It's All About the Driving

This is probably going to sound like Andy Rooney....

I'm getting sick and tired of the constant chatter about what cars are worth in $$$ terms. Sports Car Market magazine (which used to be one of my favorites), the various online forums, just about everywhere you turn. A lot of this stuff (Barrett-Jackson in Arizona is the poster event) is (a lot) more about egos than it is cars.

We had a slight break in the weather here in Central Oregon earlier this week and I was able to drive my '60 Super 90 Roadster and my '73 2.7 S a bit. They're completely different, but they are both a pure joy to drive. I've probably had 20+ vintage Porsches pass through my custodialship over the past 20+ years, and over time how they drive has become far and away the most important aspect in how I value a car (which is why I have the three that I currently have).

I've had some concours cars that just didn't have the correct "Porsche Feel" -- I sold them. And I've had a Level 4 driver that did -- I restored it (carefully, very carefully). Sure, I like 'em to look good, and I like 'em to be original. But most of all, I like 'em to drive great. In my crazier moments I sometimes think that's what they were designed for. Which is why a good vintage Porsche will always be more valuable than some 60's or 70's muscle car -- regardless of what people are paying for them.

OK, enough ranting....

Cheers,
John Audette

Well said John. I had my '71 out for an extended shakedown run today. Haven't driven it since November. It didn't take long to remember why I love these cars - it's the driving stupid! ;)

I agree with you 100% if you are wanting a magazine to tell you that all the money you are spending on your car is worth it you might want to get into something else.

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Originally Posted by 911quest

I agree with you 100% if you are wanting a magazine to tell you that all the money you are spending on your car is worth it you might want to get into something else.

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like chinese porcelain maybe.

Been out there cruisin and a lovin it myself up here in Ontario, Canada. The salt's gone and the Stabil crap in my tank is just about run out...time for some fresh gas and a, uh, spirited run down the local highway and backroads. My car's worth nothing to anybody because it ain't for sale. Ha! :D

Thank you John! I am growing so very tired of the "did you hear what the vasek polak license plate, sport seats, R wheels, orig hood badge , etc sold for?" conversations. It's become less about the fun of driving these cars and more about what people spend on these cars.

Right....:rolleyes:

Paul

Commercial 21" snapper with a Honda Engine
Green Machine grass trimmer
Echo Chain Saw
Ariens Tiller
Craftsperson tools
Craftsperson shop vac named Monica
Video of "Lemans"
Old computer
Old wife
Vanguard equties/bonds account worth none of your biz
Junky old house on trashy rural land
Two 4 wheeled conveyances of various domestic makes & years, just appliances
Frigidaire & Kitchenaid appliances
Oh...almost forgot...and old piece of **** 911 that I haven't touched in weeks because I have the urge to spit on it whenever I walk by it.

This is the best thread I have ever read!!!!!
What the car does for me at a red line shift with the Ass hanging out is what drives my passion.

The root of the value of these cars is in the experience. It is the experience that is driving the values. What else gives you that feel for under a $50k? A Pontiac Solstice? or maybe a Mazda zoom zoom.

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Originally Posted by pwd72s

Right....:rolleyes:

Oh...almost forgot...and old piece of **** 911 that I haven't touched in weeks because I have the urge to spit on it whenever I walk by it.

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Paul....

I suspect that the real reason you haven't driven it for weeks is because you're afraid it might get wet.

Cheers,
John Audette

Well I was inspired today....a good buddy and Porsche nut stopped by this morning to pick up a couple of tools....what was he driving to fetch the tools...his great early 911....there it was begging my 69' 911 to come out an play....well chores called....then he called....come over and lets tear down this 911 engine I just bought.....well....the cover came off the 69' and gate was opened and.....WOW....there I was rolling down the expressway....and yes it was like magic and lightening striking all at once....the pure joy of the the old 6 ringing out the revs......what a fun afternoon driving the Porsche and tearing down the new barn find engine.....

Yes Gang it is all about driving them!!!

Regards,

John