All Torque 80

L AL E U Q R TO UARY 2010 R B E F 0 8 ISSUE

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TIPEC (0845 602 0052) www.tipec.net All Torque is published bi-monthly by The Independent Porsche Enthusiasts Club (TIPEC). All text & images are © their authors & photographers. Front cover image: The most expensive snowman you’ve ever seen, photographed by Craig Moore.

All Torque is based entirely on submissions from TIPEC members.

This is your magazine and we need your involvement!

Send in running reports, Porsche-related stories, how-to articles … anything you think might interest other TIPEC members.

Please send text and images via email, or on CD/DVD (or paper!) to the address below.

Submissions for issue 81 (April) must be in before Thursday 4th March 2010.

All Torque editor & designer Tony Blow tony@typescape.com Flat 1/1, 47 Greendyke Street, Glasgow G1 5PX Printed by The Lavenham Press Ltd, Suffolk (01787 247 436) Advertising in All Torque is managed by TIPEC club office 10 Whitecroft Gdns, Woodford Halse NN11 3PY (0845 602 0052) TIPEC Chairman Sean Smallman (07500 332 790) sean.smallman@tipec.net Vice Chairman Jim Hearnden (07930 353 232) tr7v8@phaetonconsulting.co.uk Treasurer Brian Rowledge mymerak@aol.com Advertising & Club Liason Clive Gosling (07791 480 999) clive.gosling@tipec.net Membership Secretary Dave Doherty (01423 504 086) membership@tipec.net TIPEC Membership, Alexa House 26 Ripon Road, Harrogate HG1 2JJ Gruppe North Director John Oakes (01132 827 512) john.oakes3@btinternet.com Gruppe Central Director Eric Finley (07971 594 211) eric.finley@tipec.net Gruppe South Director Derek Flanagan (07767 254 820) derek.flanagan@btconnect.com All Torque & TIPEC are entirely independent of Dr. Ing. H.c.F. Porsche AG, Porsche Cars GB Ltd and its dealers. All registered Trade Marks owned by Dr. Ing. H.c.F. Porsche AG, including the word ‘Porsche’, the Porsche Crest and Porsche Script are acknowledged as such and are their property. Whilst all due care is taken in the production of All Torque; neither TIPEC, its officers or the editor can accept responsibility for the advice, information or opinions expressed herein. Opinions contained in any article published herein are of the author or editor and do not reflect the official position of TIPEC, its management or membership, unless clearly stated by a club official.

Chairman’s Chat What a start to the New Year, total chaos across the country with the weather making all the headlines and the majority of us keeping our cars tucked up under wraps in the garage. There has been a fair bit of chatter on the forums from those whose Porsche is their daily driver. It is interesting to read about cars in daily service and how they have coped with the ice and snow.

Those that have winter tyres tell us that they make a huge difference and although they are only required for two weeks of the year, are definitely worth the investment.

Looking forward, the calendar is already jam packed with lots of club, national and international events to attend. I have already found myself with the dilemma of having to decide which event to attend as some unfortunately clash. There is also the World Cup to fit around our busy summer schedule. We have featured many of the spring and summer events in this issue, with details on where and how to book and discount codes for special offers that have been agreed for members.

The event that must be entered first into any new diary, wall planner or calendar is The Porsche Show on the 5th and 6th June. This is your show and the only all model encompassing event taking place in 2010, as PCGB have announced they will not be having their annual event this year.

We need your support to ensure that our show is a firm fixture in the diary for years to come, to be enjoyed by Porsche owners from all over the UK no matter which model they own. Please come along and join us for the weekend, the Saturday night party will be a lot of fun with added attraction of a live band. Regional tables can be arranged and camping is available on site.

On the club front I would like to apologise to those that contacted me over the holidays after they had tried to get in touch with the club’s legal assistance scheme. For some reason we had fallen off the system.

This has now been resolved, the team at the call centre are fully aware of who we are and the services that are provided to us. This is a great member benefit and I know that those who have used the scheme have been happy with the support they have received and the end result.

Please don’t forget the AGM in April and I will hopefully see many of you over the coming year.

PS: Brenda, we all hope that you get well soon.

All Torque 80 page 3

This year sees a wide range of multi-region events for TIPEC

TIPEC national events for 2010 Santa Pod Raceway Saturday 17th April

Northern show Date & location TBC

www.santapod.co.uk

Gruppe North Director, John Oakes, is planning to arrange a northern TIPEC get together later in the season. This is NOT instead of the national show at Gaydon in June. Regions that are part of the Northern group are Scotland, North East, North West, Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, Cheshire & Staffs but every region is more than welcome. John is looking for an event next year that the TIPEC Northern regions can attend together.

If anyone has any idea’s where we could hold this event, please drop John an email on john.oakes3@btinternet.com

If you have ever wondered how fast your car can cover ¼ of a mile then this fun day is for you.

The drag strip near Wellingborough host ‘Run What You Brung’ days, for £35 you can have as many runs as you like. Improve your times as your confidence grows. We have class trophies for the fastest on the day. We have reserved 50 places but do recommend you arrive by 9:00am at the latest to register.

Please note: The track can not be used when wet.

Suggestions so far include: Newby Hall, Harewood House, Beamish Museum, Ripley Castle, Wallington Hall, Ripon Racecourse and Dalemain House.

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TIPEC Annual General Meeting Sunday 18th April This years AGM will be held at The Heritage Motor Museum at Gaydon, refreshments will be available from 10:00am with the meeting starting at 10:30am. This is your opportunity to discuss your club with the Committee and be part of a very social event. Could you please confirm your attendance by the 10th April, a free buffet lunch will be served after the meeting and a pass to explore the museum at your leisure.

Those attending the AGM elect the Committee by a show of hands.

Members are eligible to stand for any position on the Committee and nominations must be received in writing by the 1st April 2010 to Club Office. If there are no other nominations then the current post holder will be voted to continue.

Current Committee Chairman: Sean Smallman Vice Chairman: Jim Hearnden Club Liason: Clive Gosling Treasurer: Brian Rowledge Membership: Dave Doherty Southern Director: Derek Flanagan Central Director: Eric Finley Northern Director: Vacant Agenda 1. Those present and apologies 2. Minutes of the previous AGM 3. Report by the Chairman 4. Report and presentation of accounts by Treasurer 5. Determination of subscriptions for the ensuing year 6. Election of members for Management Committee 7. Amendments to rules and constitution (must be submitted to Club Office by 01.04.10) 8. Any other business (items for discussion can be sent to Club Office in advance)

TIPEC ’10 The Porsche Show 5th/6th June http://events.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk The Clubs Annual Event will be taking place at The Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon, near J12 M40.

There is a Saturday night party with BBQ, Disco, live band to dance the night away and the show taking place on Sunday. Camping is available on site and discounted hotel accommodation has been arranged at the nearby Holiday Inn Express with secure parking.

The Marcos Owners Club is this year’s guest car club and the Speedster & Spyder Club will also be joining us for another fun packed weekend.

The show will follow the usual format, with lots of free attractions for all the family including entry into the museum. Meguiars are sponsoring the Pride of Ownership which will mean the winner will receive an invite to display on their stand at the NEC in November. We have booked the test track for those that want to push their Porsche and see what it can do without the risk of being caught speeding.

Tickets are available from the Heritage Motor Centre website using code 20TIPEC10 Club Members £7 Family Tickets £28 Camping £13 advance £10 advance Test Track (TBC, awaiting confirmation)

Party under 10s £1 Party under 16s £9 Party Adult £20

The Heritage Museum is located two miles from Junction 12 M40. Leave the M40 at Junction 12. Turn left towards Gaydon. Turn right at the roundabout. Turn left into the Heritage Centre. Drive down to the front of the museum and follow the road round to your left which will take you behind the museum to the conference centre. At reception there will be information about our syndicate room.

Prescott Hill Climb Sunday 9th May www.cleevevale.org.uk Home of the Bugatti Owners Club and organized by the local Rotary Club with all proceeds going to charity. The event has two elements: you can enjoy track runs up the famous hill or you can display your Porsche in the static display in the orchard. At lunchtime the static displays join a cavalcade up the hill, so everyone has the opportunity to drive through the corners of this stunning Cotswolds venue. Several regions will be in attendance and to join us you need to pre-book by downloading an application form available on the website.

Outside the Heritage Motor Centre at TIPEC ’09 in the sunshine Writing & photography by Forename Surname

All Torque 80 page 5

Le Mans 24 Hour 11–13th June

Cholmondeley Pageant of Power, 17–18th July

www.lemansrace.com

www.cpop.co.uk

Club trip to the ultimate sports car race, we have arranged camping at Porsche Curves right by the side of the circuit. The site has 24 hour security, serviced toilet and shower facilities and 7x5 metre pitches.

Contact Travel Destinations on the above website for package prices and any other details.

Cheshire and Staffordshire Region have a stand at the show and you can join the display by purchasing your ½ price discounted tickets online using code CPOPCC43 in advance.

Taking place in the glorious grounds of Cholmondeley Castle the Pageant combines speed, nerve and flair with exceptional design and engineering. Since 2007 it has been the ambition of the Pageant of Power to showcase the best of historic and contemporary automotive power, whether on land, sea or air.

Camping is also available on site for those wanting to make a weekend of it.

Silverstone Classic 23rd–25th July www.silverstoneclassic.com We have been attending this Classic for several years and this year we are planning to have our largest display yet with an infield pitch large enough for 40 Porsches. There is a vast amount to see with over 4,000 cars in the club displays and three days of classic motor racing including F1 and touring cars.

