Horizontally Opposed - First Settlers Region PCA

Horizontally 

Opposed 

First Settlers Region 

Porsche Club of America 

September/October 2008 

2008 PCA Parade Issue: Bobby Smith Wins FTD 

“Parade Attendees Have a Few Words” 

Ballot for 2008 Elections: Cantidates Speak Up 

Zone and National Corner

2 PCA First Settlers Region http://fst.pca.org

Racing 

Don’t Gamble with your Porsche! 

Abacus Racing & Machine is proud to announce the newest addition to our 

team - Derek Zelms, former lead technician and owner of Eurosport. 

Derek’s 33 years of Porsche experience makes choosing Abacus a sure 

thing - never a gamble! So bring your car by today, and experience what it 

feels like to have a winning hand every time! 

757.363.8878 

www.abacusracing.com 

1372 Baker Road - Virginia Beach, VA 23455 

PCA First Settlers Region http://fst.pca.org 

3


Horizontally Opposed 

Porsche Club of America First Settlers Region 

Officers 

President 

Steve Carter 

scarter@tcco.com 

(202) 369-0719 

Eastern VP 

John Kopp 

john@racewerks.com 

(757) 635-0892 

Assistant Eastern VP 

Alan Broderick 

albroderick@cox.net 

Central VP 

Michele Carter 

scarter@tcco.com 

Central VP Assistant 

Vacant 

(202) 369-0719 

Treasurer 

Dave O’Donnell 

dave.o’donnell@gsa.gov 

(804) 379-4457 

HO Editor 

Sec/Safety/Concours 

Damien Walsh 

fsr_dw@yahoo.com 

Advisors 

Zone 2 Rep 

Jim Becker 

jimmar@ptd.net 

Advertisers 

Abacus Racing......................................... 

3 

Autohaus Yorktown................................. 

24 

CDOC....................................................... 

4 

Checkered Flag...................................... 

22 

Euroclassics............................................. 

2 

F&S Photo Enterprises ............................ 7 

Krynock.................................................... 

6 

LMN ....................................................... 21 

Racewerks ............................................. 20 

Stuttgart Service .................................... 23 

Chairs 

Driver Education 

Ray Rodriguez 

racingmd@aol.com 

Chief Track Instructor 

Jim Sandloop 

jsporsche45@aol.com 

DE Tech 

Derek Zelms 

dzel944180@cavtel.net 

National Rep 

Tom Bobbitt 

jthomasb@cox.net 

Official PCA Photo 

Table of Contents 

DE Registrars 

Don Bryant 

dbryant61@cox.net 

Social Co-Chairs 

Don Bryant 

dbryant61@cox.net 

Mike Tungol 

Carrera_mike@yahoo.com 

FSR Webmaster 

Mike Tungol 

Carrera_mike@yahoo.com 

Past President 

Damien Walsh 

fsr_dw@yahoo.com 

Horizontally Opposed Team: Damien Walsh Fsr_dw@yahoo.com Acting, Other positions seriously open… 

President’s Message ................................................... 6 

Editor’s Message......................................................... 

7 

Bobby’s First Parade = FTD.................................... 

8-10 

Parade: Another Perspective................................ 

11-12 

FSR 2008 Election Ballot .......................................... 13 

Candidate Bios..................................................... 

14-16 

Zone and National News...................................... 

17-18 

Calendar of Events.................................................... 

19 

Horizontally Opposed is a bi-monthly publication of the First Settlers Region of the Porsche Club of America. All written and photographic contributions are 

welcome and encouraged. Contact the Editor for submissions – e-mail submissions are preferred. 

Editorial Deadline is the 10th of each month for publication in the following edition. The Editor reserves the right to edit submissions. 

Advertising Rates per Issue: Display ads: Full page $100, one-half page $75; and one-quarter page $50. All rates quoted are per issue. Discounts for 

multiple issue contracts paid in advance are 15% deduction for a 6 issue (one year) contract; and 10% discount for a 3 issue (1/2 year) contract. Rates are for ads 

run consecutively, and all ads must be paid in advance. Ad copy must be submitted camera ready. All copy which must be altered 

or otherwise prepared for publication will result in the advertiser paying the standard commercial rate for any work deemed necessary by the Editor. 

