June Member Profiles

Chesapeake Region

Member Profile: Steve VonGunden & Kirsten Sandhofer

Member Names & Join Date: Steve VonGunden & Kirsten Sandhofer May 2011

James B. Beavan III

Current Cars: 2009 Carrera 4S Cabriolet (PDK); 2016 Cayman (Manual)

Previous Cars: 2000 Carrera Cabriolet (Manual)

Have you served on any Regional or National committees: N/A

What encouraged you to join the Porsche Club of America: Meeting variety of PCA members through long -time member and past Chesapeake Region President David Dukehart

When it came time to buy a vehicle, what made you choose your Porsche and is this your first Porsche (if not please detail prior Porsche's):

I have always been a car fanatic from my early teen years. I always wound up owning more “practical” vehicles (fulfilling the “life gets in the way” excuse for Not diving into a performance car. Through a twist of fate I wound up in a position to buy that elusive FUN car that had evaded me for many years. I started searching for something that would fit that bill. I was already friends with David Dukehart and loved his (then) 2000 Carrera Cabriolet. He invited me to join him at a Kinder Time Toy Drive where I had lunch with several PCA members. The question was posed – “have you ever considered a Porsche?” My immediate reaction was that I doubted I could afford one; although, I have admired them for many years. I soon found out that with careful, targeted hunting I too could join this seemingly unattainable dream. I purchased David’s 2000 Carrera and was in heaven! I distinctly remember the numerous times I would park MY Porsche in our garage and couldn’t stop looking at it before closing the garage door. Needless to say – I was hooked.

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Chesapeake Region Steve VonGunden & Kirsten Sandhofer (cont’d)

Initially, I was convinced this gorgeous Artic Silver beauty would occupy my garage until I was buried in it. But alas the alure of other Porsche models started to invade my mind. Many PCA members warned me that “Porsche Addiction” was an all too common affliction and I started entertaining thoughts of moving up. I decided that a wide body was a look I found appealing so began the hunt for the perfect C4S. I bought a wonderful Ruby Red Metallic/Sand Beige interior in 2018 and love the PDK in that 997.2. But alas (again) - In the last year or so, my Left Foot started to get jealous of my Right Foot having all the fun. I decided to look for something with a manual gear box car to make amends. In 2021 I located an Agate Gray/Luxor Beige 2016 Cayman which fit the bill. The two cars both definitely have that distinct Porsche “feel” but the handling and response differences between the rear engine vs. mid-engine makes for a nice variation in driving experience.

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Chesapeake Region Steve VonGunden & Kirsten Sandhofer (cont’d)

James B. Beavan III

What are your favorite Regional &/or National events: Both my wife, Kirsten & I really enjoy the social aspects of PCA. We love the regional tour/dinner events and have attended many Porsche Parades. We have made so many new friends its hard to imagine not being part of this welcoming organization.

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Chesapeake Region Steve VonGunden & Kirsten Sandhofer (cont’d)

James B. Beavan III

What is your favorite PCA memory: Deutsche Marque Concours – where it took 1st in Class

What advice about PCA or Chesapeake would you give to new members: Try out as many activities that you can…. maybe even those that might not (at first glance) be in your wheelhouse. You’ll be surprised how much fun you will have. And of course the greatest experience will be the many new friends you will meet.

If money was no object, what Porsche would you love to own and why: I love so many it’s hard to choose. I would love an older air-cooled (maybe a 930) but am really impressed by the Taycan 4S.

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