Porsche 928 Surfari

The worlds of Porsche and surfing might seem disparate at first glance, but the Porsche 928 Surfari is a striking testament to the perfect harmony between these two passions. This extraordinary project, birthed by a dedicated Polish surfing community, showcases how the love for cars and the ocean can intertwine to create something truly unique.

The journey of the Porsche 928 Surfari began many years ago, forged from the bond between a father and son. Hard work and dedication cultivated a thriving community around their campsite and watersports business on the Hel peninsula of Poland’s Baltic coast. This setting also provided the perfect backdrop for nurturing a deep-seated passion for Porsche. When Tadeusz Elwart, the manager of Chałupy 6 campsite and the mastermind behind the Hel Riders festival, was introduced to the world of Porsche by his father, it was an introduction that would fuel a lifetime of automotive enthusiasm.

Growing up with an appreciation for Porsche and living beside the sea, Elwart’s dreams naturally merged. As the Hel Riders festival grew, so did the ambition to combine these passions, leading to the conception of the 928 Surfari. The goal was clear: create a Porsche capable of off-road adventures that also served as the ultimate beach cruiser and surf-taxi, ready to deliver surfers to the waves at a moment’s notice.

Transforming this vision into reality was no small feat. The classic Porsche 928, renowned for its powerful V8 engine, provided a solid foundation. However, transforming a sleek sports car into a robust beach buggy required significant modifications. Enter Tomasz Staniszewski, an engineering virtuoso and rally driver who had just completed the Classic Dakar Rally in a self-built Porsche 924. Staniszewski’s expertise was crucial in adapting the gearbox, differential, and suspension to meet the off-road demands while retaining the 928’s signature power and performance.

The Surfari’s styling is the brainchild of Lange & Lange, twin brothers who have been integral to the Chałupy 6 community for decades. Their design work on the 928 Surfari has imbued the vehicle with a unique aesthetic that perfectly captures the spirit of the Hel Riders festival. After its stunning debut at the festival, the 928 Surfari embarked on a road trip to the Petro-Surf air-cooled Porsche festival in Sylt, Germany, and then to the island of Rømø in Denmark. These destinations provided the perfect proving grounds, allowing the Surfari to connect with its natural environment and showcase its capabilities.

Watching the 928 Surfari cruise along the beach, with the Hel Riders team in tow, was a moment of triumph and a testament to the fusion of automotive excellence and surfing culture. As the story of the 928 Surfari continues to unfold, one thing is certain: this unique vehicle will be ready to catch the next wave, embodying the spirit of adventure and the joy of the open road.

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