Tell me about your most memorable drive in a Porsche
Discussion
Back in 2014 I had fun organising a trip starting in the west of Scotland covering the challenging and beautiful roads and stunning scenery that the country has to offer. Leading ten 991s round Bealach Na Ba and over the northernmost sections of the North Coast 500 and then the fabulous and remarkably empty Old Military Road down to Tomintoul left a lasting memory. My C2S at that time was more than up to the job, leading a mix of C2/4, Turbos, GT3 and a rogue MP4. Great company, cars and unforgettable landscape, what's not to like?
Returning in the Spring, so looking forward to the rerun massively.
Returning in the Spring, so looking forward to the rerun massively.
Edited by gred on Thursday 12th October 22:29
I was only talking about my most memorable drive to friends while on holiday recently. It must have been over 20 years ago, not long after helping to rescue the 924 to 944 Club from amalgamation into PCGB (later to become TIPEC).
We (Hartech) were specialising in front engine’d water cooled cars then and had got used to assessing their condition, when we took in a lovely black Le-Mans 924S (with fluorescent green decals and the higher compression 944 engine) that had over 100K on the clock. We had gradually learned that about 45% of the cars we worked on had been clocked twice, 45% once and less than 10% never clocked – (naughty times not so prevalent today). We were well known for declaring our opinion about the true mileages of the cars we worked on and never bought and sold cars without stating what we thought was their true mileage and this lovely car was one of those genuine exceptions that was more like an average clocked car showing about 40 K on it – just superb.
Because it combined good performance with a more comfortable suspension than a 944, I chose this car to travel to the Porsche Factory in Stuttgart with an organised 924/944 Club run where the engineering director confirmed his choice of the best Porsche ever built (up to then of course) being the 944 turbo. On the way back, with two packs of beer in the rear boot and luggage we were cracking on to try and get to the Nurburg Ring before it closed.
The first event that contributed to this memorable drive was probably influenced by my determination to get to the ring on time and sitting on the wrong side of the car (being RHD) and finding myself stranded on the wrong side of the road while trying to overtake a long line of slower cars, unable to get to the front or brake quickly enough to avoid oncoming traffic, when the driver on my right had seen the impending possible crash and just quickly moved across into the gravelly loose side of the road allowing me room to creep into his space – brilliant driving that we were so grateful for.
Limiting our enthusiasm to clear roads we pressed on and getting closer to the Ring our top speed slowly increased until a couple of cars approaching us flashing their headlights – we were not sure why (it was not so common then) and assumed it was in recognition that we were in a Porsche and therefore on our way to the ring nearby – that is until a light flashed twice from the hedge.
Nothing followed so we pushed on for a few miles to a crossroads when we were stopped by Police for speeding earlier (not sure how that system worked then) and were offered 2 choices to deal with the offence - the hard way (a night in the cells, a visit to Court the following day and points) or the easy way (a modest cash fine no points etc) – so we paid up and just got to the Ring as they were preparing to close up.
With no time to remove our load and together with one other club member (Club secretary and the enthusiastic influence behind its success - Lynn and husband Tony Redall in their boosted 944 turbo) - we paid a modest amount to someone by a small hut – no paper work, formalities or advice and just turned right and found ourselves on the actual infamous track – we had just made it in time for one memorable lap.
We set off with the back end sliding out on the very first two slippery tight downhill negative camber hairpin bends (not a good omen) and pressed on cautiously - soon to be passed by a red 911 on a straight.
Finding the circuit was a combination of short straights and bends we gradually got the hang of the rear end heavy handling (by being very delicate with the turn in) and after a few miles we were going quite well and progressively saw a red flash before their next corner as we crept nearer to that 911 until I asked my usually cautious wife Pauline if I could try and catch it – and to my amazement (and gratitude) she said “oh go on then if you really must”.
As we carried on round the circuit we gradually got faster and got closer and closer to the 911 and could have passed if we had not got the first carrousel wrong (not going fast enough to stay up the slope).
