Max Newman Aylesbury, UK
@maxripcor 9WERKS Radio Model 991.1 CARRERA S Year 2013 Acquired SEPTEMBER 2020
It’s a commonly held belief that cars benefit from being used regularly – all cars, not just 911s – and it’s certainly a view I share. I also believe, especially with something so idiosyncratic as a 911, that regular use benefits the driver because the more you drive them the better you drive them, and the more the car gives you in return. I know I’m preaching to the converted here, but you do get into a 911 groove – a virtuous circle, where familiarity breeds confidence and the car responds to this.
That said, it occurred to me recently that while I use the 991 fairly regularly, I haven’t done any bigger journeys –
100 miles plus - of late and decided I needed to remedy the situation. The opportunity arose with a weekend visit to family in Bristol – a trip unusually unencumbered by children or miniature dachshunds. A return leg taking in the Cotswolds and a festive Cars & Coffee meet at The Classic Motor Hub near Bibury was the icing on the cake.
Even the mundane becomes joyful in a 911. The A34 and M4 sections of the journey became fun opportunities to exploit the razor-sharp response of the engine and enjoy the burbles on the overrun. The further we got into the journey the better the rhythm I found myself in with the car.
Once in Bristol the slim hips, great visibility, smooth PDK gearbox and punchy motor made for easy navigation through the city centre and up to
Clifton Village, where it slipped easily and discretely into a parking space among the magnificent townhouses.
The standout Porsche in Clifton that evening was a black on black 992 Turbo S Cabriolet – a model I’m becoming increasingly obsessed with. I’d say that journey was a win for PDK, too.
The following day dawned wet and chilly for our Cotswold adventure. Such is the clarity of the information which comes from the car to your hands, feet and backside that I’ve always found a
911 to be a great companion in such conditions. I had thought to myself that Mandy ought to take a stint behind the wheel on this outing, but I was having too much fun and took the wheel as we made our way towards Bibury.
The Classic Motor Hub is a wonderful place, steeped in history and character, and we were joined in the car park by an eclectic mix of classics plus a smattering of 911s including a lovely black – decal free – 1973 2.7RS and a couple of 992 GT3 Tourings. Inside it was very much off-brand, but exotic and really special – think pre-war Alfa Romeo, 1960’s Ferrari V12 and a Mercedes 300SL Gullwing.
The only frustration of the whole trip was an irritating fault with the frunk lid. It wouldn’t open from the button on the key fob, and would only release from the lever inside the cabin with the engine running. I was preparing to call Chris at Wrightune to discuss the situation, but had a quick go with the WD-40 and seem to have resolved it.