All submissions to Horizontally Opposed are intended for the use and enjoyment of members of the First Settlers Region (FSR), the Porsche Club of America 

(PCA) and the other regional members and clubs of PCA. To this end, FSR may use or re-use submissions as it deems appropriate. However, the contents of 

Horizontally opposed are and shall remain the property of FSR. The ideas, opinions and suggestions expressed herein are those of the individual authors and 

should not be considered an endorsement by FSR or PCA National, or grounds for legal reliance upon the opinions, suggestions or recommendations expressed 

herein. The manufacturers instructions and warranty procedures should be followed as the failure to do so may result in voiding such warranties. Also make 

sure to comply with state and local laws. No attorneys were harmed in the production of this publication or this paragraph. All Porsche trademarks may only 

be used with the express permission of Porsche, A.G. 


5

6 PCA First Settlers Region 

President’s Message 

By Steve Carter 

Hello Everyone! I want to start by thanking all the members that volunteered 

to help at the PCA Club race at VIR. You all helped make this event a very 

successful one. 

We are looking forward to numerous events in September: Patriots weekend 

September 6-7 at Ramada 1776 Inn in Williamsburg, VA.; entry forms are on 

the website so please fill them out and mail them in to support this multi-day, 

multi-Region event. The Blue Angels will come to the area later this year, so 

FSR will join them 19 September. The 20-22 of September we have another 

DE at VIR on the challenging and technical South course for two days, and full course the final day. 

The election nominations have been set by the Election Committee, and the ballots and nominee bios are 

included in this issue of the HO. Make sure you get your votes sent in early. Good luck to all that are running. 

Do not forget that the first Saturday we still hodl our member breakfast meetings in Richmond at Bakers 

Crus,t and in the FSR Eastern area at the new location, the Real Bread Shop in Chesapeake, which has 

turned out to be a good location . 

We are always looking for new ideas to help us enjoy our Porsches and members so if you have any please let 

us know. Happy driving. Steve. 

http://fst.pca.org

Editor’s Message 

By: Damien Walsh 

We are fortunate this month to have a number of FSR members contributing 

to the issue, including exciting articles about one member 

winning FTD (fastest time of the day) at Parade; friend Andy Chilsolm’s 

successful participation in the autocross and taking the “gold” in the 

Older 911 Technical Quiz; and Boxster preparation for the concours – 

yes you do have to remove the access panel and clean the engine. We are also happy 

to see Glen Krynock back in the fold offering maintenance and track preparation services, 

and we are happy to report that Derek Zelms, our long term DE Technical Chair, 

has joined Abacus Racing of Virginia Beach – actually closer to the airport. We owe a 

debt of gratitude to Election Committee members John Pfeiffer, Neil Partridge and Dave 

Armstrong for their efforts and patience to gather and put together the election ballot 

and bios you find in this issue. Invest in the future of FSR by voting. Treasurer Dave 

has suffered a number of 10 and 12 hour work days, so a monthly financial report is not 

ready at this time, but he did advise that expenses for the last month were $154.00, 

and a PCA National contribution of $2,058.00 has been received. His workload should 

level out soon to allow him to provide a complete report by the next issue of the HO, 

including revenue and expenses for the September DE. 


7

My First Parade: Christmas in July! 

By Bobby Smith 

This fall I will celebrate 25 years as a 

PCA/FSR member. During this time I 

have never had the privilege of attending 

the annual Porsche Parade. My 

work and time constraints have always 

been a problem for me. As soon as I 

found out that the 2008 Parade would 

be held in Charlotte, I started making 

plans. I registered in March and 

received confirmation of acceptance 

shortly thereafter. That is when the 

work began. My goal was to compete 

in the Autocross competition. I started 

by going over the 914 by checking out 

the major systems and changing fluids 

etc. This 914 has been my main Autocross 

car for the past 25 years, so it’s 

normally in “fighting trim”. I had a 

check list of services required and all 

of the spare parts and tools to bring 

along. About two weeks before the 

event I received a set of the PCA rules 

and two items jumped out at me. There 

would be a 103db sound limit and the 

fenders of the car must completely 

cover the tires. I run an open exhaust 

and my tires stuck out slightly so I 

quickly rounded up another exhaust 

and hacked together some homemade 

flairs. The day before the trip I loaded 

the car on the trailer and packed, tools, 

spares, helmet, clothing, personal 

items and everything that I could possible 

need during the competition. All I 

had to do the next morning was to put 

on my pants and grab my wallet. 

