Recently someone asked me “why should I join PCA?”It reminded me of a conversation that I had 25+ years ago when I was asked the same question by a customer at a small repair shop that we were both visiting. He noted that he didn’t buy the car for competition and he wasn’t interested in car shows or social activities. He had the car for its utilitarian qualities to commute to his other offices and clients that took him through the Sierras. (Tough commute) I thought for a long moment and I could almost see his point but then I remembered how the Panorama kept me in touch when I was away from my car and club activities. I told him he could save easily the cost of membership on one purchase or one bit of advice that he could glean from the magazine. Of course if his interest ever changed he could contact one of many experts on any related Porsche need. That was the basis for my current reply but I thought I could do better in my explanation. So this is my answer today:

One of the reasons that I like the car is it’s” underdog” place in much of auto society. (The smallest production automobile, the small engine car winning the race, etc, etc, etc) The club however, does not fit that category. PCA is arguably the leading car club in the world. I have not heard of any club that has so many different directions and clearly excels at all of them with experts to train or help. From fun runs to professional quality rallies, from student level autocrosses to all out fender-to-fender track racing, from local show-and –shine to the highest level of concour events, From pot luck lunches to black tie social formals. Not to mention repair contacts, parts discounts and vehicle evaluations. Other car clubs’ wish they could be as prolific in their endeavors. Clearly the club has helped the cars’ popularity and vice versa. I would be a member just to read the interesting stories of family hand me down cars and treks across the nation and beyond. If you take a poll at any other Porsche related activity or event put on by another Porsche club. You will find that most if not all of the participants are PCA members also. I usually refer to PCA as the family and your local interest group your favorite relatives.

H

Editorial: Why PCA?

By Harvey Weidman