Get ready for an exhilarating journey through time as Porsche celebrates a monumental milestone at Retro Classics 2026! The race-born legacy of Porsche Motorsport turns 75, and they're pulling out all the stops to showcase their incredible journey.
From February 19th to 22nd, Porsche will be taking center stage at Retro Classics, presenting a captivating display of four iconic racing cars that have left an indelible mark on motorsport history. But here's the twist: it's not just about the victories and records. Porsche wants to delve deeper, sharing stories of technology, courage, and the people who made it all possible.
'Raceborn - 75 Years of Porsche Motorsport' is more than an anniversary celebration; it's an invitation to explore the heart and soul of Porsche's motorsport journey. Achim Stejskal, Director of Porsche Heritage and Museum, emphasizes, "Motorsport is our identity." And they're ready to prove it.
In addition to the racing cars, Porsche will showcase a treasure trove of motorsport artifacts and historical footage, offering a glimpse into the past that's sure to thrill enthusiasts. One of the highlights will be the reveal of the car chosen to represent the Porsche Museum as its motorsport ambassador for 2026. You'll have to visit the Porsche stand to uncover this special vehicle's identity and its unique design features.
The Evolution of Racing: A Panel Discussion
On Saturday and Sunday (February 21st and 22nd), Porsche will host a captivating panel discussion titled 'Different Perspectives in Motorsport.' Join Holger Eckhardt, spokesperson for LMDh, GT, and Customer Racing at Porsche, along with Timo Bernhard, a two-time Le Mans winner, Ayhancan Güven, a Porsche works driver, and Frank Jung, Head of Corporate Archives and Collections. These racing legends will share their insights into the past and present of motorsport, discussing topics like the transition from sim racing to real-world circuits and the unique experience of retiring from driving to running a successful customer racing team.
The Birth of Customer Racing: The Porsche 356 SL
One of the stars of the Porsche stand will be the original Porsche 356 SL. This car holds a special place in Porsche's history as the first sports car specifically built for motorsport. Its class win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1951 marked the official beginning of Porsche's motorsport journey. The 356 SL was a versatile machine, excelling as a circuit racer, rally car, and record-breaker, and it laid the foundation for early customer racing. With its impressive performance and reliability, the 356 SL became the gateway for private drivers and small teams to compete on the international stage.
Extreme Lightweight Engineering: The Porsche 909 Bergspyder
The 909 Bergspyder, the lightest car on display, is a testament to Porsche's engineering prowess. Developed in 1968, this car was designed to tackle the challenges of the European Hill Climb Championship, requiring steep gradients and rapid direction changes. Weighing in at less than 400 kilograms, the 909 is an extreme example of lightweight construction, powered by an air-cooled eight-cylinder boxer engine with a capacity of just under two liters, producing an impressive 275 PS (202 kW). Its acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in around 2.4 seconds is a testament to its power-to-weight ratio. The tubular spaceframe, made of aluminum, and titanium coil springs showcase Porsche's innovative use of materials. The thin glass-fibre-reinforced plastic bodywork completes this engineering masterpiece.
Under the supervision of Ferdinand Piëch, then Head of Development, the 909 Bergspyder pushed the boundaries of what was possible within the regulations, exploring the very limits of technical capabilities.
Modern DTM History: The Porsche 911 GT3 R
Less than a year ago, Ayhancan Güven made history by securing the championship title for Porsche customer team Manthey EMA at the Hockenheimring. He became the first Turkish DTM champion, a testament to the prowess of the 911 GT3 R. The DTM is a grueling test for this car, with short sprint distances, mandatory pit stops, and identical technical specifications making every second count. It's a battle of strategy, tire choice, radio discipline, and, of course, engine performance and aerodynamics. At Retro Classics, Porsche will proudly present this racing car to the public, fresh from its competitive outings.
A Rich Supporting Programme
Throughout the show, the Porsche Heritage and Museum team will be available to engage with visitors, sharing their expertise and insights about the displayed cars. Younger guests will also have the opportunity to participate in age-appropriate hands-on activities at the show stand. And for those who can't resist a little retail therapy, the museum shop offers a carefully curated selection of Porsche merchandise.
The Porsche stand will be open from 11:00 to 19:00 (CET) on February 19th and from 10:00 to 18:00 (CET) from February 20th to 22nd. With over 77,000 classic car enthusiasts and sports car lovers expected to attend, Retro Classics 2026 promises to be an unforgettable celebration of Porsche's motorsport legacy.
And this is the part most people miss: it's not just about the cars. It's about the stories, the people, and the passion that have driven Porsche's motorsport success for 75 years. So, are you ready to dive into this incredible journey? The race-born legacy awaits!
