PCA.....JOIN ?, 1974 914 1.8 Options

[Jamie]

We are members of the Milwaukee region. At our fall tour we had the oldest care there but we kept up fine with the modern ones. Most people are great and it’s fun to bring the old car to autocross.

What lens focal length or camera did you shoot to make this panorama? If it was stitched with Photoshop I'm amazed, as an old film professional. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

[Lg914]

We are members of the Milwaukee region. At our fall tour we had the oldest care there but we kept up fine with the modern ones. Most people are great and it’s fun to bring the old car to autocross.

What lens focal length or camera did you shoot to make this panorama? If it was stitched with Photoshop I'm amazed, as an old film professional. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

I just used my iPhone and its panorama setting. I don’t touch my cannon much anymore.

[SKL1]

Joined right after I got my car, in January 1971 (yeah I'm that old) but at the time many in the group didn't think 914's belonged. That made it even sweeter when I'd beat a 911 in an autocross...
Of course, some, like the recently deceased Chuck Stoddard, knew a good thing when he saw it and had a beautiful black tricked out 914-6 at the early 1970's Parades.
Have met many of my best friends over the years from activities in the PCA. You get out of it what you put in it.



(Dual region membership- have stayed in Central Iowa because that's where I started and was region President a few times, but more recently also joined AZ region)

[RARE 6]

Panorama, the magazine, is worth the price of admission (check)
You get out of it what you put in (check)
Most regions have a wide-range of events from social to serious Club Racing (check)
Joined PCA shortly after buying our new 1970 914-4 at the height of the great NARP scare (check)

[Mark Henry]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) For the price of a magazine subscription you get a whole lot more.

[Jamie]

We are members of the Milwaukee region. At our fall tour we had the oldest care there but we kept up fine with the modern ones. Most people are great and it’s fun to bring the old car to autocross.

What lens focal length or camera did you shoot to make this panorama? If it was stitched with Photoshop I'm amazed, as an old film professional. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

I just used my iPhone and its panorama setting. I don’t touch my cannon much anymore.

That's pretty impressive! I used to shoot panoramas with a scanning drum camera back in the film days, was a real trick to make prints from the odd format negatives in the darkroom. Dang cellphones! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/hissyfit.gif)

[Ansbacher]

Have been a member on and off since 1999. PCA is divided into a few distinct groups of people and they do not mesh very well:

The Racers and or Autocrossers - Very obsessed.
The Officers- Who want to run everything.
The Socializers- For parties and outings only (I'm in this group).
The Snobs- Need I say more.
The New Owners- Only there because the dealership gave them a membership.
The Rich- A new Porsche every year.
The Richer - Two new Porsches every year.
The 914 Owners - Most exclusive (I'm in this group too) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/evilgrin.gif)

That said, I have met some great and generous people in PCA over the years and I value their friendship.

Ansbacher

[brcacti]

Have been a member on and off since 1999. PCA is divided into a few distinct groups of people and they do not mesh very well:

The Racers and or Autocrossers - Very obsessed.
The Officers- Who want to run everything.
The Socializers- For parties and outings only (I'm in this group).
The Snobs- Need I say more.
The New Owners- Only there because the dealership gave them a membership.
The Rich- A new Porsche every year.
The Richer - Two new Porsches every year.
The 914 Owners - Most exclusive (I'm in this group too) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/evilgrin.gif)

That said, I have met some great and generous people in PCA over the years and I value their friendship.

Ansbacher

Excellent response, I think EVERY CLUB is like what you describe. I am a botanist and it also has these different types of people.

[maf914]

I am a long time member. The magazine is worth the membership fee.

[daytona]

I was a member in the 70s and then joined again the Space coast region in 2007 when I got my Cayman.
As someone has already mentioned, the magazine alone is worth the membership.
But for me it has been a great source for P car knowledge, and have met a really great group of people. As with any group of individuals, there is always an ass hole, but the overwhelming majority are there to have fun and talk about cars.I our region there is something to do every weekend if you like. Competition and social events. We have made good friends and met some very nice people.
I say it is definitely worth joining.
Bill.

