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Pocket Guide To Audrain Motorweek 2021

We have an amazing few days in front of us at the end of September 2021. The Audrain folks are again holding Motorweek – a celebration of the automobile – with an event of national import right here in our backyard – Newport, RI. Starting on Wed 9/29 and running through Sunday 10/3, it’s a non-stop tap right into the carotid of everyone who has petrol flowing in their veins.

Wednesday 9/29

This is the big setup day for Motorweek with most of the action happening in the International Tennis Hall of Fame (ITHOF) on Bellevue Avenue. The great part is that parking is pretty easy, things are in motion so you get a behind-the-scenes look at much of the greatness to come. Last time, I saw new C8 Corvettes coming off trucks…auction cars set up without the crowds on the grass tennis courts…and many of the vendor booths getting set up. If you have tickets, you can get them on this day. Motorsports members will meet and greet with Porsche driver, David Donohue. And the excitement will be palpable.

C8 Corvette at Audrain Motorweek

C8 Corvette at Audrain Motorweek

Thursday 9/30

This is the official first day of Motorweek with lots of seminars happening and the ITHOF Concours Village fully setup and running. The McLaren racing team seminar looks stellar. There is a wine event at 41 North (ticketed).

international hall of fame during Audrain motorweek

Friday 10/1

Friday might be my favorite “sleeper” day of Motorweek where you can relax and take it in. The Gathering is the main event, held over at Rough Point, Doris Duke’s place. It’s a who’s who of the car world showcase among jaw-dropping machines strewn across the rolling lawns of the estate. The food is excellent, the drinks flow, the merch is on display. And guys like Rod Emory, Justin Bell, and Jay Leno have some spare time to hang and chat. There will likely be something special with a cover to be pulled off at some point. As if a Jesko and some Chirons aren’t enough to call it a party!

Nick Schorsch and Rod Emory displaying custom 356 Porsche

Nick Schorsch and Rod Emory displaying custom 356 Porsche

Saturday 10/2

I hope you got some rest Friday night. This one is a joyously grueling day. It starts crazy early with some options. Do you have a car in the Sunday concours? Then drive around in a huge parade with closed roads on Saturday morning in the Tour d’Elegance. Regular cool car or want to drool? Head to Fort Adams for the cars and coffee 8am-10am. Do you have a Porsche? Of course you do. So scrap those events and come to the Elms starting at 9am for our annual NER Porsche Concours event. Rod Emory hangs out with us there, Rob Sass from Panorama, and we’ll try to get a skiff out to Matt Farah, Spike Ferestein, and Jonny Lieberman who will like be hung over out on a boat in the harbor that morning. Prizes awarded at 12:30pm. When that’s all done, take in more cool seminars and then change into your tux for the Gala back over at the ITHOF. The ticketed prices…well…it’s for charity! And Kenny Loggins will play Highway To The Danger Zone a few times so you won’t miss out on hearing it, don’t worry! Now go to bed!

Porsche Concours 2019 at Chateau Sur Mer

NER Porsche Concours 2021 will be at The Elms mansion

Kenny Loggins plays Highway To The Danger Zone for the third time at the Breakers in Newport RI

Kenny Loggins plays to a full house at the Breakers mansion in 2019

Sunday 10/3

That alarm clock is going to hurt! 6:30am kicks off coffee and dawn patrol over at the Breakers for the main event, the big concours. Word is that there are both the crazy Pebble-beach type cars and also an innovative 30-under-30 class showcasing folks under 30yo with under $30k into their car. Rumor is that there will be 944s! This is your chance to meet Sandra Button from Pebble, Donald Osbourne, Jay Leno, you-name-it. All the heavy hitters will be at this one. And the cars are some of the best of the best. I’ll bet the Begovich 904, a nearly perfect specimen with 1,200 miles on it will be on display and will take home a trophy. Our own Lee Hower isn’t saying what he’s bringing, but you can bet it will be very impressive. It’s a car-person’s day of the year. So come on down to Newport and enjoy it all!

Allard at the Audrain Concours at the Breakers in 2019

Allard at the Audrain Concours at the Breakers in 2019

For more info: https://www.audrainconcours.com/2021-concours-week-at-a-glance

Tell us about your favorite parts of Motorweek!

