Randy Wells on Bruce O'Neil's Lucky Lager 911 in Excellence

[letsrollbabe]

I just rec'd the October issue of Excellence, and read through Randy Wells' latest article on Bruce O'Neil and the Lucky Lager 65 911...WOW, what a great read! Randy's in-depth account of the details of O'Neil's racing life and his story of the racing scene of the late 60s is compelling stuff. His discussion of the evolving technical changes in Trans-Am and SCCA shows a depth of understanding of the little nuances that these organizations came up with to increase competition in the day. Randy's connecting of the importance of sponsorships and O'Neil's ability to interact with the right people are all a part of his story, and the parallel story of the success of Porsche with the 911 in competition events in the late 60s and early 70s. I love the line near the end...'..and thinking back to Paris in 1966, O'Neil knows he was fortunate to be at the right place at the right time--but he also seized the opportunity in front of him.' It's an appropriate way to tie the story of O'Neil and racing 911s in the early days together. Also, Randy's pics are outstanding too, making this article one of 'Best of Excellence' for me.

[t6dpilot]

Gib, that is by far one of my favorite historic racing cars. Simple sports purpose at its best. I spoke at length with the current owner, Ed, at Monterey in 2009 or 2010. Great back story that I will look forward to reading in Excellence. Nice job Randy.

[mrgreenjeans]

AS you said Gib, its one of the best EVER !!

And did you also notice John S little patinated 911 on the last page......

for me, this article, John's pic and the story on the uber rare 968 in the color mint with all leather interior made this issue rock , and the story about the original condition 356 was the dessert following a magnificent meal.....

we as Porsche lovers and owners have at our hands some of the best written enthusiast materials at our fingertips........much to be thankul for in keeping the fire burning strong.

[a911s]

Thanks, guys!

Bruce is certainly "The Lucky American" when it comes to racing the early 911 in Europe in 1967. His was a unique experience that would be very hard (if impossible) to repeat. Racing has changed so much from those days.

It was an honor to work with Bruce O'Neil (a class act yet mischievously irreverent), Ed Matsuishi (ever smiling and another Doc), and Walt Maas (the grand Dean of vintage 911 racing). These guys all feel the same way about this amazing '65 911. It's a real warhorse, and I'm glad to have had the opportunity to document it's history accurately for the first time. Our friend John Thornton suggested the idea to me, and I agreed it would be the perfect way to introduce a vintage 911 "Sports Purpose" story of substance to the readers of Excellence. Thanks to Pete Stout and John Kirikos at the mag for their amazing contributions in presenting this piece.

[911.com]

Holy Cheese cakes... one of my all time favorite articles.... Good Job Randy! Ed the current owner is a CLASS ACT...

[Chuck Miller]

Man, I can't wait to get mine..........

[Chuck Miller]

Man, I can't wait to get mine..........

Got it over the weekend...... The O'Neil article was the first thing I read.....

Photos and text, with its accounts and chronology, is OUTSTANDING !!!!!

[Bummler]

Thanks, guys!

Bruce is certainly "The Lucky American" when it comes to racing the early 911 in Europe in 1967. His was a unique experience that would be very hard (if impossible) to repeat. Racing has changed so much from those days.

It was an honor to work with Bruce O'Neil (a class act yet mischievously irreverent), Ed Matsuishi (ever smiling and another Doc), and Walt Maas (the grand Dean of vintage 911 racing). These guys all feel the same way about this amazing '65 911. It's a real warhorse, and I'm glad to have had the opportunity to document it's history accurately for the first time. Our friend John Thornton suggested the idea to me, and I agreed it would be the perfect way to introduce a vintage 911 "Sports Purpose" story of substance to the readers of Excellence. Thanks to Pete Stout and John Kirikos at the mag for their amazing contributions in presenting this piece.

Another "Excellent" piece Randy... Bravo

[Bert]

Randy,

It was the first article I read and I loved it. Bruce lived the dream of many enthusiasts on this board and had fun doing it. You included many important details that would appeal to us. A great article written by someone who really gets it.

Thanks,

[teenchy]

I'd been saving the issue for beach reading and finally got around to it yesterday afternoon. Truly a well-written and well-photographed article on an important piece of Porsche history in the US.

I enjoyed the Alan Johnson interview as well, as it also covered a lot of the formative years and personalities in the US Porsche scene.