From the late 1970s through the 1990s, Porsche’s lineup included a series of models that followed a radically different engineering philosophy from the legendary 911. Their engines were front-mounted and water-cooled, while the gearbox and differential sat at the rear. Porsche enthusiasts know these cars as ‘Transaxles’, a name that comes directly from their distinctive drivetrain layout.
For many years, the Porsche community somewhat overlooked these models. Critics argued that their engineering philosophy was too far removed from the DNA that had defined Porsche for decades: an air-cooled, rear-mounted, rear-engined layout.
Thankfully, things have changed in recent years. A growing number of enthusiasts have rediscovered and now appreciate these remarkable cars. Perhaps most significantly, many of them are very young.
This renewed interest sparked the creation of Transaxle Boys, a club founded by two young Italian enthusiasts, Luca and Alex, both passionate Transaxle Porsche owners.
What started as a small Instagram group chat, created simply as a place for Transaxle fans to exchange opinions, technical advice, and experiences about the Porsche 924 and 944, has gradually evolved into a genuine community. Today, Transaxle Boys is becoming a meeting point for dozens of young enthusiasts united by their passion for these often-underestimated Porsches.
The group chat grew quickly and, for more than a year, served as a virtual garage of sorts – a place where knowledge, advice, and enthusiasm were freely shared. Eventually, however, the members felt it was time to take things a step further. It was time to meet in person.
The opportunity came on the weekend of September 12-13, during the Sportscar Together Day. Transaxle Boys organised its very first meeting: a road trip linking Friuli to Abruzzo, crossing the Republic of San Marino, winding through the hills of Valtiberina, and tackling the spectacular roads of Gran Sasso National Park.
The final destination was the Drive Experience Day 2026.
Organised by Davide Cironi, the event finally gave Transaxle Boys the chance to turn an online community into a real-life gathering. For the first time, the faces behind the usernames, messages and technical discussions came together, united by the same cars and the same passion.
But what followed was far more than a simple gathering of Porsche 924s and 944s. It culminated in a journey that began behind a smartphone screen and eventually found its natural home on the open road.
It was a memorable experience – one that will stay in the hearts of everyone who took part.
Co-authored by Luca Torrioli; Co-photographed by Jacopo Matteaggi