I’m on my way to the Parade. Everything 

is going great. I’m almost to 

Charlotte and I reach to find a phone 

number in my wallet. After months of 

planning every detail of this trip, I had 

left my wallet on the dresser. No 

licenses, credit card…nothing! Thankfully 

I had carried enough cash to buy 

fuel and food. 

I arrived in Charlotte and registered 

(no ID required). I got a chance to say 

hello to some friends in the Shenandoah 

region and stop by the Goodie 

store. The Westin Hotel was set up 

well and except for a few parking problems 

everything was smooth sailing. 

My plan was to meet up with the Driving 

Competition folks at 6AM at Lowe’s 

Motor Speedway on the day of the 

Autocross for the course walk through. 

I’m not sure exactly how many people 

ran, but 375 were signed up. I got 

there at 5:30 AM and it was still dark. 


The sun rising over Lowe’s Motor Speedway is a beautiful sight. After taking a 

walk through the course, I thought that I might be in trouble. This was a layout 

unlike anything I had ever driven. My 914 is setup for your normal autocross 

course where 2nd and 3rd gear is used. This was a “mini road course” with 

banked turns, elevation changes and off camber turns. It was a high speed 

design and 4th gear would be needed. Most everyone in the paddock agreed 

that a GT-3, late model 911 Turbo or some other high H.P. car would take the 

FTD (fastest time of day). My class consisted of modified cars with 4cyl. engines 

over 2.7 ltr. and 6cyl. engines under 2.4 ltr. I felt pretty good about doing well 

against this group. 

The first car took the green flag a little before 8AM and after timing problems 

and several other delays it was looking like it was going to be a long day. We 

began to call it “The 24 hours of Charlotte”. The mod cars run last and I hit the 

track around 6PM. My 914 is built for shorts sprints and I only carry 21/2 gal.of 

fuel. Overheating can also be a problem. This was a long course and I was con 

Bobby Prepares (Photo by Andy Chisholm) Friend Andy Prepares His Car 

cerned about both. I take the green flag for my first run and ½ way through I see 

a cone that looks out of place. I stopped on course. Sure enough a course 

worker had missed something. I get a re-run. On my 2nd run I cross the finish 

line and I’m told there was a timer malfunction. I get a re-run. Now the oil temp. 

is starting to climb and I’m worried that my fuel won’t last for my 3 official runs. 

Oil temp is now 225 degrees. At 250 I must shut it down to prevent damage. I 

start the next run and I’m just hoping to get in a clean run because I know it may 

be my last. I turn a 70.994 which is good enough to take the M-3 class win. The 

oil is at 235 now so I shut it down and get back in line for my last 2 runs. At this 

point the 2 fastest cars are a GT-3 at 69.126 and a SCCA National Champion 


9

driving a well set up Boxster 

S at 69.125. I’m up next and 

I try to crank it. Nothing happens 

so I get a hand push 

and she fires up. Oil is 

steady at 235 and I’m thinking 

this is it. I need to drop 2 

sec. to pull off the FTD. Let’s 

go for it! The green flag 

drops and the run is feeling 

good. There were a few 

bumps in 2 of the corners 

and this run I’m able to control 

them better. Everything 

is coming together and the 

Andy Checks Out Custom Fender Skirts 

914 is flying. I cross the 

finish line with a 68.697. 

FTD! Wait, I’ve still got 1 

more run. I get another push 

start, check the gauges and 

hit the course. Now I’ve got 

nothing to loose so I push a 

little harder. Last 

run…67.834. It was a good 

day! I pulled the car down 

the front stretch of Lowe’s 

Motor Speedway and looked 

up into the empty grand 

stands and for a minute, felt 

like a real race car driver. 

After coming back to the pits 

The Spoils. 1st in Class and FTD 

I got quite a few slaps on the 

back and congratulations from the other competitors and then I looked over and 

saw my buddy Andy Chisholm standing a few yards away. I’ve known Andy since I 

joined PCA. He had the biggest smile on his face and I swear I thought I saw a 

tear when he came over and gave me a big “man hug”. He said “I just knew you 

could do it”! I must admit that my eyes were a little blurry too but it must have 

been the fumes, cause “real race car drivers” don’t cry. (Bobby’s modesty prevents 

proper characterization of the event as “David Does Beat Goliath”. Ed.) 

