Porsche Country: Porsche Collectors Lisa and John on Life in Naples
In a quiet Naples garage lined with air-cooled classics, Lisa and John talk about their Porsche collection the way some people talk about art. And in a way, that’s what it is—each vehicle a carefully chosen piece with form, feeling, and history. “I collect everything, and I've always loved cars,” says John. “I used to restore cars years ago.”
from speedsters to spyders: a collection that grew with time
John’s current lineup of Porsches began about a decade ago. “I decided to create a new collection, so I went with the Porsches,” he says. His reason? “Styling is always number one for me, whether it's any kind of art. Sculpture, painting—it’s gotta have style. And in cars, to me, Porsches are the ultimate in style.”
He points to a 1958 Speedster in ruby red—his favorite of the collection. “They designed it perfectly,” he says. “I could have this in my garage and just sit and look at it, and I'd be satisfied, and it’s even more fun when you drive it.”
Lisa agrees: “It’s so beautiful here. We have the beaches, museums, and beautiful palm trees. We just love taking the cars out on the weekend.”
John also shares a bit of Porsche history. “Max Hoffman was one of the original importers of Porsches. Originally, they had a hard time selling Porsches in the early 50s. So, he went back to Porsche and he says, ‘Listen, why don't you take your regular Porsche convertible and strip it down? Get rid of the roll-up windows, get rid of all of these things that cost money, so that we can come in at a lower price.’ And that's how the Speedster was built.” The Speedster may have started as a low-cost Porsche, but with their prices skyrocketing on the collector car market, John will be the first to tell you with a laugh: “Things have changed over the years.”
why naples attracts collectors
For John, Naples is a place that makes collecting cars practical and rewarding. “Where else can you drive cars year-round?” he asks. “The sheer volume of collector cars in Naples is unbelievable.”
He points to the simplicity and quality of the vehicles he owns. “All the cars here that I have in this garage are all hand-built cars. All these cars have no computers. They have a quality to them that you just don't find in new cars.”
“I'm not interested in speed,” he adds. “You can still drive a slow car fast; it just takes a little bit longer to get there.”
Lisa agrees that Naples is ideal for car lovers. “Whether you're at the grocery store or at the beach, you're gonna see these cars everywhere.” For her, driving is a full sensory experience that goes far beyond getting from one place to another. “The cars are an extension of your body, almost,” she says. “The Porsche is a timeless machine, a work of art.”
cars on 5th and the naples community
Lisa and John both participate in Naples’ most well-known automotive event: Cars on 5th. “It’s the highlight of car events in Naples of the year,” Lisa says. “On a Saturday in late January or early February, we have about 700 cars. The streets are closed off, and people come in from all over the country to enjoy what we have to show here in Naples.”
John enjoys sharing the older models with people visiting. “I’ve had cars in Cars on 5th for many years. I like bringing the air-cooled cars, the older cars, for people to see them. For a lot of people, they haven’t seen these cars in I don’t know how many years.”
“It brings back memories...that’s one of the beautiful things,” he adds.
Lisa loves how the event welcomes all ages. “To see young children’s eyes light up—some of the owners will have the children come sit in their cars.”
Apart from the annual Cars on 5th, Lisa and John both frequent events like Cars and Coffee and Cool Cruisers, where collectors gather to share stories and appreciate the rare models you might only see in Naples. “You can drive around in town and you’ll see cars you’ll never see in any other state or city,” John says.
They’re also active in local groups like the Porsche Club of America. Lisa proudly shares the group’s motto: “It’s not just about the cars; it’s about the people.”
a life fueled by connection
Lisa and John’s shared love of automobiles has shaped not only their collection but also how they experience life in Naples. “Some people know their friends by their dogs,” Lisa says, laughing. “I know people by their cars.”
Lisa currently drives a ‘22 Shark Blue Spyder and has her eye on a Dakar Porsche. John, who has nearly a complete run of air-cooled Porsches from the early 1950s, says, “My next car will either be a ‘67 Corvette or a Jaguar XKE.”
They take pride in keeping their vehicles in excellent condition. “If you maintain them correctly, they’ll always be beautiful,” John says. And his tips for owners? “A: Drive them. B: You should change the oil about once a year.”
For Lisa and John, driving is equal parts connection and joy. “Driving is being connected to the car,” John explains. “Especially if I have a four-, five-, or six-speed. I feel like I’m connected with the car and moving the car.” Lisa adds, “It becomes an addiction.”
For a community as passionate about cars as you are, ONLY Paradise will do.