The UK’s first official Panamera display at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2009

Goodwood Festival of Speed 2nd–4th July www.goodwood.co.uk The South East Region have a display stand if you are coming along and have any questions about the club or your Porsche. This event covers everything you can imagine to do with motoring and lots of other attractions to keep you entertained. A one day ticket is not enough and you need to be there very early to beat the crowds, with Friday being the quieter of the three days.

A trade village, air displays and music concerts round out the entertainment. We recommend that you purchase a weekend ticket so that you do not miss anything.

Tickets are available via the above website using code SC10IPE, we have arranged a club special offer of buy one, get one free. There is an additional Early Bird discount for tickets purchased before 31.03.10 and the special offer closes on 30.06.10.

Please note: You only receive an infield display pass if you buy your tickets before 30.06.10 using the club’s promotional code.

Le Mans Classic 9–11th July www.lemansrace.com Watch 917s and GT40s thunder around the circuit and get close to the cars and the service crews in the open paddock areas. Camping has been arranged inside the circuit at Hunaudieres next to Tetra Rouge corner with 24 hour security, serviced toilet and shower facilities and 6x5 metre pitches.

TIPEC South Central Region cars at the Silverstone Classic 2009

Cars in the Park The next Cars in the Park event will be coming up in late Spring.

Ben Rodrigues visitied their final 2009 event at Harewood House.

Sunday 13th September saw the second Cars in the Park event for 2009 in the beautiful surroundings of Harewood House. The weather on the day itself was quite cold, overcast and surprisingly windy and despite a few drops of rain in the afternoon this did little to quell the spirits of our TIPEC members huddled in two gazebos with the kettle seemingly on the boil all day. Amazingly though, we managed to fill the TIPEC stand with Porsches from three regions!

The TIPEC Yorkshire region was also joined by members from the North East and South Yorkshire and North Nottinghamshire regions. There were a fantastic collection of cars that turned up steadily throughout the morning.

On the TIPEC stand we managed to practically get every type of Porsche covered. We had a 928, 944s, 968s, Boxsters, a brand spanking new five day old Cayman and various incarnations of the 911s.

Most of my morning was spent giving my 944 a good polish after I had only got it back from repair the previous day, just in a nick of time for CitP. The stand looked fantastic with the addition of a recently acquired telescopic flag pole to fly the TIPEC flag. We even managed to sign up a few new members on the day itself.

For those of you still unfamiliar with this event, CitP is a family friendly, laid back gathering for enthusiasts of sports and super cars. Cars range from TVRs, Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Porsches to hot hatches, kit cars, modified cars, new, old and vintage cars. Anyone can turn up to the event by becoming a member of CitP, which is free to join. It’s a fantastic way of getting car clubs, big and small, altogether. There are also various trade stands increasing in small numbers at each event. There’s now even talk of trying to get this popular club event as an ‘unofficial’ Northern TIPEC gathering as it’s slowly been building momentum over the last year.

I would like to thank CitP organiser, Chris Crossley, who runs this event on his own and on an entirely voluntary basis. The cost of the ticket has recently increased to £7, but this goes towards events insurance and fees for hiring the venue. The ticket price I feel still represents cracking value for money.

It looks like the next CitP show will probably be at Newby Hall on 9th May, alongside their flower show. If you would like to be part of it, please visit www.carsinthepark.org.uk to register your details for free and keep up to date with all the CitP news and to view the picture gallery. Alternatively, you can go to the TIPEC forum as I will post any news of upcoming CitP events with links and information in the Gruppe North Region section.

Writing & photography by Ben Rodrigues

All Torque 80 page 7

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James Dean. No further introduction is required for the Hollywood legend who died at the wheel of his Porsche 550 Spyder at the age of 24 … but the death of James Dean was not the only death associated with the remaining mysterious wreckage of the Porsche.

James Dean first acquired Little Bastard when filming Rebel Without A Cause. Dean had taken up competitive car racing when not acting.

The Porsche 550 Spyder itself was one of only 90 made. The car had a tartan seat design along with two red stripes at the rear and was numbered 130. Dean had just completed filming Giant a day before his death. Dean had also met fellow actor Alec Guinness a week before his death. Guinness had commented that the Porsche looked “sinister”.

Guinness is then reported to have said, “If you get in that car you will be found dead in it by this time next week”. These words, unfortunately for Dean, proved to be prophetic.

On the tragic day of 30th September 1955, Dean was driving to a race accompanied by his mechanic, Rolf Wütherich. At around 3:30pm, Dean was caught speeding by the police in Kern County and was given a speeding fine for travelling 65mph on a 50mph road. Undeterred by the speeding fine, Dean pressed on west along what is now called State Route 46 in Cholame, California. Donald Turnupseed, a student who was travelling in the opposite direction in a Ford Tudor, turned onto State Route 41 and collided head on with Dean. Dean survived the initial impact but was pronounced dead on arrival at Paso Robles War Memorial Hospital at 5:59pm with a broken neck and numerous other broken bones.

A 550 Spyder in the wet on the 1954 Mille Miglia Wütherich who was thrown from the car in the impact miraculously escaped with only a broken jaw. Wütherich reported Dean’s final words were “That guy’s gotta stop … He’ll see us”. How wrong Dean had been.

The remainder of Dean’s wrecked Porsche was eventually purchased

by George Barris, a car customiser. When the Porsche was delivered to Barris’ garage, it fell off the truck breaking both legs of one of Barris’ mechanics. Barris sold parts of Dean’s car to two doctors, Troy McHenry and William Eschrid, racing at the Pomana Fair Grounds in Los Angeles. On 24th October 1956 both cars crashed. McHenry was killed and Eschrid survived but with multiple injuries. Two tyres from Dean’s Porsche had also been sold to a young man. He narrowly escaped death when both tyres simultaneously blew on the highway!

Barris loaned the remaining wreck of the Porsche to the California Highway Patrol for a road safety exhibition. The garage storing the wreck before the exhibition burned to the ground, destroying every car in the garage except Dean’s Porsche. When the car finally made it to the road safety display, it fell off the display stand, breaking the hip of a teenager. In its final act of wrath, when Little Bastard was transported away after the exhibition, it again fell and killed the truck driver George Barkus.

No one knows what became of Little Bastard. It disappeared in 1960 when it was transported from Miami, Florida to Los Angeles, California.

I’ll let you decide which parts of the story are urban myths or Hollywood legends. Or is it a little bit of both? This is one Porsche that certainly lived up to its name!

550 Spyder replica ‘Little Bitch’ on the Leeds Cruise last year

Sources: Top Gear Motor Mania (Ivan & Nik Berg), On This Day (BBC Online) Writing & photography by Ben Rodrigues (b&w photo from the Porsche Press Archive)

All Torque 80 page 9

Fly Buy Dubai Paul Keeling from Central Region had the opportunity to review the involvement of Porsche at the 10th Middle East International Motor Show in Dubai during December. The official Porsche prescence was nil, but tuning houses made their presence felt.

Some of you may remember the strapline ‘Fly Buy Dubai’ from an old Emirates airlines marketing campaign. Every aircraft carried this for some years as this wealthy Emirate began an unprecedented era of growth. Despite the recent effects of the worldwide credit crisis Dubai maintains its position as one of the world’s most lucrative luxury consumer markets and a substantial one for premium automotive manufacturers.

I have been travelling to Dubai for some twenty years and do so now as part of my role in promoting International Trade for West Midlands companies. In more recent times my friends in central region know that this usually keeps me from club nights in spring and winter months. Unusually December saw me in Dubai twice, for two exhibitions, one construction related and the second the subject of this article, the premier automotive event in the Middle East.

The show is biannual and 2009 sees its tenth anniversary. It is held at the Dubai World Trade Centre and covers 14 halls.

Comparing it to a UK or European show is quite difficult.

For those of you that went to the London Motor Show at Excel in its final year, then floor space is similar for the more mainstream premium manufacturers. Audi, BMW Mercedes, Ford (USA) and General Motors had huge stands. From the UK were Jaguar, Land Rover, Aston Martin, Rolls Royce and Bentley.

There is then the tuning and customising part of the show which would approximately double the floor space. More exclusive than our Max Power event and perhaps a combination of MP and the Essen Motor Show. Customising is a huge part of

Fab Design Panamera Wideboy

the market in Dubai and the show draws specialist companies from all over Europe and beyond.

Despite the presence of Buggatti (with four Veyrons), Ferrari, Mercedes, Aston Martin and Maserati etc our favoured brand Porsche, as a manufacturer at least, was significant by its absecence. Quite a surprise to me as this is a vibrant market for the Cayenne (99% in white) and the 911 Turbo.

For Porsche things were very different in the Tuning and Customising part of the show as hopefully some of the pictures on these pages will show.

First up and causing a significant amount of interest was the white Panamera ‘Wideboy’ by Swiss Company Fab Design.

Normally a Mercedes tuner this is their first venture with a Porsche. 700 bhp, 22 inch wheels. Only 15 will be made.

Just as well if you ask me.

Gemballa, who are probably better known, where there too.

Next door to Fab Design and showing their more restrained Mirage GT. This, as the pictures show, is based on the Carrera GT with a paint job that resembles that of a stealth bomber.

They also had the 997 Cabrio with Lambo doors if that’s your thing. Things then got a little less subtle with a Cayenne variant with a gold flake paint job, gold mirrors and gold detailing to the rims.

Finally to prove that other marques were suffering a similar fate take a look at the red Mercedes SLR!

Gemballa Mirage GT in matt grey

Gemballa Avalanche 997 Cabriolet

Hamann Volcano SLR

It’s easy to be flippant over this type of Porsche if it’s not your thing. But hey, they sell … and they sell in the Middle East.

These companies were here to take orders, not to showcase, and several had a record show.