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9/19/21 South of Boston (SoBo) Porsches and Coffee

Driving into Sweet Berry Farm I was surprised by the number of non-Porsches already parked on the lawn, more than 60.  The lawn provides overflow parking when parking demands become excessive.  It was apple picking day and I had never seen it so crowded.  On top of that, well before 11AM we had more than 90 Porsches squeezed into the grass field. Later we learned that many of the late-arriving Porsches had attended Audrain’s Cars and Coffee at the Polo grounds in Portsmouth. Our last count hit 100 or more. View additional photos of the day from Larry Levin.

Kevin-Donaldson-99-Boxster

Kevin Donaldson’s 99 Boxster

One of the early arrivals was Kevin Donaldson and his well optioned arctic silver 99 Boxster.  With full black supple leather, carbon fiber, along with white gauges, this Boxster is not ordinary. Kevin is the second owner of this recent February purchase showing just 37k.  Kevin said that he has had a fascination with the Porsche culture of brand engineering.

 

 

 

Bill and Kathy Beauregard's 1980 911 Targa

Bill and Kathy Beauregard’s 1980 911 Targa

Bill and Kathy Beauregard parked their silver, with blue interior 1980 Targa that they have owned for 35 years.  They are the second owner since 1986.  Although re-painted some years ago it is very clean and original looking.  Currently they have 90k miles on it, making it no garage queen.  Kathy added, to stay dry when caught in the rain with the top off, just drive really fast and the rain just goes over the top. 

 

 

 

Todd and Halley Garcig's 2007 911 S

Todd and Halley Garcig’s 2007 911 S

Todd Garcig and his daughter Haley arrived in his unmolested gray (black interior) 2007 911 S.  This is his second Porsche and has owned it for eight months; he is the third owner with the odometer showing 84k. The six-speed manual includes the Chrono package and white gauges.   His previous Porsche was a 79 911 S 2.7 liter that he kept for a year. Todd always wanted a Porsche saying, “unless you drive a Porsche it is hard to explain the driving experience”.

 

 

Bob Anastasi's 2005 911 Turbo S

Bob Anastasi’s 2005 911 Turbo S

Bob Anastasi, a familiar participant in all things Porsche came in his recent purchase, trading his 2018 Carrera S for a speed yellow 2005 Turbo S with carbon fiber option, yellow gauges and stitching   With a sticker price of 167k, this P car still has all the original bling. Bob, the third owner, purchased the car six months ago showing just 28k miles.  Behind the wheel Bob says that it is more analogic as opposed to the more modern digital, giving more feedback to the driver.

 

 

Brian Kramer's 1983 911 SC Cab

Brian Kramer’s 1983 911 SC Cab

Brian Kramer parked his white 911 SC cab with some of his added attributes, such as Jeep led headlights and a large stereo install in the frunk.  Brian is the third owner with 74k when purchased, now showing 116k..  The Porsche has a new top and seats, rebuilt transmission and other repairs.  Brian replaced the alternator himself.  Repainted an unknown time ago, the fit for an older cab looks very good; all the clearances seem original.  This is Brian’s first Porsche; since he was a little kid he always wanted a Porsche.  He doesn’t want to drive a perfectly restored Porsche; he wants a driver.

 

Our last SoBo of the season is scheduled for 17 October (10-Noon) at Sweet Berry Farm, 915 Mitchell’s Ln, Middletown, RI. The event as always is FREE, and no pre-registration is necessary. The only requirement is to park on the grass is your Porsche. A Porsche logo sign should be in place directing you to the parking area.  Sweet Berry Farm is child friendly, encouraging small children to enjoy a working farm, so when entering and exiting, drive carefully. And, as always, for any SoBo related questions, please email me at:  [email protected]

Rog Slocum, Middletown, RI

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KMC Team To Compete in IGT at Watkins Glen

Lawrence, MA – Kachel Motor Company announces a 4-car line up in International GT (IGT) at Watkins Glen September 9-12 marking the team’s debut. This event will be run with Trans AM and live streamed on the SVRA app. ”I am pleased to be part of such a wonderful event, International GT is a great series to showcase the KMC cars and drivers,” said Tim Kachel, owner of KMC. “This is our first event with IGT, and we are looking to make an impact in each of the classes we have entered. The drivers are excited to compete in this professional series with their KMC-prepped cars at one of the premier racetracks in the USA.”

Driver Lineup and Class:

  • Aubrey Bout, Class GT4.0, Car #027, 2019 991.2 GT3 Cup
  • Doug Oh, Class GT3.4 Car # 080, 2014 Cayman S
  • Michael Saia, Class GT3.6, Car #13, 2009 997.1 GT3 Cup
  • Darius Trinka, Class GT3.6, Car #15, 2007 997.1 GT3 Cup

Michael Saia, KMC Team Drivers Captain – “We are looking forward to competing at Watkins Glen with International GT in September. IGT has great cars and competitors and we are looking to podium (WIN!) in our respective classes.”