By the next one, with teeth gritted (and Pauline complaining about the “G” forces and saying her prayers) we soared round the steep slope high up and had almost caught that 911 – eventually passing it flat out up a long hill to my immense satisfaction – until we realised why.
Anyone that had driven round the circuit then will know exactly where we were and what we came across. This was actually back to where we had started and just over the brow the track turned sharp right into the hairpins where we came out on track originally and where we first struggled to get round the bends. The 911 had braked for the end of the session as we blindly and triumphantly sailed passed on the LHS focussed totally on beating it –but having no chance to stop or take the turn as well - and luckily found that a convenient run off slip road went straight ahead but then stopped promptly at a solid looking brick wall right across the road.
With cadence braking, throwing the car sideways and praying - we eventually stopped less than a foot from the wall.
Despite that ending it was a brilliant trip with our Club members and an exciting all round experience – even though it was only one lap round the historic circuit but one I will never forget.
With the beer rapidly being consumed by all the club members that night at the hotel (many actually relieved that there got there too late after hearing of our difficulties and how the 944 turbo managed a full spin and our near miss) - it was definitely my most memorable drive in a very under-rated but fantastic model that behaved impeccably – especially when we really needed it to. It was a good job we were not in a 911 of that era as I am sure we would not then have caught the other 911) nor the 944 turbo (as we would have been travelling much faster when we approached that wall).
Despite driving a huge range of models since on tracks and various road trips – that drive and that car easily represented my most memorable experience.
Baz
We (Hartech) were specialising in front engine’d water cooled cars then and had got used to assessing their condition, when we took in a lovely black Le-Mans 924S (with fluorescent green decals and the higher compression 944 engine) that had over 100K on the clock. We had gradually learned that about 45% of the cars we worked on had been clocked twice, 45% once and less than 10% never clocked – (naughty times not so prevalent today). We were well known for declaring our opinion about the true mileages of the cars we worked on and never bought and sold cars without stating what we thought was their true mileage and this lovely car was one of those genuine exceptions that was more like an average clocked car showing about 40 K on it – just superb.
Because it combined good performance with a more comfortable suspension than a 944, I chose this car to travel to the Porsche Factory in Stuttgart with an organised 924/944 Club run where the engineering director confirmed his choice of the best Porsche ever built (up to then of course) being the 944 turbo. On the way back, with two packs of beer in the rear boot and luggage we were cracking on to try and get to the Nurburg Ring before it closed.
The first event that contributed to this memorable drive was probably influenced by my determination to get to the ring on time and sitting on the wrong side of the car (being RHD) and finding myself stranded on the wrong side of the road while trying to overtake a long line of slower cars, unable to get to the front or brake quickly enough to avoid oncoming traffic, when the driver on my right had seen the impending possible crash and just quickly moved across into the gravelly loose side of the road allowing me room to creep into his space – brilliant driving that we were so grateful for.
Limiting our enthusiasm to clear roads we pressed on and getting closer to the Ring our top speed slowly increased until a couple of cars approaching us flashing their headlights – we were not sure why (it was not so common then) and assumed it was in recognition that we were in a Porsche and therefore on our way to the ring nearby – that is until a light flashed twice from the hedge.
Nothing followed so we pushed on for a few miles to a crossroads when we were stopped by Police for speeding earlier (not sure how that system worked then) and were offered 2 choices to deal with the offence - the hard way (a night in the cells, a visit to Court the following day and points) or the easy way (a modest cash fine no points etc) – so we paid up and just got to the Ring as they were preparing to close up.
With no time to remove our load and together with one other club member (Club secretary and the enthusiastic influence behind its success - Lynn and husband Tony Redall in their boosted 944 turbo) - we paid a modest amount to someone by a small hut – no paper work, formalities or advice and just turned right and found ourselves on the actual infamous track – we had just made it in time for one memorable lap.
We set off with the back end sliding out on the very first two slippery tight downhill negative camber hairpin bends (not a good omen) and pressed on cautiously - soon to be passed by a red 911 on a straight.
