TIME MACHINE

Editor Bennett peruses the archives of 911 & Porsche World from days gone by. What’s changed? That will be everything and nothing...

Journey through 911&PW’S past

Afrosty scene on the front cover of issue No 95, as the magazine’s project 944 S2 posed in the frost. Inside Editor Horton argued that Porsches needn’t be wrapped up in warm garages over the winter, but should be driven because they are supremely resilient to the ravages of time and weather. I tend to agree, but is it just me who reckons that councils now use far more salt than ever before on the roads? I know what the underneath of my 996 looks like and it’s not pretty. I’m afraid it’s staying in the garage until all that salt has gone!

The white 944 S2 disappeared from these pages many years ago, but its front cover star role was part of a wider feature that took in both of the mag’s project 944s at the time. The S2 was in the dog house because its power steering pump had failed. The other 944 – Chris Horton’s LHD Lux – was in the dog house because it wouldn’t start, and yes it’s the same 944 that’s he still playing with even now, making it easily 911&PW’S longest serving project at 17-years. One day he might finish it!

Also on the front cover was a rather more unusual story relating to buying shares in Porsche and, inside, Peter Morgan, formerly of this parish, advised on exactly that. Of course Porsche was a rather different company back then and very much an independent one. I’m sure there are many who would have done very well out of Porsche shares over the years, and doubtless the financially astute might have seen when to get out, too, particularly when the VW debacle kicked off. Perhaps that’s why we printed a disclaimer against any advice offered in the story!

Back to rather more familiar territory and Keith Seume introduced his newly acquired 1974 911 Carrera 2.7, the one with the 2.7 RS engine. Back then a ’73 RS would set you back around £45,000, whereas the mechanically identical Carrera 2.7 could be had for under £20,000. I know, read it and weep. Needless to say Keith hot-rodded the Carrera and sold it pretty much as soon as it was finished. For a similar story check out ‘Projects’ in this issue. Honestly, Keith, what are you like?