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Post by Bat Lanyard on Mar 17, 2021 22:49:19 GMT -6
Growing up, the Porsche 911 was my dream car. Later in my "almost making it" years in the mid 90's, Catherine Wheel was one of my favorite bands.
Lead singer, Rob Dickinson (Bruce "Big" Dickinson's cousin), retreated to LA when the success arc declined, bought a vintage 70's 911 and had it restored which inspired him to start his company Singer which does super high-end recreations/restorations of a very small window of 911's in both year and model. Only air cooled, 964's etc.
A couple of things that fascinate me is how little his history as a pretty major rockstar is ever a part of the car discussion. And also that he seems to have taken what Singer does to a level that most cannot achieve. There's other Porsche rebuild shops out there, but no one does it like Singer does.
I had a few years in the early '00 where we were keeping my then mother-in-law's all original '83 911 Cabriolet which only enhanced my passion for the 911. I did a few minor projects on it like clutch cable replacement following Pelican Part's excellent books. That car was amazing to drive.
Search up Singer Porsche and you will be amazed at the absolute beauty of the cars they create. They're just stunning. Like the finest audio gear you can imagine. And yes, only a-holes with cash can enjoy them, lol. Would love to ask Rob one day about how full-circle that feels as a former rockstar turned amazing Porsche artist.
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ericn
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Post by ericn on Mar 19, 2021 21:29:55 GMT -6
Growing up, the Porsche 911 was my dream car. Later in my "almost making it" years in the mid 90's, Catherine Wheel was one of my favorite bands. Lead singer, Rob Dickinson (Bruce "Big" Dickinson's cousin), retreated to LA when the success arc declined, bought a vintage 70's 911 and had it restored which inspired him to start his company Singer which does super high-end recreations/restorations of a very small window of 911's in both year and model. Only air cooled, 964's etc. A couple of things that fascinate me is how little his history as a pretty major rockstar is ever a part of the car discussion. And also that he seems to have taken what Singer does to a level that most cannot achieve. There's other Porsche rebuild shops out there, but no one does it like Singer does. I had a few years in the early '00 where we were keeping my then mother-in-law's all original '83 911 Cabriolet which only enhanced my passion for the 911. I did a few minor projects on it like clutch cable replacement following Pelican Part's excellent books. That car was amazing to drive. Search up Singer Porsche and you will be amazed at the absolute beauty of the cars they create. They're just stunning. Like the finest audio gear you can imagine. And yes, only a-holes with cash can enjoy them, lol. Would love to ask Rob one day about how full-circle that feels as a former rockstar turned amazing Porsche artist. Hey now, take a look at the Kelley Moss Safari! I’ll never forget my first visit to the KMR Garage seeing all the legendary Porsche Racing Machines, still don’t have the guts to tell the guys that I was with a friend when he destroyed his dads KMR twin turbo slant nose. |
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Post by Bat Lanyard on Mar 19, 2021 21:43:28 GMT -6
Hey now, take a look at the Kelley Moss Safari! I’ll never forget my first visit to the KMR Garage seeing all the legendary Porsche Racing Machines, still don’t have the guts to tell the guys that I was with a friend when he destroyed his dads KMR twin turbo slant nose. Will have to do the rabbit hole on those, thanks for the head's up! So cool you know those guys. Looks like the Singer rally is a bit of insider comp in that world for sure. I wonder though if the quilted finish on a white KMS wasn't inspired by Singer's general approach. Awfully close. |
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Post by Deleted on Mar 20, 2021 7:48:45 GMT -6
I see lots of 911s out here in Utah. But it's always a treat when one of the old air-cooled ones goes by. Sounds like a lawnmower. I personally wouldn't mind if someone dropped a 356 Speedster in my driveway.
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Post by dmo on Mar 20, 2021 10:05:24 GMT -6
I really wasn't much of a Porsche guy growing up - but as I got older I gained an appreciation for the engineering and dedication (passion sounds too Italian) Porsche put into the brand. Looks like Singer does a great job building some exceptional vehicles. My late teen dream car was a Ferrari daytona spyder (before popularized on Miami Vice) - but that was something that was never going to be within reach. There is some irony that I ended up with/kept the Daytona Charger.
