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History of Porsche Club Great Britain

A summary of the past five decades of the Club's history is outlined below. To read a more detailed account of the individual decades written by Peter Cook, the Club's archivist, just click on the links in the headings below.


The Club's origins

Porsche Club Great Britain (aka PCGB) was founded by a small group of like-minded enthusiasts in the early 1960s to enjoy and celebrate the Porsche 356 which, race cars apart, was the only Porsche production model at that time. 

In October 1961, thirty 356 owners attended the Club's founding meeting at the Chateau Impney Hotel in Droitwich, Worcestershire. None of those attending that first meeting could have dreamed of the future that lay ahead.
 

The 1960s and 1970sRoger Holliday; Porsche's publicist who suggested starting the Club

With the launch of the 911, membership levels climbed steadily throughout the '60s and '70s. In the early '80s, the hub of Club activity was the then General Secretary Roy Gilham’s home at Raisin’s Hill in Pinner. However, with membership increasing exponentially during the boom period of that decade, it was eventually necessary to acquire office accommodation and a small team of administrative staff to manage the growth and continue to function effectively. Thus the decision to move to Gloucestershire was made and Ayton House in Northleach was purchased. At the same time, the Club’s first computer was installed which, contrary to some member's assertions, was retired from powering the Club's business some long time ago.
 

The 1980s

The Club's Northleach HQ

As membership levels continued to rise during the ‘90s, it became clear that the Club had outgrown its modest Northleach accommodation. After much deliberation, the Club's board took the decision to acquire new accommodation. After months of searching for a suitable site, Cornbury House a modern three story building in Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire in the heart of the Cotswolds was purchased. After fitting out half the floor area, the Club moved in 1996, knowing there was scope for expansion in the coming decade. The rest of the building was brought into use in 2001 and then the whole building remodelled to accommodate the Club's staff and provide facilities to support its members.

 

The 1990s and 2000s

The Club celebrates 50 years of Porsche

Cornbury House now houses the administrative staff alongside the Club Shop and the Archive. It provides space for meetings and displays, as well as making for an ideal destination for members visiting this most attractive part of the country. Regular monthly Open Days are held for the enjoyment of the members.

Today PCGB is now the largest officially recognised Porsche Club in Europe. There are more regional activities, model type registers, motorsport, national and international events than at any time in its history. It also publishes Porsche Post, an award-winning glossy monthly magazine.
 

The future

With more than 70% of all Porsches ever made still on the road today (Porsche Cars, 2014), the Porsche Club has become a very significant and loyal group of enthusiasts and brand advocates. As Porsche enhances its model range and increases the volume of cars it produces, the Club continues to expand and adapt to meet the diverse needs of an increasingly larger Porsche community. As in the previous five decades, owners and drivers of all types and ages of Porsches will continue to find a big welcome at the Club.

 

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