BACK WITH A BANG
After its comprehensive paint refresh and winter hibernation, Dan Sherwood’s 996 GT3 finally hit the road. Unfortunately, this wasn’t the type of hit he was hoping for…
They say good things come to those who wait. I’d been waiting close to six months to enjoy the visceral thrust of my GT3’S normally aspirated ‘Mezger’ flat-six again, but unfortunately, when I did finally manage to get behind the wheel, the things that came were anything but good.
Since collecting the yellow peril from the bodyshop after its fresh paintwork was completed, all I’d managed to achieve with the car in advance of its winter hibernation was a quick head unit change and a brief run over to Stevenage, where independent Porsche specialist, Renn Works, gave the car’s mechanicals a once-over. Although I was pleased my 911 was awarded a clean bill of health, the trip up and down the A1 was hardly the white-knuckle driving experience I’d been longing for. All too soon, winter weather rolled in and put my plans quite literally on ice. Even Yuletide festivities couldn’t eradicate my petrol-fuelled craving. I’d been itching for warmer weather to arrive and the roads to be free from the corrosive effect of road salt, after which, I could finally give the this fantastic 996 a run out and properly stretch its legs. And so, when the climate, asphalt ph-level and my hectic work schedule permitted, I was only too eager to get out and give the GT3 some stick.
For around thirty minutes, the plan was being executed with military precision. I’d left my driveway, patiently avoided the upper echelons of the rev range (until the engine’s vital lubrication system had reached an appropriate temperature) and planned to exit the next roundabout like a bat out of hell.
Fate had other plans. Before I could flex my right metatarsals, while waiting stationary at the junction and looking for a suitable gap in busy traffic, my pristine GT3 was unceremoniously shunted into the outside lane of the roundabout.
Disoriented for a second, I quickly realised what had happened and tried to quell the crushing agony and rising rage simultaneously running riot through by cerebral cortex. I exited the car and
surveyed the scene, quickly noting the imprint of a Mercedes-benz Sprinter van embossed into the rear of the Porsche’s recently painted rear end.
Gutted isn’t the word. I’d waited months to get the car to a point where I was happy with its exterior aesthetics. I hadn’t even begun to fully enjoy its revitalised good looks, and now here it (and I) was, punted back to square one.
The damage is yet to be properly assessed by a specialist bodyshop or technician, who will check for any underlying issues. My hope, of course is the damage being restricted to the car’s cosmetics. The bumper is cracked, scratched and now sits around an inch further forward than it previously did. The engine lid has been scuffed and its integral spoiler stanchion has cracked. There is also damage to the carbon-fibre RS rear wing’s endplate and, as if this wasn’t bad enough, the passenger side rear light lens is now devoid of a corner.
With not much I could do, it was a case of exchanging details with the other driver and letting my insurance company deal with the impending repair work. Luckily, I’m insured with specialist broker, Lockton Performance (visit locktonperformance.com), which has policies tailored especially for members of Porsche Club Great Britain, such as myself. The company’s customer service representatives know only too well the exceptional workmanship most Porsche enthusiasts demand for their fourwheeled friends. Moreover, the firm’s staff are experienced in dealing with this kind of incident — dedicated claim handlers offer a highly personal service.
LONDON CALLING
Since contacting Lockton Performance, I have selected Porsche-approved bodyshop, M&A Coachworks (punch macoachworks.co.uk into your web browser) to carry out the remedial work. Specialising in the repair and restoration of cars from high-end brands, including Porsche, Ferrari, Mclaren, Lamborghini, Aston Martin, Bentley and Maserati, the London-based business is undoubtedly a safe pair of hands.
A short while after I finish writing this update, the M&A Coachworks team is due to collect the car and take it back to the company’s workshops, where the damage can be fully assessed before recommendations are made for repair. Hopefully, things are as superficial as they seem. Be sure to tune in next month, when I’ll be able to share details of any additional damage discovered and, as I anticipate, a photographic diary of the repair work. ●