Fast forward to present - my daily driver is a 2015 Boxster GTS (hope that doesn't make me just another a-hole with cash Bat  ) It's not the fastest car I've owned/own, and some folks think convertibles in the PNW are poor choices, but it's just a great fun car from point A to point B. Admittedly, most of my driving is solo and going to/from work - but it is so balanced and responsive that even those short commutes can be fun little drives. And if it's over 40 and not raining, the top is down - no better way to clear the head and put a 12 hour shift behind than that.
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Post by Bat Lanyard on Mar 21, 2021 23:29:39 GMT -6
I really wasn't much of a Porsche guy growing up - but as I got older I gained an appreciation for the engineering and dedication (passion sounds too Italian) Porsche put into the brand. Looks like Singer does a great job building some exceptional vehicles. My late teen dream car was a Ferrari daytona spyder (before popularized on Miami Vice) - but that was something that was never going to be within reach. There is some irony that I ended up with/kept the Daytona Charger.
Fast forward to present - my daily driver is a 2015 Boxster GTS (hope that doesn't make me just another a-hole with cash Bat ) It's not the fastest car I've owned/own, and some folks think convertibles in the PNW are poor choices, but it's just a great fun car from point A to point B. Admittedly, most of my driving is solo and going to/from work - but it is so balanced and responsive that even those short commutes can be fun little drives. And if it's over 40 and not raining, the top is down - no better way to clear the head and put a 12 hour shift behind than that.
A-hole, dude, not a problem! Everyone has their jam. The Boxsters look pretty killer and I'm sure are amazing to drive. I hear you on the not-Porsche guy thing. I grew up in the 80's though and the sound of the door shutting in a 911 was beauty. Mystic Pizza was a good reference. But, what solidified it for me was a really spare movie starring Charlie Sheen and D.B Sweeney called "No Man's Land". I had Car & Driver and Road Track subs at the time and when Charlie said "Italian trash..." I was sold. I haven't been in or around any exotics but there's nothing like the sound of an 80's 911 door clutch. It's just goddamn beautiful to hear. |
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Post by Deleted on Mar 22, 2021 8:41:48 GMT -6
I really wasn't much of a Porsche guy growing up - but as I got older I gained an appreciation for the engineering and dedication (passion sounds too Italian) Porsche put into the brand. Looks like Singer does a great job building some exceptional vehicles. My late teen dream car was a Ferrari daytona spyder (before popularized on Miami Vice) - but that was something that was never going to be within reach. There is some irony that I ended up with/kept the Daytona Charger.
Fast forward to present - my daily driver is a 2015 Boxster GTS (hope that doesn't make me just another a-hole with cash Bat ) It's not the fastest car I've owned/own, and some folks think convertibles in the PNW are poor choices, but it's just a great fun car from point A to point B. Admittedly, most of my driving is solo and going to/from work - but it is so balanced and responsive that even those short commutes can be fun little drives. And if it's over 40 and not raining, the top is down - no better way to clear the head and put a 12 hour shift behind than that.
When I was growing up, the sports cars in my part of the world were British--MGs, Healys, Triumphs and so on. So I always loved the feeling you were going faster than you really were. I learned to drive on an MG Magnette sedan, so I quickly learned that the last thing I really wanted to own was a British car. Fast forward to now. My daily driver is a GT-86. That--along with the Miata--are the current equivalents of those old roadsters and GTs. Affordable, reasonably quick and perfectly balanced with a great road feel. It's fun on a trip to the grocers and more fun carving up the local canyons. I think of my car as a British car that actually works. |
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Post by Ward on Mar 22, 2021 8:51:18 GMT -6
I see lots of 911s out here in Utah. But it's always a treat when one of the old air-cooled ones goes by. Sounds like a lawnmower. I personally wouldn't mind if someone dropped a 356 Speedster in my driveway. Sure. What color would you like? |
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Post by ericn on Mar 22, 2021 9:02:30 GMT -6
I really wasn't much of a Porsche guy growing up - but as I got older I gained an appreciation for the engineering and dedication (passion sounds too Italian) Porsche put into the brand. Looks like Singer does a great job building some exceptional vehicles. My late teen dream car was a Ferrari daytona spyder (before popularized on Miami Vice) - but that was something that was never going to be within reach. There is some irony that I ended up with/kept the Daytona Charger.
