Yet another fantastic turnout for a club night, a fabulous 40 made it to the George Albert Hotel. The star of the night; a 911 3.2 Carrera Sport Targa with an M30 race pack in guards red. Paul Butcher has completed the reassembling post-respray of his beloved car. This was the cars maiden outing since the work has been completed. Paul was very happy with all the lovely responses he received and was quick to thank all the people from the region who had helped him with his mammoth task. We wish you many happy driving miles ahead.
Tref went through the forthcoming calendar, and we couldn’t believe how full and varied it is looking. There is a busy month of Porsche related events ahead. April 25th being the open day at Roger Bray, write up included. May 1st sees the departure of the WOTY to France. 16th May is the launch of the Classic Car Club at Porsche Centre Bournemouth. 17th May is the Swanage Rail trip organised by James and 24th May a meal at the Bridgehouse Hotel Beaminster.
The new R26 fliers were also handed out, pass them on to Porsche fans wherever you may find them. They look professional and promote just how busy the region is. Big thanks to Geoff for compiling and organising them for the region.
Geoff has also been working hard on the PCGB website to ensure that there is an R26 presence. All dates of events are listed, along with reports and pictures from events that have taken place. Tref has since found out that the R26 section is the fourth most visited area on the new website, go Dorset!
Roger Bray Open Day
Several members of Dorset went down to Roger Bray’s open day. Roger and his team are well respected in the Porsche world, having a particular reputation for their work and knowledge of the 356 models. Roger talked us through the cars in various states of repair, and of the trials of restoring a 356 properly. The lengths that they go to to ensure as much of the original is retained as possible, and where not possible, that the replacement parts are manufactured as close as can be – indeed, frequently fabricated or reworked in their own workshop.
It was obvious that a lot of thought had gone into presenting their work to us on the day, with a bonnet showing the stages of preparation and finish being a real work of art in itself. Roger emphasised the importance of getting the substrate right, and as much time was spent looking underneath as at the shiny paintwork on top. Indeed, there is probably a lot more detail in the parts that aren’t normally seen. There were demonstrations of their fabrication skills in the afternoon, but not before sampling their most excellent cuisine.
Outside there were many examples of their work, with many a happy customer along for the day out, putting on a wonderful display themselves. The place really is an Aladdin’s cave, the modest exterior belying the labyrinth behind. Many thanks Roger, and to all on hand to make it a very enjoyable morning.