Justin Placek – Master of Porsche interiors

Justin Placek has made a name for himself in the Porsche scene. Since 2018, the Hamburg native has dedicated himself entirely to refining and customising interiors. In hundreds of hours of painstaking manual work, he translates his customers’ dreams into leather dashboards, handmade seat covers or leather-covered centre consoles and air vents. But Justin Placek goes a few steps further and creates matching clothing, bags, cushions and much more. To mark the launch of his new Porsche 992 Dakar product line, we spoke to Justin about his approach, his goals and the most exciting collaborations.

Justin Placek specialised in Porsche interiors at an early age

38-year-old Justin Placek studied technical business administration, specializing himself in marketing. He recognized the growing desire of many Porsche drivers for more individuality. In recent years, their own car has increasingly become a reflection of their own personality. Justin founded his company Placek Classics in 2012 to realize these wishes.

Initially, Justin restored whole Porsche and Mercedes cars. A short time later, however, he focussed on Porsche interiors. What began with upholstering seats and steering wheels quickly developed into the customization of entire interiors. In the east of Hamburg, Justin now offers the whole spectrum from saddlery work to complete interior restorations. He says quite confidently that he wants to “become the best in the world”.

It has taken me over ten years of hard work to get to this position where I can share my passion with my clients and friends. Passion, perseverance and attention to detail were the key.

Justin Placek

“I can be a part of art through my work”

Placek, himself an ardent Porsche fan and driver of a 993 Carrera S since 2021, has built up an excellent reputation in the Zuffenhausen sports car community. His customized seats and seat inserts in particular quickly became very popular. Placek has already worked with various big names in the scene, Porsche itself and numerous artists of worldwide renown.

For example, Justin is designing the interior of his Porsche 992 GT3 RS together with Jean-Pierre Krämer. Green seat inserts made of hand-woven leather with white decorative stripes will be used there. Justin Placek’s work follows a clear credo: “When reupholstering, the aim is to preserve originality and authenticity. Every crease, perforation or seam must fit perfectly.”

Another of Placek’s works will soon adorn a Porsche 993 Carrera S by the world-famous New York artist Daniel Arsham. Placek had already designed a car with him last year which Arsham subsequently presented it at the Perrotin Art Gallery. On 14 and 15 September 2024, Arsham will exhibit the result of more than 350 hours of manual work at an exhibition of his art in the Hamptons at The Bridge car show. “This collaboration means a lot to me. I can be a part of art through my work. The interior and the matching bag and jacket, which I designed myself, quote the color scheme of the Porsche 959.”

Justin Placek’s latest project: 25 limited edition Porsche 992 Dakar seat insert sets

Hardly any modern car is as extensively customized as the Porsche 992, and many of these vehicles are very individually specced. No wonder that Justin Placek also offers the owners of the most versatile modern 911 a little more individuality for their cars. For example, with his Porsche 992 Dakar seat insert set.

The 992 Dakar sets are strictly limited. There are only 25 pieces, all are numbered and come with a certificate of authenticity.

Justin Placek

This Dakar set quotes the colors of the classic Rothmans design, which can also be found on many Porsche 992 Dakar exteriors. Matching the two-tone paint finish in white/gentian blue metallic and its decorative wrap, vertical strips of hand-woven leather in the same color run across the seat inserts. Anyone wishing to purchase a set should be quick, though. But only those who also own a 911 Dakar are eligible of purchasing one of the coveted sets.

The love of design brought new product ideas, such as jackets and bags to match the respective interior

“Many years ago, I had a leather jacket made for me, the design of which I drew myself”, Placek recalls. The reactions of friends and strangers motivated him to incorporate his love of design into his company. Placek now produces numerous different accessories and items of clothing in Hamburg – exclusively by hand – to match the interior on request.

I still have that first jacket, but in the meantime I’ve been working on the next one – a leather driver’s jacket for the Porsche enthusiast.

Justin Placek

In addition to leather, silk and zippers of the highest quality, each piece is based on authentic fabrics originally used in classic Porsche models. This philosophy extends right through to the optional leather bag for the Porsche 992 Dakar seat insert set. The feel and smell of the car can also be enjoyed when traveling. “The passion for classic vehicles paired with an uncompromising approach to quality is our personal driving force,” Justin sums it up.

Photos courtesy of Justin Placek (@justinplacek).