There’s a clear difference between someone who sells Porsche and someone who genuinely lives and breathes it.

Spending time with Benjamin, founder of VOB Automobiles, makes that difference obvious. This isn’t a corporate operation built around numbers and margins. It’s a business that grew out of obsession.

VOB Automobiles was founded in 2014, but Benjamin wasn’t originally from the automotive world. He was in a completely different industry. Yet every spare minute he had was spent searching for Porsche models, driving them, studying the market and understanding what made them special. Eventually, the idea became impossible to ignore — why not turn that passion into a profession?

That decision marked the beginning of VOB Automobiles.

It wasn’t easy in the early days. Selling Porsche isn’t like selling everyday cars. It’s built on trust. Buyers need confidence, especially when serious money is involved. In the first year, VOB Automobiles sold around 30 cars. A solid start — but a long way from where they are now.

Fast forward to 2023, and that number had grown to around 330 used Porsche cars sold across France. That kind of growth doesn’t come from aggressive marketing. It comes from reputation, word of mouth, and customers returning again and again.

From Dealer to Full Porsche Specialist

In the beginning, VOB Automobiles focused mainly on buying and selling cars. But preparing vehicles meant relying heavily on official Porsche centres and external specialists. That approach worked, but it came at a cost — both financially and in terms of control.

Benjamin realised that if he wanted to offer something different, something better, he needed to build his own workshop.

Today, VOB Automobiles carries out mechanical work in-house. Every car is properly inspected, serviced and prepared before it reaches a customer. Bodywork is handled through trusted partners, but the mechanical backbone of the business is firmly internal.

That shift changed everything.

Costs became manageable. Standards became consistent. Clients knew exactly what they were paying for. And most importantly, the business could operate on its own philosophy — not someone else’s.

Making Porsche Ownership Logical

One of the most refreshing parts of VOB Automobiles’ outlook is how they see Porsche ownership.

Benjamin doesn’t believe owning a Porsche is about wealth. It’s about passion. It’s about loving the car.

In France, new car taxation has become increasingly heavy. For many buyers, purchasing a brand-new performance car simply doesn’t make logical sense anymore. As a result, the used Porsche market has become more attractive than ever, especially in the €50,000 to €200,000 bracket.

There’s also the reality of depreciation. Many new cars lose a significant percentage of their value in the first year alone. A carefully chosen, well-maintained used Porsche can often make far more sense financially — while still delivering the experience enthusiasts are looking for.

VOB Automobiles sits right in that space, helping customers make smart, passion-led decisions that don’t feel reckless.

The Design911 Relationship

A major part of the workshop’s efficiency comes from their long-standing relationship with Design911.

When the workshop first opened, parts were primarily sourced through official channels. It was straightforward — but expensive. Benjamin began looking for alternatives that maintained quality without inflating costs.

That’s where Design911 came in.

What stood out immediately was availability and speed. Parts often arrive the next morning, sometimes faster than sourcing them domestically. For a busy Porsche specialist preparing multiple cars at once, that kind of reliability is critical.

The relationship has now been running for five to six years and has become a core part of how VOB Automobiles operates day to day — from routine servicing components to larger restoration projects.

The 996 Project – Owned by @romainmonti

One of the recent highlights at VOB Automobiles is a Porsche 996 owned by @romainmonti.

When the car first arrived, it was a solid example for its age — over two decades old — but it required significant servicing and attention. Rather than opting for a quick refresh, the team went through the car properly.

Major service work was carried out, supported by parts sourced through Design911. One of the key upgrades was the installation of a DesignTek exhaust system.

Benjamin is candid when it comes to exhaust pricing. Original manufacturer systems can be extremely expensive — sometimes reaching a substantial percentage of the car’s value. For many owners, that simply doesn’t make sense.

The DesignTek solution offered the right balance: strong build quality, the sound a Porsche deserves, and a realistic price point.

Over the years, VOB Automobiles has fitted similar systems across multiple Porsche platforms — including 996, 997 and 986 models — without experiencing issues or complaints. That kind of consistency builds confidence.

The 996 project perfectly represents what VOB Automobiles does best: take a strong foundation and elevate it through smart mechanical decisions.

A Changing French Market

The French automotive market is evolving. Increased taxation, environmental regulations and restrictions in city centres are influencing buyer behaviour. Many enthusiasts are moving away from new cars and toward used or classic models instead.

Benjamin believes the future lies in mechanical expertise and long-term relationships. Supporting existing Porsche owners. Helping them maintain, improve and enjoy their cars for years to come.

Rather than chasing quick sales, VOB Automobiles focuses on building genuine connections. Many customers return. Many become friends.

Why VOB Automobiles?

Ask Benjamin why someone should bring their Porsche to VOB Automobiles, and the answer is simple: because they are different.

There’s no judgement based on appearance or budget. Whether a client arrives with an entry-level model or a six-figure 911, the approach is exactly the same.

It’s about honesty. It’s about passion. And it’s about treating every car — and every person — with respect.

If the passion ever disappeared, Benjamin says he would stop. That authenticity is rare.

And it’s exactly why VOB Automobiles has grown from selling 30 cars a year to over 300.

In a market shaped by regulation and rising costs, one thing remains constant: the love of Porsche.

At VOB Automobiles, that love still drives everything.