Zell am See Flugplatz - Porsche Design - Ferry Porsche's Garage
Saturday started early again - no sleep for the happy drivers!
We met at the Zell am See Flugplatz (airport for all you non-Germans) where the Concours event and slalom driving in a Boxster S took place. The setting was brilliant with bright blue skys, mountains all around and small planes taking off and landing in the background. The rest of the morning was followed by a tour of the Porsche Design studios and a tour of Ferry Porsche's car collection (sorry no pictures allowed).
The Concours was stellar with some of the most beautiful and original cars around. Everything from a 1954 Speedster to the newest decked out 911's. I will try to post as many pictures as possible but will have to do so in more than one post as this forum limits each reply to only 10 photos.
Chris had the pleasure of doing the slalom and although he did not drive over any cones, he did miss a gate or two but still came out smiling. However, still better than our new Tirol friend Frank who somehow managed to drive around the starting timer which surely deserves an award of some sort.
The good news was that most everyone was so excited to get a run in the Boxster S that it mattered little what time they had or how many cones they hit. The best time was just over 27 seconds which gave everyone at least the best 30 seconds of the day.
Following the concours and slalom, we did a tour of the Porsche Design studio, and Ferdinand Porsche's family home. The design studio was interesting but it is not where they design the cars (that is now in Stuttgart) but is where the philosophy of Porsche design is applied to products ranging from toasters to super yachts.
Although both Porsche Design and the Porsche family home were interesting, no pictures were allowed inside either facility. We did manage to snap a few photos of the outside of the family home, the garage and a beautiful 356 coupe. Foir you Indian Jones fans, the guy who gave the presentation at Porsche Design looked just like a German Harrison Ford - exactly.
The family home has a beautiful view overlooking Zell am See and the surrounding mountains. If you are interested to know what Wolfgang has in his garage now that he has acquired Ferry's collection, here is a quick inventory: three Porsche tractors, two Porsche "Things", three 356's, one 911 Club Classic, a brown Cayman, a beautiful green turbo, and a 918 Spyder. He also had a collection of Moto Guzzi motorcycles.
After wrapping up the formal agenda about 13:00, we drove to Kaprun for lunch along a fast running stream of fresh mountain run off. Once refueled - food wise - we headed north of Zell am See and then west up a valley road to Hinterglemm for cake and coffee. Tonight we are planning a to get "bombed" over dinner at the B17 bar in Zell am See which looks promising.
Tomorrow will be a long day and the highlight, if that is possible, of the trip as we head for the Stelvio Pass. Once over the Alps, we will drive down the southern side to the northern end of Lake Garda. The total run is roughly 500km and will probably put us into Lake Garde after dark but hopefully still in time for dinner and a few beers.
More later and thanks to everyone for the great replies.
Mike & Chris
