Nick Jeffery

Model 991.1 GTS Year 2015 Acquired AUGUST 2022 Model 997.1 GT3 Year 2007 Acquired NOVEMBER 2019

It’s been a tricky month since my last column, because both my wife and I finally succumbed to the dreaded Covid-19 for the first time. This meant that I was unable to attend a number of prior engagements, because I was testing positive for nearly two weeks!

To add insult to injury, during my first drive in the Carrera GTS after contracting Covid I had a warning message appear on the dash: “PADM disabled – Service required – Driving permitted.” From discussions with other owners of Padm-equipped cars it’s clear that these frequently fail and it’s usually an electronic sensor rather than any moving part. However, because this sensor is an intrinsic part of the dynamic engine mount, the whole item needs to be replaced under warranty (assuming one is in place) at a total cost of between £1,200 and £1,600.

Worryingly, owners often describe how after having one mount replaced, the other side tends to fail shortly afterwards. Yet it can’t be replaced at the same time as the previously failed unit under the warranty, because it doesn’t cover preventative maintenance.

The GTS is booked into Paragon under its comprehensive 12-month warranty later this month and I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the references to PADM part shortages are no longer the case! One thing is for sure: Porsche is well aware of the problem, but is seemingly unable or unwilling to either modify or improve the design to prevent this as an ongoing issue for owners, which is really poor in my view.

On a more positive note, I can’t believe what a huge difference the new clutch and flywheel has made to the 997.1 GT3. While I wouldn’t say the clutch is now light to operate, it’s far easier to depress and release the clutch pedal than it ever used to be. I can now use all of the GT3’S performance when it’s safe and legal to do so. It was an absolute pleasure driving it up to Cotswold Barn for Renn-dezvous ’23 organised by @nurburgsingh, where there was a really eclectic mix of Porsche GT cars and rarities on display while enjoying an excellent breakfast courtesy of Bernard, Jo & their team! The next Renn-dezvous ’23 meet there is on Saturday 15 July and you can sign up on the Pistonheads forum.

The Kent Porsche Breakfast Meet at The Doghouse micropub in Smeeth, Kent continues to go from strength to strength. These meets take place from 9am on the third Sunday every other month, the next one being on Sunday 21 May and then Sunday 16 July. It’s been a huge success where all Porsche and their owners are welcome, regardless of whether you’re in a Porsche club or not. Each one has a feature car where all relevant models can display their vehicle in the main courtyard. On Mother’s Day the feature car was the Cayman and we had a very colourful array across the generations! Next time it’ll be Driven Not Hidden, where I’m sure the dirtiest car will win some sort of prize or accolade!

In other news, I finally found a Peridot green 987 Cayman R for sale, but elected not to take it any further once I found out the asking price on sale or return at £49k. I felt this was too rich even for a rare Peridot car, given it had started off its life in Scotland, had pretty average miles, and featured the PDK gearbox with carbon-backed bucket seats when I’m looking for a manual-equipped car with Sports seats. The quest continues.

Finally, it was an absolute pleasure to attend Paragon Porsche to witness

Total 911’s Editor At Large, Lee Sibley, collect his GT Silver Porsche 911 40th Anniversary as part of the 9WERKS Driven Not Hidden Collective. Around 20 members attended, so the forecourt was packed with Stuttgart’s finest. The Paragon team was kind enough to lay on food and drink to keep us fully refreshed during their usual thorough handover process.

The car itself is absolutely immaculate inside and out – a credit to the previous owner, and Paragon’s fastidious and meticulous attention to detail. I’m quite sure it’ll provide Lee and his family with many miles of motoring happiness. Congratulations once again Lee!