I recently put in an order for my first Porsche. As a kid, I always dreamed of owning a 911, but aside from the posters on my wall and what I'd see in magazines, I'm weak on the fundamentals.

What resources (books, magazines, videos, etc) would you recommend to someone new to Porsche that will help elevate them from a Porsche newbie to the someone whose friends need to hold an intervention because of their Porsche problem? Assume the student has no history with Porsches.

 

That's probably the best question I've ever seen on this site. Reminds me of a grad' school question: If you were the adviser to an incoming President and you only had one book to recommend, what would it be? That's one hell of a question if you LOVE cars. Talk about stump the chump. I'm gonna have to think on it. Wow.

 

Thank you for the kind comment. I thought it would be a nice change from the C7 threads of late.

 

lol

Concur!

 

I've always dreamed of Porsche, so I have collected many books in my past to learn as much as I possibly could about the history of the company. In my humble opinion, there is no better resource than the 3-volume set "Excellence Was Expected" by Ludvigsen. It's pricey, but worth it, and it looks great on your bookshelf when you're done.

 

Join your local chapter of the Porsche Club. Here in PCA land, the vast majority of folks involved you will meet are the nicest people with a great passion for the marque minus the D-Baggery you sometimes get in anonymous interwebz forums.
There are subgroups there....the autocrossers/track junkies, the concours geeks, the social gatherers, whichever you choose, there will be some members there who will bring you up to speed.

 

A fantastic Porsche magazine is "Excellence" and is a must for any Porschefile. I fully agree with joining PCA as soon as you can. The PCA Magazine is worth the $46 US per year membership alone. I joined way back when and then two years later founded a PCA region on my own. That was 1975 and I'm still a proud member.

See you're in Vancouver. Check out "PCA-CWR.org" our Canada West Region website. We have social and driving events throughout the year. I am currently Vice-President and you'll find my email on that website (in the contact us section) if you'd like to talk Porsche. Email me your contact info.

 

this forum. i learned more here than anywhere else

 

After much thought, I must agree 100 percent. My master service techs have also been a great source of learning for me. Donuts, bagels and other amenities go a long way when I visit. Good people! My life is in their hands. They deserve respect! They love the cars more than us. Almost impossible to imagine.

 

I recommend Driving Ambition, it's the story of the McLaren F1 and the best automotive book I own by a long shot. As far as learning about Porsches, just use the internet, Al Gore didn't event it just for ****. This site, Planet 9, and so on. Really depends on what specifically you want to learn (creation, driving, new model ordering info, Z options, what fits in the back seats of a 911, racing history, hybridization, etc).

 

The "Good to Know" app on your iPad and iPhone...you can learn ALL the features of your incoming 991 before it arrives. You will be ahead of the game and more than likely be able to teach the salesperson a thing or two regarding the product they sell when they deliver it to you...

Good luck!

 

+ 911! Read end-end for a PhD in Porsche.

Cliff note version is the 2.5 hour "The Porsche Way" DVD. I got it as a gift from my dealer. The case lists it as MAP09009710 Edition Porsche Museum (www.porsche.com/museum)

 

Thanks for all the posts so far. This is all good stuff.

I'll see if I can find a copy of it. It appears to be sold out most places.

I'll look at Excellence. And I'll likely join PCA and say "hello" after my 911-50 arrives later in the spring. Looking forward to meeting you at future events. Thanks John.

I lurked on this forum for months before I finally decided to put in the order for my 911-50. It has been a huge resource for me.

Thanks. I downloaded that on the weekend and have already been watching the videos.

 

I turn a page on this one every day at the office:
Porsche 60 years:Randy Leffingwell

 

forums like this are your best source of information. by far places like this have been my best source of information.

next, if you're so inclined, find your local porsche club and network with the guys. 911's and porsches in general attract a great group of folks.

have fun and enjoy many great years with your new car.