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During August I had the privilege of attending the second Classic Round Table Conference at Nurburgring, closely followed by the Old timers Grand Prix. (To be at Nurburgring for a conference and not include the Classic racing in one’s visit can be compared to refusing an invitation from Angelina Jolie to come upstairs for a nightcap after dinner).

The conference was attended by over 30 dealers from around the world, including Japan, Hong Kong, USA and China. The good news is that Porsche Germany are taking Classic seriously, with decent focus on the re-introduction of new parts, (300 a year is the goal), more support for the dealers, more training for our technicians and increased information infrastructure. During the dealer’s presentations it was amazing to see the amount of “show business” the USA dealers put into their events, also encouraging to find that all dealers are experiencing the identical problems and finding their own solutions. We received a VIP visit in the form of Derek Bell and a Le Mans winning Porsche 962. After chatting to us, the 962 was started, (with a simple key) and revved up. That sound goes straight to your soul. Derek told us how, during earlier Le Mans events driving the 917, he would run for one full minute down the old 6 km Mulsanne straight with foot flat at 8100rpm, at speeds approaching 380 km/h, lap after lap. Only when he pitted, the race engineer informed him that, at just over 8200 rpm, the engine lets go!

I was privileged to be a guest at the Porsche VIP stand for the Saturday races of the Old timers Grand Prix. It’s not really a stand, it’s effectively a small village. The massive VIP tent takes 1000 guests, with a viewing deck and separate bar lounge attached. Across the road a giant Classic tent, some transaxle cars displayed there, including a 968 Clubsport with 60km on the clock and an ex Hans Stuck 928 with 80 km on the clock. Where do they find them! From there another huge display tent for Exclusive department, above it another viewing deck. Special demarcated parking areas for each Porsche model and an incredible mix of cars. By comparison, every other motor brand’s attempt at a hospitality facility was so insignificant it was embarrassing.

On to the racing. Historic Formula one cars from 1966 to 1985, Historic Sports cars covering Porsche 910, Porsche 904, Ferrari’s, Chevrons and Lola’s . Pre 1965 Gentlemen drivers class, full of 911’s, E-type Jags that are super quick, real Cobra’s,  Aston’s and a Ferrari 250 GT. German Masters class covering 911 RSR’s, 935’s the BMW M1 Pro-cars.  All of the cars are prepared to a level that we seldom see here and most events field over 30 entries per heat, the heats lasting over 20 mins each. No accidents, very few machines fail, and as a rule the cars are driven exceptionally well at close to their maximum, with plenty of sideways action. Besides the visual spectacle, the sounds at the track are completely up-lifting. No one runs any form of baffles and there appears to be zero noise restriction at the circuit. Listening to the definitive formula 1 cars with Cosworth V8 DFV 3 litre motor flying past at 10 000rpm, then blipping down through the box.  A group of 5 Porsche 356’s in an extreme state of tune with their wild camshafts, struggling to idle in the pits. Porsche  935’s with their low bass drone easily blasting past slower cars, and then the straight six BMW M1 Pro-cars screaming by at 9000rpm, these are sounds that stay in your head for days after. The racing carries on till 21:30, at which time sundowners are in order and the locals are just starting to bond with their Bitburger draft beers.  The Porsche hospitality tent is rocking to the sounds of an incredibly talented live band, followed by a huge fireworks display. What an experience!