Finding the circuit was a combination of short straights and bends we gradually got the hang of the rear end heavy handling (by being very delicate with the turn in) and after a few miles we were going quite well and progressively saw a red flash before their next corner as we crept nearer to that 911 until I asked my usually cautious wife Pauline if I could try and catch it – and to my amazement (and gratitude) she said “oh go on then if you really must”.
As we carried on round the circuit we gradually got faster and got closer and closer to the 911 and could have passed if we had not got the first carrousel wrong (not going fast enough to stay up the slope).
By the next one, with teeth gritted (and Pauline complaining about the “G” forces and saying her prayers) we soared round the steep slope high up and had almost caught that 911 – eventually passing it flat out up a long hill to my immense satisfaction – until we realised why.
Anyone that had driven round the circuit then will know exactly where we were and what we came across. This was actually back to where we had started and just over the brow the track turned sharp right into the hairpins where we came out on track originally and where we first struggled to get round the bends. The 911 had braked for the end of the session as we blindly and triumphantly sailed passed on the LHS focussed totally on beating it –but having no chance to stop or take the turn as well - and luckily found that a convenient run off slip road went straight ahead but then stopped promptly at a solid looking brick wall right across the road.
With cadence braking, throwing the car sideways and praying - we eventually stopped less than a foot from the wall.
Despite that ending it was a brilliant trip with our Club members and an exciting all round experience – even though it was only one lap round the historic circuit but one I will never forget.
With the beer rapidly being consumed by all the club members that night at the hotel (many actually relieved that there got there too late after hearing of our difficulties and how the 944 turbo managed a full spin and our near miss) - it was definitely my most memorable drive in a very under-rated but fantastic model that behaved impeccably – especially when we really needed it to. It was a good job we were not in a 911 of that era as I am sure we would not then have caught the other 911) nor the 944 turbo (as we would have been travelling much faster when we approached that wall).
Despite driving a huge range of models since on tracks and various road trips – that drive and that car easily represented my most memorable experience.
Baz
anonymous said:
[redacted]
Ah yes, one of my favourite 'back door' driving roads.....the B6255 Ingleton to Hawes Road taken just before the road bridge in the valley 2 miles south west of Hawes.Imo this area provides a much often overlooked pinnacle of b road driving opportunities in the UK.....certainly on a par with many parts of Scotland although of late unfortunately subjected to an increase in 'scamera' vans largely as a result of the bikers.
Driven these roads on countless memorable occasions with many a fine car including Porsches. At their best early evening when the views of Yorkshires finest are often at their most beautiful. In fact this picture was taken only a few miles further south with the weather probably only slightly better!
Mine was on 9th November 2014. My first ride in my own GT3 on the Nordschleife. Not planned but the weather was so nice that November that I spontaneously decided to head to the Ring. Only 50 min from where I live anyway.
Have lapped the car some 25 times since then but I won't forget the very first time.
I'm more into older Porsches, some years ago I drove across Europe to the 356 International event in Florence with a friend in a 1957 - 356 Carrera. He'd imported the car from the USA and it was being taken off the delivery transporter when I arrived at his house around 5pm, we had a meal, checked the oil, washed the car down and set off about 9pm. The car was bright yellow with full roll cage and race decals so to say it stood out on the way round the M25 and also on the peripherique around Paris the next morning is a major understatement. My friend is something of a "spirited" driver and weaving through the Parisian rush hour traffic " race style" was interesting !
Beyond Paris we made some headway and stopped for coffee and a half hour snooze in a service station on the autoroute before a long slep heading south to Lyon.There are some things which sound better described than in reality, one of them being around eight hours in a noisy 40yr old (at the time) stripped out 356 doing 85 mph on the French autoroute ! When we got past Lyon the battery light decided to shine bright on the dashboard, our hearts started racing and in order to preserve the battery we carried on having agreed not to use anything electrical i.e no indicators, no lights, no wipers ! We drove on waiting for the car to come to a halt and we carried on and we carried on - through the Mont Blanc tunnel with no lights, arriving in Courmayer at the other end of the tunnel we decided a coffee stop to settle our nerves was in order. Whilst we were taking our coffee the rain started and became heavier and heavier. As we needed to preserve the battery by not using the wipers we bought a potato from a local shop, asked them to cut it in half and wiped each cut potato section over the windscreen - this acts like a form of natural "Rain-ex" and if you drive fast enough deflects the rain and lasts for about thirty miles ! so a few stops to re-apply potato to windscreen and the rain eventually subsided. On we drove over far more interesting roads, hills tunnels and fast (for a 356) bends heading to Florence.
