Capturing Craftsmanship: Rebuilding the Porsche 930 with Zeigen Porsche
Owning a classic Porsche isn’t just about driving—it’s about the connection to the car, the engineering, and the people who keep these machines alive. Over the past year, my 1980 Porsche 930 has taken me on an unforgettable journey, covering 10,000 miles in 2024, including road trips across Europe and a six-week adventure through Spain. But after thousands of miles of spirited driving, it was time for a well-earned refresh.
That’s where Zeigen Porsche comes in.
I recently had the chance to document Max and Mike, two Porsche specialists with over 60 years of experience between them, as they began rebuilding my engine and gearbox. This was the first of three planned photoshoots, capturing the artistry and precision behind restoring a classic air-cooled Porsche.
The Car – A Porsche 930 with a Story
For those unfamiliar, the Porsche 930—more commonly known as the 911 Turbo—is one of Stuttgart's most iconic cars. Known for its brutal turbocharged power, legendary "widowmaker" reputation, and unmistakable silhouette, it demands respect behind the wheel.
I’ve driven this 930 often through mountain passes, coastal twists, and some of Europe's best roads. It has been my companion through long solo drives, spontaneous road trips, and moments where the connection between driver and machine feels truly special.
But like any classic performance car, wear and tear is inevitable—especially when you drive it the way it was meant to be driven.
The Workshop – Where Precision Meets Passion
Walking into Zeigen Porsche, you instantly get a sense of classic craftsmanship blended with modern expertise. This isn’t a huge dealership or corporate-style facility—it’s a place where experience, mechanical intuition, and attention to detail reign supreme.
Max and Mike got to work, methodically disassembling the air-cooled flat-six with the confidence that only comes with decades of experience. Watching them work was like watching a well-rehearsed symphony—every movement precise, every decision deliberate.
From carefully removing the turbocharger and intake system to splitting the engine case and inspecting the internals, each step revealed the intricate mechanical beauty of Porsche engineering.
My goal for this first photo shoot was to document the raw, hands-on process—oil-stained hands, wrenches turning, and the organised chaos of an engine coming apart piece by piece.
Photographing the Build – A Visual Story
Shooting in a garage environment presents its own set of challenges. The mix of artificial lighting, dark shadows, and metallic surfaces makes it a balancing act between exposure, composition, and storytelling.
My Approach:
Camera: Leica SL2-S
Lenses: Leica 100mm Macro 2.8, Leica Summilux 35mm 1.4, Thypoch Simera 50mm f1.4.
What I Focused On:
Close-ups of the mechanical details – the fine machining of engine components, the patina of well-worn tools.
Candid shots of Mike capture his concentration, craftsmanship, and years of experience in his expressions.
Wide shots of the workshop – to give context and atmosphere, showcasing the space where these incredible cars are brought back to life.
The result? A series of images that tell a raw, authentic story—the shots that make you feel the smell of oil and hear the sound of a wrench clicking into place.
