I grew up in Columbia, MD, a suburb about half way between Baltimore and Washington DC. Even as a little kid, I was fascinated with Porsches; be it Hotwheels replicas,
Jazz (the Autobot from Transformers that could transform between a robot and a Martini Racing 935), or the various simulations in my favorite video games. In my adult life, I have been fortunate enough to own a Porsche and proudly joined the Porsche Club of America (PCA). As a member, I can’t help but smile when the monthly member magazine, Panorama arrives in my mailbox from an address in Columbia, MD.
Recently, I took a trip back to Columbia to visit family. As usual, the trip had me running all over my old stomping ground to catch up with as many high school and college friends and family member as possible. But this time around, I ended up with a free hour and my mom’s car while she got her nails done. So, I put the address of PCA’s headquarters into the navigation system and off I went.
Now, it was a Saturday afternoon when I was doing this. So, I kind of figured the office would be closed. Further, I assumed that since this really is a club off enthusiasts and not a blue chip company the office space would be a fairly small space in an office park. But that didn’t stop me from fantasizing. As I drove to my destination, I joked with a friend on the phone (don’t worry, it was hands free) about what would be ideal. The parking lot would be lined with exotic examples from Porsche’s stable. A 959, a Martini Racing car, maybe even an unannounced vehicle set to make its debut two years from now. The facilities would not be complete without a test track behind the building. Maybe a couple models posing next to the latest 911 for some random car magazine. And of course all visitors could buy their car of choice for 25% (ok, this all might not be funny to you, but the idea of actually getting a discount on anything from Porsche had to make you laugh)?
So, yeah, it didn’t quite live up to those expectations, but I really did luck out on my visit. I knew I was in the right place when I pulled into the parking lot and saw a Concours-ready 944 Turbo, Boxster, and Cayman. I was ready to take a quick photo of the outside office of the office and leave, but I noticed the lights were and people were moving around, so I headed in. The club’s National Secretary, Caren Cooper, greeted me. I told her my story and she informed me that I had actually just missed an open house. Apparently it was a big enough deal that the county executive dropped by and declared Sept. 24th ,2011 as Porsche Club of America Day. The up side of my tardiness was that I got my own private tour from Ms. Cooper! How’s that for dumb luck.
The tour started at a replica dinner table where the Porsche was founded over 50 years ago. Next to the table was a display case filled with Porsche related memorabilia. Perhaps the most interesting piece in the collection was a log book. Engineers and Porsche employees involved with the 356 checked out a test mule 356 named “Ferdinand” and left their comments in the book. The most noteworthy signature in the book: Ferdinand Porsche.
Also in this collection were notes from Dr. Helmut Bott, the designer of the legendary 959. When he passed away, Mr. Bott’s heirs offered the collection of notes to the Porsche factory to add to the Porsche Museum. The factory turned down the offer. Years later, younger Porsche family members were shocked to find out that the notes existed and were part of PCA’s collection.
Next was a showcase of winners of Winners of Porsche Parade events. Included in this collection was the original Porsche Parade trophy own loan from PCA charter member’s Jack and Ginny Case. At their request, the trophy remains in its glorious, unpolished state.
Unfortunately, the models posing next to 911s left a little to be desired. There actually was a section of the office space dedicated to staging and photographing vehicles. Club executive director, Vu T. H. Nguyen was kind enough to let me take a photo of him and his Black 996. He a handsome man and all, but doubt any of us will be looking forward to seeing him on the cover of next year’s Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition.
His car however, could grace the cover of any magazine. His black 996 was tricked out with black wheels, custom flat black hood, and rear spoiler inspired by the GT2RS. The rear spoiler was a real show piece. It sports a glossy black finish to match the car with the club name inscribed in a black matte finish. Now THAT is how to represent the club!
Even the conference room was overflowing with memorability. A map of the Weissach test track was framed and mounted on the wall. Apparently only a handful of these exist. In the corner was a pallet of vintage Porsche posters.
Perhaps the least exciting, but most necessary section of the office was the actual office space. Here, a handful of paid employees managed the club’s 105,000 members and roughly 3,000 events held annually. Most of this space was dedicated to archiving documents.
One nifty fact for us Seattleites is that the PCA logo light box was designed by Glass Art Print Company. You are probably more familiar with their more common sign manufactured for Starbucks.
Like an alarm clock waking me from a dream, my mobile phone rang. My mom was ready to be picked up. In parting, the club officials let me know that the doors are always open and that they are always happy to trade tales with fellow enthusiasts. So, if you get a chance, stop by.
Pics
https://picasaweb.google.com/110551311021667955130/PCAHQ?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCIbh2uzuzJDIdw&feat=directlink
Links
PCA:
http://www.pca.org/