10 

PCA First Settlers Region http://fst.pca.org

Porsche Parade 2008 – Charlotte, NC 

Since this year’s parade was on the East Coast, many FSR friends 

joined us this year. We have been at the last 3 parades without our 

car. This was our first participation in a national concour event and 

was highlighted by working in the best prep area ever, a lighted 

and air-conditioned convention center garage. The lack of water to 

wash cars did not deter us. With our little kit of cleaning products, 

we were able to get that road dirt off and spruce up the black 2005 

Boxster to win 2nd place in class in the Concours D’elegance. The 

most fun had by all was in the garage area during all hours of the 

night and day, milling around, watching each other clean, getting 

good tips on how to, and talking to friends from all around the 

country. 

The city streets on Sunday were filled with approximately 240 

Concours participants and more Paddock show cars. You had to 

be there to see the beautiful display. This parade was the largest 

with over 1000 cars and 2200 people. 

We know of others from our club that did well in events so will try 

to list them. Andrew Chisolm took First in Tech Quiz. We were represented 

in Gimmick Rally with Phil and Josie Grandfield, who 

won 2nd place, and joining them in the fun were Mary and Toby 

Ommundsen and Dave and Karen McFaddin. TSD rally was our 

fun event. 


11

12 

Autocross brought us some more winners. Robert Smith took 1st 

in class and 1st overall in his 914, and Andrew Chisolm in his 

1973 911 took 2nd in class. Price Dodson came in with a 3rd 

place with his 2006 Cayman S, David Machen took a 6th place in 

his early 911, and Mark Rogers placed 7th with his 1987 911. I 

am not sure if we missed anyone and apologize if we did. 

Another highlight was the Heritage and Historic garage display 

from the first 60 years of Porsche, with Norbert Singer giving us 

detailed and technical information about some of these beautiful 

cars. We fortunately have a signed copy of his Autobiography 

“24:16”. 

Everyone had fun in the Zone Challenge, even Peter Porsche who 

really enjoyed the Track Race Simulator. 

Parade is a very special event that you have to experience at 

least once. You get to talk to people like Jack and Ginny Case who 

drive in from California in their red Boxster, and have done so for 

most every parade starting with the first one 53 years ago. 

Hope to see you all at Parade next year in gorgeous Keystone, 

Colorado. 


BALLOT 

2007 First Settlers Region 

Instructions: Only current FSR members are eligible to vote. All categories of members may vote 

(i.e., regular, affiliate, associate members). Clearly select one for each category. Do not enter a 

“Write in” name unless you are sure the person wants to run for and participate in the FSR elected 

position – declinations after the election are awkward. Print names of “write in” candidates so they are 

legible. FSR Bylaws require you to sign the ballot at the bottom for it to be valid. You may use photocopies 

of this form as long as you only vote once and an original signature is made at the bottom. 

FSR President: Steve Carter 

Printed Name: _______________________ Signature: ______________________________ 

PCA Member No. ________________________ 

For additional information contact your Central Election Committee representatives John Pfeiffer at 

littlegreycells@comcast.net , Neil Partridge at partridgefam@juno.com, or your Eastern Election 

Committee representative Dave Armstrong at david.h.armstrong@navy.mil . 

Ballots must be postmarked not later than 25 October 2008. Results will be announced in the HO. 

Mail to: PCA 

Attn: FSR Elections 

PO Box 1347 

Springfield, VA 22151 

Dave Conklin 

Central Vice President Michele Carter 

Bud Syme 

Assistant Central Vice President Donna Conklin 

Eastern Vice President Dave McFadden 

Assistant Eastern VP Don Bryant 

FSR Treasurer Alex Bell 


13

First Settlers Region BOD Nominee Bios 

14 

Requested Information: 

Name, city of residence, primary Porsche car they drive, how long they have been a PCA 

member, a brief description of any offices/positions held as a PCA member, and one or 

two short sentences on what they want to accomplish or plan to do if elected to a position 

on the board. 

1. FSR President 

Steve Carter: I live with my wife Michele and two boys in Warrenton, Va. I currently 

drive a 1978 911 Targa SC in Guards Red. I have been in PCA for 7 years. I am currently 

FSR President and previously held the position of Central VP for over 2 years. PCA has 

been a family affair for us touring Charlottesville and other areas, participation in various 

FSR events, such as Patriots Weekend and the Annual FSR Awards dinner, moving up to 

Co-chair of both events last year. I have also been involved in development of new FSR 

events, such as Porsche and Bi-wings,(my wife Co-chaired and our son assisted) and 

production of the FSR enameled grill badges - currently available at $20.00 plus $3.00 

handling. I believe that this is the type of ever expanding responsibility needed within PCA 

and FSR, and the development of relationships with the Zone 2 and National representatives 

will help FSR expand opportunities for the safe enjoyment of our cars, and each 

other. 