Talking of taking orders, back in the main hall and close to my own location was Aston Martin. They had the Rapide on show; a four door saloon that will go head to head with the Panamera. The Aston, I think, wins on style. They could have sold the show car for cash at $250k twelve times on preview day. They sold 35 over the show and took orders for an ‘undisclosed number’ of the limited edition Aston One-77 (also on display) at $2 million apiece.

So there we go. An interesting week, helped by a very pleasant 29 degrees throughout.

For those of you who haven’t been to Dubai, try it for a holiday. Twice daily direct flights from Birmingham, very pleasant climate (avoid June to September, its 50 degrees), a very safe family environment, great beaches and superlative tax free shopping malls for the girls.

Go in January and it has its own 24 Hours of Dubai endurance race with more Porsche 911’s than you will ever now see at Le Mans. 2009 saw a Porsche win. It is also free!

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Writing & photography by Paul Keeling (Paul apologises for the phone camera picture quality!)

All Torque 80 page 11

2009 NEC Classic Car Show

Initial Planning for the NEC show always starts early in the year, normally in March, as the allocation of space is notified by the organisers and we know the location and size of the pitch. For 2009 we had a slightly larger floor area but unfortunately, due to a “refreshing” of Hall Four we found ourselves moved away from the prime location near the entrance that we have enjoyed for the last few years. Our new position against the back wall of Hall Four, and on the edge of the carpeted area, was never going to be as good but you have to work with what you’re given.

The theme of the show was ‘50 years of motorway’ and with the stand covered with pale grey carpet I decided we would set up like a motorway service area. White vinyl strips were used to mark out the ‘parking bays’ and each car had its model designation in white vinyl lettering under the nose. Simple but quite effective and the theme was completed with some large blue motorway style signs displaying “TIPEC Services” The stand was complemented this year with the adoption of the shell scheme offered by the NEC.

This consists of an aluminium frame with the option of solid walls. We took a single solid wall for the rear of the stand and it proved a good focal point to meet and greet new members and talk about the club.

The selection of cars for the show is always difficult as the club’s members have a wide array of very well presented cars; you only have to attend some of the regional and national events to see the high standards. Whilst there is never a shortage of very nice cars to show it is always difficult to find owners that are willing to commit to the event, bearing in mind it requires attendance at the NEC from Thursday morning (for set up) through to Sunday evening when the show closes. We try to work on the basis that each display car must be looked after by its owner throughout. The other problem with car selection is to try and represent the wide variety of cars within the club and so a mix of new and old, front and rear engine, air and water cooled is the preferred format.

For 2009 I was keen to have a 928 on the stand and Adrian Langford’s Amazon Green S4 was a perfect choice. Greg Parton’s 944 Turbo represented the other front engine car. Graham Plumb displayed his 993 C4S alongside Phil Andreciuk’s recently restored 3.2 for the air cooled fans and that left John Persaud’s Boxster and Paul Dunster’s 997 to represent the modern era cars.

We always have a special interest car on the stand and for 2009 it was John Anderson’s 911 ST. This car has an impressive rally pedigree and is (as far as we know) the only right hand drive factory prepared rally car in existence. Up-rated suspension, close ratio short shift gearbox and titanium push rods all make this a rather special car. We were delighted to have it on the stand.

Apart from the owners of the display cars, Sean, Lindsay Brown and myself made up the balance of the crew, with Brian Rowledge reduced to just one day as a result of recurring back trouble. My daughter, Melissa, joined us on Saturday and Sunday and rattled a tin that raised a little money for the Variety Club of Great Britain. I don’t think she realised how difficult this was going to be, especially as we were restricted to shaking the tin on our own stand only.

The weekend was hard work, as it is every year, but it was a real pleasure watching the crew enthuse about their cars, the region and club and meeting up with old friends and new.

A special mention at this point to all those that joined the club at the show. Welcome to TIPEC, I hope you enjoy every minute.

Please make an effort to get along to your regional meetings and some events this year. Club membership is a great deal of fun but you must make a little effort to get the best out of it.

Get in touch with your regional organiser (RO), talk to them about what’s happening in the region and tell them you plan to come along to the next monthly meet. Turning up on club night will be much easier if the RO is expecting you and keeping an eye open for a new face.

The NEC show traditionally closes on Sunday with a toot of every car horn and 2009 was no exception with the deafening blast signalling the end of the show for another year.

I would like to close by extending a big thank you to everyone that displayed cars and/or helped man the stand over the three days.

Anyone interested in helping out in 2010, or displaying their car, please drop me an email as serious planning will get underway over the next couple of months.

Writing by Paul Bird & photography by Phil Andreciuk

All Torque 80 page 13

Running report: Graham Waller’s 911SC Graham’s no hairdresser, and he bought a ‘proper Porsche’ to prove it. It took him a while, but was worth the wait…

I have owned a 1999 Porsche Boxster 986 for three years, but after about two of those years I was yearning to lose the label ‘hairdresser’, a term given to me by my workmates, obviously green with envy as they potter round in Vectras and M-reg 3-series. I tried my hardest to point out that there were no hairdressers in our town that drove a Boxster, indeed none of them drive a Porsche! However, I still wanted to own a traditionally styled Porsche, and to me there was only one model to hunt out: an air-cooled 911.

I checked the web out for prices and advice, and asked around (as many of you will testify). Eventually, I settled on a range of vehicles to track down: 1980–85 911 SC, SE or 3.2 with a big spoiler. I didn’t want a Targa, as I already possessed two convertibles, and the Coupe is structurally more sound (so I’ve heard), and holds its value better (again, so I’ve heard). My budget wouldn’t stretch to a Turbo unless I parted with the Boxster, and that I didn’t want to do. I wanted a second car, one to cherish, look after, show. I wanted use the Boxster, which is more modern, probably more reliable and more comfortable for day to day use or sunny days, roof down. Oh and one other criteria: it could be any colour except red (my Boxster is red, ish).

I’m sure my wife was fed up with me, as I spent something like 8–10 months tracking one down. The market was falling, credit crunch crunching so it was a buyer’s market and I just needed to bide my time.

I spotted a few on Pistonheads; too expensive. Then some more; red. And more; mileage too high for price. Oh well, I wasn’t having much luck.

I travelled all the way to Buckinghamshire to see a blue SC. Well, I’d seen fewer holes in a colander!

Right colour, age, mileage, model and price. Wrong bodywork. It needed so much work, and for the price it was a wasted journey. Had a lovely trip out though and a nice pub meal on the way back. Wives are so easily pleased sometimes.

Next up a few weeks later, a bronze one in Coventry and I arranged a viewing on a Saturday. This one ticked all the boxes, so I went away seriously thinking about it, as we went off to Birmingham holiday

shopping. My ’phone rang—it was Eric Finley. “I take it you’ve seen the one in Tamworth on eBay?” … “No, tell me”. Same price, all boxes ticked, errrm … but it’s red. Oh well, can but look.

I rang the seller and arranged to meet him on the way back from shopping. In the meantime Carol fell over and, unbeknown to us at the time, broke her collarbone. So when sat in the back of the ambulance, I took a call asking if we were still interested as he’d had a few let-downs.

He understood our predicament and we popped back an hour later than arranged. It still ticked all the right boxes (except colour), and the seller was first class. I’ve always been dubious about eBayers, but this guy seemed genuine.

I arranged a second viewing on the Monday, and this time took Eric with me. In his words “if I were looking to buy an SC, I’d buy this one.”

That was good enough for me. But it was still red. Never mind that, we agreed a price (he even knocked me down £100. Amazing!), shook hands and I arranged collection on the Wednesday. The seller even said that if I didn’t like it, I could have my money back and he’d re-market it (“they’re not everyone’s cup of tea.”) I went to collect and there was an issue with the brakes. He wouldn’t allow me to take it. He said he’d sort the brakes and deliver to me when convenient (again, offering a full refund until sorted). That said, the brakes may have just been a seized calliper due to non-use as the following day I took a call and he insisted on delivering to me on the Thursday night. That day, I became the proud owner of a (yes) red 1982 911 SC with damn good bodywork. Better bodywork than most 27 year olds I know!

Since I bought it? I’ve replaced the engine struts and the door rubbers.

I freed off the passenger valve so it doesn’t just pump hot air into the passenger well, lowered the front a little (more lowering to follow, but not by much) and … well that’s it. Yup, it was in good shape, and just needed a spit and polish, so I brillo-padded it and scrubbed it up with

some Fairy liquid—it’s come up a treat. I had it up on the ramps at Porscheshop, and they spotted a couple of leaky gaskets (nothing to worry about yet), a stiff steering rack, and a split rear wiper rubber (wow). I showed it and took it on the WotY to run the Evotriangle. Unfortunately, it required a new starter motor, and on advice I also replaced the battery. No great shakes.

In November the MOT was due, a seriously worrying time for any classic car owner. Sent it away, and yup—it failed. It failed on headlamp beam adjustment, headlamp beam switch and front o/s brake calliper. If it wasn’t for the calliper, it really would have been peanuts. Nice surprise!

The drive? Nothing like the Boxster, it’s much more of a driver’s car. I love it, I love the acceleration, the responsiveness and the fact that it just keeps going up the revs, and it sounds AWESOME. I’ve only had one complaint, a ‘friendly’ neighbour commented on it being too loud, haha. Guess who’s revving it up on the drive now!

The smile? Yep, still there. The comments? “Nice to see you bought a proper Porsche, instead of that hairdresser’s car.”

The verdict? I know it’s red, but not one person has given me anything but praise for the colour. It is the stereotypical Porsche, red 911SC with tea-tray spoiler.

My advice? Get one.

