Allen70SSan Diego

Guys:

I'm passing on some information which may be of interest. Recently in "Auto Week" a review of a new book was presented. Full Title: "The Gold-Plated Porsche: How I Sank a Small Fortune into a used Car, and Other Misadventures". Author is Steve Wilkinson, a former Editor of Car and Driver. The review was favorable, and yesterday the book became available to order (~$20) on Amazon.com.

Noel

Steve is a long time contributor to this web forum as well as others. I also look forward to reading his new book.

SteveG

I'm on page 43. It's a good read, probably not technical enough for some of you, pitched down the middle. I've never done a DE and I would like more, but how many books get that close? I have trouble putting it down.

Serge944

Sorry for bringing this thread from the dead...but i had to do a search after reading Wilkinson's book. Simply put, its one of the only novels I didn't return after reading (i know, im cheap).

Steve, im waiting for a sequel

Paul Conquest

I agree ... a very good read for any Porsche enthusiast. At times, it felt almost as if I was reading about one of my own experiences - only the story was told by a pro.

Doug&Julie

I'm not usually a book reader (magazines are about the limit of my attention span). But this book was excellent...a fast read. I truly enjoyed it.

billatlanta

The book is a great read. Easy reading, interesting (even the non Porsche stuff) and enjoyable.

Drew Theodore

And he loves the Targa's. I still do not understand what gives there. I have even posted on this board and the Pelican board asking why he has a problem with Targa's. I have a coupe but I love the Targa's too. i wish I had one this past weekend when the temperature was 75 degrees.

mjmoran

Great reading. I cant recall the last time I have recommended a book to so many friends. All the short personal stories intertwined with Porsche history and his rebuild process really made this book fun for the car guy do-it-yourselfer...like me.
As far as the Targas...everyone has their opinion. I have a Targa along with coupes and enjoy both. The targa is, to me, more fun to drive on nice days since it has the feel of a cab with out the buffeting and flexiness. The looks are a bit less sexy than a coupes though and most either love them or hate them...Steve hates them

epbrown01

I don't get why people were so upset about him not liking Targas - the guys entitled to his opinion, and it's one lots of people share. Hell, at any given moment I'm driving some sort of Porsche a good percentage of the population claims to hate - who gives a darn? He did what I do when I don't like a car - he didn't buy one.

Emanuel

steve911

I too enjoyed it; if anyone wants my copy, $18 (incl. shipping) and its yours

Drew Theodore

Emanuel, I am not upset. I have better things to worry about than if Steve likes Targas. My question was why?

mjmoran

Well, Emanuel. The "original" 911 form and the patented profile arc of the rear half of the car are chopped off to form both the targa and the cab. Neither one of these body styles have the pure beauty of the coupe, but offer other pleasures in return. The Targa especially has a German swiss army type look to it and is a bit of a dated design whereas the coupe still can look more modern. These are a few of the reason that the targa and cab have less of a following than the coupe these days. I like my targa as stated above, I like my coupes too. I certainly would not want to have to choose between the two. These, though seem to be the basics to the coupe,targa,cab debate that will continue over time.

epbrown01

The usual reasons, I'm guessing. The chassis is less stiff, more rust prone, and the car itself tends to leak when the seals get old and the signature 911 shape is altered by the top and the shape of the rear glass. Also, there are too many bad examples out there, rattling and leaking along, and often that's all people have experienced.

Emanuel

Serge944

Well, for one; coupes look significantly better. Its not that big of a deal though, id drive either one.