We forgot about the battery light and carried on, fingers crossed everytime we stopped for petrol that the car would start again ! About fifty miles from Florence it was starting to get dark, we've been driving for ever, we're tired and it's almost 8.30pm - we still don't want to use the lights for fear of finishing the battery off. Amazingly at that time,we came across half a dozen French 356's on the Auto Strada who were travelling to the same event. A brief chat to them at the next service station and it was agreed that we'd drive the last stretch in the middle of their convoy, them with lights on, us with none ! - the spirit of 356 ownership ! By the time we reached Florence it was almost 10pm, so as I recall about 23 hours travelling- no lights on ( except the battery light shining bright !) and we were there. Absolutely knackered but elated. A couple of British guys had a spare 6volt battery they lent us and rather than change it we kept the original battery in situ (storing the spare behind the seats)- drove in the event all weekend and all the way back to the UK only to discover that when the car was checked it was the ignition light that was faulty !
A few other memorable journeys - 925 miles in a day from L'Alpe d'huez to Yorkshire after watching the Tour de France, in my 944 - needed to get home for a wedding but didn't want to miss the Tour stage ! Great journey and brilliant car.
In my Lotus Elise ( rather than a Porsche) down to Monaco and along the Rivera into Italy for the Mille Miglia at Brescia.Up to Monza and than onto the lakes drive on the ferry from Bellagio on Lake Como,across and up to Chervinia and St. Moritz. Over the Alps and down the Julia pass into France ( as an aside through the village of C.nter (think U ) ten miles from St Moritz ! and over to the Champagne region.
I think I need a big trans European road trip in my 911 !
Beyond Paris we made some headway and stopped for coffee and a half hour snooze in a service station on the autoroute before a long slep heading south to Lyon.There are some things which sound better described than in reality, one of them being around eight hours in a noisy 40yr old (at the time) stripped out 356 doing 85 mph on the French autoroute ! When we got past Lyon the battery light decided to shine bright on the dashboard, our hearts started racing and in order to preserve the battery we carried on having agreed not to use anything electrical i.e no indicators, no lights, no wipers ! We drove on waiting for the car to come to a halt and we carried on and we carried on - through the Mont Blanc tunnel with no lights, arriving in Courmayer at the other end of the tunnel we decided a coffee stop to settle our nerves was in order. Whilst we were taking our coffee the rain started and became heavier and heavier. As we needed to preserve the battery by not using the wipers we bought a potato from a local shop, asked them to cut it in half and wiped each cut potato section over the windscreen - this acts like a form of natural "Rain-ex" and if you drive fast enough deflects the rain and lasts for about thirty miles ! so a few stops to re-apply potato to windscreen and the rain eventually subsided. On we drove over far more interesting roads, hills tunnels and fast (for a 356) bends heading to Florence.
We forgot about the battery light and carried on, fingers crossed everytime we stopped for petrol that the car would start again ! About fifty miles from Florence it was starting to get dark, we've been driving for ever, we're tired and it's almost 8.30pm - we still don't want to use the lights for fear of finishing the battery off. Amazingly at that time,we came across half a dozen French 356's on the Auto Strada who were travelling to the same event. A brief chat to them at the next service station and it was agreed that we'd drive the last stretch in the middle of their convoy, them with lights on, us with none ! - the spirit of 356 ownership ! By the time we reached Florence it was almost 10pm, so as I recall about 23 hours travelling- no lights on ( except the battery light shining bright !) and we were there. Absolutely knackered but elated. A couple of British guys had a spare 6volt battery they lent us and rather than change it we kept the original battery in situ (storing the spare behind the seats)- drove in the event all weekend and all the way back to the UK only to discover that when the car was checked it was the ignition light that was faulty !