Writing & photography by Graham Waller

All Torque 80 page 15

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Running report: Stewart Gordon’s 944S2 For those of you who know me and can remember back to seeing JEM, my 944 Lux, in previous editions of All Torque, you’ll know it was it in Indischrot Red. Happily my original JEM car lives in semi retirement garaged and driven in Jersey, it still lives on and looks as good as ever.

This time JEM is a 1991 Cobalt Blue 944 S2, I bought it from Bury St. Edmunds back in December 2008. What a long haul that was, still it was well worth the 16 hour round trip back to Scotland. I took it over to C.A.L.C who Painted the MIJ car last year for me to let Craig the painter have a look at it.

Craig was not impressed at the different paint shades around the car or the usual 944 chips on the panels, and he condemned it to a full re-spray.

I must admit the thought of doing another full respray this soon after doing the MIJ car was daunting, but it seemed there was nothing else for it. Once Christmas and new year were over for 2008/9 I set to it, everything off once again.

I treated it to a pair of aftermarket 968 shark fin sill covers, bought from eBay. Not the best fit, plenty of sanding a fair bit of cutting and joining before they eventually went on, and a pair of door handle covers.

These S2s with the speaker pack and anti-tamper plates in the doors are not the easiest to strip down … along with the S2 front end and bumper, the bridge spoiler with all the usual seized bolts and the lower turbo spoiler with captive seized bolts the job was great fun!

I stripped the wheels down, flattened and painted them as well as treating them to new color crested centre caps and crested valve covers.

Two weeks later most of the prepping was done ready for painting. Craig gave it a full check over, up on axle stands, wheels off … and finally after three days it came out of the spray booth gleaming, ready for the job of rebuilding.

The drivers seat bolster front and side sections had to be replaced

along with the rear window blind. The previous owners ex wife had decided to do a revenge attack on him by converting it to a five slat vertical blind! (I thought maybe I should have sent her the bill for the repair, but then thought better not, no telling what she would do to me.)

I sourced the leather and vinyl materials in Cobalt Blue from Southbound Trimmers (very helpful) and the material for the blind from Remnant Kings.

I also needed a four inch high panel fitted to the rear of the passenger seat where the kids had kicked a whole in it.

I had all the repair work done at Beltane Products in Wishaw, Lanarkshire who only employ disabled people. They did a fabulous job on all the bits for under £350 including materials.

Writing & photography by Stewart Gordon

All Torque 80 page 17

TIPEC member discounts Discounts and benefits are only available to club members, so we can’t publish them online. Become a member and you’ll see the full list in your printed copies of All Torque magazine.

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We have a new regalia supplier, who are able to produce individual items to order. This is going to make ordering much easier for individual club members.

T-shirt (£13) Available in black or white Sizes (inches): 36, 38, 40, 42/44, 46, 48, 50/52 Gents polo shirt (£16) Available in black or white Sizes (inches): 36, 38, 40, 42/44, 46, 48, 50/52, 54 Ladies polo shirt (£16) Available in black, pink or blue Sizes (inches): 36, 38, 40, 42/44, 46, 48, 50/52, 54

To order any TIPEC branded regalia from the list, please contact Dave Doherty, TIPEC Membership Secretary, either by phone with your credit card details or by post with a cheque made payable to TIPEC.

Sweatshirt (£20) Black only Sizes (inches): 36, 38, 40, 42/44, 46, 48, 50/52, 54

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All Torque 78 page 19

Gruppe North Yorkshire RO John Oakes 01132 827 512 john.oakes3@btinternet.com ARO Dave Doherty TIPEC Membership office 01423 504 086 (12noon–9pm) enquires@alexa-house.co.uk Meetings are held first Tuesday of every month 7:00–7:30pm at The Windmill, Hull Road, Dunnington, York, YO19 5LP. For members who have haven’t made it along to a meeting, please come along and join us at any meeting or event.

Christmas Quiz Many thanks to all the people that turned up for the quiz, not the best of night’s to turn up due to the weather.

6th April (Tuesday) Club Night at The Windmill Inn 18th April (Sunday) TIPEC AGM at Gaydon 4th May (Tuesday) Club Night at The Windmill Inn 1st June (Tuesday) Club Night at The Windmill Inn 5th June (Saturday) TIPEC Party Night at Gaydon 6th June (Sunday) TIPEC National Day at Gaydon 6th July (Tuesday) Club Night at The Windmill Inn 17–18th July (Saturday–Sunday) Bradford Classic

The winner was Ben Rodrigues with an excellent score. Will have to make the quiz harder for next time? Also many thanks to Dave Forrest of Strasse Leeds for the prizes and the Windmill pub for the finger buffet.

23rd–25th July (Friday–Sunday) Silverstone Classic Event.

We are thinking of holding are local region meeting at the local Porsche dealer (JCT 600). Will let you know when I have a date but hope to be in the summer.

6–8th August (Friday–Sunday) Old-timer Grand Prix in Germany

Also on the subject of Porsche centres, Ben Rodrigues has been in contact with them about their Driving Experience days.

They have the following dates available at Silverstone: Saturday 10th April or Saturday 29th May 2010.

Spaces are limited so please email drivingexperience@porsche.co.uk or call them on 08443 573 911 to guarantee a space. Their website is www.porsche.co.uk/experience Please find below our list of events for the coming months, we will be adding more at a later date.

February Curry Night at Maze ‘N’ Jair, Huddersfield Rd, Mirfield.

Ring Dave to book your place

3rd August (Tuesday) Club Night at The Windmill Inn

North West RO John Pye 01706 712 491 07957 818 636 (mobile) tipecnw@sky.com ARO wanted Contact John if you would like to volunteer Meetings are held first Monday of every month 8pm at The Thatch & Thistle, Chorley Road, Blackrod BL6 5LA. When this falls on a Bank Holiday, we meet on the second Monday instead.

Firstly, I would like to thank Brenda for the very unflattering photograph she managed to unearth of me in the last issue of All Torque. I feel quite proud because I have lost a little bit of weight since then!

Since that article was published there

have been some further developments around the NW RO role. As many of you will be aware, Brenda was admitted to hospital just before Christmas where she received the devastating news that she has a brain tumour. This has since been operated on and she is making a slow but steady recovery. Brenda will obviously need further treatment in the coming months and this will mean she will have to postpone her inauguration to the role of NW RO. Until that time I will continue to co-ordinate the regional activities. Due to other commitments that I have I would like to request for a volunteer to assist with the regional activities until Brenda is fit to resume as RO. Our annual Christmas do took place as usual in Blackpool at the beginning of December and a great time was had by all who came. This was despite the fact that our location was moved from the Viking hotel to the Cliffs hotel at the eleventh hour due to an outbreak of noro virus at the Viking. The food and entertainment was as good as ever.

Onto 2010, the calendar at this early stage is fairly blank and open to suggestions for what members want to do. Steve Draper has kindly offered to organise another clay pigeon shoot in the next couple of months and suitable dates will be discussed at the regional meetings.

Our first car related activity usually tends to be the Classic Car Show at Gawsworth Hall in Macclesfield on the first Bank Holiday in May; however over the last couple of years there has been a decrease in the numbers in attendance at this show therefore the Cheshire region and ourselves are considering not attending unless there is significant interest and commitment. So please, please contact me immediately if you wish to attend and if there is enough interest then the show will be booked.

The two Tatton Park shows will be undertaken as usual and Steve Taylor, Cheshire & Staffs RO, will co-ordinate tickets for both of these shows.

Woodvale Rally at Southport in August is another popular event, especially enjoyed

by Brenda, and this will probably be repeated this year; the option to camp overnight and have a BBQ and a few bevvies in the sunshine is always a temptation, however this year we may have to have a turkey and tinsel theme to compensate Brenda for the Christmas she has missed out on.

the second largest region in the UK. A big thank you to all members who have supported all we have done this year, they were, after all, your ideas. We were just the organizers. Talking of which, a big thank you to Alan Neilson & Neil Fraser for all their help in putting everything together over the past year.

Regional meetings will continue on the first Monday of the month (except if this is a Bank Holiday, when the meeting will be on the second Monday), at the Thatch & Thistle pub, Blackrod, Bolton.

Congratulations To Stevie & Paula O’Hare on their new arrival on 26th November of a 7lb. 3oz baby daughter, Poppy—a new little sister for Flynn.

If anyone has any ideas for a regional activity or indeed would like to organise a particular event, your help would be gratefully appreciated and I look forward to hearing from you.

We are currently looking for your suggestions for the 2010 diary and your votes for ARO & RO positions for the February meeting. Anyone with suggestions or who would like to put their name forward for any of the positions, you need to get back to us before February’s meeting.

That’s all for now and I would just like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very happy and healthy 2010.

Thanks again for your support, hopefully we

Scotland RO Stewart Gordon 01698 841 692 (evenings) 07974 808 342 (mobile) flashgordon944@blueyonder.co.uk ARO Alan Neilson 01324 871 543 07793 234 096 (mobile) alz1933@alanneilson.fsnet.co.uk ARO Neil Fraser 0131 660 0143 07946 616 782 (mobile) neil@fraser72.freeserve.co.uk Meetings are held first Wednesday of every month 8pm for an 8:30pm start in the 007 bar at Bo’Ness Motor Museum, Bridgeness Road, Bo’Ness EH51 9JR. www.motor-museum.bo-ness.org.uk What a busy diary we put together for 2009: Three winter Sunday meetings, national show at Gaydon, 10 shows, Spring run, autumn weekend run to Yorkshire, curry bowl night with PCGB, Scottish Region Concours … … On the downside we lost the Regional BBQ to the weather twice in August.

Maybe we should have a winter BBQ, then we wouldn’t be disappointed.

