The story of the Porsche 928 Surfari is a testament to the enduring bond between a father and son, fueled by hard work and a shared love for Porsche. Originating from the sandy landscapes of Poland’s Hel Peninsula, this remarkable project emerged from the heart of a family campsite and watersports business. For Tadeusz Elwart, manager of Chałupy 6 campsite and the driving force behind the Hel Riders festival, a childhood immersed in Porsche culture, thanks to his father, naturally intertwined with his seaside lifestyle. Growing up surrounded by both the roar of Porsche engines and the rhythm of the Baltic waves, the concept of a unique, surf-ready Porsche began to take shape. With a dream Porsche already in his garage, Tadeusz sought an even bolder vision, and as the Hel Riders festival gained momentum, the idea for the 928 Surfari was born.
Crafting the Impossible: The Porsche 928 Surfari Challenge
For many, transforming a classic Porsche into an off-road beach explorer would seem like an insurmountable task. However, for the Hel Riders team, this challenge was met with enthusiastic determination. The mission was clear: to engineer a Porsche capable of conquering rugged terrain while simultaneously serving as the ultimate beach-crawler and surf taxi, ready to transport its occupants to the shoreline at a moment’s notice when the perfect waves appeared.
The Porsche 928, with its iconic V8 engine, provided an exceptional foundation for this ambitious undertaking. The raw power and distinctive sound of this engine are undeniable assets. However, the path to creating the Surfari presented significant engineering hurdles. Adapting the gearbox, differential, and suspension of a Porsche 928 for off-road and beach driving demanded innovative solutions. This is where Tomasz Staniszewski, a brilliant engineer and seasoned rally driver, stepped in. Fresh from completing the gruelling Classic Dakar Rally in a self-built Porsche 924, Staniszewski recognized the project’s complexity but was inspired by the goal: to infuse the soul of surfing into a Porsche 928.
The construction of the Surfari was a collaborative effort, drawing upon local talent. The distinctive styling of the vehicle is the creation of Lange & Lange, twin brothers deeply rooted in the Chałupy 6 community for decades. Their design expertise shaped the unique aesthetic of this extraordinary machine.
Following its debut at the Hel Riders festival, the Porsche 928 Surfari embarked on a road trip, leading a convoy to Sylt, Germany, for the Petro-Surf air-cooled Porsche festival, and onwards to the island of Rømø in Denmark. These iconic locations provided the ideal proving grounds to truly test the 928 Surfari’s capabilities and connect it with its intended environment. The Hel Riders team proudly watched as the Porsche 928 Surfari effortlessly cruised along the beach, a tangible embodiment of their vision. As the story of the Surfari unfolds, the anticipation builds for its next adventure, always ready to chase the perfect wave.
