German Couple’s Epic Porsche Road Trips Across the US

Discover how Christian and Ortrun Hartinger drove 170,000 km across the US in Porsche 911s, exploring iconic routes and building lifelong Porsche community ties.

For German couple Christian and Ortrun Hartinger, driving Porsche sports cars is more than a passion — it’s a way of life. Over the past few years, they’ve clocked up over 160,000 kilometers exploring the vast landscapes of the United States behind the wheels of their beloved Porsche 911s.

Christian’s fascination with Porsche began in childhood, mesmerized by the silhouette of the 911 Turbo in Bavaria. Ortrun, growing up in East Germany, first discovered the brand through a toy car she found on a sandy street. That tiny model sparked a lifelong dream, one she fulfilled after the fall of the Berlin Wall by purchasing her own 911.

Through the local Porsche Club, Ortrun met Christian, and together they embarked on countless road trips — always driving separately in two cars, a tradition that became their hallmark.

Their American journey began in 2022, when they shipped two 911 GT3 RS (997) models to Florida. Despite the challenges of international shipping and logistics, they covered nearly 29,000 kilometers, visiting landmarks like Pikes Peak and the Bonneville Salt Flats.

In 2023, they returned with a freshly acquired Jade Green 911 Speedster (991), joining the Porsche Parade in California, revisiting Pikes Peak, and participating in Monterey Car Week and Rennsport Reunion 7 at Laguna Seca. Extending their stay into 2024, they returned to Florida in time for the 24 Hours of Daytona before bringing their cars back to Europe.

Taking their passion further, the Hartingers acquired a rare 911 Turbo Targa (930), which underwent a full restoration by Porsche Classic through the Sonderwunsch program—a customization initiative that had first been applied post-production to a Carrera GT in 2024. Their Targa was given a meticulous nut-and-bolt restoration, blending refurbished original parts with newly remanufactured components. The final result featured a stunning Amazon Green Metallic finish paired with a vivid Lemon Yellow interior, a bold choice that initially sparked some hesitation among Porsche Classic specialists but was ultimately praised upon completion.

Their latest US adventure included both the restored Targa and a black 911 Turbo (997), as they attended major Porsche events like Luftgekühlt 10 at Universal Studios and the Turbo 50 celebration by 000 Magazine at Skywalker Ranch. Along the way, they explored Yosemite National Park and Death Valley, deepening their bond with the welcoming American Porsche community.

Reflecting on their experiences, Christian noted that the Porsche community in the United States felt like family, which was why they couldn't stop after just one trip—or even the second. Now, they were on their third.

With over 160,000 kilometers already behind them, the Hartingers continue their journey, bridging distances and bringing Porsche enthusiasts together—one unforgettable road trip at a time.

Source: porsche.com