Michael Satterfield
TGR Staff
Porsche fans were in their element at Beaulieu’s Simply Porsche as 1,981 participants and 987 Porsches gathered in the grounds of the National Motor Museum in blazing sunshine.
Held in association with The Independent Porsche Enthusiasts’ Club (TIPEC), the 7th Simply Porsche rally (on Sunday June 2nd) was packed with variety, as Porsches old and new took their places in the showground for a relaxed day out at one of the south’s biggest attractions.
Taking fans on a trip through the marque’s motoring history were examples of the pioneering 356 and classic 912, Targa top 911 T and lairy 1980s 911 Turbo, followed by the 944, Boxster and 933, right up to the latest 718 Boxster, GT3 RS, 911 Carrera S and Panamera.
A big hit inside the National Motor Museum was the 1969 Porsche 917K, which made a star appearance in the Steve McQueen film Le Mans.
Event-goers browsed a variety of trade stands offering accessories, books and model cars, while Porsche specialists Ashgood Cars, Dove House Cars, Brookspeed, JMG Porsche and Porsche Center Bournemouth displayed a selection of Porsches for sale.
Throughout the day, visitors and participants voted for their favorite car of the show in the People’s Choice Awards. The overall winner was Simon Borg, from Bristol, for his immaculate 1996 Porsche 996 Carrera 4 roadster. He said: “For me, this car is a childhood dream. Over the past four years, I have had the engine rebuilt, added the spoilers and changed the color of the car from silver to Pearl White.” Simon was presented with a commemorative trophy and Autoglym car care pack by Beaulieu’s Visitor Services Manager Jon Tee.
Also scoring highly were runners-up Mike Luff, from Petersfield, and Simon Ward, from Poole. Mike’s 2005 Porsche 997 turned many heads in its Rothmans livery, having been built in homage to Porsche’s 935 endurance racers that competed at Le Mans. Mike, who bought the car six months ago, said: “I love it because of the quality of the workmanship that went into its build.”
Simon Ward’s classic 1987 911 was also popular, with its cool-looking black paintwork and bumpers with styling touches retro-fitted from earlier 911s. He said: “I’ve had Porsches before but this one is definitely my favourite.” Both Mike and Simon were presented with Autoglym prizes and tickets for a behind-the-scenes tour of the National Motor Museum Trust.
Simply Porsche was the fourth of Beaulieu’s ten Simply rallies for 2019. Coming next is Simply VW on June 15th, followed by Simply Land Rover & Rummage on June 23rd, Simply Jaguar on July 14th, Simply Japanese on July 28th, with the first Simply Mercedes on August 18th and Simply Smart on November 10th. Tickets can be bought in advance online. For tickets and details see www.beaulieu.co.uk/events.