On the positive side again, the membership for the region has increased from this time in 2008 by 25% to just on 90, making us

will catch up with you all at one or more of the 2010 events we will be running.

Christmas Party Night 12th December 2009 The Majority of the members going to the party night travelled up to Oban on the Saturday, there were however five couples who made a weekend of it and took advantage of the good hotel deal we managed to negotiate.

The whole group met up in the bar for a pre party night drink, it was also a great opportunity to meet up with Peter McCreath (with two 944Ts and a 944 Cabbie) who we have never met, mainly because living close to Oban, it would be around a 150 mile round trip for Peter to get to a monthly meeting … it was great to chat with him although as Porsche conversations go half an hour wasn’t really long enough.

The party night went very well, the hotel (The Oban Bay) looked after us very well, only thing was the volume was maybe a tad on the loud side (that may be my age showing). It was also great to see John & Glynis Boland, Pat & Honor Houston, Clive & Elaine Guyton (& dog), Sam & Sheena Balmer and Jason & Adrian Sloan joining us on a social occasion.

Unfortunately we did not manage a group photo as intended on the Sunday morning, most went in different directions to walk off the night before or go shopping.

Flash Gordon!

There was one picture that deserves a showing; a personal appearance from FLASH GORDON. Anyone remember him?

He was very kindly given a present from the members of a pair of boxers with scenes from the original series, so that had to be recorded didn’t it? Thanks to all 38 who came along and also those who brought out eight Porsches in December, hope you all enjoyed your party night and see you all back in 2010.

North East RO Simon Poole 07759 694 059 audisi@btinternet.com ARO Andy Blythe 01642 809 031 ac.blythe@mbro.ac.uk Meetings are held first Sunday of every month 7:30pm at The Sporting Lodge, Low Lane, Stainton Village, Cleveland, TS17 9LW, just off the A19.

The North East Region had a good turn out for the Christmas Meal at the Dudley Arms in Ingleby Greenhow. Obviously, all of the Porsches were tucked safely away in their warm garages while their owners ate, drank and were merry.

I intend to have a change of tack for this year and attend fewer car shows as they did not seem to be too popular amongst the members (perhaps we’ve all seen the same cars too often?) So my plan is to visit the likes of Cragside Hall or Alnwick Castle and Gardens or have a trip over to the Lakes (or even a weekend as we have found a good B&B in Keswick which has a large off street car park at the rear).

All Torque 80 page 21

A copy of Morgan’s yearbook, which details many car shows each for each month throughout the year, will be available in case anyone is interested in visiting a show which I was not planning on attending and I will be more than happy advise the other members if they wish to attend as a group.

Both the karting and clay pigeon shooting had to be cancelled due to lack of support last year.

We will try again this year and throw the invitation open to PCGB and the TT Owners Club NE members too in order to try and get the numbers up to a level which will make these viable.

Andy will be campaigning his 924 again in the Northern Saloon Car Championship this year, having fettled it some more over the winter months.

Here are a few dates for you diary. Keep watching the Forum and your email inbox for further details. I will add more dates and events as I have them.

601 - All Torque_Artwork:Layout 1

4th April (Easter Sunday) Specialist Cars of Malton “Big Yorkshire Breakfast” 18th April (Sunday) TIPEC AGM - Gaydon 5th June (Saturday) TIPEC Party & BBQ - Gaydon 6th June (Sunday) TIPEC National Day - Gaydon

Cheshire & Staffs RO Steve Taylor 07774 912 069 (mobile) stephen_taylor@datascope.com ARO Dave Watson 07901 928 356 (mobile) watson_david@btinternet.com

23rd–25th July (Friday–Sunday) Silverstone Classic

Meetings are held third Tuesday of every month 8pm at The Whipping Stocks, Stocks Lane, Over Peover, Knutsford, WA16 9EX.

August (date TBC) Swainby Village Classic Car Show

Lincolnshire

12th September (Sunday) Cars in the Park – Harewood House September (date TBC) PCGB NE Show and Shine at Raby Castle 12th–14th November (Friday–Sunday) NEC Classic Car Show

5/9/07

09:44

Joint meetings with the local PCGB are held second Sunday of every month 11:30am at The Dovecote, Newark Road, Swinderby LN6 9HN. RO and ARO required, to host monthly meetings at a local pub/hotel with support from the members and attend/organise local events.

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Gruppe Central North London & Herts RO & ARO required To host monthly meetings and organise events for the region Meetings are held third Thursday of every month 7:30pm at The Three Horseshoes, Hooks Cross, Watton-at-Stone (near Stevenage), Hertfordshire SG14 3RY.

TIPEC South Central’s Christmas dinner

South Central Joint ROs Clive & Jo Gosling 01604 863 666 clive.gosling@tipec.net Meetings are held fourth Monday of every month at The Green Man, Brackley Hatch, on the A43 (Eastbound) near Towcester.

Well, I imagine like most people the snowy weather of the previous month (as I write this there are still five inches of snow in the drive) has curtailed Porsche events somewhat. However let’s hope at the time of reading this the snow has finally gone and those garage queens have been out once or twice and the daily drivers amongst us are finding the going a little easier.

Before the festive season began we had a good night out for our Christmas meal.

With 16 people turning out it was great to catch up with, not only the regular stalwarts, but also wives and partners who I think also enjoyed the night. Feedback overall was excellent, so as a venue it’s going to be hard to beat next year.

Our membership in the region continues to grow and I think we are now up to the mid 60s mark. What stands out to me is the variety of cars that continue to join the club. During Oct/Nov alone we several new members join with a right old mix of cars. Namely a 924T, a 944T, a 911 SC,

a Boxster, a 928 and a 997 GT3 … how’s that for one months additions? Of course if you are a new member then please do come along to our regular club nights at the Green Man, Brackley Hatch, on the A43 Eastbound, fourth Monday of every month.

I would say that club nights, even through the winter months, are being well attended and as we move in to spring I would really hope to get to 30 members per evening.

It’s a big ask, but why not?

As we move in to 2010, it’s important to say what our aims are for the region going forward. We would like to turn it in to a real family region ensuring that there is something for all, ranging from those with petrol in the veins to those just looking for fun times out with the family.

Our activities early in the new year will involve a trip to the Coventry Motor Museum as well as a spring trip out to Market Harborough to visit a company called Avalanche Adventure, where all sorts of outdoor fun can be had, from quad bikes, 4x4 off-roading and shooting to Honda Pilots and even hovercrafting if that takes your fancy … although I imagine, like me, you will have had enough of floating across a road surface with little or no control following the recent icy spells.

So overall a fairly short update, but as we get into the spring season and the warmer weather then watch out for more regular communications and events to attend.

At the time of All Torque going to press we are looking foreward to our first meeting of 2010. At the meeting, or chat in the pub to be precise, we hope to put together a list of trips and events which fellow North London and Herts Porsche folk may wish to attend.

If you are either coming to the meeting or can’t make it but would like to suggest any trips or maybe tell others where you will be going then please contact Mas via the TIPEC forum or by phone on 07974 231 698 or email admin@ukmastiff.eclipse.co.uk

South Yorkshire & North Notts.

RO Ray Waite 07831 106 086 (mobile) waite696@aol.com ARO Mike Marot 07787 122 654 (mobile) mike.marot@btopenworld.com Meetings are held first Sunday of every month 5–5:30pm (meeting proper begins 7pm) at Ye Olde Bell Hotel, Barnby Moor, Retford, Notts, DN22 8QS. Hope everyone’s had a great Christmas and a happy New Year to start 2010. Not much to report back since the last All Torque, just the Christmas dinner/dance at The Old Bell.

The weather’s been causing havoc on the roads around Yorkshire in January.

Anybody had any fun in their Porsche in the snow? If you’re like me you probably have it tucked up in the garage under a cover!

All Torque 80 page 23

Looking back over 2009 we’re still managing to get a good turnout of folk and a real mix of really nice cars.

A few memorable events of the year include the Yorkshire Big Breakfasts, a chance to see a good mix of metal, our trip to the Nurburgring, one of my favourite trips (looks like we’ll visiting it twice in 2010 … more on that later), Prescott hill climb weekend, a good popular event attended well by a lot of the TIPEC regions (we’ll be there again this year), Wonderland Classic and Sports car show (this year it doesn’t clash with TIPEC 2010 at Gaydon so hoping to see some other regions there), Kexby Hall tour/lunch, Jeff Adams winning the SYNN regional concours, Harewood Classic and Cars in the Park, and finally the Whitby Weekend of the Year. These are just a few! We did have some events spoiled by torrential rain but hopefully after this real cold snap we’ve had at the beginning of the year, we’re due a scorcher of a summer to rekindle those memories of other cracking shows and events.

I am standing down as ARO for 2010 due to time and work commitments so I would like to thank all you members for the help and support over the last few years since the sad loss of our original RO Paul and Judy Drury.

Please welcome Ray Waite and Mike Marot to the RO and ARO positions respectively.

They’ll be taking over the writing of this report in future. Thanks to Ray for the work he has already put in keeping the regional website and calendar together. Dave Warren for keeping the club funds in the black and all the fund raising activities. Graham Britt for the ideas (Even though we don’t see him much).

Anyway guys and girls, all the best for 2010 and we’ll see you throughout the year. I’ll still be around helping where I can and hoping to get to more events this year.

February TBC Probable visit to Ginetta Cars, again if any of the other regions are interested it will be a weekday in the evening, with the tour kicking off around 6:00pm.

- Dean Lancashire

14th March (Sunday) Race Retro at Stoneleigh park

Christmas Dinner and Dance 2009 Another beautiful meal at The Old Bell with around 20 people on the Porche Owners Club table, yes they did spell our name wrong. Good job some of us do own a porch.

