The car was a yellow LHD 964RS with Ruf RCT engine (420bhp claimed), Ruf suspension and brakes, 6 speed gearbox, and power steering and air conditioning retro-fitted by Ruf.
I had arranged to see the car at 10.30am this coming Saturday and had first refusal. There was another potential buyer who had originally arranged to see the car last Saturday but couldn't make it, then arranged to see it at 8.30am on Monday.
I gave the seller strict instructions to call me if his buyer didn't show, or if he didn't want the car, and I would travel to the S.Coast to see it on Monday lunchtime.
Buyer number 1 saw the car on Monday, in fact he spent about two hours looking over the car and it's supporting paperwork. He couldn't make a decision, so he decided to think it over on his way back to High Wycombe.
At 2.30pm on Monday I hade a most welcome call "" the Ruf RS was still available. It just wasn't the right car for buyer no1. But, by then it was too late for me to drive the three hour journey to see the car in the dark and wet. I arranged a firm appointment to see it at 10.30am this coming Saturday "" we spoke for a long time about the car, about previous Porsches we've owned and he was a really genuine and decent sounding chap.
I spent a long time researching this car, including a visit to the Autosport Show to speak to Colin Belton (9M), calls to Paul McLean and Sean Lockyear who both know the car very well. I even called Total911 magazine who featured the car in Issue One and will have a copy of the feature arriving on my doormat this morning. And hours of research on the internet into Ruf RCT engines and various other modifications. This car is good!
The final call, for reassurance really, was a conversation with Des last night. He gave made me that last bit of confidence I needed, and having finished the call I knew the car was to be mine! I just had to get those work days out of the way, leave my house at 7.30am on Saturday "" chamois my p/x Porsche off at the last services before Chichester then wish it goodbye, and drive home in a 420bhp Ruf RS!
Unfortunately, when I came off the phone with Des I had a message. It was from the seller. I called him straight back. He was very embarrassed, and very apologetic "" and I guess a little angry he had been put in his position. Buyer no1 had spent a two days thinking about the car, and had changed his mind "" the seller had a buyer, he'd be silly to turn the money down, but it meant he had to let me down. And boy, do I feel let down!
I guess a lot of you understand when I say it's not just the car, it's the emotional attachment I have with a car I haven't even seen. Bu99er!!
So, if anyone knows of a good RS, probably in LHD and almost definitely in Speed Yellow (I just love it) "" for sale with someone open to part exchanging my Porsche SC Targa then do let me know.
I'll give Paul McLean, Sean Lockyear a call and visit H&S, then start the whole process off all over again"¦
Thank you to Des for his time, Melvin for the support, and Yoda for the interest "" I could do with one of those Jedi mind tricks right now.