Dave Conklin: Retired Navy Commander and Electronic Engineer for Dept. of 

Navy. Williamsburg, VA - 2005 Black Boxster. I became a PCA member of First Settlers in 

1974 while in the Navy as a Naval Flight Officer serving as an Airborne Electronic Warfare 

Evaluator in Electronic Reconnaissance aircraft. When released from active duty, I 

became a Reserve Naval Intelligence officer working with DIA, NISC and NCIS. As a 

civilian, I worked for the Naval Air Systems Command as an Electronic Engineer in Northern 

VA where I transferred to Potomac Region. I attended club meetings, participated in 

rallies, fun events and volunteered at several PCA Club races at Summit Point as a Corner 

Worker. I retired as Chief of Staff for the Avionics Department in 2002 and moved to Williamsburg 

and back to First Settlers Region. I have worked as a volunteer at the last four 

Porsche Parades by helping in the Goodie Stores, concours events and in other capacities. 

I am currently the interim Eastern Vice President. I will work with the Board of Directors 

to increase member participation in club events including DE and other track events 

and provide a greater variety of other events for members to participate in and have fun. 

2. Treasurer 

Alex Bell: I am a 52 year old Insurance Agent in Virginia Beach, VA. I have been in 

the Insurance business for 27 years, and I am licensed to sell Property and Casualty 

Insurance, Life Insurance and related Financial Products. I am also a Registered 


Insurance, Life Insurance and related Financial Products. I am also a Registered Representative 

licensed to sell securities through a major national broker dealer. I have been a 

member of PCA since 2004. My daily driver is a 2006 Carrera S CAB and my track car is 

a 2001 Carerra. I am a National Instructor in the DE 

Program. I have not held any official position within the PCA organization other than as a 

National Instructor. I am running for the position of Treasurer of FSR in the hope that our 

region can continue to serve our current members, and I also intend to promote our club to 

others in order to expand our DE program participation. I believe my experience in the 

insurance and financial services industry will benefit FSR as I perform the duties of Treasurer. 

I will do all I can to promote our club in a professional and fun manner. 

3. Central VP 

Michele Carter: I live in Warrenton, Virginia. I currently share a 911 Targa SC 

though I dream of a restored 356. I have been in PCA for 7 years. I am currently the FSR 

Central VP following two years as Central Assistant VP. My husband, two sons and I have 

participated in the planning and execution of numerous FSR events and projects, such as 

the new Bi-Wings and Porsches event this year (co-Chair); production and sales of the 

new FSR grill badges; Co-Chair of the Annual Awards Dinner; Chair of Patriots Weekend 

events in 2007; as general volunteers (photos, registration, etc.) at the 2006 Patriots Weekend; 

and providing photos and articles for the HO. I have also participated in national 

events such as the 50th Anniversary PCA Parade (merchandise sales, Kid’s Parade and 

Concours) and the Carlysle PCA Event. I believe that this range of experience, planning 

and execution of FSR events, and learning from participation in national events gives me 

the tools to support development and expansion of FSR activities for the broad range of 

FSR member interests. 

Bud Syme: I am a candidate for the Vice Presidency of the Central Region. I am 

married and live in Petersburg. I own Telcom Consulting Group, a telecommunications 

consulting company located in Petersburg, but we work all over the state and Mid Atlantic 

region. I have been a member of First Settlers Region since purchasing my first Porsche, 

a 2001 Boxster S, in 2004. I have become “addicted” to the brand and bought a 2006 997S 

in January of this year; selling my beloved Boxster almost killed me and my wife has still 

not forgiven me! I have participated in every FSR track event since joining and many of 

the breakfasts and social events in Richmond and in Tidewater. The reason that I have 

submitted my name as a candidate is that I want to unify the Richmond and Tidewater 

groups to make our club stronger with more fun things to do, getting more folks involved; 

with the board including everyone that is interested and leading them to fun and interesting 

activities. I am sure anyone interested in the club and our activities will be more than willing 

to give some of their time too. I look forward to working with FSR for the betterment of 

the club and making our region the best in PCA. 


