What's the Origin of your Porsche Lust?
02-12-2002, 04:52 PM
#16
Three Wheelin'
I used to work for a small internet based company. A co-worker of mine had an '86 951 he bought from his father (who bought it new!). I has always thought it was a nice looking car, but thats about it.
However, one day we were in the parking lot just shooting the wind and he gave me the oppurtunity to take it for a test drive. I hopped in, shifted into first and stepped out onto the road. I shifted early from first to second and at about 3500 rpms, my life changed forever.The little 951 threw me to the back of the seat and screamed for more. The only words I could say at the time were "holy sh*t!" as I took second gear to redline and shifted to 3rd. Within moments I was going over 60 and running out of road. I slowed down and turned the car around for one more run. I had never driven a car that pulled so hard and felt so right. I shifted the car into first and then to second. Again, I was thrown to the back of the seat and held there. Everything about this car seemed too good to be true, I didn't want the test drive to be over. I felt like I could go _anywhere_ with the way this car handled. It was like a mechanical extension of my body. That first test drive was enough to impress me, but not enough to give me the bug. I had a lot of respect for this car, but I wasn't sold.
A few months went by and one snowy day, I had the chance to drive it again. We were out in the parking lot messing around in the snow. My buddy with the 951 asked if he could drive my tercel around and do donuts and I said it was fine, as long as he let me drive his car again. I threw caution to the wind and handed him the keys to my car. The porsche was mine for the next few moments! Like before, I shifted to first and shifted to second before the turbo had a chance to spool. I headed towards the road (which had been plowed, but still had salt/gravel on it) and was making the turn as the turbo spooled up in 2nd gear. The tires broke loose and I was going sideways. Somehow I never feared the fact that I was headed towards the curb, I felt I was in complete control of this car. I stayed on the gas and turned to recover. The car recovered from the slide, but it was now headed towards the other curb. I recovered again and I was sold. This car was incredible. The power, the handling, the looks... everything was there.
This took place a little over a year ago. For the past year, I've been reading everything I could find about this car. I took my tercel to the local PCA autocross and competed. I've followed the rennlist, without the car, for over a year now. Even to this day, I can look back more fondly to that first test drive of the 951 than the time my buddy has let me drive his M5. The M5 has more horsepower and has _very_ good handling, but somehow.. its not the same. Some people dream of ferrari's or vipers... my dream is a $8000 Porsche 944 turbo.
However, one day we were in the parking lot just shooting the wind and he gave me the oppurtunity to take it for a test drive. I hopped in, shifted into first and stepped out onto the road. I shifted early from first to second and at about 3500 rpms, my life changed forever.The little 951 threw me to the back of the seat and screamed for more. The only words I could say at the time were "holy sh*t!" as I took second gear to redline and shifted to 3rd. Within moments I was going over 60 and running out of road. I slowed down and turned the car around for one more run. I had never driven a car that pulled so hard and felt so right. I shifted the car into first and then to second. Again, I was thrown to the back of the seat and held there. Everything about this car seemed too good to be true, I didn't want the test drive to be over. I felt like I could go _anywhere_ with the way this car handled. It was like a mechanical extension of my body. That first test drive was enough to impress me, but not enough to give me the bug. I had a lot of respect for this car, but I wasn't sold.
A few months went by and one snowy day, I had the chance to drive it again. We were out in the parking lot messing around in the snow. My buddy with the 951 asked if he could drive my tercel around and do donuts and I said it was fine, as long as he let me drive his car again. I threw caution to the wind and handed him the keys to my car. The porsche was mine for the next few moments! Like before, I shifted to first and shifted to second before the turbo had a chance to spool. I headed towards the road (which had been plowed, but still had salt/gravel on it) and was making the turn as the turbo spooled up in 2nd gear. The tires broke loose and I was going sideways. Somehow I never feared the fact that I was headed towards the curb, I felt I was in complete control of this car. I stayed on the gas and turned to recover. The car recovered from the slide, but it was now headed towards the other curb. I recovered again and I was sold. This car was incredible. The power, the handling, the looks... everything was there.