A few other memorable journeys - 925 miles in a day from L'Alpe d'huez to Yorkshire after watching the Tour de France, in my 944 - needed to get home for a wedding but didn't want to miss the Tour stage ! Great journey and brilliant car.
In my Lotus Elise ( rather than a Porsche) down to Monaco and along the Rivera into Italy for the Mille Miglia at Brescia.Up to Monza and than onto the lakes drive on the ferry from Bellagio on Lake Como,across and up to Chervinia and St. Moritz. Over the Alps and down the Julia pass into France ( as an aside through the village of C.nter (think U ) ten miles from St Moritz ! and over to the Champagne region.
I think I need a big trans European road trip in my 911 !
fantastic stories and such a change from the norm.
Back in 1991 a mate had owned a beautiful 1989 3.2 Carrera Sport Coupe in diamond blue.
Early one evening he said why don't you take the Porsche for a drive. Not really interested I said. They just don't do it for me. Here is the key. Go try it on your own. I'm sure I was only gone for maybe 15 minutes. More like 45. His wife wanted him to call the police as she was adamant I had smashed the 911 up. It was the most tactile and involving car I had ever driven period. I fell in love immediately. Two months later I had my own 1988 3.2 in guards red. Beginning of 1993 he drags me along to watch a round of the Pirelli Porsche Production Championship at Brands Hatch. Within 4 months I had my own 911 road legal race car. My mate has cost me a small fortune over the years but what a blast. Life is there to be enjoyed. As a kid we did not have a pot to piss in. A lot of hard graft, persistence, risk and luck have paid off.
Hunter S Thompson said: “Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow! What a Ride!”
Back in 1991 a mate had owned a beautiful 1989 3.2 Carrera Sport Coupe in diamond blue.
Early one evening he said why don't you take the Porsche for a drive. Not really interested I said. They just don't do it for me. Here is the key. Go try it on your own. I'm sure I was only gone for maybe 15 minutes. More like 45. His wife wanted him to call the police as she was adamant I had smashed the 911 up. It was the most tactile and involving car I had ever driven period. I fell in love immediately. Two months later I had my own 1988 3.2 in guards red. Beginning of 1993 he drags me along to watch a round of the Pirelli Porsche Production Championship at Brands Hatch. Within 4 months I had my own 911 road legal race car. My mate has cost me a small fortune over the years but what a blast. Life is there to be enjoyed. As a kid we did not have a pot to piss in. A lot of hard graft, persistence, risk and luck have paid off.
Hunter S Thompson said: “Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow! What a Ride!”
I posted this quite a few years ago now on a similar thread to this one. It still eclipses many great road trips I've done and other Porsches I've driven since then. Anyway, going back to April 2005....................
Scenario..............Dad bought Porsche without telling Son. Dad takes Son to garage to go for a 'test drive'.
This was great. My lad (aged 10) is indeed becoming a true porker nut and the day we went to collect my first Porsche he was under the illusion that it was for an hour long test drive. All the staff at Spec Cars were in on it and taking that first drive was truly memorable. It was the typical "have you heard the engine dad?" and lots of inquisitve button touching and looking around (for more buttons). "Do we have to take it back Dad?" was asked several times with the response "of course we do!"
So, after driving for all of around 20 mins the urge to break the news was simply too much, not to mention trying to disguise the ever increasing grin on me chops, so I had to give in and tell all. Even so, with a look of dis-belief on his face he said "you are joking aren't you?"
What a day!
Scenario..............Dad bought Porsche without telling Son. Dad takes Son to garage to go for a 'test drive'.
This was great. My lad (aged 10) is indeed becoming a true porker nut and the day we went to collect my first Porsche he was under the illusion that it was for an hour long test drive. All the staff at Spec Cars were in on it and taking that first drive was truly memorable. It was the typical "have you heard the engine dad?" and lots of inquisitve button touching and looking around (for more buttons). "Do we have to take it back Dad?" was asked several times with the response "of course we do!"
