A few months ago, while in Brooklyn, NY, I stumbled upon a magnificent 944 driven by a very young guy- the fact that in such a young age he drove a car like that made me curious about his story and I knew immediately I wanted him on Carphiles. The heavy traffic was on my side, as I decided to approach him. It gave me the time to walk up to him, and awkwardly introduce myself, giving him the Carphiles business card. “If you like the project and you want to be featured give me a call!” and so he did on that same afternoon. Here is what we talked about:
Tell me about yourself.
My name is Gregory. Iām 26 years young and I work for Bonhams Auctioneers, in the collectorsā motorcar department.
What was your first car?
The car was a ā97 Laser Red Audi A4, 1.8T sedan. I purchased it from the original owner who ticked every box for options except one: Quattro, surely something youād like during Northeast winters. No matter, it didnāt stop me from loving the car. It had manually operated, heated cloth sports seats in grey, how could you beat that?
How did you first become interested in cars and why especially in Porsche?
I was fortunate enough to have a relationship with my dad. He continually had interesting cars, always restoring, buying, selling, and trading. When I was young, he had a 1970 Dodge Challenger T/A, red over black, a ā90 Dodge Shadow Competition Package (1/30) and an ā87 Porsche 944 Turbo…but those cars were soon traded for others, and those were traded too.
From sitting in the childās seat to the passenger, to eventually pirouetting the car around a track, although Iāve changed, the car has remained constant. Porsche to me has always been aspirational and Iāve always admired them. The differences between an ā84 and an ā85 or a ā68 and a ā69 are subtle but linear. I love the evolution.
How and when did you come across the 944?
Iāve always been a fan of the transaxle cars, especially 968s. Although my experience was more so around 968s, I wanted something different. Where 1980s fashion meets German function, out came the stylistic 944, and I needed one. I was looking for some time, but nothing really came up. Finally, I saw a listing for a car in Connecticut, in the local Porsche community classifieds. I got a few photos and knew it was a good one. One weekend with a friend, some cash, and a plate, we signed the papers and passed the ownership.
Do you know about your 944’s history and previous owners and do you have any particular story to tell?
I moved on this car because of how honest of an example it was, complete with all the books, toolkit, and invoices since new. The owner before me was a machinist, he ensured the car was perfect from a mechanical perspective. He had the car for most of its life! Iām just the 3rd owner. The car has original Fuchs wheels and is complete with Sport Seats, a Sport Steering Wheel, and a Limited Slip Differential.
What is it about transaxle Porsche you like compared to traditional air-cooled machines?
To me, the car is faultless. Every angle, every aspect is pure. There is no vanity, only purpose. As I drive along, visibility is clear and the chassis poised. Iāve moved an electric piano in this car, I moved a mattress with this car. Itās a no-nonsense, no compromise sports car which to me fundamentally surpasses its air-cooled brethren.
Whatās your favorite detail or what do you love most about your car?
I love the simplicity of the early 944s model. From the 5-digit dash, to the 1pm positioned tach which sweeps down. It goes back to that whole, āno nonsense, no compromiseā bit I said earlier.
What is your favorite memory with your 944?
The car gets used a lot as a prop in whatever nonsense my friends and I get into. It’s privy to some startling stuff.
How does it feel to drive a classic car in a city with a lot of traffic like New York? You use it every day?
Itās an absolute delight really. The City offers a unique set of challenges. Try timing the lights – ask any cab driver this. Servicing a car isnāt super easy in the city. A friend and I found a quiet spot under a bridge here in Brooklyn – surely a great place to do a brake job. As for everyday use? I stick to being chauffeured with the help from the M local train.
Is there any other classic car you would like to have?
There are so many. If I was to stay in the transaxle world, Iād like a ā93 968 Turbo S, one that hasnāt been converted into a racecar: Porsche created just 16 examples. Going pre-war, Iād love a brass-era Ford Model T. A Lancia Flaminia 3C Coupe would be great in my stable, as would a ā71 Plymouth Cuda.
Always service your car.
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