bureau13

Ad0911 I know what they are!

Pablo, that makes sense. I guess I see the ownership NOW as being more of a true enthusiast for the machines themselves, and not "gentlemanly motoring sybarites" or whatever. Although I still attach some connotations to that word that don't even belong there, but maybe that's on me. In any case, thank you for writing that article. We don't see enough of that sort of thing involving our cars.

SteveG

Pablo, I'm glad you have produced this, lots of great writing and info I had not heard; but some sentences are, well, I'm not sure what you are saying:

A car has intentions? Will, ethos?

"That" in the first sentence of last paragraph refers to what?

I'd be interested in hearing what the 911 crowd thinks of your comments, it is going to ruffle some feathers to put it mildly. Paraphrasing: 'the 928 is far better than the 911 and isn't too dissimilar.' I'd say both those comparisons are pretty subjective. And as far as the sybarite comment: The 911 crowd doesn't have any sybaritic tendencies? I've seen some print ads for the 911 circa 1970s, in the Pelican Transportation pic thread that are pretty sybaritic; I guess I would agree that the 928 is more sybaritic and encouraged those tendencies, but Porsche did continue enticing that in its market, they made the 911 more plush, pretty much more everything.

I don't mean to be a critic, and if it comes off that way, I would say that word isn't always a bad thing. A lot of work and research went into that piece. Thanks.

Ranfurly

Great article, I'm going to share it with a few 'friends' who are air cooled mafisio they just hate the 928. This article puts an enlightening angle on the history of our cars. Thank you for sharing! From down in other end of the world.

dianeandpablo

Thanks for the kind words Steve. in reference to "In the end, the 928 set out to become what those behind its creation intended;" all that means is that 928 remained true to the original plan of it's designers and engineers. Porsches, to me, have a soul. So yes, they can take on qualities that at times seems more fitting for a person rather than a thing.

Now "that" in the last paragraph refers to the point I made in the previous paragraph about the 928 not being dissimilar to the 911. As far as "ruffling feathers" of 911 enthusiasts, nothing could be farther from the truth. I point out, to those who may not have known, how the 911 figured into this bit of history and wasn't out to be killed off like few may think; it was nearly a victim of circumstance to reasons it or Porsche had no control over.

As for the popularity of the word "sybarite" in this forum, yes, modern 911s, save for the GT3, have in fact been designed with a bit more luxury these days, no question Porsche is addressing today's market needs...the 928 set the pace. Had it continued, the 928 would've gone back to its roots and become a killer sport-luxury Gran Turismo car no other manufacturer in that market could touch today.

Ranfurly, thank you too for the compliments; in order for 928s to be appreciated, their rich history is a story that must be told.

kmascotto

Fantastic article Pablo, its great to read more about the history of the 928. Being a long time 911 owner and having watched the 928 over the years I have developed a keen interest in the model for its wonderful shape and many other attributes. Its clearly a unique model in the Porsche brand and in my mind has never compete with the 911, its just too different.

dianeandpablo

thanks Kent! I share the same sentiments as you coming from the 911 camp.

Randy V

Great writing, Pablo - I'm guessing either you are a hardcore 928 fan or this paper took quite a bit of research.

And why do we have to get this off the street? Perhaps it's your sense of modesty that prevents you from posting your articles here?

I say have at it!

I've added this one to my vocabulary - will try to use it sometime today.

syb·a·rite
ˈsibəˌrīt
noun
a person who is self-indulgent in their fondness for sensuous luxury.

dianeandpablo

thanks Randy! not only am I a hardcore 928 guy, but also 924, 944, 968, and air-cooled 911 one too. You're absolutely right about posting my articles here...drhowsc beat me to it on this one! I'll certainly make a habit of doing so with every piece I write.

good to hear from ya again Randy—

linderpat

Bravo Pablo, simply Bravo!

This is a level of journalism that I have come to find only in sports and auto reporting, and you are one the finest.

SteveG

I respectfully differ on this. A car is a hunk of metal, plastic, rubber -- some of it very sophisticated, but anthropomorphic, that would be as the word says, a quality given to it by a subjective human. I don't think it has a soul or intention. It can look "demonic" or "dissipated" or "equine" but I don't think it thinks.

That statement is a little over the top and implies clairvoyance or a time machine WRT both Porsche and its competitors. And as far as going back to its roots, I'm not of the opinion that it ever left. Nicole could add some history here I think.

I'm like you, I like almost all of them, I think they missed the mark (a little) on the 924, and should have put those efforts into keeping the 914, which you apparently don't like. For them to have done that may conflicted with some of the history you have researched, my apologies if I missed that.

I will try to find one of those sybaritic print ads; there must be 10,000 various photos over on Pelican.

dianeandpablo

Heeeyyy Ed! Been too long my friend...your words have made my day; thanks old boy, glad you enjoyed it!

dianeandpablo

Na, I never said I disliked the 914; on the contrary, I think it was a pretty bitchin' car that was truly in line with Porsche's racing developments...and as Ferry said, a Porsche young people could afford.

Being a bit over the top is the cross I bear! We've so much to discuss Steve; one day we'll do it over a tasty beverage—

Randy V

This should help you with your German, Pablo - it seems you are pretty fluent already though. (previously posted by Hacker in OT)

sstrickstein

Another winning article from Pablo.

dianeandpablo

Thanks so much brother!