Fast forward to present - my daily driver is a 2015 Boxster GTS (hope that doesn't make me just another a-hole with cash Bat ) It's not the fastest car I've owned/own, and some folks think convertibles in the PNW are poor choices, but it's just a great fun car from point A to point B. Admittedly, most of my driving is solo and going to/from work - but it is so balanced and responsive that even those short commutes can be fun little drives. And if it's over 40 and not raining, the top is down - no better way to clear the head and put a 12 hour shift behind than that.
The Boxter is a hell of a lot of fun, one of the best times I ever had behind the wheel was a a Kelley Moss Boxter they had dropped a twin turbo race engine in, I picked up a friend with a badge and a bubble. |
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Post by ericn on Mar 22, 2021 9:05:20 GMT -6
I really wasn't much of a Porsche guy growing up - but as I got older I gained an appreciation for the engineering and dedication (passion sounds too Italian) Porsche put into the brand. Looks like Singer does a great job building some exceptional vehicles. My late teen dream car was a Ferrari daytona spyder (before popularized on Miami Vice) - but that was something that was never going to be within reach. There is some irony that I ended up with/kept the Daytona Charger.
Fast forward to present - my daily driver is a 2015 Boxster GTS (hope that doesn't make me just another a-hole with cash Bat ) It's not the fastest car I've owned/own, and some folks think convertibles in the PNW are poor choices, but it's just a great fun car from point A to point B. Admittedly, most of my driving is solo and going to/from work - but it is so balanced and responsive that even those short commutes can be fun little drives. And if it's over 40 and not raining, the top is down - no better way to clear the head and put a 12 hour shift behind than that.
When I was growing up, the sports cars in my part of the world were British--MGs, Healys, Triumphs and so on. So I always loved the feeling you were going faster than you really were. I learned to drive on an MG Magnette sedan, so I quickly learned that the last thing I really wanted to own was a British car. Fast forward to now. My daily driver is a GT-86. That--along with the Miata--are the current equivalents of those old roadsters and GTs. Affordable, reasonably quick and perfectly balanced with a great road feel. It's fun on a trip to the grocers and more fun carving up the local canyons. I think of my car as a British car that actually works. Michael you need to go for a test drive in a Tesla model 3 with the Performance Pkg, the feel of those G’s knocking you back is addictive as hell. |
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Post by Deleted on Mar 22, 2021 10:02:29 GMT -6
When I was growing up, the sports cars in my part of the world were British--MGs, Healys, Triumphs and so on. So I always loved the feeling you were going faster than you really were. I learned to drive on an MG Magnette sedan, so I quickly learned that the last thing I really wanted to own was a British car. Fast forward to now. My daily driver is a GT-86. That--along with the Miata--are the current equivalents of those old roadsters and GTs. Affordable, reasonably quick and perfectly balanced with a great road feel. It's fun on a trip to the grocers and more fun carving up the local canyons. I think of my car as a British car that actually works. Michael you need to go for a test drive in a Tesla model 3 with the Performance Pkg, the feel of those G’s knocking you back is addictive as hell. I've not driven the Tesla, but I've driven late-model muscle cars like the Camaro SS and the Charger SRT. So I'm not unfamiliar with G forces. It's fun, but I'd rather be using 80% of what a car can give than 10%. And of course I'm never going to track anything (other than clarinets, violins and so on). I figure my next car will be electric, so I'll get accustomed to instant torque then. PS - back in the day I also drove most of the original muscle cars (I still remember the clutch in a GTO). But I'm an old-fashioned sports-car guy at heart. |
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Post by dmo on Mar 22, 2021 12:02:38 GMT -6
Michael, Sounds like you and I had similar experiences growing up. The sports cars around were all British, fun to drive (when running) and there was a pretty distinct divide between the muscle and sports car types. I was interested in both but ultimately I became more interested in handling over 1/4 mile times and drifted into the sport car camp. When I left USN first time (76) I went through several used sports cars - 71 240Z (ice patch +tree=engine in passenger seat), 73 240Z (rusted/broken frame rails), 76 Alfetta GT (made British cars look reliable but great handling car). All fun cars but took time to keep them running, so when I went to med school I chose practical transportation over fun.
