DAS TREFFEN 4 – EPICENTER OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN PORSCHE CULTURE
Das Treffen – more than just a gathering
When you think of the Porsche scene, Germany, Stuttgart or Zuffenhausen probably comes to mind first. Maybe North America, California, Rennsport, Luftgekühlt, Deus Ex Machina in L.A. Maybe the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. But Thailand? Ever heard of Das Treffen?
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On December 14th, 2019, the fourth edition of the local Porsche meeting, Das Treffen 4, took place in Bangkok, Thailand. Organized by a few enthusiasts, real fans of the Porsche brand, who have nothing else in mind but to meet like-minded people and have a good time. And that’s what they did. On a huge kart track, the IMPACT Speed Park, thousands of Porsche fans gathered at around 95° Fahrenheit.
911R style front fenders
beautiful hot rod 911
And they brought about 500 Porsches from all eras. From the Porsche 356 to the latest Porsche 992, everything was represented. Really everything. Current 911 GT3 RS quickly became a minor matter, they were found in all colors. What you don’t see so often – the top models – and preferably all in yellow: From early SWB 911S, 911 Ruf Yellowbird to the 964 RS, 993 RS, 993 Turbo, 993 GT2, 996 GT2, 991 911R to the Porsche Carrera GT. An incredible variety. You didn’t know where to look first.
Porsche 911 RUF Yellowbird
Porsche 964 Carrera RS
Porsche 993 Turbo
Porsche 993 GT2
Porsche 996 GT2
Porsche Carrera GT
And if you are a fan of Rauh Welt Begriff, RWB, a wide range was available in all colors. From backdated RWBs to 993s, from wide to super super wide, everything was on display.
Porsche 964 RWB in a lovely colour
RWB Porsches in all colours of the rainbow
It is not easy to get these cars in Thailand, especially old Porsches. Importing old cars has become more and more difficult over the years, now it is impossible. And new Porsche? Of course you can buy them in Thailand. But. Now comes a big but, which will scare the most. Hardly anyone outside of Thailand knows: the import duties are at 300%. Yes, that’s right, 300%. A $ 100,000 Porsche quickly costs $ 400,000 in Thailand. You don’t get very far with pocket change. Now think about what a current GT3 RS costs and what you have to put on the table in Thailand. An expensive hobby all over the world, an incredibly expensive hobby in Thailand.
A few of the luft9 hot rods
Porsche 964 Backdate by luft9
Nice to see, a group of around 10 Porsches has driven all the way up from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to be here today. And the traces of the long way were clearly visible. Great action, great cars. A 73 Carrera 2.7 RS was there, a 911 SC and a few newer 911s. About 1900 mls in total. What a passion and dedication.
1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7
came all the way up from Kuala Lumpur
What I really, really love about Thailand besides the weather and the food are the people. Super nice, friendly, open and no show-off attitude. Everyone is so relaxed and in a good mood. Same with the Porsche people in Thailand. They are united in their hobby, the cars, everything else is secondary or even totally unimportant. Everyone does what he likes and everyone tolerates everything. They simply enjoy life and their cars.
beautiful tangerine Porsche 911S LWB
fully restored Porsche 911 SWB
