I like the people, here and in RG. Really can't beat that.
I like the people, here and in RG. Really can't beat that.
1970 911S
1963 Abarth Monomille
1974 2002 Turbo
Also like the 'starting the car'
Everybody else --- in any other car . . . just jumps in, puts in the key, turns and goes. Like putting on a shirt. Who even thinks about this?
But ---- an Early 911? . . . . . . . uh-uh
1) Open the door + get in --- careful not to drag my feet over that door seal . . . that 'll come out of it's slot if I so much as look at it funny
2) Point my narrow rear-end at an even narrower seat --- that's sitting on wood rails held to some 45-year-old erector set bracketry by 4 screws . . . then plant gingerly
3) Pull up the hand-throttle with my right hand. Locate + deploy the fire extinguisher. Give it to any passenger + explain its operation. (The look on some people's faces . . . .)
4) Insert + turn key (on the 'wrong' side of the wheel) w/ the left hand --- but only to the 'on' position. Listen for the fuel pump (as passengers stare) . . . then wait for a 'gurgle' coming from behind the dash
5) Confirm location + condition of fire extinguisher
6) Charge the starter
7) Wait for the engine to 'catch' --- release the key w/ the left hand while depressing the hand-throttle + manually set the engine idle @~1.8k-2k rpm w/ the right
8) Look/feel/smell for gas/smoke/flames
9) Adjust the engine idle w/ the hand-throttle
10) Close the door
11) Stow the extinguisher
12) Fumble w/ + secure the seat belt
13) Adjust the engine idle w/ the hand-throttle
14) Reassure any passenger remaining
This isn't just 'starting the car' . . .
Love the brakes on these cars
I mean, jeez --- the whole system on my car is a half-century old, now, but/still . . . nothing stops like an Early 911
No 'Big Reds'
No 'PCCBs'
No cross-drilling, gas-slotting or N-dipping
Jus' push on the pedal 'till the tires feel like they'll slide --- then ease-off . . . but only a bit
Only car I've ever had where I have to pay as much/(usually)more attention to what's behind me than what's in front . . .
. . . whenever I nail the brakes
..............
Last edited by LongRanger; 06-13-2019 at 06:49 PM.
We have yet to drive the 911T and anticipate all the good characteristics others have commented on in this thread.
We love the “sophistication” of the ‘92 964 and have been the only drivers of this car from new.
The ‘63 Cab is delightful as is the ‘59 Coupe and each car has its own unique presence/allure. Once the ‘55 Speedster is refreshed and road worthy, another equally satisfying driving experience should be revealed.
The 'ping' when I close the door...
Peter Kane
'72 911S Targa
Message Board Co-Moderator - Early 911S Registry #100
the colors
the form
the stickers....decals / grill badges / engine decals / weltmeister decals / 2.2 decal
the vent slots above the rear window
the elongated font on the badges
the rear engine fan
the look and feel of sport seats and their insert patterns and colors
the memories of being a kid in the 60s
Current long term ownership: 63 Cab, 71 911, 74 914
For me, 100% the drive. Nothing feels or drives like a 911.
Sometimes I explain to 'other mark' sportscar enthusiasts, that once they're sorted, these Early period 911's will take you anywhere... fast. They'll take you to the track where you can drive the crap out of them... all day long. Then drive them home, or to the next destination. Start'm up the next day and do it all over again.... And, up in the hills, will still go toe to toe with anything on the road today. Or, having confidence driving my 46 year old sportscar from California to New York... briskly
Sometimes they don't believe me... sometimes they look off in envy...
When I go on drives and to events with my Early 911 friends it's comforting to realize we're all do'n the same thing and there's no explaining to do.....
I love the looks, the size, the performance...……. And drive'n the wheels off'm...
Chuck Miller
Creative Advisor/Message Board Moderator - Early 911S Registry #109
R Gruppe #88
TYP901 #62
'73S cpe #1099 - Matched # 2.7/9.5 RS spec rebuild
'67 Malibu 327 spt cpe - Period 350 Rebuild
’98 Chevy S-10 – Utility
’15 GTI – Commuter
Honesty.....
‘87 911
‘66 304307
S Registry #3791
David Cate