Get ready to rev your engines and celebrate a monumental milestone in the world of motorsport! Porsche is turning 75, and they’re kicking off the party in style at Stuttgart’s Retro Classics 2026. But here’s where it gets exciting: this isn’t just about reliving the glory days—it’s a deep dive into the stories, innovations, and people that have shaped Porsche’s racing legacy. From February 19 to 22, the iconic sports car manufacturer will transform Hall 1 into a treasure trove of motorsport history, showcasing four legendary vehicles that symbolize their global racetrack dominance.
At a Glance:
- Porsche launches its ‘Raceborn – 75 Years of Porsche Motorsport’ celebration at Retro Classics 2026, featuring four iconic racing cars and historical exhibits.
- Customer racing takes center stage, highlighting motorsport as a level playing field for all.
- Panel discussions with racing legends like Timo Bernhard and Ayhancan Güven offer unique insights into the past, present, and future of the sport.
This isn’t your typical anniversary bash. Porsche’s Heritage and Museum team is pulling back the curtain on stories that go beyond victories and records. ‘Motorsport is more than history for Porsche—it’s part of our identity,’ says Achim Stejskal, Director of Porsche Heritage and Museum. ‘We’re inviting you to explore motorsport through the lens of technology, courage, and the people who live and breathe it.’ And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about the cars; it’s about the human stories behind them.
Alongside the four racing cars, Porsche will display rare motorsport artifacts and historical film footage. Plus, visitors will get an exclusive first look at the car chosen to be the Porsche Museum’s motorsport ambassador for 2026. What makes this car so special? You’ll have to visit the stand to find out!
Controversial Question: Can modern sim racing ever truly replace the thrill of real-world circuits? Let us know what you think in the comments!
Racing Legends Across Generations
On February 21 and 22 at 14:00 CET, Porsche will host a panel discussion titled ‘Different Perspectives in Motorsport.’ Joining the conversation are Holger Eckhardt, spokesperson for LMDh, GT, and Customer Racing; two-time Le Mans winner Timo Bernhard; Porsche works driver Ayhancan Güven; and Frank Jung, Head of Corporate Archives and Collections. They’ll tackle topics like the rise of sim racing, the emotional journey of retiring from driving, and the challenges of running a customer racing team. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is the shift from real-world racing to sim racing a step forward or a step backward for the sport?
The Birth of Customer Racing: Porsche 356 SL
One of the stars of the show will be the original Porsche 356 SL, the first car built specifically for motorsport. With its 1951 class win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, this model marked the official start of Porsche’s racing legacy. But what’s often overlooked is its role as the pioneer of customer racing. For the first time, private drivers and small teams had access to a car capable of competing on the international stage. From circuit racing to rallying, the 356 SL proved its versatility and reliability, setting records and winning hearts along the way.
Extreme Engineering: The Porsche 909 Bergspyder
If you’re a fan of lightweight engineering, you’ll be blown away by the 909 Bergspyder. Developed in 1968 for the European Hill Climb Championship, this car weighs less than 400 kilograms and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.4 seconds. But here’s the controversial part: Was pushing the boundaries of lightweight design this far a triumph of engineering or a risky gamble? Its aluminum tubular frame, titanium coil springs, and fiberglass bodywork were revolutionary, but they also tested the limits of what was possible within the rules.
Modern Motorsport: The Porsche 911 GT3 R and DTM Glory
Less than a year ago, Ayhancan Güven made history by becoming the first Turkish DTM champion, securing the title on the final lap of the last race. The DTM is one of the toughest challenges for the 911 GT3 R, where success is decided by fractions of a second. But here’s the question: In a sport where every detail matters, is it the driver, the car, or the strategy that truly makes the difference? At Retro Classics, Porsche will unveil the championship-winning car to the public for the first time since its victory.
Supporting Programme
Throughout the event, the Porsche Heritage and Museum team will be on hand to share stories and insights about the cars on display. For younger visitors, there will be hands-on activities to spark their passion for motorsport. And don’t forget to check out the museum shop for exclusive Porsche merchandise.
The Porsche stand will be open from 11:00 to 19:00 CET on February 19 and from 10:00 to 18:00 CET from February 20 to 22. With over 77,000 classic car enthusiasts expected to attend, this 25th anniversary edition of Retro Classics promises to be unforgettable. So, what’s your take on Porsche’s motorsport legacy? Is it the cars, the people, or the stories that make it truly legendary? Let us know in the comments!