I still really like the Miata as well - have owned 2 (still have the second). Thought really hard about getting one before I got the Boxster in 2016 as the cost/performance favors the Miata - but my wife really doesn't like mine.
My Miata (94 body) built my Monster Motorsports in CA mid 90's - the "mega monster" miata. Drive train by Ford, started as supercharged 302 but upgraded engine in 2013 - Kenne Bell supercharged 331 racing block dyno's at 500+ RWHP. It's LOUD - and with the wife's hearing loss she can't hear a thing in or near it. It's also a high maintenance vehicle (she didn't know me in my youth) and dislikes the somewhat vexing reliability issues. I think she wanted me to get the Boxster so I'd sell the Miata - but at this point I can't get out what I've put in and occasionally I really enjoy the NASCAR like sound track.
Eric,
Oh I'm sure we could share some close encounters with LE stories - does tend to happen with modified/non-stock cars.
Clip from Cars and Coffe Irving - first outing FF to 8:55 (you can hear it before you see it). Cops were out so cutouts closed
Had left car in CA to resolve some clutch issues when I first retired and came back to PNW - Martin sent me this clip to show me clutch was fixed
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Post by Deleted on Mar 22, 2021 13:53:37 GMT -6
Michael, Sounds like you and I had similar experiences growing up. The sports cars around were all British, fun to drive (when running) and there was a pretty distinct divide between the muscle and sports car types. Had left car in CA to resolve some clutch issues when I first retired and came back to PNW - Martin sent me this clip to show me clutch was fixed
That might be about the loudest Miata I've heard. I didn't own that many fun cars--just drove 'em when the opportunity arose. Most of my cars were more in the boîte de merde category. But it did learn the primary rule about British cars from a friend with an MG-TD: Don't drive any farther than you want to walk home. I had a particularly nasty Chevette for far too many years. One of my neighbors (and a really good guy) was Ray Magliozzi. He and Tom talked about doing a s***box calendar as a fundraiser and he told me that car would rate a month of its own. |
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Post by Bat Lanyard on Mar 22, 2021 21:03:03 GMT -6
Michael you need to go for a test drive in a Tesla model 3 with the Performance Pkg, the feel of those G’s knocking you back is addictive as hell. Haven't ridden in one yet, but I hear that is actually the shit balls awesome. |
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Post by Bat Lanyard on Mar 22, 2021 21:06:16 GMT -6
I really wasn't much of a Porsche guy growing up - but as I got older I gained an appreciation for the engineering and dedication (passion sounds too Italian) Porsche put into the brand. Looks like Singer does a great job building some exceptional vehicles. My late teen dream car was a Ferrari daytona spyder (before popularized on Miami Vice) - but that was something that was never going to be within reach. There is some irony that I ended up with/kept the Daytona Charger.
Fast forward to present - my daily driver is a 2015 Boxster GTS (hope that doesn't make me just another a-hole with cash Bat ) It's not the fastest car I've owned/own, and some folks think convertibles in the PNW are poor choices, but it's just a great fun car from point A to point B. Admittedly, most of my driving is solo and going to/from work - but it is so balanced and responsive that even those short commutes can be fun little drives. And if it's over 40 and not raining, the top is down - no better way to clear the head and put a 12 hour shift behind than that. When I was growing up, the sports cars in my part of the world were British--MGs, Healys, Triumphs and so on. So I always loved the feeling you were going faster than you really were. I learned to drive on an MG Magnette sedan, so I quickly learned that the last thing I really wanted to own was a British car. Fast forward to now. My daily driver is a GT-86. That--along with the Miata--are the current equivalents of those old roadsters and GTs. Affordable, reasonably quick and perfectly balanced with a great road feel. It's fun on a trip to the grocers and more fun carving up the local canyons. I think of my car as a British car that actually works. Totally on the equivalents. My buddy in high school had an old bug that handled and drove awesome. Gave you the feeling. |
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) It's not the fastest car I've owned/own, and some folks think convertibles in the PNW are poor choices, but it's just a great fun car from point A to point B. Admittedly, most of my driving is solo and going to/from work - but it is so balanced and responsive that even those short commutes can be fun little drives. And if it's over 40 and not raining, the top is down - no better way to clear the head and put a 12 hour shift behind than that. 