15

4. Central Assistant VP: 

Donna Conklin: Retired Financial Manager, Accountant Williamsburg, VA - 2005 Black 

Boxster. I have been a PCA member since I married Dave in 1992. We belonged to Potomac 

at that time and attended meetings and participated in rallies and fun events. My 

volunteer efforts were working in Timing and Scoring at the club races each year at 

Summit Point. We transferred to First Settlers when we moved to Williamsburg in 2002. For 

the 50th Porsche Parade in Hershey in 2005, I was the Goodie Store Co-Chair. I have 

volunteered at the parades in Portland, OR, San Diego, CA, and Charlotte, NC. Working at 

Parade has opened up friendships with club officers around the country and in National 

PCA. In our club as Assistant Vice President – Central, I would like to work on getting 

more social and fun events, and concours events, and of course keep the DE and other 

track events going so that our club is well-rounded and fun for all members. 

5. Eastern VP 

Dave McFadden: I live in Yorktown, VA with my wife Karen. We have a 2007 Guards 

Red Boxster S and have been PCA members since January 2007. We purchased the 

Porsche upon my retirement from the Air Force after nearly 29 years of service. Fulfilling a 

dream of “hitting the open road” upon retirement, Karen and I were fortunate to get in a lot 

of traveling in the 987S before I started my second career as an associate at Booz, Allen, 

Hamilton where I do consulting work for US Joint Forces Command in Norfolk. Our PCA 

involvement enhances and broadens our Porsche experience by getting to know fellow 

club members and enjoying the fun events. Additionally, our Porsche enthusiasm continues 

to grow thanks to our great experiences putting 29,000 miles on the 987S in the past 

20 months. My desire to serve as FSR Eastern VP is based upon wanting to take an 

active role in making FSR even more enjoyable for all members by helping the club put on 

an optimum mix of events and activities. I look forward to the opportunity to serve if 

elected. 

6. Eastern Assistant VP 

Don Bryant: Virginia Beach, 1980 911SC. Member since summer of 2003. Past 

social co-chair heading up fun runs and other outings with Mike Tungol. Drivers Education 

Registrar for past three years. PCA National Instructor Cert. As a member of the Drivers 

Education Committee, I have been promoting further development and advancement of 

our Drivers Education program to include more driver development, instructor development, 

and more events at tracks in addition to VIR. I hope to help the board in its support 

of the new members of the Drivers Education Committee, to provide enthusiastic support 

of and involvement in many of the other non-track events that have been proposed, and to 

pursue transparent oversight and disclosure of the club's finances. 

16 


Hunt for 901 

The debut novel by Kevin Gosselin 

Hunt for 901 is the debut novel by gourmet chef and automotive 

writer Kevin Gosselin. Its protagonist, Faston Hanks, is a 

Connecticut innkeeper, car historian, and automotive archeologist 

known for his ability to find lost automotive treasures: 

an automotive Indiana Jones. 

He is also a gourmand who won’t let an adventure stand in 

the way of a good meal. 

When Austrian musician, Heidi Ruff, arrives at his inn, begging 

Faston to help her find her father, his answer is simple, “I 

don’t find people.” 

“You might this time,” replies the Austrian. “In 1963, Porsche’s 

901 prototype went missing after its debut at a German auto 

show. My father was the one who lost it.” 

Thus begins Faston’s hunt for the Holy Grail of Porsches, 

searching all over Europe for clues that will lead them to the 

missing 901 prototype. As Faston and his geriatric sidekick, 

Charles Ivory, close in on the long-lost Porsche and Heidi’s 

mysterious father, they discover they are not alone in trying to 

find this most famous of Porsches. You can find out more 

about the book at the publishers site, demontrevillepress.com 

 

18 October Zone 2 Gold Cup at Great Meadows, Virginia 9:30 a.m 

What better combination can you find than Porsches and thoroughbred racehorses? And what better way 

to see both than by attending the International Gold Cup sponsored by Porsche Cars North America. 

Porsche Cars North America and their Washington DC Area Porsche dealers will again sponsor the International 

Gold Cup steeplechase races at Great Meadows, The Plains, Virginia on October 18, 2008. PCA 

and Potomac (Founder s) Region will support Porsche by hosting a delegation of PCA members and an 

exhibit of unique Porsches at The Gold Cup. Come join us at the internationally acclaimed Virginia International 

Gold Cup and have a front row seat for the races. 

So please come join Porsche Cars North America, the Washington DC area Porsche Dealers, the Porsche 

Club of America and your host, The Potomac (Founder s) Region for the International Gold Races, Saturday, 

October 18, 2008. What a better way to have a great tailgate lunch, see lots of interesting people, 

watch some very special horses race, show off your Porsche AND visit with some great PCA members. 

