Porsche go for "good as new" at Revival

As key back-catalogue models from companies like Porsche, Aston Martin and Jaguar Land Rover become increasingly valuable and sought-after, it is the manufacturers themselves who are joining the legions of marque specialists to give tired old classics a new lease of life.

And the lengths the manufacturers have gone to get their heritage message across has proved a big hit with Revival goers.

One of the most impressive and popular exhibits is the perfect period re-creation of a Porsche workshop from half a century ago on Revival’s High Street, complete with the rusting hulk of a 356 parked outside. Inside, under an arching corrugated iron roof, the period posters and signage create a thoroughly convincing period feel. 

If only the Porsche Classic spares lining the racks – everything from a clutch plate for a 356 to a key fob for a 911 – came with period price tags! 

There are many Porsche specialists who have been restoring old Porsches for longer than Porsche itself of course, but for some owners, there will always be a special cachet from having the work done by Porsche itself back at base in Stuttgart. 

“Our goal is to retain the authenticity of your Porsche,” says the firm. Original tools, body frame gauges and data sheets are used, as well as all genuine components. Accident repairs can be made using one-off fabricated body parts based on original drawings. For a full restoration, every part of the car is disassembled, inside and out. Completed bodies are cathodic dip coated. 

In the Over the Road exhibition area, looking exquisite in a giant glass box is an early 911 that’s been through the factory restoration programme. And yes, it does look as good as new. Cars from 356 all the way up to the 993-era 911, plus the 959, are eligible for the Porsche Classic treatment.

Each stage of the restoration is documented by Porsche and the hand-over to the owner includes the presentation of a restoration box with a book detailing all the work done. 

Photography by James Lynch