Nicole

Update - see Post #53


On a dark and cold winter morning in 2003, I marched into city hall and registered Hooked on Cars as a business...

Well, actually, that's not quite how it happened... it was the afternoon of July 24, 2003, and this happened in sunny California.

Hooked on Cars was born with the intent to supply 928 owners with accessories and collectibles not available in the US at the time. It started with silver plated model keychains and small models, and grew from there. Eventually, I started covering other Porsche outcasts 924/944/951/968 and a bit of the 914, and my inventory peaked at more than 500 (!) items.

A big part of my business was international - about 40% - and I got to meet and hear stories from 928 owners around the world.

Fast forward to 2013. Lots of things have changed. The demands of my daytime job allow too little time to maintain and promote Hooked on Cars - unless I want to give-up on sleep entirely (I know, it's overrated). Therefore, I have decided to wind down Hooked on Cars.

However, there is some good news:

- Until December 2, 2013, what's left of my inventory is available at a 30% discount at www.hookedoncars.com. Simply use promo code THANKS13. Limitations: In-stock items, hood liners, and heatshields only. Please allow extra time for shipping.

- Jim Doerr from 928 Classics has purchased the clear lens part of my business. He will continue to import and market these products in the US, and has agreed to supply the resellers (including 928 Motorsports).

- Jager Engineering (Garage 9) is taking over the lens business for the Canadian market.

- We have not found a US reseller for the 924/944/951 lenses, yet, but 928 Classics will be able to serve resellers in that space. Jager Engineering will cover 924/944/951 lenses for the Canadian market

Thank you all for the business and support in the past 10 years. It was a pleasure to serve the 928 community, and meet many of you in person.

Erik N

Wow.

Good luck Nicole! I hope the dog piles you took over in P&C didn't have anything to do w/ your closing!

I finally just ordered a keychain, and the rest of the sunshields.

Thank you, Nicole! GOOD LUCK!!!

85euro928

Nicole,
Well the window shields have always been on my wish list so with this post I finally got off my butt and ordered them. Sort of bitter sweet though:/. I hope this is a good thing for you and I wish you luck in your future endeavors!

Black Sea RD

Best wishes Nicole to your future and you were an inspiration to us as we opened our own cottage business. It was very nice to have met you at one of the SITM too!

Kind regards,

linderpat

Thank you Nicole for your efforts over the past years. I bought a number of things from you during this time, and I enjoyed perusing your website. You were one of the good vendors for our cars, and you will be missed by me! I'm glad to see Jim jump into the void, and knowing him, he will keep the excellence in service alive and well.

Ninespub

The best to you Nicole. Your knowledge of 928 history and culture has been revered for years. I hope that you will still pop in here from time to time to help us get (or keep) our facts straight.

Dave H.

stuff ordered.

MGW-Fla

Thanks for being there for us Nicole! You've always been a valued 928 vendor & easy to deal with(a great accent too btw). You provided us quality products that were needed & appreciated too. I remember how thankful I was with your detailed instructions on installing the clear lens when I switched out our '91's. Didn't think I'd need them but was sure glad you provided them. And on my recent order, you took care of me above & beyond what I expected.

We all can certainly understand work getting in the way of life! Best wishes in post HOC endeavors & see ya around here on RL.

Mrmerlin

Nicole goodluck on your path.
Thanks for supporting the 928.
I suspect that your still going to hang on to your 928

Alan

Nicole - ahh well eventually everything changes - its been quite a while.

Seem you've probably thought about this plenty long enough to know its the right decision for you.

Hope to still see you at 928 events - you'll likely be able to enjoy them more now...?

Alan

antsmands

Thanks Nicole for your service. I have used a number of the parts you offered and was very pleased! You will be missed in the 928 space. Best of luck in your future endeavors! Placed one final order, THANKS!

jheis

Hi Nicole:
Sorry to hear that you're closing shop, but it forced me to get off my butt and order the sunshields I'd been meaning to get. Thanks.

James

Wisconsin Joe

Well, I had planned on ordering a couple more things from you in the future.

Now I have to do it right away. That's ok, it ends the procrastination.

Thanks for being there for us, and good luck with wherever you end up.

I've noticed that I always end up somewhere interesting, just never where I expected to be.

RET

Best wishes to you and hope to still see you at the local gatherings.

Bob

Gary Knox

Nicole,

A big "THANK YOU" for the energy and commitment you put into developing Hooked on Cars. We all are indebted to you for your contribution to the 928 community - both through the business and personally. Sorry you have to give up something that has been important to you, but certainly understand the pressures of the job and the rest of 'just life'.

Kitty and I wish you the best as you proceed.

Gary-