This commission turned in to a little more then I was first expecting. I was asked by Collection Cars, an online auction, to head to Norfolk and photograph a Porsche GT3 Clubsport. Being newly inducted into the Porsche fraternity, how could I say no! After chatting to the owner and arranging the day, I may have let slip that I own a Porsche as well, albeit much older, and not a GT3.
On arrival at the address, no car was in sight. Most people have the car in the driveway all ready. I hate driving up a strangers driveway, only to find you have the wrong address as you had no car as a reference point. That does happen. It just looks and feels a bit suspicious, why that should be I don't know. It's like when your going through the airport checking in, you know very well you have nothing explosive or illegal in your suitcases, but you still feel it! I rung the door bell and had a few nervous moments, as by now I'd driven all the way up his drive and parked in front of the house. To my relief the owner came round the corner, assumed it was me and took me straight to the garage around the side where the car is kept. It's all clean and good to go he said. That's music to my ears, as you would be surprised how many times I turn up for a photo shoot, and the owner hasn't finished cleaning the car, or in some cases hasn't even started.
The Auction Company like photos with no lighting, (a somewhat new experience for me) but if that's what they require, then that's what they shall have. The owner handed me the keys and said there you go, I'll let you get on with the shoot. These cars are automatic, but not like a normal auto where you put it in gear and it creeps forward, here you don't get any creep, you have to give it some revs, but not too many, otherwise you do wheel spins on the gravel driveway.
I soon found the ideal spot in front of the house, where the lighting was good. The shoot went well and a few moves and a couple of hours later I'd finished, normally that's that and I leave. I went to give the key back to the owner saying all good I'm now off, when he replied, "Oh, so you're not taking it around the block then? I thought you might like to", He then proceeded to tell me his pre thought out route! Without looking too excited, I cool and calmly said "Well that would be lovely!" Who am I kidding! With a massive smile ear to ear I said, "are you serious", he looked at the dash board and said "Yes there is enough fuel in the car so take it out".
What an experience. It was fascinating for me to feel and see the differences between this and my 996tt. (With around 14 years between the 2 models).
I loved every minute of the short drive. I can see that with this car, you could drive it to Germany, do a few laps of the Ring, and drive it back home, without feeling that you have done a couple of rounds with Mike Tyson.