A jaw-dropping collection of Porsches gathered at the Sarasota Polo Club at Lakewood Ranch for a sun-kissed get-together called Porsches and Polo that was organized by Florida's Suncoast Region of the PCA. Held Feb. 22, the Porsches had assembled beneath the palm trees whose fronds whispered in the breeze from the partly cloudy sky as temperatures lingered in the low 80s.
The weather was perfect for all the cabriolet owners. The two-hour drive there in our 1994 Guards Red 968 with the top down evoked the zen of driving as Porsche owners know it. Our iPhone delivered a sound track of Led Zepplin, Rolling Stones, U2, Jimi Hendrix and kindred spirits with generational anthems that seemed hard-wired to the accelerator along Interstate 75 in a high-torque, wind-blown ride southbound.
Approaching our destination, we experienced a convergence of a GT2, Boxster S, 911 Carrera and a Cayman as we simultaneously reached the narrow lane that led to the Sarasota Polo Club. Across the field in the distance, the Porsches appeared as gemstones.
The event was sponsored by long-time Suncoast Region supporter Suncoast Porsche of Sarasota. The dealer displayed several beauties, including a Panamera S E-Hybrid plugged into a charging station, a Cayenne GTS, 2015 Macan and a 911 GTS.
Peter Tromboni Photography
The Panamera S E-Hybrid shown by Suncoast Porsche plugged into a charging station.
Peter Tromboni Photography
A beautiful GTS at Porsches and Polo.
The invitation specified an arrival time of 11 a.m. With lunch at noon and the polo matches starting at 1 p.m., the 253 participants enjoyed plenty of time beforehand browsing the assortment of Porsches. Champagne and fine wines were uncorked in keeping with the festivities in an atmosphere of casual elegance.
Just about any Porsche lover would have been impressed with the 123 cars on display. There were 356 coupes and cabriolets, some of which embodied the ideal of "patina." Neither garage queens nor barn finds, these 356s appeared well-maintained for weekend jaunts. I spoke with several of the owners who used their cars regularly, which is a breeze to do in Florida (well, OK, maybe except for June, July and August).
Peter Tromboni Photography
Several 356s like this one participated in the event.
If there was a People's Choice Award, my guess is that it would go to a sparkling GT3. In lime-gold metallic, carbon-fiber roof with matching accents and a wing adorned with 3.8, the car was strategically parked to garner lots of attention.
Peter Tromboni Photography
This stunning lime-gold metallic GT3 was prominently shown.
We saw a few vintage 911 Targas and a 911 Speedster. There were enough Boxsters to connect the dots in a design retrospective that led to the current iteration. Certainly of the most awe-inspiring sights was looking down the line of Porsches parked nose-first along a path beneath the palm trees. It's a moment when everything seems right with the world.
Peter Tromboni Photography
A few of the vintage Porsches displayed period-correct Florida licenses plates like this one.
A buffet lunch was served in the screened pavilion overlooking the polo field. Catered by the Polo Grill of Lakewood Ranch, selections included a lavish salad, shrimp sauteed in garlic and olive oil, sliced steak, grilled chicken and chilled orzo salad.
As we moved along the food line, my wife struck up a conversation with the man in front of us who happened to be from her hometown in Ohio. We ate lunch outside with a serial Porsche owner who possessed a stunning silver 356 coupe and his daughter preparing for her first year in college.
Shortly afterward, the opposing polo teams galloped onto the field for their match. The Porsche parade that followed slowly made its way down the field, capping off a beautiful day.
Peter Tromboni Photography
The parade of Porsches on the polo field.