After the meal and a few more sherbets we opened our Secret Santa gifts, some interesting gifts to say the least. Ray have you stopped playing with yours yet?

After the meals it was time to hit the dance floor to work some of that Christmas dinner off. Since the refurbishment at the Bell all the rooms are magnificent, even room 27 has been sorted. This has been a bit of a joke from a previous year, the room had been passed from couple to couple with each person refusing to stay in it.

The next morning after breakfast some of us decided on a brisk walk to clear the head, the rest read the mornings papers in front of the fire before heading off to finish the Christmas shopping.

16–17th January (Saturday–Sunday) Pistonheads & Autosport Show 2010 One of my favourite shows. We’ll have visited this by the time you receive the magazine.

February TBC Hoping to organise a Karting event

11th April (Sunday) St Georges Day Run to Elsecar Heritage Centre April TBC Yorkshire Big Breakfast at Specialist Cars of Malton.

April/May TBC Trip to Nurburgring.

Contact Dean for more details 8–9th May (Saturday–Sunday) Prescott Hill Climb/Tour of Cotswold If you are thinking of coming on this event you really need to be getting booked especially if you are hoping for a run up the hill. For costs see www.cleevevale.org.uk/classiccar See SYNN website for more details on Hotels and guest houses for the weekend.

June The 37th Vintage & Classic Car Rally & Autojumble at Ashover has been CANCELLED. Due to past losses and H&S regulations the organisers have decided that this show will cease to be held.

8–12th September (Wednesday–Sunday) Alternative Scumrun (Part of Rick Marot’s stag weekend using £500 cars) Tunnel crossing to Calais, day at the Nurburgring staying overnight, moving on to Stuttgart Porsche Musuem before driving and staying at Munich. Drive to Italy, Stelvio pass, then heading back through Switzerland/Germany to the tunnel on the Sunday. Contact Mike Marot or Dean for more details.

More events to follow or see website for more details.

The SYNN Porch Owners Club at The Old Bell for Christmas

Graham Britt’s 993 in Derbyshire’s snow

Anglia RO Trevor Read 01473 684 876 trevor.read@malcolmandrew.com ARO Colin Clarke 01284 706 247 Meetings are held fourth Tuesday of each month 7pm at The Bunbury Arms, Ixworth Road, Great Barton, Suffolk IP31 2NX. www.nextnorth.com/bunbury/findus.htm We had our Christmas lunch on Sunday 6th December. 18 of us attended and all had a very good meal. A great time was had by all.

Most of our members cars have been put away against the elements, but we have still had good turnouts with members bringing the everyday cars out.

We are planning to go to North Norfolk for a weekend away touring the Norfolk coastline in May 2010. If anyone is interested in joining us, please call Yvonne King for further details on 01638 508 815. The weekend will consist of two nights away, staying in a lovely hotel in Cley (near Holt) from Friday, 7th May. We are looking at hopefully doing a couple of car shows and promoting the club in Suffolk, but also in Norfolk as well. Watch this space as they say.

East Midlands RO Graham Waller graham.waller@polypipe.com ARO Alan Fuller susancarolfuller@googlemail.com Meetings are held third Tuesday of every month 7pm for food (meeting proper begins 7:30pm) at The Field Head Hotel, Markfield Lane, Markfield, Leicestershire LE67 9PS. As this is the last regional report for 2009, I thought I’d write this as a review of year, and a look forward to 2010.

The East Midlands region is still quite new, and the number of members has increased, which is always good news. We have a core of hardy individuals who attend many, many events and can be relied on to add that special sense of humour only found

by having a variety of personalities. I have really enjoyed my first full year as RO and thoroughly look forward to the busy summer months meeting our members who have like-minded passion for the marque. We are not elitist, and welcome all drivers of Porsches, alongside those that are simply enthusiastic about Porsche.

We currently have a most complete range of cars: a 1955 550 Spyder, 356, 911s from 1966 to 1985, a 928, 944s, 968 and the later 911s; 964, 993 and 996 and not forgetting 986 and 987 Boxsters.

I’m sure you’ll agree that if we could get maximum attendance to any event it would be a sight for very sore eyes indeed. As a region, and as I’m sure in common with other regions and the club as a whole, we have never discriminated and each of us loves poring over anyone’s vehicle.

This last year has seen us attending a whole range of events too. As well as monthly TIPEC meetings at Markfield, where many of us have enjoyed good food, good beer and good company over the past 12 months, and summer monthly meets at Ashby Folville and latterly Market Bosworth, the usual plethora of summer car shows were well attended at times, and of course at other times due to other commitments we have at least had a presence.

We had cars attending most of the Transtar events, with the Weston Park Festival of Transport at Easter kicking us off, through Catton Hall, Ragley Hall, Trentham Gardens, Beaumanor Hall and Arbury Hall. Each of these events are in lush grounds of stately homes, with plenty of autojumble, proud, proud owners of innumerable makes and models of car, and also the grounds and stately homes which can be visited usually for nothing and at least at reduced rates.

Some of us attended the PCGB R8 concours event at Chatsworth House, Lichfield’s Cars in the Park, and the Classic Car Show at Blenheim Palace not to mention the end of season Classics at the NEC. Also well attended with nearly 1,000 cars was the TIPEC National Event at Gaydon although the Northamptonshire’s Balloon Festival was unfortunately cancelled due to the County Council no longer sponsoring the event.

We went to support the Prescott Hill Climb where we enjoyed a Cotswold tour on the

Saturday, and hill climbing for the brave on the Sunday. Those that didn’t race cavalcaded up and enjoyed some glorious sunshine and many vehicles hill climbing themselves. Also, Silverstone played host to the annual Silverstone Classic, another well-attended event.

We enjoyed some wonderful drives too, around Rutland Water, a couple of Porscheshop open days and social events including the Scalextric racing (lots of fun, and to be repeated in 2010), pub meals, the annual WotY with Central Region in Wales, the region’s Christmas party and ended the year with the Not the Boxing Day Drive.

The year was only tainted slightly by the moving tribute to a never-to-be-forgotten couple, Paul Drury and Judy Philips. Two wonderful people tragically taken from us in a car crash. We dedicated a tree to the couple in RoadPeace Wood, in the grounds of the National Arboretum. Peaceful.

Moving. A lasting tribute.

The year seems to have passed by so quickly, and I have certainly enjoyed attending the events. The region does not run itself, and takes some hard, much appreciated, work from its members and the events organised were those that members wanted to attend. However, 2010 is already promising to be as busy as 2009, if not busier. I am currently finalising the calendar and if there are any events that you would like including, then feel free to e-mail/snail mail/ring me and I will endeavour to accommodate.

We are also looking to develop a closer relationship with R8 PCGB, and look forward to attending some joint events with them, and hopefully pull in some track time too. In the meantime, the following events are taking place within the next few months, and I truly hope to be seeing you at some, or if not all, of them. Here’s to 2010, and I hope all members have a healthy and prosperous year.

16th February (Tuesday) Club night at the usual venue of Fieldhead Hotel, Markfield.

5th March (Friday) Scalextric racing at the Station Hotel, Loughborough.

16th March (Tuesday) Club night.

All Torque 80 page 25

4th April (Sunday) Festival of Transport, Weston Park.

region throughout the year and is a real enthusiast of the marque. Well done pal!

18th April (Sunday) TIPEC AGM, Gaydon (members only)

A busy Christmas schedule meant that Brian and I didn’t make our normal get together for planning but the emails have been backwards and forwards over the festive season and I think we have come up with a reasonable list of events for the year. As ever there may be changes, and indeed additions, to the schedule as the year unfolds so it is always advisable to keep up to date with developments on the forum to make sure you don’t miss anything. We have tried hard to meet the deadline for All Torque and so we have not been able to finalise all the details at this early point in the calendar. Some of the events have dates and details that will be confirmed later. Watch this space and the forum for details!

Those of you who attended some events in 2009 (Transtar, Prescott) will have already received reminder letters in the post confirming their own full calendar of events. Please apply early as in the case of car shows, the cost is very little (£2–3), but to enter on the door can be £8 per adult.

Useful websites: www.tipec.net For TIPEC’s own web site, national events and access to the very informative forum. www.transtarpromotions.co.uk For car shows and events.

Central RO Paul Bird 01922 428 409 07831 877 983 (mobile) paulpsb928@yahoo.co.uk ARO Brian Rowledge MyMerak@aol.com Meetings are held second Monday of every month 7:30pm onwards at The Red Lion, Lady Lane, Earlswood, B94 6AQ. Here we are again at the start of another year and the country is gripped in sub-zero temperatures that have kept the 928 safely wrapped up for weeks on end. Meanwhile the 944 has been out in all the worst of the weather and, apart from frozen tailgate catches on a couple of bitterly cold mornings, has been no trouble at all. I’m starting to think I shouldn’t part company with her but the need for a family car is real so I guess I will move her on before the ‘season’ starts.

We rounded off 2009 with Christmas dinner at the Red Lion on the 14th December and enjoyed a great evening with friends. Good food and great company always make this a lovely end to the year and Lindsay’s wife Jackie came good with a Christmas cake yet again! This was the second year that we have announced a Central Region member of the Year and the award for 2009 went to Adrian Langford.

Adrian hardly missed an event or club night over the entire year and is a frequent visitor on the club forum, especially in the 928 section. He has supported the

I will also keep you all posted throughout the year by means of an email circular for last minute reminders etc, as this has worked well over the last few years. If you don’t receive these email updates from me its because I don’t have an email address for you! Drop me a line with the details and I will happily add you to the list.