Julie Bentley, Director of Registration for International GT – ”With a field of 30 cars and growing, I welcome the KMC team and look forward to having them run with us at the Glen and at future events.” 

About Kachel Motor Company

The first Kachel Motor Company began in 1952 as a Studebaker Dealership, founded by William Harrison Kachel Jr. who had a strong love for automobiles. The love of automobiles has been carried through the generations to the present manager, Timothy J. Kachel, of Kachel Motor Company who is the Great Grandson of William Jr.

The passion is now German and Italian High Performance automobiles – selling, maintaining and custom fabricating to satisfy the needs for the “Love of Your Automobile”.

About International GT 

International GT is a North American racing series that includes three different championships for late model Porsche and Ferrari competitors. Home primarily to sportsman drivers, with the occasional professional driver/coach joining the action in endurance races, International GT annually presents The Stuttgart Cup, Mission Foods GT3 Cup Trophy and The Maranello Cup championships.

The Stuttgart Cup includes Cayman 3.4 and 3.8 liter cars. The Mission Foods GT3 Cup Trophy features 996, 997 and other GT3 Cup cars from the last decade. The Maranello Cup includes Ferrari 360, 430 and 458 challenge spec cars. All classes compete for season-long sprint championships.

With rare exception, all three divisions compete on track at the same time for individual class honors in their own and exclusive International GT run group. Most race weekends feature a minimum of one enduro and two sprint “points” races that count toward the season championships.

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NER Winter Beaters Vol. 3

What’s your name and where do you reside?

My name is Matthew Keefe, and I live in Framingham, Mass.

What’s your first Porsche experience ?

“It’s actually different than most. A few years back, I worked on a mobile app (Matt’s a professional software developer) called “Cayman Code” for the launch of the 981 Cayman.” 

“The app was pretty cool – designed so that Cayman owners could learn about their car. Porsche partnered with Patrick Dempsey and other drivers and celebrities. They pushed it hard to owners but never fully promoted it to a younger, broader audience.”

“There was a leaderboard for Porsche owners to measure (and compete on) acceleration, slalom, etc..” (And the lawyers agreed to this?!) *Laughs*

“The score was nebulous. We took out G-force because that would’ve been a big no-no.

Anyway, I tested the app in my BMW M3, and I couldn’t compete with the top scores. Some of it was driver ability at the time, but it opened my eyes to the car’s capability.”

What’s your history with PCA and New England?

The GT4 is Matt’s first Porsche. He did a ride and drive with Porsche Westwood a couple years back – they brought a GT4 on a trailer along with the then-current 991.1 911. “That was the moment I knew I really had to get one.” 

Winter driving:

“Right now, (the GT4) is kinda my daily driver, though I may not need to drive every day.” Matt also has a low-mile 05 Acura TL (40k miles – hang on to that future BringATrailer classic!) to transport the kids, but if he needs to run an errand, “I take the Porsche because it’s fun! That’s why I put the snow tires on the car. I want to drive it in the winter!” 

Photo Credits: Josh Sweeney (https://instagram.com/shootfordetails)

Did you ever have a moment that wasn’t so fun?

“Yes.” Matt describes in carbon-crunching detail an instance with a high-side after a big storm – he became a plow in his cul de sac at the expense of the front splitter. “Porsche considers it a wear item.” 

That wasn’t enough to turn him off, though! “I put it in reverse and rocked my way out. Being a manual car, it is more difficult to “creep.” (this was the 2nd time he had driven the GT4 in the snow!) If this happened out on the street, it would’ve been a different situation. 

“This gave me an extra thought of “do I need to go?” before I grab the keys in bad conditions. But I still wanna drive it in the winter and have fun. If it were a classic, I’d feel differently, but I bought the car to drive.”

Most fun driving moments (winter/non-winter)?

Winter – “definitely snowy parking lot shenanigans.” *Laughs* “If you haven’t enjoyed a couple, are you really from New England?”

Track days are a hobby, too – Matt’s GT4 has already made the rounds at local favorites. “So far – Thompson, Club Motorsports NH, and Palmer. For me, the biggest adventure was actually getting the car. My son and I flew to CO (Porsche Colorado Springs) and drove the car home 700mi a day. Right before COVID – we didn’t know what was gonna happen. I’m thankful we got the opportunity – if we knew what was gonna happen, we might not have gone.”