Potomac will have a commemorative gift for PCA members attending the event and there will be a prize for 

the best tailgate arrangement. 

If you are interested in attending or have a unique Porsche to display, please contact Tuffy von Briesen at 

vicepresident@pcapotomac.org 

so he can put your name on the list. There will be a nominal fee to cover the costs incurred 

for the event. There is information about the event posted on the Potomac website at www.pcapotomac.org 

. We will send out more information as the event date approaches. 


17

Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance to Display The First Porsche Sports Car 

Porsche celebrates 60 years by showing the mid-engine ‘Porsche No. 1’ 

sports car that Dr. Ferry Porsche built when he could not find the car of his 

dreams 

Atlanta, August 5, 2008 – Porsche No. 1, the one-of-a-kind, two-seat sports 

car Dr. Ferdinand ‘Ferry’ Porsche developed and built after he searched and 

was unable to find the car of his dreams, makes its North American 

Concours d’Elegance debut when it joins other notable and historic vehicles 

August 14th at California’s famed Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. 

This occasion is a happy one as Porsche No. 1’s first North American trip, 

to Porsche’s 50th Anniversary celebration at the Monterrey Historics in 

1998, was thwarted when it was damaged in Chicago on its way to California. 

This trip also is special as it helps commemorate Porsche’s 60th 

anniversary. Before arriving at the Pebble Beach Golf Links®, Porsche No. 

1 had a starring role in Porsche Cars North America’s 60th Anniversary 

celebration at its Atlanta corporate headquarters. 

Affectionately called Porsche No. 1 by the Porsche family and thousands of 

the brand’s loyal followers worldwide, this legendary sports car and the 

lynchpin of Porsche’s design philosophy began life in June 1947 as 

engineering project Type 356 in the Porsche design office in Gmünd, 

Austria. Officially known as Type 356-001, Ferry Porsche’s design concept 

took shape through the leadership of Karl Rabe, Porsche’s talented chief 

designer who worked alongside Ferry’s father to develop the original 

Volkswagen (VW). 

In post-war Germany and Europe where resources were few yet the desire 

to rebuild was strong, the Porsche team diligently started building the 

innovative sports car. Starting with a hand-built tubular steel frame, 

engineers fitted already existing VW components including the suspension, 

headlights, clutch, gearbox, cable-operated brakes, worm-gear steering, 

and various small parts. VW parts were a natural choice due to the early 

VW-Porsche relationship and because of VW’s key role in the post-war 

rebuilding effort after British military officers brought VW’s Wolfsburg factory 

back online in 1945 to fulfill car demand and to stimulate the nation’s 

economy. 

The basic Volkswagen air-cooled, 1.31-liter flat-four engine put out just 25 

horsepower at 3,300 rpm, so the skilled Porsche team enlarged the bore 

from 70 to 75 mm, increased compression from 5.8:1 to 7.0:1, and added 

slightly larger inlet valves and ports and twin carburetors, boosting output to 

between 35 and 40 horsepower. 

The engine and transaxle were fitted into the frame in such a way that the 

engine ended up positioned in front of the rear axles with the transaxle 

trailing behind, making this a true mid-engine design. Mated to a four-speed 

gearbox, the drivetrain proved to be both lightweight and reliable. 

Erwin Komenda, who along with Ferry Porsche and Karl Rabe formed the 

foundation of the fledgling car company, penned an aerodynamic and 

easy-to-build open roadster design. Friedrich Weber from Gmünd, one of 

just three of the company’s body artisans, formed each of the car’s 

aluminum body panels by hand, beating the then rare sheet metal and 

massaging it into shape over the wooden body buck Komenda had 

18 

designed. The result was as shapely and beautiful as it was functional, with 

minimal protrusions to upset the aerodynamics or its visually graceful lines. 

As with every Porsche since, form followed function on Porsche No. 1. The 

interior featured a bench seat to accommodate a third passenger if needed, 

a simple dash with only a tachometer (a speedometer was added later), a 

locking glove box, and map pockets on the leather door panels. An ample 

luggage compartment and the fuel tank were placed under the front hood, 

and the mid-engine layout provided space for a spare wheel and tire and 

battery behind the engine and above the transaxle. Finally, a frameless and 

low twin-panel front windscreen provided wind protection while accenting 

the sports car’s gentile lines. 