[jkb944t]

I have been a member since the early 80's and have really enjoyed the club. As so many others have said it depends a lot on your local region. Some regions are awesome and some aren't. We have a core group of members in our region that love to work on their own cars which makes it fun.

Our region (membership of approx. 250) is very laid back group so the events are a lot of fun. Our big problem is finding a restaurants that can handle the 40-50 members that show up for a dinner drive. I met a lot of my closest friends though the club and the various activities like autocrossing and drivers ed.

PCA has an excellent magazine and fun club events so I feel that it is well worth the money.

Jeff B

[914Toy]

If you want lots of track time including excellent instruction you should consider the Porsche Owners Club (POC) - usually 8 or so two day week end events a year, using all the tracks in S Cal a year (5 tracks).

[ClayPerrine]

Have been a member on and off since 1999. PCA is divided into a few distinct groups of people and they do not mesh very well:

The Racers and or Autocrossers - Very obsessed.
The Officers- Who want to run everything.
The Socializers- For parties and outings only (I'm in this group).
The Snobs- Need I say more.
The New Owners- Only there because the dealership gave them a membership.
The Rich- A new Porsche every year.
The Richer - Two new Porsches every year.
The 914 Owners - Most exclusive (I'm in this group too) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/evilgrin.gif)

That said, I have met some great and generous people in PCA over the years and I value their friendship.

Ansbacher

Betty and I fit into 2 of the groups. AXers, and 914 owners.

And you forgot a couple.

The Social Climbers. They want to be part of the snobs and the rich/richer, but can't really afford it. So they spend all their time kissing up to the people in those groups.

The Posers. They buy the cheapest 911 they can and pretend to be part of the Snobs. But they are always making excuses why their car is not running.


All in all, PCA is a broad organization, there is something there for everyone.

[brcacti]

Thanks Clay, I think every club has a BIG diverse crowd, I can see it. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) My intermittent starting has come back again, I will try an ignition switch then have my old good VW mechanic put in a ford starter solenoid as my relay might be worn out.

[Gatornapper]

Been a member for 8 years and this pretty much NAILS IT.

You can find enough folk in most chapters that love 914's or any Porsche and are great people - you just need to find the good ones and not bother with the others listed below that are not warm & friendly to you.

Worth the money....

GN

Have been a member on and off since 1999. PCA is divided into a few distinct groups of people and they do not mesh very well:

The Racers and or Autocrossers - Very obsessed.
The Officers- Who want to run everything.
The Socializers- For parties and outings only (I'm in this group).
The Snobs- Need I say more.
The New Owners- Only there because the dealership gave them a membership.
The Rich- A new Porsche every year.
The Richer - Two new Porsches every year.
The 914 Owners - Most exclusive (I'm in this group too) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/evilgrin.gif)

That said, I have met some great and generous people in PCA over the years and I value their friendship.

Ansbacher

[dcheek]

not a member. no reason to be.
I don't race. I don't do car shows. I just enjoy building, messing with, and driving my cars

You listed 3 reasons to join, "building, messing with, and driving"
Panorama is by far the best publication to read if you do as you say you do.
You really are missing out.
Just sayin'


Dave
43 year PCA member.

[rgalla9146]

We joined in 1976. 911 owners ran the region at the time, 356 owners were the elder statesmen and us 914 owners were the stepchildren. It was however, a great group of people no matter what they drove. Each region has a different flavor and focus. NNJR was a track focused club whereas GMT, my present club, is tour oriented. I served as President of both. The 17 years Sue and I did DE’s with NNJR were some of the best of our lives and from that time, we have a group of lifelong friends. Some are on this board.

Give it a try, the cost is low and if you don’t like it, let it lapse.

Charlie

I'm with Charlie.
I'm a newcomer (1979) compared to those he was involved with but they were the
inspiration that still keeps me involved.
Great personalities, plenty of events and a world class monthly magazine.
Can't go wrong.
Join !
Rory

[Rob-O]

Have been a member on and off since 1999. PCA is divided into a few distinct groups of people and they do not mesh very well:

The Racers and or Autocrossers - Very obsessed.
The Officers- Who want to run everything.
The Socializers- For parties and outings only (I'm in this group).
The Snobs- Need I say more.
The New Owners- Only there because the dealership gave them a membership.
The Rich- A new Porsche every year.
The Richer - Two new Porsches every year.
The 914 Owners - Most exclusive (I'm in this group too) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/evilgrin.gif)

That said, I have met some great and generous people in PCA over the years and I value their friendship.