How are you keeping busy beyond cars this winter?

“Outside of cars, I’m spending more time with the kids! 

I’ve also gotten more into sim racing – been doing iRacing with friends and family across the country.” Matt upgraded his sim rig setup and just found out about sanctioned groups. (Psst – check out PCA Sim Racing!) “It’s fun to drive tracks I haven’t visited in person yet.”

Favorite and least favorite parts of winter?

 “I’m actually more of a spring and fall guy. Winter sports with friends and family in a normal year.”

Matt enjoys detailing cars – a hobby he can’t enjoy to the fullest with below-freezing temps.

“I’m falling back on the ceramic coating a bit. Learned that we’re all washing our cars with reclaimed, salty water in the winter – ouch!” 

What are the best and worst cars you’ve driven in the snow?

“The worst was hands-down my first car, 2001 Jetta. I once went straight – into a snowbank – when trying to turn (below the speed limit.) My then-girlfriend, now-wife wasn’t too impressed!” She got past it.

The best? “Hands down GT4. My M3 got stuck a couple times, even on snow tires. GT4 – not sure if it’s the weight distribution or the tires, but it hasn’t quit.”

Well said, Matt. We’re glad you’re staying safe and making the most of quarantine in your Guards Red GT4. If you’d like to keep up with Matt’s adventures, be sure to follow him on YouTube and Instagram!

https://youtube.com/coderman

https://www.instagram.com/red_gt4/

Are you ready for Spring? Write to us at [email protected] and let us know how you’ve been making the best of winter, and what you’re looking forward to as we thaw out.

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NER WINTER BEATERS VOL.2

What’s your name and where do you reside?

“Chris Bassett, normally I split time between Needham and Southboro (where my family is). But since COVID, we’ve been spending most of our time on Cape Cod (3-4 days a week.)

(Are you working from home, then?)

Yup, as a financial planner for Boston-based firm. I’m currently in the process of going back to business school.”

What’s your first Porsche experience ?

“*Laughs* Long long ago.” Chris’ Grandfather was a car collector (mostly European). He had the first Lamborghini (400GT) which he bought in 1968.

Chris’ Nextdoor neighbor was a former Porsche racecar driver. He had every kind of [classic and modern] Porsche imaginable. For his bday every year, he would give Chris’ dad his keys to one of his 911s for the weekend. “From 3 onward, I have these incredible memories of riding in every kind of 911 with my dad. That cemented it and I knew I needed one.”

Flash forward and Chris got his first Porsche – a 2008 Cayman S with 20,000 miles, in 2016. The owner had barely driven it. Owning the car for 3 years, he put 40,000 miles on it. “I loved that car. It’s still the best handling car I’ve ever driven. On, on-ramps and tight corners, it’s planted and just unbelievable. Zero body roll and such quick responses. The only thing I didn’t like as an enthusiast was not being able to see or touch the engine.”

In 2019, Chris purchased a 2014, 911. “That was the childhood dream for me. Everything about that car… there’s nothing I would change except a bit more power… Manual too. I store it in the wintertime on a battery tender but I do drive it three seasons (favorite is Fall.) It’s been so reliable – just oil changes and battery maintenance and it starts right up in the spring.

What’s your history with PCA and New England?

Chris got his Cayman in 2016 – so 2-3 years before that. He interned for a Porsche dealership in CA while in school and joined then. He tries to attend Cars and Coffee as much as possible and is planning to get on the track this year. Hoping there will be PCA new england track events this year!!! (Stay tuned for updated Chris, we’re excited to see you there!)

Winter driving:

Chris has an E92 3-series that he’s had since brand new – it now has 150,000 miles with X-drive and it’s been rock solid. “I sold it at one point when I moved back to Boston and was living in the North End. I just didn’t need a ‘daily’ as I had my Cayman and wasn’t driving during the week. [4 years later,] I moved to Newton, and bought the exact same car back, still in great condition. He (the buyer) didn’t need it anymore. In the family there are a couple other winter cars. Unfortunately, it’s [the 3-series] an automatic – but I’m a stick shift enthusiast for sure. If I never had to drive an automatic again I wouldn’t. All my other cars have been manual – when looking for the 911, I specifically wanted a manual.” The Cayman was also manual. 

“I choose not to drive my 911 in winter – but they are very well-engineered four-season capable cars. I wouldn’t be worried on the right tires – but since I have a “winter beater,” why not take advantage of it?”