The unique roadster weighed merely 1,290 pounds, and thanks to the 

modified engine it could reach a top speed of between 84 and 87 mph. In 

May 1948, Ferry Porsche himself set off on the first long road test, driving 

from Gmünd to Zell am See, Austria. During the rigorous test drive over 

some of Europe’s most spectacular climbs, the rear torsion bar suspension 

failed but was repaired en route. Through this car’s entire test period, this 

proved to be the only mechanical failure. 

Journalists tested the car on July 4, 1948, and Robert Braunscheweig, 

editor of Switzerland’s highly respected Automobil Revue, concluded, “This 

is how we imagine modern road motoring to be, where the advantages of 

modern springing and the resultant driving comfort are combined with the 

adhesion of an equally modern, low and handy sports car.” On July 11, with 

Herbert Kaes at the wheel, Porsche No. 1 won its class in the Rund um den 

Hofgarten local race in Innsbruck, Austria. Just as today, testing and 

competition proved to be solid underpinnings for the company’s commercial 

and motorsports success. 

Soon after, Porsche ramped up production of the 356 sports car at the 

company’s tiny factory in Gmünd, abandoning the complex steel tube frame 

in favor of a stamped floor pan. The engine also was repositioned behind 

the axles to provide more interior space and room for a rear seat. Not too 

much later Porsche moved its production operations in 1950 to its current 

home in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen. 

After passing through the hands of several owners, Porsche No. 1 was 

reacquired by Porsche AG and became a centerpiece in the Porsche 

museum. As Porsche nears completion of its new museum alongside the 

Porsche factory in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen, Porsche No. 1 will be 

prominently displayed in a way befitting the historic car that shaped all 

future Porsche vehicles. 

Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA), based in Atlanta, Ga., and, 

Porsche Cars Canada, Ltd. (PCC) in Mississauga, Ontario, are the two 

separate importers of Porsche sports cars and Cayenne® sport utility 

vehicles for the United States and Canada respectively. They are each 

wholly owned, indirect subsidiaries of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG. These two 

subsidiaries combined, PCNA and PCC employ approximately 250 people 

who provide Porsche vehicles, parts, service, marketing and training for its 

200 U.S. and 12 Canadian dealers. They, in turn, provide Porsche owners 

with best-in-class service. 


Calendar of Events 

(For FSR event details see www.fst.pca.org and select calendar.) 

6 Sept: Breakfasts (for those not able to attend Patriots Events) 

6-7 Sept: Patriots Weekend: Concours, tour and dinner in the Williamsburg area, then 

an autocross at Little Creek on the 7th. Contact the Chair at 

dutchmansetter@yahoo.com. 

19 Sept: Air Show. See details in this HO. 

20-22 Sept: FSR Drivers Education at VIR. 

18 Oct: Zone 2 Gold Cup Horse Races hosted by Potomac Region at Great Meadows VA. 

For details see 

19 Oct: Pine Ridge Car Show, Virginia Beach 

19 September: "Porsches and the Blues" is a crowd favorite event that we're planning 

again this year. The US Navy Flight Demonstration Team - the Blue Angels - will be at NAS 

Oceana in Virginia Beach for their annual air show weekend from 19-21 September. The 

Friday "Family and Friends" show is a great opportunity to watch the Blue Angels from a 

flight line seat without the crush of the weekend crowds. First Settlers members will be 

meeting on Friday at 2:00 PM at the "Pass and ID" office just outside the main gate of NAS 

Oceana. We'll drive in an escorted caravan of Porsches at 2:30 PM to arrive at parking 

near the flight line then walk a short distance to the flight line bleachers for the 3:00 PM 

start of the Blue Angel Air Show. After the Blue Angel flight demonstration, members can 

either stay for the twilight air show that starts around 6:00 PM or join us for dinner at Tautogs 

at 6:00 PM. Tautogs is at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront at 205 23rd St, Virginia 

Beach, VA 757-422-0081. In order to coordinate numbers of cars and people with NAS 

Oceana Security and make reservations for dinner at Tautogs, please contact Phil Grandfield 

at FilthyF14@yahoo.com or call 757-635-0892 if you're interested in attending 

Porsches and the Blues!! 


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PCA First Settlers Region http://fst.pca.org 21

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Horizontally Opposed 

Editor, First Settlers Region 

215 East 39th Street 

Norfolk, VA 23504 

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