My response would have been no, because it is an older car that I have spent a lot of time and money on and I have a great affection for. By letting someone else drive it, I would open the possibility of it being damaged even if that possibility is minimal and that would be really upsetting to me.

Another 911 guy I know, and know how they treat their car, probably.
Everyone else, I just say these things tricky, it's not as much fun as you think, your not missing much :rolleyes:

Valet's : I just park it where I want and before they say anything I give them the "Porsche tax" and they never mind. Often they point me to the slot "more VIP" then the Ferrari's and douche-arati's :D

I've let 3 friends who have mid '80s 911s drive it. Also another friend who has about 7 brands in his stable and knows how to treat an unfamiliar car. None of them have asked, I offered.
For those who have asked, I've always said something like - "Oh the clutch is acting up, better wait till next time"

Taught my stepson and both step dtrs to drive a manual in mine. I've offered it to various people who I knew wanted to try it. Only one person annoyed me driving it...a mechanic who wanted to bang shift it like a Muncie rock crusher 4 spd.

Many who I offered it to politely decline. Its an old car....not all that.

I tell them that it is a bit tricky to shift...and if they mis a gear...it is a $12K engine rebuild.

People....come on. They aren't that difficult to drive. Even with a 915.

If they are broke monetarily and careless, absolutely not.

Financially ok and understand mine is my pride and joy, I let them flog the ***** out of it!

I've let quite a few friends drive the 911. But a couple of weeks ago a friend drove 20 kilometers with the handbrake on. Grrr.

As long as it is a responsible driver(other 911 owner), I have no problem letting other people drive my car. These things are so durable that it would be pretty hard to break them.

I offer my car to people who I think should experience it, but I wouldn't let just anyone have a go. The only people with free reign are my fiance and myself.

Not allowing the 911 experience behind the wheel is selfish. Anyone who asks is free to give it a go. It's only a car. Give more than you take...

Sounds like some of the folks posting here have really delicate versions of the 911. I also agree that to not share the 911 experience is kinda selfish. Why buy fun stuff if you are not going to share it?

Finally....someone who "gets it."

When I got my 78SC in 1990 a co-worker (female) drove my car around my office with me as the passenger. Can't remember if she asked me or if I offered because she loved my car but, to my surprise she drove it like she owned it. You just never know, but I would recommend doing it in a nice non-traffic setting where you can take over you feel you need to.

Good question.

The acquaintance factor makes my immediate reaction say 'NO'.

With Friends, I have friends from all walks of life, and I've only had a few actually ASK to drive. Many respect the fact that I've put so much time into my hobby cars; and don't bother asking. So, depending on the friend: I've been cool with letting them drive. As a side, many don't know how to drive a stick; so they don't bother.

Perfect.

Yeah, I would not want to be in Draco's shoes - getting pummeled by a kendo master doesn't sound like fun.

The only persons allowed to drive my 911 are :
1- my father (used to have a '72 targa)
2- my brother, a huge car enthusiast
3- my mechanic
4- a good friend of mine (we met here...) who owns a 1979 SC.

I think the list is long enough.

Just say NO, but a good answer (if you dont have NO power) is to tell them that your insurance does not cover it. I say this to almost everyone that asks and have never been asked again. Just say that should anything go wrong it would be a big issue. Unless your friend works for the insurance company he wont know the difference.

Regards
Dave