I am delighted to say that the region (and club) has two trips planned to Le Mans this year for the 24 hour and the Classic and I know that a fair few of you have pre-booked with Travel Destinations for the latter. If funds allow you should consider making the club’s first ever trip to the 24hour and be part of the founding party that will hopefully sow some seeds for future years—and enjoy a few beers along the way. Details for both trips are on the forum.

Looking further ahead the WotY weekend is already in planning. Everyone that has attended one of these weekends over the last three years has come back wanting to attend the next year and the event is growing as a result. I know some people were disappointed last year as we were very limited in room allocation and this has been big part of the selection of hotel for 2010. Please set aside the weekend in your diaries now and keep a look out for details to follow later.

So the schedule of events for the year is below and we look forward to enjoying your company again in 2010.

8th February (Monday) Club Night at the Red Lion.

February TBC Visit to Classic Preservation in Wythall.

Specialists in classic car restoration work.

Tour of workshop and light refreshments 8th March (Monday) Club night at the Red Lion March TBC Laser Clay Pigeon Shoot. (subject to sufficient support) 4th April (Sunday) Midlands Festival of Transport at Weston Park, Weston under Lizard, Salop. If you have attended any Transtar event in the Past you will receive an entry form in the post. Just fill in and return to Transtar with your payment. Make sure you tick the boxes for Shugborough and Trentham Gardens as well (See below). Mark your entry “TIPEC”. Just email Paul and confirm

The Central Region Member of the Year award for 2009 went to Adrian Langford

attendance to aid planning. If you need an entry form see Paul on club night.

12th April (Monday) Club night at the Red Lion 14th April (Monday) Sprint Day at Curborough 18th April (Sunday) TIPEC AGM at Gaydon.

See Club website for details.

9th May (Sunday) Prescott Hill Climb. Details and booking form can be downloaded here: http://www.cleevevale.org.uk/classiccar Just download and complete the entry form for either the Orchard static display or Paddock entry and send off as instructed.

Just post Paul an email to confirm.

10th May (Monday) Club night at the Red Lion 21st May (Friday) Poole Quay event including convoy drive down to the South Coast. With Southern Region. To book your place please email the organiser Nick on nick@911uk.co.uk We will be staying at the Thistle Hotel Poole which is situated on Poole Quay.

Ring 0871 376 9032 to book your room.

This event and hotel will fill quickly so best to reserve early to avoid missing out.

31st May (Monday) Ace Café. Convoy down to this renowned venue for Porsche dedicated evening.

5th June (Saturday) BBQ Party Gaydon (See website & 1 Gmund qs at 30/6/08 16:49 Page forum for details)

6th June (Sunday) National Event at Gaydon (See website & forum for details)

15th August (Sunday) Shugborough Hall Classic car show.

See instructions for Weston Park above.

11–13th June (Friday–Sunday) Trip to Le Mans 24 Hour

31st August (Monday) Yeatsall Farm charity event

20th June (Sunday) Trentham Gardens Classic car show. See details for Weston Park above. Please note this event will be an East Mids/Cheshire hosted event as Brian and I will be recovering from Le Mans and will probably not attend.

5th September (Sunday) Shackerstone Family Festival

21st June (May) Club night at the Red Lion. Date change to avoid clash with Le Mans trip 3rd–4th July (Saturday–Sunday) Cars in the Park, Lichfield. Great Classic show with Paul Keeling playing host to a club stand for 20 cars on both days.

Contact Paul Keeling for details on 01543 271 116 9th–12th July (Friday–Monday) Trip to the Le Mans Classic. See forum for details or contact Paul.

19th July (Monday) Club night. Date and venue change! Date amended to avoid clash with Le Mans trip.

Visit to Arden Auto-Val, specialist detailers.

25th July (Sunday) Silverstone Classic (Multi region event).

Event runs from Friday to Sunday but Central Region will attend on Sunday.

9th August (Monday) Club night at the Red Lion August TBC Drive/Treasure hunt around Warwickshire

September TBC Visit to Buzzards Valley Vineyard 13th September (Monday) Club night at the Red Lion 1st–3rd October (Friday–Sunday) Weekend of the Year (WotY) Details TBC. 11th October (Monday) Club Night at the Red Lion 16th October (Saturday) Curry night at Vakas Balti 8th November (Monday) Club Night at the Red Lion 12–14th November (Friday–Sunday) Classic Show at the NEC 13th December (Monday) Christmas dinner at the Red Lion

Bristol RO Paul Harrison 07884 116 971 (mobile) paul@harrison167.freeserve.co.uk Meetings are held first Tuesday of every month 8pm at The Fox, Easter Compton, B35 5RA, one mile West of M5 J17 (Cribbs Causeway).

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All Torque 80 page 27

Gruppe South Wessex

South East

RO Pete Blackler 07779 203 278 (mobile) peter@blackler7827.fsnet.co.uk

RO Derek Flanagan 01342 717 754 07767 254 820 (mobile) derek.flanagan@btconnect.com

Meetings are held fourth Tuesday of every month 8pm at The Wheatsheaf Inn, Braishfield Road, Braishfield, Romsey, Hampshire, SO51 0QE. Club nights continue to be well attended, although not many Porsches are venturing out and about now that the salt and grit are on the roads.

The Wessex Region’s Christmas bash went well and the food was enjoyed by all those that attended. A big thank you to The Hunters Inn and all their staff, also a thank you to Francis for the cakes that she made yet again, even though she was unable to attend.

I am looking for events that you may wish to attend or other things you may wish to do throughout the year, so if you can think of anything please get in touch and let me know. If anyone wishes to organise something for us all, again let me know and I will promote it.

Let’s hope the weather is kind to us this year and we manage to have a lot of fun with our cars.

Best wishes for the year ahead.

Meetings are held second Wednesday of every month 8pm at The Bolney Stage, London Road, Bolney RH17 5RL, just off the A23, 10 miles south of Crawley.

For those who haven’t made it along to a monthly meet yet, we always welcome new members and prospective members.

Come and see if you like us, we’re a friendly bunch no matter what model of Porker you own or desire and you will be guaranteed to receive a hearty welcome. You also have the opportunity of winning our own regional lotto with all SE Region members going into the hat each month, but you have to be at the meeting to win.

Our events calendar continues to expand and our Regional monthly meetings are becoming a real buzz of activity with details of our numerous regional and national events, general Porsche news and members’ stories as well as holding the monthly lotto.

See our regional section on the website for the 2010 calendar of events and links to the applicable event websites.

Congratulations to David Green who won the £20 Lotto prize at our Christmas party Club Night.

The Wessex Region’s Christmas bash at The Hunters Inn

9th December (Wednesday) Christmas Dinner Club Night A record 40 members and their partners attended our first Christmas dinner/party at our new venue, The Bolney Stage.

We had the entire large Garden Restaurant to ourselves and had a great time with good food, fun and comradeship.

The Lotto was won by Dave Green.

There were over 20 prizes exceeding £250 in value. Special thanks to those members who donated prizes and for some additional generous prizes donated

by Porsche Centre Mid Sussex including a ‘Boxster for a Weekend’ which was won by Chris Cook.

1st January (Friday) New Years Day gathering at Brooklands Museum. A small group of SE Region and neighbouring SELNK region members attended this annual New Year’s Day gathering of car clubs.

13th January (Wednesday) Club Night and 2009 SE Region Member Of The Year award. Congratulations to John Wallin who was awarded the MotY for 2009, which is based on a combination of club night attendances, event attendances and other contributions. John is a well deserved winner attending 11 of the 12 club nights last year, organiser of our narrowboating event, helper at Goodwood FoS over all three days as well as attending many other SE Region events including our WotY and the trip to Stuttgart.

South East Member of the Year John Wallin

14th January (Thursday) Autosport International: The Racing Car Show at NEC Birmingham. We were invited to join the Brighton and Hove Motor Clubs coach group to visit to visit this show and 14 members signed up.

23rd January (Saturday) Supplier Visit to Paragon GB Ltd: Independent Porsche Specialists in Five Ashes, East Sussex. Paragon can always be seen on the tracks with their race prepared cars. By the time you receive this issue of AT, a group of at least 30 members will have enjoyed a visit to these Porsche specialists and had an insight into Paragon’s history and sales department within their showroom with a talk through the Service side of their business in the workshop, including the valeting and preparation facilities.

10th February (Wednesday) Club Night 27th February (Saturday) Visit to Washington Coachworks 7th March (Sunday) The first of the 2010 Goodwood Breakfast Club meetings: Tax Free Sunday for pre1973 classics.

10th March (Wednesday) Club Night 14–16th May (Friday–Sunday) SE Region WotY. We are taking bookings for our 2010 WotY staying at the Snowdonia National park, North Wales. We have identified a suitable venue, The Royal Oak hotel in the stunning Victorian village of Betws–y–Coed overlooking the river Llugwy. It is a three star former coaching inn with 27 en-suite rooms at affordable prices and an excellent restaurant, awarded Les Routiers hotel of the year 2008. The hotel are offering a special group tariff on a three night dinner, bed & breakfast deal: Standard room (six doubles) £60.00 pppn Superior room (six doubles) £75.00 pppn Deluxe room (six doubles) £90.00 pppn Single room (three singles) £82.50 pppn Single occupation of a Standard double room £97.50 (provided not too high a proportion of total rooms). Those staying the third night will be charged the B&B price only (ie. free dinner) for the third night. This is a reduction of £25 off the above DBB tariffs. These prices include £25.00 allowance against the a la carte dinner for each night.

