[Grady Clay]

Milt,

I agree with Jim but from the other direction.

You (and I) have found our way there. I grew up similarly; boarding school, country club, deb parties. After college I traded gad school and a MBA for starting a Porsche business.

As I’m sure you notice, I like the technical aspects. There is far more than that. I only interacted with successful professionals – that was who owned Porsches. Of course there were some idle rich who made their money the old fashioned way (they inherited it) to spice things up.

No one owned their 911s because they needed transportation. It was all about fun. Of course what was fun was as different as all the people. To some it was status. To others it was competition or technical and many other. To some (mostly DIY) just hanging out at the (social) parts counter made their day.

You are leading that genteel life right now.

“I'd like to feel like I'm sitting in plush leather” In a Porsche seat.
“in a satin smoking jacket” A Nomex driver’s suit.
“sipping the best cognac, sharing a good cigar with great fellows in my company” Solvent and MFI unburned hydrocarbons with your friends adjusting the MFI…
“all the while with a little classic jazz in the background” Your ‘71S at 7300 rpm.
“on the perfect McIntosh analogue system.” A 911!

And all the other.


“BUT. I want a genteel lifestyle. Or at least I'd like to think I'm leading a lifestyle. Gentlemen (and ladies), how does this work?” You are there and don’t realize it.

Where else but Pelican (and a few others) can you interact with very knowledgeable and like-minded friends? Your computer screen is the smoking lounge at the club (without the smoke). You can sit around, swap stories and plan the next adventure.

Is it exactly the same as when my great grandfather entertained Pierpont Morgan in his library? No, and I don’t want it that way. I would much prefer to lie on a creeper and have you show me your latest creation.

I’m not dismissing all the other. Everything has its place in life. I would put family and raising kids very high on my list.

Best,
Grady