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Magnus Walker's magnificent collection of air cooled Porsches
Sheffield-born, Los Angeles-based Magnus Walker is a fashion designer, entrepreneur, and cultural figure best known for transforming a former factory into a loft that houses his remarkable collection of Porsches — considered among the most striking in the world. We caught up with Walker last September to talk about brand loyalty, collaborations, and of course, his collection of custom air-cooled Porsches. He's auctioned eighteen cars from his collection in a landmark event with RM Sotheby's, which concluded on March 25th, 2026. Walker fans need not worry, however; his warehouse space in LA continues to be well-stocked, as he's keeping thirteen for himself.
Tell us about the last car you worked on.
It was just today. It is my Porsche 924 CGT. There are only 406 of them, made in silver, black, and red. I’ve owned mine for the past 10 years. It is a silver example that had the bottom third of the car painted minerva blue with a slate grey pinstripe. Over the past few days I’ve been updating it visually with some 1.25" bright orange paper tape as a new interpretation of an Art Car. It is still a work in progress, but I’m happy with the result so far, and the tape process has been smooth.
What automotive features are gaining popularity in terms of trends?
I’m seeing a lot of OEM manufacturers offering a wide assortment of customer personalization programs, from paint to wheels to interior options, along with limited edition models.
Air-cooled Porsches have become a cult symbol for authenticity and heritage. What do you think keeps people so emotionally connected to them decades after production ended?
Simply put: Air cooled Porsches connect on a visceral emotional level that covers all the senses and emotions, from the raw driving emotions to camaraderie of ownership.
What’s one change you’d make in the automotive industry in 2025?
Make cars smaller and more obtainable to all.
Does social media have an influence over how you collect or build cars?
Social media has little to no effect on how I collect and build. It is simply a tool for sharing what I'm doing. I always create and collect from what inspires me; inspiration is always around. So, maybe there is some subliminal inspiration that I may have seen on social media, along with walking the streets with my eyes open. Visiting museums, race tracks and looking at books.
What makes a good car x fashion brand collaboration? Which are your favorites?
For me, a good automotive-fashion collaboration is about authenticity. A great example is the recent Deus Ex Machina and Mini JCW.
You like old Jaguar models, but the marque has fumbled its rebrand. Do you have any advice for brands that are trying to adapt to the new generation?
My advice is always stay true to the heritage of the brand. Obviously, you have to be able to adapt to the changing environment, but listening to what the actual consumer wants and needs is very important.
If you could instill one value in the next generation getting into automotive culture, what would it be?
Get out and drive. Pedal to the metal.
Images: Petrolicious
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