Ansbacher

Betty and I fit into 2 of the groups. AXers, and 914 owners.

And you forgot a couple.

The Social Climbers. They want to be part of the snobs and the rich/richer, but can't really afford it. So they spend all their time kissing up to the people in those groups.

The Posers. They buy the cheapest 911 they can and pretend to be part of the Snobs. But they are always making excuses why their car is not running.


All in all, PCA is a broad organization, there is something there for everyone.

Don't let Clay fool you. He is in the Snob/Rich group too! Between he and Betty they own THREE 914's! The latest one is a -6 for cryin' out loud!

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/poke.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/lol-2.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

[sb914]

Where’s @Tom_T

[Tom_T]

Where’s @Tom_T

I'm still around, but have been very busy & traveling a lot.

As for PCA members, one of our SoCal Regional officers would add "Cheapsters" - but I prefer "Thrifty"! LOL

Why join? Well....

1.) You get 12 months of an excellent Porsche magazine "Panorama" for $46 per year, which is less than the $48 "Excellence" Porsche magazine subscription .... that alone is worth the money IMHO, even if you do nothing else (& many don't).

In addition, most Regions (think "chapters") they also publish a monthly smaller magazine focused on local activities & events (by comparison BMW CCA has the national "Roundel" monthly magazine, & LA Chapter has a quarterly one).


2.) In addition to the magazine - you get TWO (2) memberships, yours & a 2nd Associate Membership for you spouse/S.O., kid, grandkid, buddy, or anyone (no separate additional Porsche ownership is required for Associate).

By contrast, the BMW CCA charges $48 per person - so the equivalent would be $96 per year for the 2 you get in PCA for just $46!

Also, if you sell or lose your Porsche, or are between them - then you can still benefit by remaining on as an Associate member until such time as you have another P-car.


3.) There are many events every month or weekly in PCA nationally, regionally & in zones, & you can go to other regions'/zones' events as well. Many of these are free, or where you pay for your own meal, etc. at social gatherings, or fees for the activities such as AX, DE, Racing, Concours to cover the costs. Here in the OCR we literally have 1-2 or more activities PER WEEK of all types, year round.

By contrast, BMW CCA has regular but not nearly as many events in LA & San Diego areas, but Orange County is their "black hole" with maybe 2-4 events per year here!


4.) PCA locally, zone-wide & nationally has a wide range of events for just about everyone - from social & informal, to AX, Racing, Concours CWs, Gearhead Techies, etc., etc.


I compare PCA with BMW CCA because I've been in both, but others can probably draw parallels to other car clubs as well. As car clubs go, I think that PCA is a great bargain for what you get, & you can use them as much or as little as suits you.

I think that PCA could do a better job of selling the benefits of membership by emphasizing the above.


Yes, it's true that all of the above types of members - & more - are in the club, since it's a big club; & yes some of them can be pretty "uppity" - but many more are good regular folks who love their P-cars & others around - including now true respect & like for our 914s.

This was not as much the case back in the 1970s & 80s, & I was not a member back then for that reason, as well as because I was otherwise engaged in playing Rugby & other fun pursuits, in my spare time from working in the Architectural field & on my license for same, then starting my business & MBA grad school, a new family & raising 2 kids, etc.

So I never joined until 2009 when - after my kids were close to going on their own - I started planning, collecting parts & working on restoring my 914 - which was coincidentally & definitely related, when I also joined 914world & 914club for the same reason.

In the end, each of you need to decide what you want to do about PCA - bargain or not - & whether you can get by those folks you don't particularly like, & just hang out with the ones you do like - however many or few. PCA is a microcosm of the world, so there are all types there, but all must have or have had a Porsche.

Cheers! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)
Tom
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