There Is Hope For The Younger Generation, Priceless 914 Encounter Options

[Osnabruck914]

Last Sunday I decided to use the local high school's huge empty parking lot to balance my carburetors (for my neighbors' ears sake). While I had my head deep in the engine compartment tinkering with the linkage, I sensed the approach of someone and heard them say "Are you alright?". I looked up to see two kids. One was about 8 years old on a skateboard, the other about 11 on a bicycle. I told them I was fine, just working on my carburetors. That's when the 11 year old asked me "What, running rich?" I was taken aback and answered "No, just balancing them, they often need to be balanced." That's when the kid really floored me. With great authority he stated "That's why I like single-carb setups, or fuel injection." I was dumbfounded. He then performed a walk-around inspection of my car, saying "This is nice, yes, this is very nice. Porsche is my dream car." I asked him what model he wanted. "911." he announced.

I wanted to find out what made this kid tick, but they drifted off before I could quiz him.
And I do believe he will get that 911 someday. I think perhaps there is hope.

Osnabruck914

[jd74914]

I love the interest!

But...I'm not sure the interest in cars is waning. The issue I see is that the barrier to entry is substantially higher than it was even 20 years ago. I bought my first 914 at 14 years old (23 years ago now) and it was complete, albeit rusty, for $500. I therein bought a second parts car for $300 and a running 2.0 for $1200. No way that happens now. And a lot of the cheap cars now aren't cool in any way, or require a lot more electrical troubleshooting knowledge than most possess-particularly a 15 year old and their 50 year old dad.