As I mentioned last week, it’s been a cold, wet miserable winter, even for Oregon.
So when three days of bright, 60-degree sunshine came along, we “seized the moment.”
After spending a day behind the wheel of the SCM 1971 Jaguar E-type, with its pre-emission 5.3-liter V12 and 272 horses, on Friday we opted for something completely different, our 1975 Porsche 911S Sportomatic.
This car has just 50,000 documented miles from new, has had a high-quality repaint in the original Sahara Beige and retains its original plaid cloth interior.
If the Jag is a luxurious cruiser, the classic 911 is a “take no prisoners” sports car. It has no power steering or brakes, and no electronic aides to save you if your inner Lewis Hamilton takes command.
The 911 has its own way of starting. After reconnecting the battery cutoff, you pull the hand throttle up an inch or so, turn on the key and listen for the fuel pump to build pressure. Then depress the throttle just a bit and twist the key (mounted to the left of the steering wheel, of course). The 911 spins slowly compared to the Jag, but after a few turns it spits and pops and comes to life. The sound of the 2.7-L six-cylinder engine is as intoxicating as the Jag, but more direct, louder and aggressive.
I had been hearing a slight rumbling noise from the rear of the car, and worried it might be a CV joint. So on the way out of town we stopped to visit with guru Al Blanchard at A&P Specialties. After a spin around the block, his opinion was the noise was related to the speedometer, and we could drive on without worries.
Well, with one fewer worry anyway. He also showed us the Byzantine way you use the gauge to check the oil, as well as how to read the dipstick that doesn’t reach very far into the sump.
In the Jaguar you are relaxed and cruising, while in the Porsche you are driving a sports car that needs your input and attention as it hustles along.
Our 100-mile trip was along Washington SR 14, on the north side of the Columbia Gorge. We stopped at Backwoods Brewing Company in Carson, WA, not far from Skamania Lodge, which was the host hotel for the 2022 SCM 1000. Backwoods’ pizza is among the best in the region.
We crossed the Columbia River at The Bridge of the Gods and cruised home at 75 mph on I-84. It was a delightful day and way to get reacquainted with this classic sports car.
The forecast called for more sunshine over the weekend, and we tossed and turned wondering which of the two cars to drive. This is what is known as a “first world problem.”
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My reply to your question isn’t really neither the in the case of the 911 vs the E-Type, rather both.
It’s entirely dependent or where you’re going.
Sure, back roads are fun in a basic sports car, but I’ve had some great drives along the interstate.
More importantly, it shows the necessity for diversification in your collection.
I couldn’t” agree more
Sunshine improves our health, and I want to absorb all the sights, sounds and smells of the scenery rolling by.
I would take a ‘65 AC Cobra, and return with bugs in my teeth!
I’d rather be driving my 300SL Gullwing which was the first sports car that I owned in 1970. This car started me on a long journey with great cars. Sadly, I let the car go much too early.
911, for sure.
If I had your collection, definitely the 911. For me it would be my 2004 Porsche C4S cabriolet!
Well, my history says take the Jag….my first car was an 1959 XK150 OTS. Bought for $1,295 in 65. (My parents never owned a car!! ) Race, space and pace.
I’d enjoy either….or my Miata at age 81.
On sunny days, my go-to car is my Miata. In my opinion, it’s the perfect blend of classic sports car fun and modern convenience. It’s nimble and enjoyable to drive, yet it offers all the comfort and amenities of a contemporary automobile. M.I.A.T.A. Miata—is always the answer! 😆
Got to love the sound of those V-12s but my personal choice would be a top-down ride in your Mercedes SL. For me it’s either the “79 280SL or the 2013 E350 Cabriolet (with air scarf for those cool sunny days – best invention for convertibles since the power top!).
sheesh, depends on the day and destination – love my ’03 S55, ’88 928S4 5spd, and ’86 Carrera. The Carrera has the least “comforts” as you point out Keith, but it’s an easy car to drive. The 928 is probably the best all ’round car – a great cruiser (best cruise control on any car I have owned) and a great sports car with the manual. The S55 easily and safely transports 4 large adults long distances at whatever speed you choose! Like other commenters – great to have choices! Cheers
I have only one classic, a 1972 Pantera. If it’s an early sunny Sunday morning, the Pantera hits the road. With all the human distractions still at home, there’s no better way to enjoy a pure classic. DRIVE the Porsche, leave the Jag until you have a guest who has never been in one.
Thank you for another of your PNW travelogue vignettes tooling around in classic cars. Keep ‘em coming!
The Porsche has Holbert (dealership) provenance, and that is pure gold in the Porsche world! IYKYK
I just bought a 1981 DeLorean – in near perfect condition (I think). It’s got an automatic to accommodate my bum left leg (something we share). I’m still waiting for that bluebird day to take it out for a good cruise, but when some guaranteed sunshine comes out here on the west side of Puget Sound, I think a trip to Port Townsend will be in order.
An engaging read that explores the evolution of GT cars into sports cars, blending history with personal insights seamlessly.
Jags are the best.