Thames Valley RO Craig Moore 07748 733 000 (mobile) craigwmoore@btinternet.com ARO Jason Gibson 07958 459 725 (mobile) jasongibson@blueyonder.co.uk Meetings are held first Tuesday of every month 7:00pm at The Novello, Bath Rd, Littlewick Green, Maidenhead, SL6 3RX. Oh, the joys of British weather. Not only did it mean we had to cancel the planned New Year Run on 3rd January, it also put paid to our monthly meet on 5th January at the very last moment. The snow began to fall heavily on my way home. By the time I was due to leave for The Novello, it was a blizzard, and outside my house the following morning was, no kidding, a good 12 inches of snow. I hated cancelling the meeting, but I was correct in my thinking that it was folly to head out that night and that I’d get stuck. As I had to forego my usual burger at the pub, an urgent order for pizza was dispatched, but the delivery guy couldn’t get his car up the hill about a mile from us no matter which route he tried. That might have led to me abandoning the car to the elements and completing my journey on foot for the second time in a month!

Apologies to Darren who did successfully make his way to the Novello, ordered a drink, sat down to wait for everyone else to turn up, and only then found the text on his phone cancelling the meeting. Still, mighty intrepid behaviour. He made it to work the next morning too, only to be sent home again!

So after the overnight dump, I had to dig out the daily driver, and apply a spade to the snowdrift outside my garage door so I could plug in the 944’s trickle charger.

The car wasn’t going to be going anywhere for a good few days. Not that it was going very far at all anyway, as it’s very sick.

Indeed, it may have to be put down as I’m not sure my wallet can reasonably take much more of its demands for medical attention. I feel a Fawlty-esque damn good thrashing coming on.

I’ll still need some pork though. Just wondering if the chap who abandoned his car in the photo will be back for it or I might claim salvage on it! Can you tell what it is?

Frozen Pork! For free?

By the way, this scene is about 20 metres off the A4074, the main route between Reading and Oxford. Frankly, we needed a snowplough to clear the road a bit, or at least, a few 4x4s to pack down the deep stuff. I don’t think I’ve ever had a better reason to acquire a Cayenne … Actually, my brother-in-law’s 996 Carrera 4 is doing a remarkably good job in these conditions, so maybe that’s all the car one should ever need. Anyway, I know it’s a bit of a cliché, but global warming? Come on! I hope that, in spite of it all, you were all safe and sound and got some enjoyment out of the conditions. You’ve got to admit, it was unbelievably pretty out there.

See you at the February meeting on the second. Usual time and place, weather permitting …

9th May (Sunday) Prescott Hillclimb Open Classic Event Here’s a chance to run your car up the fabled Prescott hillclimb route, the scene of many a brave drive in all manner of cars through the ages—from standard road cars, via home built ‘specials’, to out and out professional race cars. It’s a great day out for all the family and your ticket will entitle you to two runs up the hill, with further runs available for purchase (subject to availability). We already have seven drivers on our attendance list, and we’ll be parking up with a group from Thames Valley PCGB. Abundant banter and competitive goading will prevail! (although strictly speaking it’s not a competitive event, really, but it’ll be great to show the PCGB guys that TIPEC Thames Valley can muster some firepower too!) We may even roll out the Tipec gazebo. See here: www.cleevevale.org.uk/ classiccar/CarEventEntryFormHill.htm for your application form. Fill it in and return it urgently with your payment as places are VERY limited. There are also spectator places if you are wary of running your car up the hill. These are available for only £18 per car: click above for your entry form and just tick the right box. Again, space is limited!

All Torque 80 page 29

Southern RO Nick Snook 07929 113 390 (mobile) nicksnook@ntlworld.com ARO Jim Tarrant 01202 601 886 jim.tarrant@hotblack944.fsnet.co.uk Meetings are held first Tuesday of every month 7:30pm at The Curlew, a traditional country pub, 287 Christchurch Road, West Parley, Ferndown, BH22 8SQ. Our Christmas meal soon became fully booked with 24 people coming to the The Curlew; many thanks to the staff for working so hard on the night.

At the meal an award was presented to Steve Masterman for supporting the summer BBQ, even though he could not attend.

Toby Banks won Southern Region Member of the Year for driving his Porsche the most miles in 2009 attending events and meetings.

I would like to say thanks to everyone for making 2009 a success especially Jon, Jim, Steve W and Karey.

The January club night at The Curlew had to be cancelled because of severe warnings from the Met Office that there was an 80% chance of heavy snow and ice.

Not all areas had snow but roads in the surrounding districts were chaotic.

2nd February (Tuesday) Club meeting for members to discuss plans for 2010 at The Curlew (previously scheduled for Jan).

2nd March (Tuesday) Club night at The Curlew 21st March (Sunday) Spring Equinox Cruise

Southern Region’s Christmas dinner

Cornwall & Devon

SE London & North Kent

RO Steve Switzer 01208 816 397 07867 556 869 (mobile) steve_switzer@me.com

RO Jim Hearnden 01634 308 062 07930 353 232 (mobile) tr7v8@phaetonconsulting.co.uk ARO Paul Greer 07799 412 870 (mobile) prgreer@blueyonder.co.uk

Meetings are held third Sunday of every month 12:00–2:30pm at The Winds of Change, South Petherwin, Near Launceston, Cornwall, PL15 7LP. Please contact Steve in advance so that he can advise the pub of probable attendee numbers.

Third Sunday of the month in December 2009 saw 11 of us sit down to a slightly quieter event than the previous year.

It wasn’t helped by the the aftermath of a rather cold and frosty weekend.

For the first time in a long time Pauline and I travelled up in the back-up German car!

I felt that subjecting the S2 to the salt plus the very icy roads and loads of power was not a good idea or combination.

Must be getting old!

Nevertheless two ’44s and a 928 did make the effort which was good to see.

Good food and good company saw us in a reflective mood and we are now all looking forward to a new decade of motoring in our great cars.

Long live the marque!

All the best for this New Year, may it and the new decade bring peace, happiness, prosperity, blue skies and camera-free good motoring to one and all.

We look forward to welcoming the region’s members to the Cornwall & Devon meets which will continue to be on the third Sunday of the month at the Winds of Change, South Petherwin (near Launceston). Full details on the website.

Remember to come along and influence the direction your club will take this year; you all need to make your presence felt.

Meetings are held first Friday of every month 8:00pm at The Crown Point Inn, Sevenoaks Rd, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN15 0HB. Email crownpoint@eyho.co.uk If you have not been along to a meeting please come along. Partners are more than welcome and the venue does good, reasonably priced food. The latest calendar is now out and should be in your inbox, in Excel format; you can download a viewer from Microsoft. Please advise if you are interested in any events so Paul & I can advise the venues. There are some members that I don’t have email addresses for. If you have an address, please send me an email on tr7v8@phaetonconsulting.co.uk and I’ll add you to the list. That also applies to people in adjacent areas who would like a copy of our calendar. Please also ensure that you update details when you renew.

December was a very quiet meeting, with Christmas getting close plus the TIPEC SELNK Christmas dinner the following night.

Total turn out of six, including Paul & I. Christmas Dinner Although numbers started off low we ended up with 15 for the meal. The atmosphere was fantastic as was the food and a great evening was had by all. If you could not make it then you did miss out! We finished up playing a game of hunt the car keys, evetually found in the owner’s pocket which was suggested when we started looking!

PS. Apologies for the caption swap in last months All Torque. Oops! I carefully proof read the text but not the captions D’OH! 5th February (Friday) Club Night. The Crownpoint is being refurbished and may not be finished. If not, we have a cunning plan. Watch your email!

5th March (Friday) Club Night at the Crownpoint.

The masterplan is to have Peter from Bilt Hamber as a speaker. Third time lucky!

www.TIPEC.net The TIPEC website is now one year old! You can use it to register or renew your club membership, advertise cars and parts for free, download old issues of All Torque, and keep up-to-date with events in your region. If you look to the bottom-left of the homepage, you will find a link to TIPEC’s online discussion forum. This is the place to trade banter with fellow club members on a day-to-day basis, ask questions and share knowledge, up and down the UK (and worldwide!) Here’s a recent example.

Forum: Porsche models; 924, 944, 968 Topic: Apology sspyder02: I would like to make this post to apologise to my beautiful 1989 944 for asking her to take me to work every day during this God awful weather whilst my 987 sits in a nice warm garage due to the fact that it is cr*p with even one flake of snow. The old lady starts every time and just keeps on going through the snow. Thank you. tr7v8: Glad to hear it is OK. Big problem is the snow & the salt used to clear it,

make sure when this clears it gets a good underbody wash and lots of rustproofing. lindsayhbrown: Won’t need to worry about the salt soon, as the country is running out of the stuff!

Ben944: I’m using my S2 in this weather.

I’m impressed that the car is blowing out hot air from the vents by the time I’ve driven half a mile. I love my ’44 and do my best to keep her looking nice, shiney and rust free, but a garage queen she ain’t. She’s my daily driver.

JJ.: Sheet ice everywhere up here.

My Porsche was doing a fair impression of an igloo. Left it were it was and skated off for a train. Only eight of us made it to work on time out of 100-odd. Worst day this year without any sign of a gritter.

When we had a break in the crap weather the other day, I was actually able to open the taps full and I was suprised at the level of acceleration.

I’d forgotten how good the ’44 is after all the ‘easy does it’ and starting off in 2nd gear all the time.

Classifieds 1990 Porsche 944S2 Cabriolet for sale in Grand Prix White Selling as have acquired a 964. Fourteen service stamps, 119,000 miles. Receipts for over £7,000 spent in last three years, including major work and servicing at Hartech Porsche specialist in Bolton. Tax and MOT. Excellent condition. £7,450 Contact Mike Grimes on 01204 843 335

All Torque 80 page 31

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