The journey for me started in early 2009 when, after a few years of ownership, I’d become a bit bored with my 997. Rather rashly I decided to sell the Porsche and bought a new Aston Martin V8 Vantage, which as it unfortunately turned out, was one of the most disappointing cars I’ve ever owned! Anyway, a few weeks later and thoroughly disillusioned, I sold the Aston and – for the first time in over 17 years – found myself without a car!
Now, I don’t do many miles a year (probably 6000 at most) and other than the odd work related trip, mainly use the car at weekends, so for me a car is pretty much for enjoyment purposes only. However, I really couldn’t decide on anything modern that I liked – other than perhaps a new 997, but I’d been there and done that, so was hesitant to go there again quite so quickly. Consequently, I found myself flipping through the pages of Octane magazine looking at classics and wondering if the time was perhaps right to scratch that particular itch?!
I’ve never owned a classic car before, but have always had a real soft spot for the 356, especially the Speedster, but had ruled that out on the basis of cost and practicality. I’d briefly investigated replicas a few years ago as a second car, but just didn’t like the finish nor the fact that they’re not the real thing and knew that’s what I ultimately wanted. So, I started looking at 356 coupés.
To cut a long story short, after very nearly buying a fully restored concours 356B Super 90, I eventually decided that the 356 would need to be a second car as I didn’t want to run it as my only means of transport. I’m still looking for a good 356A (preferably RHD) as a slightly longer term Outlaw project – so if you know of anything interesting please drop me a line!
So, with the 356 out of the equation for the moment I found myself looking at classic 911’s – more specifically the early LWB models. After yet more reading, research, viewing and driving various cars I decided that a fully restored car was the only way forward for me and I found myself talking to Canford Classics, who was extremely knowledgeable and helpful.
After a few trips down to the Canford Classics workshops in Bournemouth I’ve finally decided to buy a car that they owned and were restoring to be sold upon completion... a lovely 1973 Porsche 911 2.4T in Gemini Blue Metallic!
A full bare-metal restoration was already well underway when I decided to buy the car, but this was how it started the process...
Fortunately for me (although not my bank balance!) the car hadn’t been completed when I agreed to buy it, so I could indulge myself and have some period modifications carried out that make the car quite personal and something a bit special!
Continued...
great to see another car brought back from the brink - congratulations. look forward to seeing more, especially about the nosiy bit at the back. what spec are you thinking?