One of the most impressive Porsche-focused events is coming up next weekend. What better way to get into the spirit than to hang out and chat with the man who created Air|Water, Patrick Long. If that name sounds familiar, it’s because the man is a living legend.
Patrick Long has a colorful racing career, competing in many different series including some you may have heard of such as The 24 Hours of Le Mans, Rolex 24 Daytona, and 12 Hours of Sebring, just to name a few. Most of Long’s career was spent driving various models of Porsche racing cars. The guy knows a thing or two about Germany’s highly regarded manufacturer from Stuttgart.
I had the chance to talk to Patrick one-on-one about the upcoming Air|Water, as well as take one of his personal Porsches out for a spin in the local canyons.
Where It All Started
If you haven’t been to a Luftgekühlt, please do yourself a favor and attend one of those shows. So far there have been 12, all very meticulously crafted to provide a one-of-a-kind experience. They are absolutely incredible to behold.
A personal highlight from the “Luft” side of things was the show at the Universal Studios Backlots. This setting provided an almost dream-like backdrop for each featured car. Since it was a car show dropped in literal movie sets, there were infinite photo opportunities to center beloved Porsche cars in some of the most iconic film sets ever produced. High-quality cars deserve high-quality showcase production, after all.
Why These Events Resonate
The goal behind Luftgekühlt and Air|Water is first and foremost to bring the joy of Porsche to the masses. Long describes his initial dream of creating a safe space for anyone to attend where the focus is all about the cars and their wonderful stories. Patrick says “it all comes back to the question of how does the car make you feel?” This is an important question to ask yourself when getting into any vehicle, but he’s dead-set on taking that amazing feeling and translating it into a wonderfully crafted showcase of all things Porsche, “that feeling shouldn’t just be reserved for owners or the most hardcore enthusiasts.”
The goal for Luftgekühlt, and especially Air|Water, is to have a more inclusive experience for anyone wanting to see examples of some of the world’s most timeless sports cars. The idea is to appeal to those hardcore enthusiasts, but also draw in those who might be curious about Porsche, and even simply something for the family to get out and experience together. Here, there’s something for everyone.
Air-Cooled Meets Water-Cooled
As wonderful as Luftgekühlt events are, there was always something missing. Until now, there has been a whiff of favoritism amongst the community towards air-cooled Porsches as the more desirable era of Porsche.
While in some cases that may be true, Air|Water aims to be even more inclusive, offering folks a chance to enter their Porsche in the show regardless of whether it’s air-cooled, water-cooled, hybrid, electric, or off-road-focused. If you have an interesting Porsche, you can apply to be in the show. There will be many stunning cars to see, but also a live DJ, food, and overall a beautiful space in which to spend the day. Keep in mind this is all happening in the beautiful California sunshine as Air|Water returns to Costa Mesa, CA.
Let’s Go For A Drive
After explaining his love of the brand, motorsport, and all things car culture, Long looks over to the lineup and asks, “so which car would you like to drive today?” Everything in the garage was stunning, but the car that spoke to me most was his 1996 911 Carrera. This car represents a major icon during my childhood. The 993-generation 911 left such an impression on my early life, always representing a bit of a hero of the ‘90s, but until now, has been an elusive drive.
The curiosity ends now. We set off from Finish Line Auto Club, where Patrick keeps some of his stunning Porsches. It’s worth mentioning the facility is absolutely spotless, and anyone considering car storage should definitely have Finish Line on their radar.
Heading towards the local canyon roads, Long explains the car in a bit more detail. There are modifications, but they are done in a way that is almost completely under the radar. They are as he says, “to keep it within the period,” which is his “limiting factor” when modifying a car many already consider a masterpiece. The short list of enhancements include upgraded brakes, flywheel, seats, exhaust, short-throw shifter, and adjustable coilover suspension.
Getting behind the wheel was a surreal experience. This particular 993, with it’s tasteful modifications drives much more like a modern car than I ever would have expected. It has that Porsche magic, and with the help of a pro racing driver, has been elevated in a truly spectacular way. They say don’t meet your heroes, but today I met not one, but two.
Be sure to check out Air|Water, and grab tickets to the show to experience a truly one-of-a-kind showcase of Porsche.