So, after driving for all of around 20 mins the urge to break the news was simply too much, not to mention trying to disguise the ever increasing grin on me chops, so I had to give in and tell all. Even so, with a look of dis-belief on his face he said "you are joking aren't you?"
What a day!
So many to recall. First was a 944 turbo trip from London to Kaiserslauten and realising that, yes, it could 160mph and, yes, you could steer it round bends at that speed, The thing was glorious in the UK too. So I was coming back to London from a day's climbing at Baggy Point in N Devon and hit the A358 after pumping N up the M5 from Tiverton junction. A Sunday evening in the summer with light traffic and overtake and pull in again and again and there was a 911 in front. The 944 revs were in the turbo zone, an opportunity came up and I floored it past the 911. Gawd the car was good.
A day trips to Vienna for a meeting and then blasting back in the early morning two days later with every speed camera on the Austrian motorway flashing away as I passed and who the hell cared. Another day trip to Berlin a couple of years or so and giving a lift to a hitch-hiking East German gobsmacked with life in the West and cars other than Trabants.
Boxster S trips to Alpbach near Innsbruck staying overnight at Heidelberg. Repeat with the 996 a couple of years later but staying at Boppard and driving the Grossglockner up and over and then returning back again..
Driving to Frankfurt in the 996 and having the rear windscreen wiper fly up in the air and start flapping at 160mp was memorable enough too.
Last year driving to Scotland and doing the Old Military Road and west parts of the NC 500 in the 996. And my sort of regular run from London to and from N Wales going up the Tanat valley from Llangynog to Bala and across the moors using the B4391.
And there's so much more to do; the Route Napoleon, other Swiss and Austrian passes; ah bliss it is to be alive, with high octane liquid in the tank, near empty fast roads, and a piece of Porsche metal under your control.
A day trips to Vienna for a meeting and then blasting back in the early morning two days later with every speed camera on the Austrian motorway flashing away as I passed and who the hell cared. Another day trip to Berlin a couple of years or so and giving a lift to a hitch-hiking East German gobsmacked with life in the West and cars other than Trabants.
Boxster S trips to Alpbach near Innsbruck staying overnight at Heidelberg. Repeat with the 996 a couple of years later but staying at Boppard and driving the Grossglockner up and over and then returning back again..
Driving to Frankfurt in the 996 and having the rear windscreen wiper fly up in the air and start flapping at 160mp was memorable enough too.
Last year driving to Scotland and doing the Old Military Road and west parts of the NC 500 in the 996. And my sort of regular run from London to and from N Wales going up the Tanat valley from Llangynog to Bala and across the moors using the B4391.
And there's so much more to do; the Route Napoleon, other Swiss and Austrian passes; ah bliss it is to be alive, with high octane liquid in the tank, near empty fast roads, and a piece of Porsche metal under your control.
Steve Rance said:
Just lovely. Even more fitting that Mr Edwards name is associated with a thread like this. A true porsche enthusiast, the quickest 911 driver that I've ever met and certainly the nicest Guy in the paddock.
Keep them comming Chaps
Great thread, Steve. Too many brilliant memories for me, but one that stands out also features a Mr S Edwards.Keep them comming Chaps
Club racing my 6GT3 at Yas Marina in Abu Dhabi for the first time. I was way out of my depth and quali found me floundering at the back of the grid and feeling pretty miserable. Sean was coaching the 997 boys at the time but even so, he pulled me to one side and insisted he look at my data.
He must have spent no more than 15 minutes analysing and explaining the data, but it did the job. By the end of a brutal and bruising race, I had bagged a class podium. Sean wasn't just a great wheelman, he was an impressive teacher.
Hope RSPhilip will not mind if I post one of his pics.
More prosaically, last Thursday is a good memory. Had almost fallen out of love with cars and driving. Hadn't driven the Porsche all
summer. Not been on a track since last year and had found getting back into club racing a couple of years ago, and managing my own car just too much hard work. Plus the skills are just not what they were. Feeling old and useless.
Then I spent an afternoon at Goodwood last week. What a fabulous track. And even more fabulous to rediscover why the early GT3s are just the most interesting and exhilarating road cars at pretty much any price point.
