The Porsche 928 Surfari story is deeply rooted in a father-son bond and a shared passion for both hard work and high-performance cars. Growing up immersed in the vibrant atmosphere of their campsite and watersports business on Poland’s Hel Peninsula, a young Tadeusz Elwart was introduced to the captivating world of Porsche by his father. This early exposure ignited a lifelong enthusiasm for the brand, seamlessly blending with his seaside lifestyle. For Tadeusz, now manager of Chałupy 6 campsite and the driving force behind the Hel Riders festival, owning a dream Porsche was just the beginning. The next, bigger idea was the genesis of the 928 Surfari, conceived amidst the dynamic growth of the Hel Riders festival.
An Unconventional Vision: The Porsche 928 Reimagined
The concept of transforming a classic Porsche into an off-road, beach-conquering machine might seem daunting, even impossible, to many. However, for the Hel Riders team, it was an exciting challenge. Their mission: to create a Porsche 928 capable of handling rugged terrain while serving as the ultimate beach cruiser and surf taxi, ready to transport its occupants to the perfect wave at a moment’s notice.
But how does one embark on such an ambitious project? The Porsche 928 itself provided an excellent foundation, boasting a legendary Porsche V8 engine. Its distinctive sound and robust power were undeniable assets. However, adapting the gearbox, differential, and suspension to transform the grand tourer into a beach buggy presented significant engineering hurdles. This is where Tomasz Staniszewski, a brilliant engineer and seasoned rally driver, entered the picture. Fresh off his participation in the Classic Dakar Rally in a self-built Porsche 924, Staniszewski recognized the project’s complexity but was inspired by the goal: imbuing a Porsche 928 with a true surfer spirit.
The Surfari project was a testament to local talent and collaboration. The unique styling of the Porsche 928 Surfari is attributed to Lange & Lange, twin brothers who have been integral to the Chałupy 6 scene for decades. Their design expertise shaped the distinctive aesthetic of this remarkable vehicle.
Following its highly anticipated debut at the Hel Riders festival, the Porsche 928 Surfari embarked on a road trip to further prove its capabilities and celebrate Porsche enthusiasm. The Surfari, accompanied by a convoy of fellow adventurers, journeyed to Sylt, Germany, for the renowned Petro-Surf air-cooled Porsche festival, and then continued to the island of Rømø in Denmark. These iconic locations provided the perfect backdrop to test the modified Porsche 928 in its element, allowing the Hel Riders team to witness their creation effortlessly cruising along the beach.
With the Porsche 928 Surfari successfully tested and admired, the story is far from over. The team now eagerly awaits the next adventure, ready to chase the next wave and further explore the limits of their unique creation. The Surfari stands as a testament to passion, ingenuity, and the enduring appeal of the Porsche 928.
