800 Vehicles, Major Porsche Debuts, and $20M Broad Arrow Auction Define Fourth Annual Costa Mesa Event
COSTA MESA, CA / ACCESS Newswire / April 30, 2026 / Air|Water Driven by The Mobil 1 Brand returned to Southern California on Saturday, April 25, welcoming 9,500 attendees and presenting more than 800 vehicles at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa. In its fourth year, the gathering brought together a wide spectrum of the Porsche community, from longtime collectors to first-time attendees experiencing the event for the first time. With a larger layout, a diverse mix of programming, and strong participation across all areas of the venue, the event continued to build on its position as a leading destination for Porsche enthusiasts. The milestone event also builds momentum toward Luft 12, set to take place October 10, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia.
“This year set a new standard for what the Air|Water experience is all about,” commented General Manager, James Longstaffe. “With the new car unveils, the expanded footprint of our exhibitor hall and the car centric freestyle BMX show, the atmosphere was electric. Having Jonny Lieberman as our host added a layer of storytelling that truly resonated with our community. It was, without question, our most engaging event to date.”
Air|Water Driven by The Mobil 1 Brand was hosted by automotive journalist Jonny Lieberman, who led attendees through a full schedule of programming that unfolded across the venue. Guests moved between curated displays, featured exhibits, and interactive moments, creating a steady flow of activity throughout the day. Over 52 exhibitors created an educational shopping experience with the chance to browse and buy from the very best aftermarket and performance parts, collectibles, art, and apparel. BMX pioneer Bob Haro debuted a dedicated BMX Freestyle exhibit in conjunction with Robert Castillo’s renowned BMX Freestyle team. The demonstration culminated with several jumps and a backflip over the Luft Auto 003, recreating the Bob Haro directed Stu Thomsen Porsche jump from 1983. This dynamic component blended together an engaging sporting and cultural element that reached beyond the automotive space. The show field also featured new builds and contributions from respected figures within the Porsche community, including Rod Emory’s latest creation and others, adding even more depth to the overall experience.
Across the board, Air|Water partners stunned guests with striking activations. Dunlop, the official tire of Air|Water, brought in the famed Dunlop Bridge and educated guests about the latest in tire technology. FCP Euro took over the Action Sports Arena with a rally themed set and a reveal of their new Drift Macan. A central moment of the day came with the U.S. premiere of the new Porsche 911 GT3 S/C, an open-top, manual transmission model that emphasizes driver engagement and performance. Positioned as a focused evolution of the GT3 platform, the debut drew consistent attention throughout the day and served as one of the most talked-about moments across the show field. Surrounded by a mix of historic race cars and modern performance, the GT3 S/C reinforced the event’s ability to bring together multiple eras of Porsche design and engineering in one setting.
There was plenty for the newest fans to enjoy as well with Pixar’s Sally and the modern Sally Special staged in a radiator springs set, the first time the two Sally Porsches were displayed together since the Sally Special debut. In addition, the motorsport favorite AO Racing team unveiled their new Sketchy livery. The livery reveal was a highlight for kids and families across the board. Gunther Werks also debuted their one-of-one Iron Man inspired “Project Endgame” Turbo Speedster with a remarkable 840-horsepower.
At the heart of the event was a full day of programming running from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, featuring curated vehicle displays, immersive brand and exhibitor experiences, and the Live Broad Arrow Porsche Auction. The auction realized $20 million in total sales with an 84 percent sell-through rate, marking the strongest performance to date at Air|Water. The single-day sale featured 83 lots and drew strong participation from collectors, including a notable number of first-time bidders inside the packed hanger.
Top results included a 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder Weissach, which reached $4.68 million, as well as a 2025 RUF SCR that sold for $2.095 million, highlighting continued demand for rare and highly specified modern Porsches. Strong bidding activity extended across the catalog, including multiple Porsche 911 models Reimagined by Singer and a selection of rarely seen exclusive speced 911s, reinforcing the depth and quality of the offering. The auction remained a central point of energy within the event, drawing both dedicated collectors and attendees into the experience while complementing the broader show environment.
Officially marking its fourth year, Air|Water Driven by The Mobil 1 Brand continues to establish itself as a defining event within the automotive landscape. As the largest single marque gathering in Southern California, it brings together heritage, performance, and culture in a format that resonates across generations. Its ability to balance high-level debuts with accessible community experiences remains a key factor in its continued growth. As the event evolves, it continues to set a benchmark for how automotive experiences can blend storytelling, design, and real-world engagement.
Looking ahead, the team is set to continue its expanding event calendar with Luft 12, taking place Saturday, October 10, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. Following the success of its first East Coast Gathering, the event represents a continued national expansion for Luftgekühlt, bringing its signature blend of cars, culture, and community to a new audience in the Southeast. Positioned near Porsche Cars North America headquarters and the Porsche Experience Center, the Atlanta setting provides a natural backdrop for the next chapter of the brand.
About Luftgekühlt
We’re an all-inclusive Porsche experience that lets you know and see the entirety of who and what Porsche is as a brand. This is race and street, vintage and modern, 2-door and 4-door, electric and combustion, and even diesel tractors of the 50s. And, of course, the most modern hybrid and electrified supercars.
For more information, visit www.air-water.com.
CONTACT:
Ariana Richard
arichard@ibpmedia.com
(818) 667-6051
IBP Media
SOURCE: Luftgekuhlt
View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
Media gallery
