In the latest of its Porsche People series, the components experts at Design911 travelled to Barcelona to meet Jan Julia, fourth-generation owner of the family-run Julia Porsche workshop, which has become one of the most revered Restomod producers.
Design911, an employee-owned business that stocks an extensive catalogue of OEM, aftermarket, and performance Porsche parts and runs its own Warehouse Workshops in Essex and Rotterdam, frequently takes the time to sit down with clients to learn more about their work and build strong partnerships.
The Background Behind Design911’s Trip to Julia Porsche
The team at Julia Porsche has long sourced components from Design911, including parts that simply aren't available off-the-shelf, such as special orders and rare components needed for period-specific restorations.
Anthony Malone, Head of Sales Strategies at Design911 says that ‘Julia Porsche stands for an exceptional mixture of passion and tradition, and it was incredible to have the opportunity to chat with Jan about our businesses and see some of the fascinating projects the vastly talented teams there are working on.
One of the things that stood out most was the heritage of the firm, which started with Jan's great-grandfather. The Julia family has remained at the pinnacle through the generations by embracing new technologies while still paying homage to the authenticity of vintage Porsches.’
Jan told Anthony that the move to a bigger site five years ago was linked to the fact that Julia Porsche's specialists needed a purpose-built facility that could accommodate the breadth of its services, spanning everything from electrics to engine overhauls, and full rebuilds.
He envisioned a space where customers could watch their dream cars being built and be part of the process. Today, the Julia Porsche facility is perfectly set up for this level of collaboration, with its exacting attention to detail that clients can follow closely.
Highlights of the Design911 Visit to the Julia Porsche Headquarters
Although the Julia Porsche team works on diverse models, they are most known for their backdate projects and Restomods. At the time of Design911's visit, they had just been testing a 964 Targa, which had been backdated to have the aesthetic of a 70s classic, and a 3.2 G50 restored with interior styling, and a rebuilt gearbox, suspension, and engine.
Anthony said, 'Getting up close with these hugely impressive builds brings to life the components we source for Julia Porsche. They replicate the genuine history of each Porsche model, combining the driving experience modern drivers love with an impeccable finish that looks like it's stepped out of the history books.
We learned that a large proportion of Julia Porsche's work is now based on air-cooled models, and although hybrid and EVs are a big part of the market, younger drivers are beginning to develop a love for these character-filled models, and the raw performance and handling they offer.'
Prospective new clients keen to consult with the Julia Porsche team are advised to book in advance, given the demand for their expertise. Jan mentioned that they prefer to have plenty of time to hear about customers' ideas and what they have in mind, given that no two projects are the same.
Guests are also welcome to visit the Julia Porsche showroom, with its collection of rare Porsches, or to visit the bodyshop and workshop, where they can see the team in action.
About Design911 and its Porsche People Series
Anthony goes on to say, ‘Meeting our valued customers and the businesses we've dealt with over the years is extremely important to us at Design911.
We know that we offer the best possible service when we have a solid understanding of what each client needs. That might be specialist advice, straightforward recommendations, or to discuss their projects to work out which parts might be the best fit.
The Porsche People series shares who the people behind the world of Porsche restoration, repairs and remodels are, and the histories and stories that have helped them develop world-leading skills, knowledge and insight.
It was a pleasure to meet Jan and to tour the fantastic facilities at Julia Porsche. We're pleased to welcome anyone to watch our YouTube video, where you'll be able to see snippets of our interview and a behind-the-scenes look at Julia Porsche.’
Design911’s YouTube video is available on the platform, while other content from the Porsche People series is available on the company's channel or website.
Read more about Design911 - Porsche Component and Restoration Experts at Design911 Celebrate 25 Year Anniversary
About Design911
Design911 has established itself as the market leader, offering trade and retail customers a full range of OEM and aftermarket Porsche parts for general servicing and rebuild as well as restoration and tuning. The company supports customers in the UK, EU and world-wide to include USA, Spain, Italy, Germany, France and the Netherlands.
The Design911.com website now sports a Porsche parts finder to help you get the exact aftermarket Porsche part you need. The company's impressive 34,000 sq. ft Essex headquarters comprises a sales department, warehouse, workshop and body shop, as well as a showroom of classic Porsches for sale. In addition a European warehouse - based in Heijningen, Netherlands, secures fast delivery across the EU for a vast range of branded Porsche car parts.
Media Contact:
Anthony Malone
+44 (0)208 500 8811
Published by: Steve OBrien