The Simple Joy of Driving

[RickS]

It is far too easy to get lost in fixes, upgrades, and misc projects and forget the absolute joy of driving these cars. I readily confess to all too frequently getting lost in the minutia, the next task, the next upgrade, until I actually get the car out and drive it.

First a confession; the car isn't driven nearly often enough. My bad. However when the occasion presents itself, and I do get her out on the back roads, I am positively enthralled. It certainly has nothing to do with my driving skills, but everything with car. Even though the car is not exotic, particularly fast, or stunning visually, what it does when I am behind the wheel is more than enough.

Its easy to forget the remarkable connectedness the steering imparts. The superior feel is an engineering marvel. Every time a curve is carved, I am astounded the engineers got it so right.

But of course, the steering is only as good as the suspension. Throw in a well set-up limited slip and the E-ticket ride begins. Accelerating out of a late apex, when the car is balanced and everything hooks-up is a rush extraordinaire. It almost feels like being slingshotted.

And no mortal being can ignore the howl, the siren-song, the primal scream. It's like crack to an addict. The push of acceleration is great stuff, but when that symphony begins, it is simply unearthly. It simply cannot be heard often enough.

Porsche got the early cars more than right, they nailed all the senses in the process. There are faster, better handling, and more evolved sports cars out there but the degree of driver involvement in wringing out every bit of performance, while getting such unbelievable rewards is the absolute hallmark of these early cars.

Will I drive more often after writing this? He** yes (and you should too).

[Microgator]

Rick:

You are dead on in your description. I just bought a 68 soft window targa and have lots to do to get her "sorted out". As I begin to think of the many projects to come, I wonder what I got myself into. However, getting into the car, putting the top down/off and driving through windy roads on a beautiful day in North Central Florida, I can't help but smile from ear to ear!!! The sound of the engine at 4500 RPM in a 40 year old 911 is really something.

These cars really are special. I have enjoyed reading, learning, and interacting with the folks on the registry who clearly share a tremendous passion for these cars. Amazing what a tremendous resource this community is and how wrapped up we can get in the pursuit of perfection.

However, once behind the wheel when the weather, the surroundings, and the symphony converge we are reminded why we are all so nuts about these cars. It is the grin that makes you feel like you're 13 and doing something wrong before your parents catch you.

Can't wait to get to the car in the morning for a drive on a day that I plan to play hookey from work!!!!!

[John Fusco]

It is far too easy to get lost in fixes, upgrades, and misc projects and forget the absolute joy of driving these cars. I readily confess to all too frequently getting lost in the minutia, the next task, the next upgrade, until I actually get the car out and drive it.

First a confession; the car isn't driven nearly often enough. My bad. However when the occasion presents itself, and I do get her out on the back roads, I am positively enthralled. It certainly has nothing to do with my driving skills, but everything with car. Even though the car is not exotic, particularly fast, or stunning visually, what it does when I am behind the wheel is enough more than enough.

Its easy to forget the remarkable connectedness the steering imparts. The superior feel is an engineering marvel. Every time a curve is carved, I am astounded the engineers got it so right.

But of course, the steering is only as good as the suspension. Throw in a well set-up limited slip and the E-ticket ride begins. Accelerating out of a late apex, when the car is balanced and everything hooks-up is a rush extraordinaire. It almost feels like being slingshotted.

And no mortal being can ignore the howl, the siren-song, the primal scream. It's like crack to an addict. The push of acceleration is great stuff, but when that symphony begins, it is simply unearthly. It simply cannot be heard often enough.

Porsche got the early cars more than right, they nailed all the senses in the process. There are faster, better handling, and more evolved sports cars out there but the degree of driver involvement in wringing out every bit of performance, while getting such unbelievable rewards is the absolute hallmark of these early cars.

Will I drive more often after writing this? He** yes (and you should too).

Are you listeneing Allen ?

And that is why I am doing a full (OEM) suspension resto right now.
Was going to trick it up but then decided though it might then be more than what it was - it would also be less.

And mine's a "lousy" Normal - with those weights still in the front bumper.

[Komenda Fan]

Do you mind posting this when I'm not housebound due to a snowstorm? Do you have any idea how long it will be before I can pull my true love out of the garage? This winter is going to be a long one....

[Microgator]

Do you mind posting this when I'm not housebound due to a snowstorm? Do you have any idea how long it will be before I can pull my true love out of the garage? This winter is going to be a long one....

I will do my part to have some fun with my 68 soft window targa today. Temp in beautiful North Central Florida is around 65 with bright, clear skies!!!!!