This took place a little over a year ago. For the past year, I've been reading everything I could find about this car. I took my tercel to the local PCA autocross and competed. I've followed the rennlist, without the car, for over a year now. Even to this day, I can look back more fondly to that first test drive of the 951 than the time my buddy has let me drive his M5. The M5 has more horsepower and has _very_ good handling, but somehow.. its not the same. Some people dream of ferrari's or vipers... my dream is a $8000 Porsche 944 turbo.
02-12-2002, 05:36 PM
#19
Nordschleife Master
Im 18. First time I saw a 911 at "Prestige Motor's" I just about fainted. (lmao). So I bought every book in the world about porsche. I had my mind set on an "sc". I couldn't find a good deal though. I found a GREAT 951 instead. (Some day I'll get a 930).
02-12-2002, 05:39 PM
#20
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Good stuff Dan, had several Austin-Healeys,two bug-eyes and finally a 3000 in '67,thought I was hot stuff and went SCCA racing,mostly local and autox,met a dentist who had TWO 911'ss and lived several streets away,where he had a fabulous garage and we rebuilt his 911's with all sorts of stuff for PCA/SCCA running. I drove both and my neck has never been the same since. Another close friend did well and some years later ordered a new 911 cab, he dropped dead one month later and his wife said get that out of my sight, and sell it to the first reasonable offer
still more than I had,but by then I had the bug. So I went to the local P-A dealer put down a deposit on a new 85.5 944 and then told my wife, who with great forsight told me it was her or the car <img src="graemlins/cussing.gif" border="0" alt="[grrrrrrr]" /> <img src="graemlins/crying.gif" border="0" alt="[crying]" /> <img src="graemlins/nono.gif" border="0" alt="[nono]" /> . I should have bought the car because in the end she's out and the 85.5(another) is in the garage......but wait, still not enough, I spot this MINT 87' Turbo and POOF, just like that the 85 has company for the winter. I had forgotten until last spring what it was that I had missed all that time. <img src="graemlins/r.gif" border="0" alt="[king]" /> Then I met and married a woman who had an 84" guards red/black for four years and my worries were over,well almost, now she wants to drive one of the creampuffs <img src="graemlins/roflmao.gif" border="0" alt="[hiha]" /> <img src="graemlins/crying.gif" border="0" alt="[crying]" /> ,and I say sure,just be sure you wash and dry it before you park it.
So far it's working. Jim H
still more than I had,but by then I had the bug. So I went to the local P-A dealer put down a deposit on a new 85.5 944 and then told my wife, who with great forsight told me it was her or the car <img src="graemlins/cussing.gif" border="0" alt="[grrrrrrr]" /> <img src="graemlins/crying.gif" border="0" alt="[crying]" /> <img src="graemlins/nono.gif" border="0" alt="[nono]" /> . I should have bought the car because in the end she's out and the 85.5(another) is in the garage......but wait, still not enough, I spot this MINT 87' Turbo and POOF, just like that the 85 has company for the winter. I had forgotten until last spring what it was that I had missed all that time. <img src="graemlins/r.gif" border="0" alt="[king]" /> Then I met and married a woman who had an 84" guards red/black for four years and my worries were over,well almost, now she wants to drive one of the creampuffs <img src="graemlins/roflmao.gif" border="0" alt="[hiha]" /> <img src="graemlins/crying.gif" border="0" alt="[crying]" /> ,and I say sure,just be sure you wash and dry it before you park it.
So far it's working. Jim H
02-12-2002, 05:39 PM
#21
Three Wheelin'
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Intersting to hear all these stories. Unlike some of you I just happened on my 944. I wish it were a 951 but it is a pristine exampleas it is. I wasthinknig of a 929 S4 with 18" Turbo wheels and the optional wing I've seen . Not everyone's cup of tea, but it's growing on me. What is it about the "love it or hate it" style of the "shark" that interests me? Now a 911 comes along and I'm thinknig about it too. Help me doctor, I think I'm diseased! 
02-12-2002, 05:58 PM
#22
Burning Brakes
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My dad has had 2 911's, a 79 black targa and an 87 guards red carrera cabriolet with a whale tail. Needles to say I was influenced from an early age.
Tabor, I cant believe youre 18, are you pulling our leg(s)? I always thought you were much older (25-30?) cause of your maturity on the forum.
