THROUGH MY REARVIEW MIRROR
THE PORSCHE COVER-UP
It is no secret. The Porsche Cover-up has been an ongoing affair for over 70 years.
In fact, a decade and one-half before the Watergate Cover-Up, Marion Weber (Hi There!) opened her MG MITTEN sports car accessory business in Pasadena, California and began successfully marketing her Corvette Cap, Healey Hugger, Jaguar Jacket, MG Mitten, Porsche Parka, and Triumph Tunic car covers.
In 1956, Marion offered her light green, water repellent cotton drill MG Mitten car cover for $22.95. Ten years later, the price had increased to $27.50. MG Mitten also offered a more exclusive waterproof Golden Mink cover with Dupont Hypalon for $36.95, that also had a twelve-month warranty.
The MG Mitten cover became an overnight favorite with Porsche owners for decades.
Today, practically every online automotive accessory business and 7-Eleven…offers at least a basic ‘one-size fits all’ car cover starting at $34.95.
Yes, car covers are a popular investment for protecting your paint from harmful elements…dust, sun, rain, and snow –but only if you buy the right cover for your Porsche.
I recently did some research on car covers. There are several popular types of covers to select from: Outdoor breathable water-resistant, outdoor all-weather, breathable waterproof; and indoor lightweight breathable covers.
Car covers may also be offered with custom fit specifications for Porsche 356 and 900 series models, including the Macan and Cayenne SUV, as well as the Panamera sedan.
Other optional features may include multi-layer fabric, a stretch fabric, a zipper opening, wind straps, and reinforced security loops for an additional cable locking ability.
Here’s a brief analysis of today’s Porsche car covers.
Custom Fit Covers. Emphasize tailor-made for specific Porsche 356, 900 series, SUV, and sedan models. Offer a perfect, snug fit that prevents paint rubbing from the wind or accidental touching.
Material. Offering warranted high quality and density Oxford fabric, waterproof PU layers, UV coating, and soft inner lining to protect the paint and shine from weather elements – sun, dust, fog, rain, light hail, sleet, snow.
Features. Optional driver side door zippers, windproof straps, elastic bottom hems, cable locks and a waterproof storage bag.
Protection. A car cover is highly effective protection against dust, UV rays, dew, condensation, water, sleet, snow, and bird droppings.
Positives. Quality fit, breathability, durability, excellent protection, aesthetic looks with cool color combinations. Indoor covers may last forever.
Negatives. A cover may cause paint damage from being dirty, abrasive, and from trapped moisture. Poorly ventilated covers can also produce mildew and mold. The possibility of a cover being blown away during a windstorm is also likely. Heavier covers are cumbersome for storage, especially if the cover is wet or damp. Washability requires the use of a larger commercial washing machine and dryer. An outdoor car cover may last two-four years before deterioration occurs.
Recommendations. Consider if your needs require a cover for inside storage preventing dust and scratches; or outside protection using either a water resistant or waterproof cover.
The most expensive car cover by Porsche Design offers an official custom-made accessory with the legendary Porsche Crest, a tailored fit for either an outdoor or indoor use with breathable, waterproof fabrics and soft liners for a stronger protection. These covers also have door zippers wind straps and anti-theft locks. Up to $859.
The best value and warranted all-around breathable inside / outside Porsche covers are available through quality Porsche-related aftermarket parts suppliers…from $295. to $495.
The most economically priced covers can be found on eBay and Amazon online…from $34.95 to $189.95.
The outdoor car cover is no substitute for a garage, but if properly used, the cover will definitely protect your Porsche.
THE PORSCHE COVER-UP…has been around for over 70 years…as a ‘super’ accessory for our beloved Porsches.
Copyright Lee Raskin 2025
*Lee Raskin is an internationally recognized Porsche 356/550 historian and author of acclaimed photographic biographies.
