Lee Raskin: 50 years in PCA

Chesapeake Region

50 years in PCA: Through My Rearview Mirror

Words: Lee Raskin: All photos: Lee Raskin Collection

Through My Rear View Mirror: September 13, 1955. Sixty-seven years ago, Bill Sholar, an advertising executive held the first ever PCA meeting with twelve other Porsche owners at Blackie’s House of Beef Restaurant in Washington, D.C.

I took this opportunity to attend the Annual National PCA Headquarters Open House in Columbia, Maryland to commemorate the sixty-seventh Birthday event, hosted by Vu Nguyen, our PCA Executive Director.

I say OUR Director, because I, like you and Vu, are members of the renowned Chesapeake Region, Porsche Club of America. In fact, I am a proud fifty-year member of the Chesapeake Region. To which there is a significant story about my joining the PCA.

In the Fall of 1967, I was a first-year law student at the University of Baltimore with a new 1966 Porsche 912 model. I had heard about the Chesapeake Region from the lone Porsche dealer, Stuttgart Import on West Susquehanna Blvd. in Towson.

The monthly meetings were held in Baltimore and conveniently at the Deutsches Haus Restaurant -- down the street from my UB Law School -- off of Mount Royal / Cathedral Street near the present location of the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall.

I decided to cut my law school classes so I could attend the meeting. It was an eerie scene...the meeting was held in the very dank cellar of this old German style building.

There were about 25 members present…who all looked old to me (at least 40-50 years of age) …but many were drinking large steins of beer which I thought was pretty cool. I didn’t know anyone at the meeting…who would introduce me…so I was asked to do so myself.

I responded that I was a first year UB law student and I owned a new Slate Grey 912 Porsche.

The place was silent for a few seconds and then someone started to “Boo” me -- and then others joined in. I didn’t get it…but someone yelled out: “Traitor, Traitor”. The President kind of laughed it off and said, “that I should be driving a 356 like the rest of us.”

I spoke up saying that I did own a 1960 356B for three years but traded it in for a new 912. They “booed” me some more.

I was humiliated but I had the presence of mind to reply: I think that you guys (no women were members) need me a lot more than I need you!” I hurriedly left the meeting feeling hurt.

I didn’t return to a PCA meeting until 1972…this time with a 1970 911 Burgundy Targa. The times had changed…as most of those ‘old guys’ had become a 356 minority in a more exciting Club that was now dominated by younger 911, 912, and 914 owners

I never forgot that miserable experience and I made it a point as a Region officer to welcome new members into the Chesapeake Region—where many joined as an entry-level Porsche owner with perhaps a 924, 912 E, or a 944 model.

Over the decades I have been fortunate to own many 356s, including a concours-winning 1958 356 Super Speedster, several 912s, 911s, and currently, a concours 986 Boxster.

I have been an elected Chesapeake Region Secretary, Treasurer, Vice President, Patter Newsletter Editor, Chesapeake Challenge Chair, Concours Chair, Autocross Chair as well as a CC participant -- winning the coveted Lufthansa Trophy, as well as multiple Best In Show awards.

I have also been a PCA National Contributing Panorama Editor, a Porsche Parade multi-year participant and Concours Class podium finisher; and a first-year participant of the new PCA Club Race program --winning the 1995 PCA Worker’s Award for Best Racer with my 356 A Coupe.

I have vintage raced a 356 A Super Speedster and Coupe at over 150 events / over two decades at PCA, VSCCA, SVRA, VRG, HSR race venues from Watkins Glen to Daytona …and I was invited to the 1998 Porsche Tribute at the Monterey Historic commemorating 50 years of the Marque.

In more recent years, I have co-authored and/or authored as a motorsport’s historian --four James Dean and Porsche-related books, co-produced eight James Dean / Porsche-related cable channel documentaries for the BBC, ABC, National Geographic, History, Reelz, and Travel Channels

That was then and this is now. I wanted to commemorate the 67 th PCA Anniversary at the National HQ event by gifting to the PCA National Archives --two of my most recent Porsche-related publications: James Dean On The Road To Salinas, and The Pink Pig Porsche – The Truffle Hunter of Zuffenhausen.

During the second of three of the National HQ tours, I presented Vu Nguyen with two inscribed and autographed books. Each were similarly inscribed: September 13, 2022. For the National PCA Archives, to commemorate the 67 th Anniversary of the PCA’s founding…and for continued and enduring success.

Lee Raskin, PCA 50-year Chesapeake Region member. Looking back…It’s truly been a great 50 year PCA ride!

The following 6 pages are some photos from the Lee Raskin collection for your enjoyment!