 How are you keeping busy beyond cars this winter?

“Good question. Down on the Cape, we’re in a quiet community. I’ve been trying to walk and run; get as much fresh air as I can. It’s nice to have a beautiful and pretty empty place to feel a little bit more relaxed and not feel crowded.”

Chris is applying to schools and working has been taking up a lot of his time.. He has Been able to meet up with his dad to play tennis 3x a week – that’s another big passion that’s a little harder when it’s snowing.

 Favorite and least favorite parts of winter? 

Favorite: The scenery of New england in the snow (the day after a snowstorm) especially in Boston. “Looking across the harbor or walking down city streets to grab a pastry..”

Least favorite: “Salt on the roads! Can’t go anywhere without getting a carwash. *laughs*”

What are the best and worst cars you’ve driven in the snow?

Best: My sister has a Volvo XC90 – that thing is ‘unstoppable!’

Worst: “RWD E46 – at the time, it was on all seasons. Couldn’t go ANYWHERE in that – well, maybe sideways. Could get stuck going downhill.”

“Rental car once, Chevy cobalt on bald tires – I couldn’t even get out of the lot.”

Safe and Happy Driving Chris! We wish you the best of luck in your school search process and hope to see you get some hot laps on the track with us this year!

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NER Winter Beaters Vol.1

NER Winter Beaters Vol.1

What’s your name and where do you reside?

Joe Cracco –  Cumberland, RI

What’s your first Porsche experience ?

5 years ago – Joe was on vacation for his birthday. Part of the vacation was to pitstop and meet up with his buddy, Randall, a Porsche guy in Florida. Joe rented a Ferrari 458 for a few days and also drove Randall’s, Cayenne Turbo. A few day later, he ended up at a family party. At the party Joe met another Porsche guy, who had a 2012 Boxster Spyder (987.) They start talking cars and Joe V. asks the magic words –  “Wanna drive my Spyder?” – not 5 minutes later Joe mentions his reaction being “The Ferrari was great, but THIS Spyder IS AMAZING…I’M HOOKED!” (sounds about right)

What’s your history with PCA and New England?

After the Spyder experience and upon his return to RI, Joe joined PCA when he came home and started browsing. He went to The Mart. He wanted a 981, so he started looking at used Cayman S’s or GTS’s – with some specific requests. “It had to be sapphire blue, it had to have PDK, Sport Chrono, PASM, Sport Exhaust…..” Joe explained, “but every time I found exactly the right car, it was sold. Then I hear about the 718 Spyder” in late 2017. ” So I go the dealership, put my name on a list for the Spyder (which still doesn’t officially exist yet). I scour the internet every day looking for the official release announcement, but it doesn’t get announced…months go by…I am driving myself bananas!” It had now been 2.5 years since driving the Spyder in Florida, and Joe still doesn’t own a Porsche! “Finally, I got sick of waiting so I call them (Porsche Warwick) and ask, what the hell do you have on the lot? After saying I’d never get a convertible, I got a 2013 Boxster (981) in Aug 2018. I was freakin’ hooked!” A year goes by and it’s Oct 2019… “I am scrolling on Cargurus and I see it! The 2014 Cayman S with all the options I’d been looking for.  I told my wife Amy I am trading in my Boxster (she rolls her eyes). After days of trying to get the car, Joe gets an email…”You still want the car?” it was in western PA and Joe couldn’t travel. The Porsche guy friend from Florida flies to, CT then drives to Cumberland RI, to help Joe out. “He grabbed the Boxster from my house, drove it to western PA, picked up my my Cayman S but it wasn’t until two weeks later that he drove the car back to me. Meanwhile, in those two weeks, he took it to our high school reunion, and there were videos of people doing triple digits in my car before I even saw it. He eventually delivered my Cayman S dream car to me…and you know what I learned? I LOVED the convertible more than the Cayman…… and the 2021 Spyder is a convertible GT4.”

Winter driving:

“If it’s 38 or higher my top is down with the heat on” ( Despite my telling Joe I thought his idea was crazy, he iterated that a convertible is meant to be driven with the top down – Fair point, Joe)

 How are you keeping busy beyond cars this winter?

“Skiing, snow shoe-ing, hangin’ out in the cabin. Leukemia paused my business for 1.5 yrs…now I am getting the business back up (after 21 years of running it all along)…and making maple syrup”

Favorite and least favorite parts of winter? 

Favorite – winter activities 

Least Favorite – having to work a job site in the winter 

What are the best and worst cars you’ve driven in the snow?

