A couple of months ago, one of my karate students surprised me with a delightful gift. He had purchased a 3-D printer, and his first project was a model of a Porsche.
Out of all the things he could have created, he chose a Porsche. While it doesn’t look exactly like my 1976 911 S, it's awesome. The white resin car is about 3 inches long and 1 inch high. It features a few clever details, including tiny side mirrors and spoked wheels.
I was thrilled with the sentiment, and I'm 99 percent sure he wouldn't have made a model for me if I'd owned a Volvo.
There's something about a Porsche that is inspiring. The undulating lines of its silhouette, the sexy curves of its body, and the powerful engine packed inside make it a desirable luxury. There's a reason why kids put posters of Porsches on their bedroom walls in the '80s and today display them as backgrounds on their cellphones.
Who doesn't want a Porsche? And if you are fortunate enough to own one, the accessories and toys are an added bonus.
The 3-D model comes close to replicating my 1976 Porsche 911 S.
Porsche ownership entails more than just driving — it's a lifestyle. And that involves collecting Porsche novelties, wearing official Porsche gear and buying Porsche-centric gifts and toys.
One of my first Porsche T-shirts (before I even owned my 911 S) read, "Kills bugs fast." I now possess a "What the fuch" T-shirt with a picture of Porsche's famous wheels. And of course there are my Porsche baseball caps and Porsche Club of America (PCA) gear. I've been gifted a Porsche polo shirt, books and even a snazzy clock made out of a vinyl record featuring the company's logo.
I recently did something I had never done before. I bought my first Hot Wheels car. I discovered a red Porsche 911 GT3 RS at the local grocery store and snatched it up. I didn't question whether I was too old for a tiny toy car. I didn't hesitate in dropping it in my shopping cart.
Mattel categorizes the GT3 as one of its "HW Exotics," which are described as "exotic super cars, always ready to race!" And since I probably won’t ever be able to afford the real thing, a miniature version of the GT3 is an acceptable substitute.
I'm also considering purchasing Magnus Walker's Porsche 356A Outlaw die-cast Hot Wheels from Amazon for a whopping $7.22. Considering most Hot Wheels retail for 99 cents, that's not cheap. Something about acquiring that tiny little car is very compelling. I don't own a 356A. It doesn't matter. It's a cute palm-sized Porsche, and I want it for my desk.
When you're passionate about Porsches, there are often no boundaries in expressing your love for them. Whether it's lovingly detailing them on a weekly basis, showing them off at car events or wearing a hat to display your Porsche pride, it's easy to let others know how you feel.
And people also know what to get you for your birthday (mine is in January, in case you're wondering).
