this ever happen to you?

Dear Sir:
why do you think i am a freak? i drove into the municipal parking lot probably as you were walking to your car. I pulled into the parking space next to your mid '80s 911 just as you were getting in. my immediate reaction was one of anticipation, as a result of unexpectedly running into another Porsche owner on a holiday weekend in mid-winter here in the northeast. i assumed you would at least notice my presence, as i was driving the track car that day for a visit to the mechanic. a clean, black 951 with huge polished Fikses, cage, bright blue interior, an open exhaust and permanent race numbers isn't exactly easy to miss. I even expected that we might talk briefly given our shared automotive interest and the rarely (for February) beautiful driving weather.

As i got out of the car you paid no attention. Somewhat surprising, but fine with me. But, as i walked past and you backed out, i stopped to admire your car. Not in great shape, but pretty nice nonetheless. And definately making those great flat-six noises! You apparently had no idea why i was staring at you...what the hell was i doing? You then assumed i was going to cross in front of you. so after grimacing at me from the inconvenience of it all, you threw both hands in the air and made what looked like a slapping jesture for me to hurry up and cross the road. Then, of course, i stood there looking puzzled, which took too long, so you chirped the tires and drove off swearing and shaking your head.

Sincerely,
Wrongly Offended?

What happened to "the Flash"? If thats too cryptic or obscure for some, OK. But what about at least some courtesy? Perhaps there really is a growing number of people who own these cars but have no genuine interest in them. Obviously if this man was an enthusiast, he may have had some clue why a stranger would be admiring his car.

Or worse yet, was this a case of "look down your nose at the 944 ("which is not a real Porsh") owner? I have to admit - i would have expected this more from a 996 or Boxter owner (or, more likely, Lessee). Am i the only one who is frequently dismayed at the utter lack of interest or enthusiasm displayed by some Porsche owners?

Probably a lawyer....don't worry about it.

Intimidated, for certain. Found a way to overcome that feeling, and so chirped and left. His loss.

But I will say that it is easy to be intimidated in this crowd. I am new to the P-brand; perhaps this gentleman as well?

In my '69 MGB, always a wave from others, and always a story about "first kiss" or "drove to Tuscon" or somesuch in their own MG. Same for the Triumph TR6. But the SC? Not a chance---it seems a higher-level car and the rarified atmosphere leaves some short for words.

I get more waves in my Mercedes coupe, circa '69, then I ever do in my SC. So be it.

Jw

Perhaps he was a car thief.???

Jdub,
Yes! Another 69 MGB and Porsche owner! I have to agree with what you said about people talking to you while in the B. Happens to me all the time. In the Porsche, nothing. I think people think they are just rich man's toys, and we are all snobs, so they don't try. I notice that only Porsche owners flash or wave to other Porsche owners. Not to other sports cars though. When out in the B, I try to wave at the Porsches I see, but nothing in return. Me, I'm just a sports car guy, so I wave to all other sports cars, not just British or just Porsche.
Keep the Flash!
Craig
77 911s

I drive a gorgeous 993...and make a point of acknowledging other 911's. I would say I only get about 30% response, which makes me assume the other 70% are *******s, pimps or drug dealers.

This guy definately didn't look like a car thief. Not to stereotype, but he was mid- to late-fifties, well dressed, and in no hurry (at least until he thought i was in his way).

Paul - Just curious, do you only flash at other 911s or at 914's and watercooled Porsches as well? I ask because i seem to get more friendly recognition when i'm in my C4 than i do in the 944.

Porsche owner
Porsche enthusiast
Auto enthusiast
Moron

A person with any one of the above qualities doesn't necessarily have to possess any of the others. Or he/she may have a combination of more than one.



