Phil Farrell
Cheshire, UK @mllx8pjf
What strange times these are. Before
I start with what
I’ve been up to this month, I want to wish everyone well and hope that you and your families (and cars) all remain healthy.
Looking back now, it’s with real regret that I didn’t get out of bed that morning of the weekend before the full lockdown and go out for a drive with the usual crowd.
Little did I know that it might be the last for a pretty much indefinite period of time. Our little group had been building up quite a bit of momentum in getting out most weekends since the new year, but the brakes have been firmly applied and we’ve returned back to the pits for the time being.
The lockdown has given me the opportunity to get to know a different type of curve. The curves of my car. Ever since
I’d bought the car I’d never really had a chance to give it a good going over, other than a quick snow foam and aqua wax. So I thought I’d do that, and as is always the way with detailing, one thing led to another and the whole kit including the Rupes came out and soaked up a whole weekend.
Once I had the paintwork down to the clear-coat I found out that given the state of the paint I wasn’t really kitted out with the pad and polish combo I had (Rupes’ yellow and white system for those who are interested). I needed something with a bit more cut for a first pass. I did buy the system with a purpose when I had the Cayman GTS a couple of years ago, but that really just needed a light polish whereas the 996 needs a proper correction as I suspect it’s never had one. But I gave it a go nonetheless and the results were great even if I say so myself. As the online advice says, I just took my time and didn’t try too large an area in one go. Having consulted with Jake at FCD, he’s suggested a better setup so I’m going to get those on order and have a go at a further improvement.
As many will be doing at the moment, I’ve found myself spending ever increasing amounts of time on the new and used car websites justifying any number of other cars to add to the stable. One car that’s really caught my eye is the new Turbo. I’d usually rule a Turbo out as a matter of course and go with a GT or at least something naturally aspirated. But just before Christmas, I was given the opportunity to buy the 911 equivalent of a well-known British brand, with a German block and a front end that splits opinion, at a bit of a knocked-down price. It’s turbocharged and I must say I’m very taken with it. It’s docile when you want a GT and as much of a track weapon as you’d ever need when pushed. Much like
I’d expect a Porsche Turbo to be. It’s this new car that’s got me thinking that my next Porsche will probably be a Turbo. Maybe not the 992 (unless that money tree sprouts in the garden this year) but a 991 as they look relatively good value now given what they were new. Something that can be used daily, so post lockdown I’ll be on the hunt.
In other news, windscreen-gate (as I’m going to start calling it) still rumbles on. I last updated that I’d had stellar service from the OPC in getting it sorted and the seal appeared to be fixed. Unfortunately, while detailing the car I noticed that the top of the seal had popped out again! Frustrating as it’ll mean another trip down to the OPC once the lockdown has been lifted. It’s just a niggle in the grand scheme of things, but hopefully third time lucky.