Tabor, I cant believe youre 18, are you pulling our leg(s)? I always thought you were much older (25-30?) cause of your maturity on the forum.
02-12-2002, 06:01 PM
#23
Drifting
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[quote]Originally posted by Lemon Yellow 87 n/a:
<strong>Tabor, I cant believe youre 18, are you pulling our leg(s)? I always thought you were much older (25-30?) cause of your maturity on the forum.</strong><hr></blockquote>
My birthday is April 29, 1983. So, I guess I am almost 19. But thank you for the compliment.
<strong>Tabor, I cant believe youre 18, are you pulling our leg(s)? I always thought you were much older (25-30?) cause of your maturity on the forum.</strong><hr></blockquote>
My birthday is April 29, 1983. So, I guess I am almost 19. But thank you for the compliment.
02-12-2002, 06:11 PM
#24
Three Wheelin'
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Dan in P., don't get too carried away with the age thing; you're only older than _some_ of the guys 
...
For me, it was American muscle cars in the late sixties ( a buddy's '65 383 Mopar, followed by a '69 Road Runner, fully built), then my own used '66 Dart GT post-Navy in '71 (273 / 235hp, 4-speed, unassisted K-H dics, & posi; geared 'way too tall).
This gave way to a series of 4WD's mid-70's into the '80's.
Bought a new '83 Rabbit GTI for a commuter to keep from wearing out my '80 Toyota 4x4 pickup, traded the GTI for a 16-valve Jetta in '89, sold the house in '93, decided I wanted a 'fun' car; bought an '88 944na on a whim (I'd always thought they were the best-styled cars on the road). Got totally hooked by the sheer fun of driving the car on mountain roads.
Still have a Toyota 4x4 pickup ('95) for bad weather & hauling stuff, and have more $$$ in purchasing & modding it than in the 968... go figure....
Jim, "Well, I saved my pennies & I saved my dimes, giddy-up, giddy-up, 409...."
...For me, it was American muscle cars in the late sixties ( a buddy's '65 383 Mopar, followed by a '69 Road Runner, fully built), then my own used '66 Dart GT post-Navy in '71 (273 / 235hp, 4-speed, unassisted K-H dics, & posi; geared 'way too tall).
This gave way to a series of 4WD's mid-70's into the '80's.
Bought a new '83 Rabbit GTI for a commuter to keep from wearing out my '80 Toyota 4x4 pickup, traded the GTI for a 16-valve Jetta in '89, sold the house in '93, decided I wanted a 'fun' car; bought an '88 944na on a whim (I'd always thought they were the best-styled cars on the road). Got totally hooked by the sheer fun of driving the car on mountain roads.
Still have a Toyota 4x4 pickup ('95) for bad weather & hauling stuff, and have more $$$ in purchasing & modding it than in the 968... go figure....
Jim, "Well, I saved my pennies & I saved my dimes, giddy-up, giddy-up, 409...."
02-12-2002, 06:15 PM
#25
Two things did it for me-Mark Donahue grew up in the next town over, and his 917/30 Sunoco car really got my attention with that Talladega run that had the closed course speed record for so many years. In 85 I bought a brand new Alfa GTV-6, and my cousin soon got a 85.5 944. A good comparison, the Alfa a mite bit higher on hp, both with great balance. My sunroof a LOT better, sounded a million times better. Porsche looked nicer, better gearchange, handling quite close. Oops, what fell off my car. Hey, there goes the tailpipe. Whoa, rust around the windscreen-2 years old? Damn car shed parts like my cat sheds hair. I never minded this on my other Alfa's, they were used but this one I bought brand new-around 15K if I remember.
Ended up buying my cousin's 944, real low miles, years later. Now have 968. I'm sticking with Stuttgart.
Ended up buying my cousin's 944, real low miles, years later. Now have 968. I'm sticking with Stuttgart.
02-12-2002, 06:20 PM
#26
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Matt, you suck!!! A 959!!!
Dan P, super nice car. Wow.
As for myself. I honestly don't remember not liking the car. As far back as I can remember, I was the flashlight holder when my dad and myself would work on things. He said that I helped pull my first tranny when I was 3. Ha ha. He said that it was wierd that I was telling him the actual bolts to unbolt. Crazy. My stepdad was looking at 911's when my mom married. The 911 now looks like a house. Oh well.
