ability to take something familiar—an iconic car brand—and present it in a way that feels new and exciting. By situating the event in a film studio backlot, the organizers tapped into the sense of wonder and creativity that comes with Hollywood. The cars were no longer just machines; they were characters in a story that was both timeless and ever-evolving. The setting elevated the experience, turning what could have been just another car show into a cultural event.

Image Credit: Albert Wong (2024)

For those lucky enough to attend, LUFT 10 was not just about the cars, but about the experience of seeing them in a whole new light. It was a reminder that the passion for these machines transcends time, and that the air-cooled era, though long gone, continues to inspire and captivate new generations of enthusiasts. Each Porsche on display was a testament to the enduring appeal of design, engineering, and the sheer joy of driving. And in the context of Universal Studios’ backlot, these cars became something more—icons of a bygone era brought to life once again.
[ht: Lou Leto, Albert Wong - reflections and images]

... notes from The EDJE

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TAGS: LUFT 10, Luftgekühlt, Patrick Long, Jeff Zwart, Universal Studios, Backlot, Hollywood, Emory, RUF, Jerry Seinfeld, Lou Leto, Albert Wong, Octoberfest, The EDJE