From Porsche Newsroom · · 1m 50s
Banzai Legacy Lab: Culture in Motion
Thomas Schlereth connects Porsche sports cars with skateboards and art at his Banzai Legacy Lab in Bavaria.
In brief
Thomas Schlereth connects Porsche sports cars with skateboards and art at his Banzai Legacy Lab in Bavaria. Thomas Schlereth combines vintage Porsche cars, skateboards, and art in his Banzai Legacy Lab to preserve and share stories across time. Originally reported by Porsche Newsroom.
Banzai Legacy Lab Concept
Thomas Schlereth designed the Banzai Legacy Lab as a theater-like space with no windows, deliberate lighting, and cars as the stars.
“I didn't just want to build a garage or hall. As an architect, I pictured a theater: no windows, deliberate use of lighting, with the cars as the stars of the show.”
Cars as Cultural Treasures
Schlereth collects vintage Porsche cars, skateboards, art, and people to connect past and present experiences.
“For Thomas Schlereth, his vehicles are living cultural treasures.”
962 C Racing History
Schlereth's 1989 Le Mans 962 C with chassis number 962-143 was driven by Jean Alesi, Will Hoy, and Dominic Dobson.
“In 1989, it took part in le mans for the customer team schuppan takefuji.”
911 GT2 (993) Acquisition
Schlereth bought his 1989 racing 911 GT2 (993) from an online auction in Ibiza in 2023 after researching its history.
“Schlereth only saw the car in photos from an online auction before purchasing it in 2023.”
911 Carrera RSR 3.0
Schlereth spent over 10 years searching for the 1974 Porsche 911 Carrera RSR 3.0, which he acquired after its owner couldn't pay taxes.
“The car Schlereth spent the longest time looking out for was the 911 Carrera RSR 3.0 from 1974.”
928 Art Car by Paula Scher
Paula Scher transformed a 1974 Porsche 928 into a map of the United States across its body in 18 months.
“The 928 was transformed into a moving map of the USA by paula scher.”
Schlereth's Philosophy
Schlereth values cars with history and stories over completeness, using wu wei principles to design spaces that blend function and meaning.
“Completeness is not something that really interests me. What I am drawn to are cars with a sense of history and signs of use and stories that have not often been told before.”
Racing Legacy
Schlereth reunited with Dominic Dobson at Le Mans 2023 to create a video about the 1989 962 C race.
“I often drive it at track days and hope to meet people who were part of its original story in racing.”
Banzai Collection Lives On
Schlereth's Banzai Collection continues through stories, not static ownership, with vehicles moving between past and present.
“At the end of the day, I want to look back on my life and be able to say that I created something that lasts.”
Wu Wei Principle
Schlereth applies the Taoist principle of wu wei to his lab design, creating spaces that serve as both garage and conversation venue.
“This principle was also an inspiration to me when designing the Legacy Lab.”
The takeaway
Thomas Schlereth combines vintage Porsche cars, skateboards, and art in his Banzai Legacy Lab to preserve and share stories across time.
