History of Porsche Club GB (1990 - 1999)
A spectacular start
The 1990s opened with a fanfare. For the first time Porsche Parade was to be held outside Germany, a three day extravaganza celebrating everything Porsche with visitors coming from around the globe and cars brought from all over Europe. Centred around the Grand Hotel Brighton from September 13th to 16th, it included a gymkhana event at the Goodwood racing circuit, a Concours in the grounds of Arundel Castle and a series of sponsored evening dinner events.
Porsche Club had been slow to put on a display at the various classic cars shows springing up around the country but in the early 1990’s this was quickly rectified with, for example, cars displayed at Alexandra Palace Classic Car Show and the “Top Gear” Classic and Sports Car Show at the NEC in 1993.
Such shows are an opportunity to show the public what we do as a Club. These type of events have proved to be a very effective way of attracting new members.
On the move again
After many twists and turns in October 1994 Porsche Club Great Britain signed the documents to purchase a new home, Cornbury House. Membership was growing rapidly which required more staff which in turn required more space. A building of 8000 square feet on two floors it was purchased as an empty shell and, due to financial constraints, was initially only half occupied. The official opening was held on 27th April 1996.
On the 27th March 1998, with the death of Professor Dr. Ing. h.c. Ferdinand Porsche, founder of Porsche K.G. and then A.G., the Club lost its revered patron. It was a blow that was felt around the world in all Porsche and motoring circles and only 3 short months away from that all important 1 – 2 at Le Mans in the Company’s 50th year.
A new patron
In May 1999 Ferdinand (Ferry) Porsche’s son, also called Ferdinand, but known to everyone as Butzi, agreed to be the Club's next patron and so the tradition continued. This ushered in a new decade of success and growth for both the Club and the Porsche brand.