Another new member

[JesterPoet]

Hi all!

Was just laying in bed flipping through the most recent PCA Panorama and stumbled on the open letter from Carpokes. Figured I'd drop in. I live in Minnesota.

I've got a '73 911 Targa. It was my dad's and has been in the family since 1974 (longer than I have). It had an engine fire when I was about 8, and has sat for almost 40 years. About three years ago, I invested the money to get it running, and now it drives beautifully. I love it, and I'll never get rid of it. Fortunately, my dad is still alive, so while he can't drive it anymore, we can still make some memories in it together.

I'll admit, I didn't do any of the work. That's not a skill set I have. I hope someday (when time, money, and kids allow) to start building that skill set (I'm handy, just don't have experience with cars), but don't really even know where to start. Maybe someday I'll find a mentor. But for now, I've got a reliable shop who takes care of me, and that's good enough!

The car's not perfect. It has some rust, some chips, and some cracking and faded paint, but it's mine, and with that patina, I don't have to be afraid to drive it... And I do. A lot.

Thanks for letting me share!

[71eh]

Beautiful! Love the color... Any pictures of that interior?

Welcome to Carpokes!!

[Tom]

Awesome story and car! The value of those cars have gone up so much, it's rare to see a real driver! Enjoy every minute of it! We have a similar back-story. My dad got too old to drive his 450SL, and it had fallen into pretty rough shape. He gave it to me and I am constantly working to get it back to its former glory. It's no '73 targa, but fun in its own way.

And Welcome to Carpokes!!

[blueline]

This is indeed a wonderful story. Very nice!

Welcome to Carpokes!!

PS - Nice Targa!!

[JesterPoet]

Beautiful! Love the color... Any pictures of that interior?

Welcome to Carpokes!!

Happy to oblige!

Need to get a new cover for the rear deck. It did better than you'd expect after a fire, but it's still rough. That's something I may try to tackle this winter.

[71eh]

Very nice... Love the houndstooth seats!

[JesterPoet]

Awesome story and car! The value of those cars have gone up so much, it's rare to see a real driver! Enjoy every minute of it! We have a similar back-story. My dad got too old to drive his 450SL, and it had fallen into pretty rough shape. He gave it to me and I am constantly working to get it back to its former glory. It's no '73 targa, but fun in its own way.

And Welcome to Carpokes!!

It's really a fun way to connect with them. Seeing my dad's excitement when we go to a car show is really great! I definitely know I'll cherish those memories.

[71eh]

Awesome story and car! The value of those cars have gone up so much, it's rare to see a real driver! Enjoy every minute of it! We have a similar back-story. My dad got too old to drive his 450SL, and it had fallen into pretty rough shape. He gave it to me and I am constantly working to get it back to its former glory. It's no '73 targa, but fun in its own way.

And Welcome to Carpokes!!

It's really a fun way to connect with them. Seeing my dad's excitement when we go to a car show is really great! I definitely know I'll cherish those memories.

I agree with Tom, great story. I have a similar story as well. My dad worked on his 1976 TR-6 for years, and was about to give it up because he was just unable to continue working on it (it needs constant work), so I bought it off him and stored it at my place so when he visits, he can go tinker around with it and still enjoy it.

I have no clue about TR6's but it's great seeing him continue to work on it.

[JesterPoet]

I'll confess, a lot of times locally I'll end up right next to a guy who has a pristine '72 Targa (also green), and it's hard not to be a little jealous. But mine runs just as well, if not better at least!

[Tom]

Maybe it's just the picture, but yours looks to be in the same league as the '72 (and, no one will be pouring gasoline in YOUR crankcase )