Our Favorite Porsche Stories From PCA Los Angeles Concours

It was a big weekend for all things Porsche, and the PCA was not to be outdone. Celebrating their 58th annual Concours d’Elegance at the Museum of Flying in Santa Monica, the Los Angeles Region made sure there was something for everyone. On a gorgeous Sunday, the hangar, and the surrounding areas glittered with beautiful examples of the Porsche lineup. Additionally, we were there hunting for candidates for the Petrolicious Best Story Award. More on this further down.

New cars, classic ones, race versions. There were all versions and models, from a group of GT3’s celebrating their 20th anniversary, to an extraordinary race car courtesy of Tony Callas – the Reiser-Callas Rennsport 1996 GT1 that raced at Watkins Glen, NY. When that fired up, it had everyone’s attention. There is nothing like the smell and sound of a track-bred race car designed to do only one thing, go fast.

One can’t tell the story of these events without mentioning the owners. We interviewed dozens of owners and found three Porsche stories and let our audience pick the winner via Instagram Stories. The prize? A PCA-Exclusive edition of the Petrolicious Founding Membership (learn more here if you’re interested in signing up).

1962 Porsche 356 Twin Grille Roadster

First up was a story about a 1962 Heron Grey Twin Grille Roadster that barely made it to the show on time. The owner of the car, Blue Nelson, drove all the way from British Columbia to arrive late the previous night! You’ll notice that there is no top on the car, he even drove through rain and memorize the route so he wouldn’t have to check the rain in the downpour. In the family since new, the car was purchased new by Blue’s father, Gary Nelson, who directed hit TV shows such as Happy Days and Get Smart. This story definitely tied in well to the theme of LA Dreamin’.

1989 Porsche 944 Turbo

Purchased initially to go club racing, Eddie Sakamoto has big plans for his 1989 Schwartz black 951. The car was so lovely, he decided that he just had to keep the car the way it was. He’s the original owner of this California car, purchased from Newport Porsche. The best part of the story? It only has 14,3000 miles. If we had an automobile this fun to drive we’re not sure we’d have the restraint that Eddie has shown all these years.

1978 Porsche 928

Everyone dreams of getting the call from a friend saying that they have a car they have to buy and save. One of those instances where you just can’t say no. That was the case with a Minerva Blue 1978 Porsche 928 rescued by William Anast. It was a fast-paced eleven-month restoration process where they managed to keep the original interior and even the classic beer-bottle brown glass. Nothing says the 1970’s more than this blue machine.

It was neck and neck between the Blue’s 356 and this 928, but the 928 just barely squeezed out a couple handful more votes out of thousands. Well earned sir!

Overall, a good day among great Porsches and friends.