So there you have it. For seasonal affective disorder, pop a blue pill:
summer. Not been on a track since last year and had found getting back into club racing a couple of years ago, and managing my own car just too much hard work. Plus the skills are just not what they were. Feeling old and useless.
Then I spent an afternoon at Goodwood last week. What a fabulous track. And even more fabulous to rediscover why the early GT3s are just the most interesting and exhilarating road cars at pretty much any price point.
So there you have it. For seasonal affective disorder, pop a blue pill:
I did the Modball Rally this year, drove some incredible roads between London and Ibiza, the drive from Switzerland through the Mont Blanc tunnel and then down through Italy was spectacular. Rather than ship the car back from Ibiza I stayed a few days and then drove it over to Santander to get the ferry home. I'm very glad I did because I discovered the AP-68, specifically the stretch as as you are approaching Bilbao; a wide, winding, steep downhill, three lane motorway, with no traffic on it, through a beautiful national park. I pretty much drove a racing line the whole way down, when I got to the tolls at the end I could not help but laugh.
Edited by PantsFire on Tuesday 17th October 19:38
My 21st in 2000 and my first trip to the Ring, my Dad gave me the keys to his Guards Red 87 Carrera Sport and said "You're driving."
Met around 5am with a load of guys he'd been going with for a few years prior, there were E30 M3's, 328 Ferraris, 911 Turbos, 928's, M5's, 964RS's and an Alfa SZ.
Went in convoy all the way to the OTGP, stayed at a hotel that they'd been going to for a few years. The stories, the banter, the speed was absolutely incredible for the whole weekend, doing 140mph three abreast and 3 or 4 deep through Belgium will stay with me for a long time!
I/We still go every year, but as by far and away the youngest member, the numbers are getting smaller as they are now 70+, some 80ish and its only a matter of time before it all stops but I'm trying to continue the legacy of the trip (the first year was 1992 - 4dm for a lap from a bloke with bus conductors ticket machine apparently!)
The owner of the hotel we go to is English, she's also now taking a backseat and her daughter is running it, its sad in some ways but I'm going to make sure it keeps going with my mates now.
I remember the first lap I did, absolutely gung ho, no idea where the track went and as fast as I dared, god knows how I didn't end up in the scenery on many many corners, but I still remember bits of the first lap I did.
Eyes on stalks the whole weekend, fantastic.
Met around 5am with a load of guys he'd been going with for a few years prior, there were E30 M3's, 328 Ferraris, 911 Turbos, 928's, M5's, 964RS's and an Alfa SZ.
Went in convoy all the way to the OTGP, stayed at a hotel that they'd been going to for a few years. The stories, the banter, the speed was absolutely incredible for the whole weekend, doing 140mph three abreast and 3 or 4 deep through Belgium will stay with me for a long time!
I/We still go every year, but as by far and away the youngest member, the numbers are getting smaller as they are now 70+, some 80ish and its only a matter of time before it all stops but I'm trying to continue the legacy of the trip (the first year was 1992 - 4dm for a lap from a bloke with bus conductors ticket machine apparently!)
The owner of the hotel we go to is English, she's also now taking a backseat and her daughter is running it, its sad in some ways but I'm going to make sure it keeps going with my mates now.
I remember the first lap I did, absolutely gung ho, no idea where the track went and as fast as I dared, god knows how I didn't end up in the scenery on many many corners, but I still remember bits of the first lap I did.
Eyes on stalks the whole weekend, fantastic.
Difficult to choose but 4 drives stand out for me. In roughly chronological order:
997.1 GT3 on low friction surfaces at PEC
Had my free half day there in 2015 due to ordering a 981, but tacked on another half day in my GT3. Mega fun on the kick plate, but the best had to be the short low friction track. I must have spent 90 mins on there just learning how to continually go sideways and just learning the car. Really opened my eyes as to how a GT3 responds so accurately to even the slightest inputs and how despite being rear-engined was so controllable. Topped off nicely with the instructor showing me how it was done properly on that surface and the country road track...always great to experience a professional in action!
