sdq7

When I was in my teens, I used to walk by the dealership in Hermosa Beach on PCH and stop and stare inthe windows of the Vasek Polak dealer. It was filled with a treasure trove of important racings cars that were in their collection like the 917, 935s and 956 cars. I am trying to put togehter some memories of those days and was wondering if anyone has any pictures of the dealership as it was in the mid/late 1970's that you could share with me?

Always appreciated.

jmh996

I used to live in Hermosa in the early 90s and enjoyed passing by the store as well! Never thought to take any pictures of it though! I thought it would always be there - now when I visit I get an empty feeling driving by that location. Hope you get some positive responses - I am anxious to see them too!

911URGE

My parents bought a 68 912 from Vasek in 1971. I went to the dealership often with my parents and loved walking around the race cars. Sadly, until earlier this year you could drive by the old building and still see the faded remnants of the dealership name on the building. Here are a few photos I have collected over the years. Source unknown.

sdq7

Thanks! I am hoping somone has one fromn the front street view of the store showing the cars inside for a picure I need.

I appreciate it.

Nick

GG Allin

Carroll Shelby drove a 917 for Vasek Polak? This is something I never knew.

LUCKYJACKASS

Awesome pics! Thanks for sharing!

jmh996

Does anyone know where these cars went?

mcomet

I know this thread is 8 years old but I just discovered some video footage from 1988 where our family took a trip to LA and stopped at the dealer to check out the cars for fun. Pretty amazing. I can upload if people want at some point to my youTube channel. I don't think we even knew what these cars really were at the time either or who he was. (was more into Italian exotics). When we stopped there the #21 911 is it an RSR? was there and also some sort of Formula car plus the 917.

Randall 991.2

Do you have a link to your YouTube channel?

mcomet

SoCal RJ

I used to live in Redondo Beach and knew that place as way cool back in the day.

mcomet

Well I finally edited and uploaded my video. Some footage at Vasek Polak Porsche Circa June of 1988 as well as Hollywood Sport Cars showing various Ferrari and a Testarossa spot somewhere inbetween the two.


Enjoy!
Michael

bkrantz

Very cool! Thanks for sharing. Not that long ago (for some of us), and the Polak showroom sure looks humble compared to some of the dealer palaces today (not counting the cars). And speaking of the cars, when did old race cars go from interesting artifacts to priceless toys?

Kinnebrew Motors

No kidding, check out a picture of Kinnebrew Motors (Porsche/VW dealer) in Tallahassee, FL from the 60s...

russellporsche

Vasek Polak was an idol of mine as I had just started my own little auto repair shop in Brampton Canada specializing in Porsche VW etc. Around 1979 I made the trek to Hermosa Beach and walked into the Vasek Polak dealership showroom. I was in awe of the cars on display and was met by a very friendly salesperson. I introduced myself as a fledgling auto mechanic that wanted to specialize in Porsche. He was so friendly and engaging he took me on tour of the repair facility which included servicing race clients with 935's. I was amazed when he explained that the dealership flew parts in directly from Germany once a month. The most amazing part was on that day it was Vasek Polak's birthday and I was invited upstairs to the boardroom to have cake (some car or racing themed cake if I recall) and I met Mr. Polak. I was at Pebble Beach Concours recently and drove to Hermosa Beach and found the building gone!!!! So sad. Such great memories.