Curvistan Bangkok, a creative hub celebrating automotive culture and design, is celebrating its first anniversary with a special exhibition titled Raceborn. At the center of the showcase stands a true motorsport icon: the Porsche 956 LH, transported all the way from the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart to Thailand.
A New Cultural Landmark in Bangkok
Founded in 2024 by Curves magazine creator Stefan Bogner and Thai real estate developer and Porsche collector Chanond Ruangkritya, Curvistan Bangkok has quickly become a cultural hotspot. Nestled in the vibrant Thong Lo district, the venue combines a gallery, café, and experience space for car and design enthusiasts. With strong support from Porsche Asia Pacific and Porsche Thailand, it has established itself as a unique destination in Southeast Asia.
The Legendary Porsche 956 LH
The highlight of Raceborn is none other than the Porsche 956 LH, the very car that Jacky Ickx and Derek Bell drove to a commanding victory at the 1982 24 Hours of Le Mans, marking the dawn of the Group C era. Bearing starting number one, this legendary machine embodies Porsche’s racing DNA.
Before going on display, the Curvistan team had the rare chance to photograph the 956 LH across iconic Bangkok landmarks. The resulting images create a powerful contrast between Southeast Asia’s cultural heritage and Weissach’s engineering mastery.
Engineering Excellence and Records
Weighing just 840 kilograms and powered by a 620 PS twin-turbo flat-six engine, the 956 was a technical masterpiece – perfectly suited to the Group C regulations that emphasized fuel efficiency over raw power. Leading its development was Norbert Singer, one of the most influential engineers in Porsche’s motorsport history.
In 1983, Stefan Bellof set an astonishing lap record at the Nürburgring Nordschleife: six minutes and 11.13 seconds. This achievement remained unbeaten for 35 years, until Timo Bernhard surpassed it in 2018 with the 919 Evo.
A Tribute to the Golden Era of Racing
Alongside the 956 LH, the exhibition features other racing highlights: a 911 GT3 R from the FIA World Endurance Championship, a Manthey Racing-enhanced 911 GT3, and a 911 Carrera (992.2) sporting a special livery inspired by the 956 LH. Together, they form a tribute to the golden age of Group C racing and a testament to the passion of Southeast Asia’s Porsche community.