Travel: Petersen Museum - We Are Porsche Exhibit

Vans don’t fit in their parking, getting their early gets you the rockstar parking out front.

The American Love Affair with Porsche: A Story of Style, Speed, and Culture

In late 1948, New York car importer Max Hoffman saw a photograph that would change the course of automotive history. The image was of a sleek new sports car designed by Ferry Porsche, the son of Dr. Ferdinand Porsche. Hoffman, with his keen eye for what postwar Americans would crave, recognized something special. Just two years later, he began importing Porsches to the U.S.—a gamble that would ultimately pay off in ways no one could have predicted.

At first, the Porsche 356, the brand’s debut model, was an outlier on American roads. Its compact, rounded design stood in stark contrast to the oversized, chrome-laden cruisers that dominated the era. Rear-engined and distinctly European, it wasn’t an instant hit. But as time went on, America’s car enthusiasts didn’t just accept the 356—they embraced it. By the time production ended in 1965, the U.S. accounted for a staggering 75% of Porsche’s sales.

More than just a car, the 356 ignited a sports car revolution in America, drawing new crowds into the world of racing and performance driving. It became a status symbol for celebrities and tastemakers, a vehicle that oozed individuality and effortless cool. From Hollywood films to television screens, a Porsche signified something more than just horsepower—it represented a lifestyle. Collectors cherished them, customizers put their own spin on them, and a new, image-driven car culture was born.

Today, Porsche remains one of the most iconic automotive brands in the world, thanks to the passionate people who love and live for these cars. Whether they’re dreamers, racers, collectors, or everyday enthusiasts, they share a common bond—a love for a machine that’s as much about art and identity as it is about speed.

For me, discovering this legacy firsthand has been part of the thrill of traveling. Every Porsche I spot on the road tells a story—of its owner, its history, and the deep-rooted connection between these cars and the people who drive them. Because in the end, Porsche isn’t just about the machine. It’s about the feeling. And that’s something I’ll always chase, wherever the road takes me. Together, we are Porsche.