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blue
'81 SC Targa

Dear Wrongly Offended?:
Pay no mind. That is just human nature. I spent a few years studying in Japan, where I always found it funny when fellow Occidentals would go far out of their way to ignore each other (and me!).
I would rarely chase fellow Westerners down the street for their life storys; but sometimes, in some places, you would say "hello" to someone and usually share a chuckle over your shared experiences.
Some people are just jerks. Thats all.
Bill

in my opinion, part of the fun in owning this machine is the opportunity to talk to other enthusiasts. the first year i owned the car i was delighted to meet and talk with other owners while filling up at the gas station, in the parking lot, etc.

however, recently when giving other porsche owners the flash i get puzzled looks but they've mainly come from those in the newer models. my favorite time is driving down to monterey during the historic automobile races at laguna seca. driving around you'll get the flash and waves from almost every porsche owner.

cheers,

...easy on the lawyer comments...

Why easy on the lawyer comments. The only thing worse is an investment banker.

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Cameron Baudinet
1975 911S

[This message has been edited by CamB (edited 02-22-2001).]

Ya, easy on the lawyers. Remember, lawyers buy the new Porsches for us poor people to purchase later. Besides, the only thing worse than a lawyer is a defense lawyer.
-------------------------
Paul
78SC Targa

I have never, ever waved or flashed at a 993 driven by someone I didn't recognise from my local Porsche Club, nor have I ever received a flash or a wave from a 993 driver, even one I have recognised!

I still have no idea why this is so (maybe it's because they assume I won't wave or flash!), nor can I fathom why so many of the 993 (and 996) pilots in my local Porsche Club are such a-holes on and off the track; I just assume the non-enthusiasts who drive 993’s are just as bad as the enthusiasts! Maybe that’s why I don’t initiate a wave or a flash!

Yeah, that’s it!

LOL


Matt Holcomb

I'd have made you late for your appointment. You'd have my business card and you'd help me with my driving when we meet at the track.

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'83 SC

I'll jump on the 993 bandwagon. Sorry Paul. Just seems some of the folks in the newer models aren't too enthusiastic about Porsche fellowship.

Example:
Fella in town has a nice yellow 993 C4. I've spoken w/him a few times at some events. Any acknowledgement on the street? I think not.

My 87 must be inferior? Maybe he has the fear of the older cars after being hounded by an unsuspecting 86 Carrera.

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Kevin
87 Carrera

The Rich folk do not like to associate with us used Porsche people. Not to many if any 996 or 993 owners flash or wave when I do. I take it with a grain of salt, atleast I own mine and not leasing or paying the bank. I think that owners of older Porsches tend to be more passionate about their cars and see them for more than just transportation.Thats the way I see it anyway. Oh and I always flash or beep at 944, 924, 914. If you love one you cant help but love them all.
Jason
78 911sc Targa Euro

[This message has been edited by TargaEuro (edited 02-22-2001).]

Well, here I go again trying to get myself blackballed:

Frankly, you sound like any other modern yup/whimp looking for an opportunity to be "offended" or as your icon might say - "disenfranchised." GEEZ

We live in such easy times, yet most folks today profess to being "too busy" to look after the details. HA! Our fathers had to work their ass off to provide a roof and food and retirement. I might add they did all this under the constant stress of nuclear annihilation - a concept we immediately dismiss because it was never a reality for us… Here we are in the sweet and easy times provided us by greater men’s workings and yet we are concerning (should I say consuming) ourselves with what others think of our ride, or more accurately to you, HOW DARE YOU NOT NOTICE ME AT ONCE AND THEN BE ANOID BY ME WHILE I GAUK AT YOU. For shame. Isn’t the phonetic pronunciation of your name Jack Ass?

Do you know the fellow in the 911? Do you, or don’t you know that he was on his way to divorce court? Did you know, or didn’t you, that he just lost his job? Or his kid was in jail? You damn pitiful “victims” make me ill with your wild, disproportionate, illogical ideas of how the world is out to get you because your copeing skill do not exsist. And you just assume that because your feelings were hurt (goodie) the other fellow is a bad guy.

God help this generation should hard times befall us.

Whew - I feel better



[This message has been edited by VIPRKLR (edited 02-22-2001).]

Must have felt good to get all that out..True, you never know whats going on in a strangers life.

Hey, wait a minute. You sure you own a 911?