993 C2 Cab and 981 BGTS on the Stelvio and Fluela Passes
993 drive was in June 2014 and the BGTS one exactly a year later. Same route, same glorious weather, but a completely different experience in both cars. Switchbacks in the freshly collected from the factory PDK GTS on Stelvio were a massive hoot going down to first gear, with PSE echoing off the rock. Got to the top and felt like I'd had a proper supercar experience with crowds of tourists listening/looking. More open flowing corners of the Fluela Pass suited the 993 down to a T, heel and toeing up and down the box and really enjoying the difficulty of pedalling and old car with no stability aids quickly. And at the end of both days rolling into Davos with a bit of sunburn, exhausted, but feeling like a million bucks and going to stay in a fab hotel.
993 C2 Cab on the way back from p/x valuation for it against another car I had paid a deposit for
It was a glorious Saturday afternoon summer thrash through lightly trafficked West Sussex/south Surrey country roads back from a dealer. Roof down, everything just clicked, alignment of the planets etc, but bittersweet as I knew it was my last proper drive in her. Got home happy and depressed in equal measure and my other half noticed. She said "don't sell her, I like her too", so I thought about it for about 5s, rang the dealer and said "Bad news, sorry, I can't let her go". Immediately followed by a quick man maths calc in my head, and the words "...but the good news is I'll still take the M5"
Haven't managed a really special drive in the 997 GTS yet, but if I can get her to Spain in the Spring (we're going to live there for 3 months while my other half is on mat leave all being well), I'm sure I'll have a few experiences to talk about
997.1 GT3 on low friction surfaces at PEC
Had my free half day there in 2015 due to ordering a 981, but tacked on another half day in my GT3. Mega fun on the kick plate, but the best had to be the short low friction track. I must have spent 90 mins on there just learning how to continually go sideways and just learning the car. Really opened my eyes as to how a GT3 responds so accurately to even the slightest inputs and how despite being rear-engined was so controllable. Topped off nicely with the instructor showing me how it was done properly on that surface and the country road track...always great to experience a professional in action!
993 C2 Cab and 981 BGTS on the Stelvio and Fluela Passes
993 drive was in June 2014 and the BGTS one exactly a year later. Same route, same glorious weather, but a completely different experience in both cars. Switchbacks in the freshly collected from the factory PDK GTS on Stelvio were a massive hoot going down to first gear, with PSE echoing off the rock. Got to the top and felt like I'd had a proper supercar experience with crowds of tourists listening/looking. More open flowing corners of the Fluela Pass suited the 993 down to a T, heel and toeing up and down the box and really enjoying the difficulty of pedalling and old car with no stability aids quickly. And at the end of both days rolling into Davos with a bit of sunburn, exhausted, but feeling like a million bucks and going to stay in a fab hotel.
993 C2 Cab on the way back from p/x valuation for it against another car I had paid a deposit for
It was a glorious Saturday afternoon summer thrash through lightly trafficked West Sussex/south Surrey country roads back from a dealer. Roof down, everything just clicked, alignment of the planets etc, but bittersweet as I knew it was my last proper drive in her. Got home happy and depressed in equal measure and my other half noticed. She said "don't sell her, I like her too", so I thought about it for about 5s, rang the dealer and said "Bad news, sorry, I can't let her go". Immediately followed by a quick man maths calc in my head, and the words "...but the good news is I'll still take the M5"
Haven't managed a really special drive in the 997 GTS yet, but if I can get her to Spain in the Spring (we're going to live there for 3 months while my other half is on mat leave all being well), I'm sure I'll have a few experiences to talk about
Just thought of something else, not a particular drive, but a trip. The 993 Stelvio/Fluela drive above was part of a 3 month road trip I did round Europe with my other half, both of us having taken a sabbatical. We did it in the 993 and it never set a foot wrong over 10k miles. Basically, because of those memories I'm not sure I'll ever be able to sell it. It performed awesomely. Fancy enough to feel special driving through places like Monaco, but practical enough to take all our camping gear and be able to roll into a random campsite, park up and pitch a tent.
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