Dan P, super nice car. Wow.
As for myself. I honestly don't remember not liking the car. As far back as I can remember, I was the flashlight holder when my dad and myself would work on things. He said that I helped pull my first tranny when I was 3. Ha ha. He said that it was wierd that I was telling him the actual bolts to unbolt. Crazy. My stepdad was looking at 911's when my mom married. The 911 now looks like a house. Oh well.
02-12-2002, 06:48 PM
#27
I don't really have a lust for Porsches rather more of a respect for things mechanical. I started taking things apart and putting them back together when I was very young; fishing reels, bikes, small engines. I started getting into more sophisticated machines later; like nice guns, cars, motorcycles and high end bicycles.
I also really dig ***** old low displacement cars, and in my book the 924 varients fit right in. I also like Minis, 240Zs, Lotus 7s and Porsche 912s.
But what I wouldn't give for either a Porsche 904 or a Ford Mark II (GT 40).
I also really dig ***** old low displacement cars, and in my book the 924 varients fit right in. I also like Minis, 240Zs, Lotus 7s and Porsche 912s.
But what I wouldn't give for either a Porsche 904 or a Ford Mark II (GT 40).
02-12-2002, 07:11 PM
#28
Deer Slayer
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Renntag, my first car was a 68 Stang. I loved that car! Still do. Wish I still had it. But the 3 on the floor and the live axel hopping got me to thinking, even then when I was infatuated...
I know the 928 is big, heavy, and too luxurious for my taste... but they're gorgeous. Maybe the 'new' 928 will be more of a sportscar than a grand tourer... if they build it...
Hope they hold up well because it'll be 10 years before I get a sniff of one...
I know the 928 is big, heavy, and too luxurious for my taste... but they're gorgeous. Maybe the 'new' 928 will be more of a sportscar than a grand tourer... if they build it...
Hope they hold up well because it'll be 10 years before I get a sniff of one...
02-12-2002, 07:23 PM
#29
When I was growing up it was in a non-car oriented family. My father never learned to drive. I gravitated to an appreciation of sports cars and I decided I like German reliability over English Character (always wanted a TD or even better a Jaguar SS100 though).
When I was 16 I started driving the Family 54 Chrysler Newport (12 years old and I thought it was ancient and ugly). After College (Iowa '71) I looked at BMW 1600/2002 amd 914 but ended up with a 68 beetle. Didn't think it was ancient/ugly. First Porsche experience was when a friend let me drive her 914-1.7. Looked longingly at 914's, 356's really wanted a 911S. Got a Capri V-6, slowed down (less to prove). Took up auto-X.
Jump to 1988. Got 914 rust-bucket, paid good price and as much to fix rocker rust and then there was the front suspension. This is how not to buy a Porsche!! 1989, had 74 914 and Audi Fox of same era. I'm paying for them, and at 14 yr old or so, they don't seem ancient at all!! Left 914 to rot and began saving for ??
84 944 acquired in 1990, Took up DE. Now have 87 944S (16 yr old). That and my 90 Jetta seem quite comtemporary. Funny how perspectives change. I still would like a 356 SC, 72 911S, 73 Carrers RS. . .
When I was 16 I started driving the Family 54 Chrysler Newport (12 years old and I thought it was ancient and ugly). After College (Iowa '71) I looked at BMW 1600/2002 amd 914 but ended up with a 68 beetle. Didn't think it was ancient/ugly. First Porsche experience was when a friend let me drive her 914-1.7. Looked longingly at 914's, 356's really wanted a 911S. Got a Capri V-6, slowed down (less to prove). Took up auto-X.
Jump to 1988. Got 914 rust-bucket, paid good price and as much to fix rocker rust and then there was the front suspension. This is how not to buy a Porsche!! 1989, had 74 914 and Audi Fox of same era. I'm paying for them, and at 14 yr old or so, they don't seem ancient at all!! Left 914 to rot and began saving for ??
84 944 acquired in 1990, Took up DE. Now have 87 944S (16 yr old). That and my 90 Jetta seem quite comtemporary. Funny how perspectives change. I still would like a 356 SC, 72 911S, 73 Carrers RS. . .