Photo of the Month
Time Machine
by Christy Spangler, photo of the month chair
This month’s photo was submitted by Michael Spitzer of his 1973.5 911T Targa. In 1973, 10-year-old Michael’s favorite toy car was a yellow Porsche 911 Targa with Fuchs wheels. He does not remember if it was a Matchbox or Hot Wheels car, but growing up in Virginia in the early 70’s, the concept of Porsche did not mean much to him; he just knew that he liked that car. He told himself, “When I grow up, I am going to get myself one of these for real.” Well, little did a naive 10 year old realize that by the time he grew up and could think about owning one of these, they would already be considered collectible. Fast forward to 1999. Michael had just sold his successful business and was back in Virginia with his wife visiting her parents. As they drove down the road, a yellow sports car caught his eye sitting on the edge of a car lot. Michael did a quick U-turn to have a second look. There it was, a yellow 1973.5 911 Targa… the real-life version of his childhood toy car. Same color, same model, same year, same Fuchs wheels. He went in and asked about the car and, long story short, the car had belonged to a a doctor who had grown tired of it, had not been using it and traded it in on a new vehicle. Michael says that his wife looked at him and said ... “Let’s be careful honey and not go crazy spending money just because we sold our company” He thought she made a logical point ... but still... THIS was the childhood dream. That night at his in-law’s house, he and his wife watched a Clint Eastwood movie marathon on TV . Michael commented, “This is my favorite, High Plains Drifter.” She said, “No, it is Pale Rider” He said, “No, it is High Plains Drifter.” She said “Do you want to bet me?” So, they bet. If she won, she could buy a new sewing machine. If he won, he could go down the next morning and buy the 911 Targa. The photo answers the question of who won the bet. Michael, now 58, has owned the car for 22 years. Michael refers to this car as “The Time Machine” because every time he takes it out for a spin, it kind of feels like he is going back to 1973. Thank you Michael, for sharing this photo and your dream-come-true story. He said that he no longer has the toy Porsche, but has been on the hunt for one. Michael used a Samsung Galaxy Smartphone to take this photo. I really appreciate all the great submissions-- please keep them coming!
Jul 2021 | Die Porsche
Kassette
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