Best: “I loved my Subaru (2.5L, 5 speed Legacy Wagon with Blizzaks) and my buddy Andy’s Mazda 323GTX was a hoot doing ice racing” (Joe has a knack for the track and Auto X and has been involved in these since the 80s)

Worst: “A car my dad was going to get for me and my sister to share – It was a late 70s Corolla, so i said no thanks and got my own car, a Datsun 200sx” (either car would be highly respected and sought after in the JDM culture today). Correction: the Datsun 200SX was 5 cars later.  My first car was an early 70’s K5 Chevy Blazer (blew the engine within a year), then I got a Fox-body Mercury Capri 5.0 liter (lots of fun w/ that!), then a piece of $#!t, rusted out VW Rabbit, then a ’55 Chevy wagon (stylish and fun, but not a commuter car), THEN my first Datsun 200 SX (then an ’89 Mazda MX-6 GT Turbo, then another Datsun 200SX and on and on….Volvo, Acura, Subaru, Ford, Chevy, Porsche)

 Any words of encouragement for members who don’t drive their Porsches in the winter?

“Everybody’s got a different take on this thing…they say I they don’t wanna get salt on it, or get hit by another car, or I have a truck. I have a 4WD truck too. The roads are perfectly dry right now (January). If you have a car you love, why go through the fuel stabilizer and surround it with mothballs, and try to avoid a mouse living in the car? Just drive it! I’m driving a 2021 Spyder in the winter, so you can drive your Carrera 4 or anything else…just try it once. I don’t know, maybe I am too addicted to my car.”

Cheers to many more smiles per hour in your 2021 Spyder Joe! (no freon was wasted during the making this NER WinterBeaters”

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Porsche Passion Wanted

Volunteers like you are the life of our club! We have open positions on the 2019 NER PCA Board and you would be perfect for one of them.  The open positions are:

Treasurer – This role manages all club financials.  They will cut checks, transfer money from both Motorsportreg and Clubregistration, and provide monthly financial information to the other members of the board.

VP Communications – This role creates the NOR’EASTER and directs all club communications, working with the Membership Chair for email notifications and Webmaster for online and social media notifications.

VP Admin – This role, with team, establishes the socials, tech sessions, annual gala (the events where cars don’t move during the event)

VP Driving – This role will oversee the Driver Education Committee, Autocross Committee, Ramble & Concours Committees (each committee has a chairperson and a team that produce each event – this role provides information across all of these committees to keep all efforts in sync).  This person will also manage the relationships for advertising and sponsorships.

If interested in one of these board roles, please contact Kristin Larson, Nominating Chair, at [email protected] or 978-302-3634

2018 Annual Gala Silent Auction – Our annual gala normally includes a silent auction with proceeds going to our club charity. There were quite a few exciting items up for bids last year at our event at the Museum of Science and we are hoping for a similar experience at our gala in January at the Newport Car Museum. You will have an opportunity to contact many of our sponsors and advertisers, as well as businesses and vendors of your choice, to arrange items for the auction.  We hope to fill this role by September. It may require roughly 10 hours per month requesting items, recording donations and supervising a team who will set up the displays at the actual event.”  Please contact Bill Seymour or Glenn Champagne to help out with it.

pca-ner-january-2018-gala-museum-of-science

 

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The Challenge of Saffron

Saffron is beautiful, suble, exotic. And incredibly difficult to produce. As this video points out, it takes the stamen from 10,000 flowers to produce about 2 ounces (your standard size spice bottle) of saffron for cooking. And it has to be harvested by hand due to the inherent delicacy. So when Porsche names a new paint color, Saffron Yellow Metallic, you know there is something going on behind the scenes.

Major complexity. That is what is going on behind the scenes. This paint goes down in stages. First there is the base color coat for the yellow color. Then they put down a clear coat to make it pop. You could stop there. But not Porsche. They add another very complicated layer of metal-oxide-coated mica to create a shimmery final finish. They need to hand-sand cars between coats with this finish. Even the thickness of the finish can affect the consistency and final appearance of this paint. And then a final clear coat. Four layers in total.

Beauty certainly never comes without some sacrifice. Your wallet will surely need to make some sacrifices to offset the effort that Porsche has gone to to provide this option. Is this flavor is right for you? Who knows? But it can’t hurt to take a little taste, now can it. Hopefully we’ll see one of these in person soon enough. Is Saffron Yellow Metallic the next Miami Blue? 

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