THE MORE THINGS CHANGE
There was a time in my life, where only a 911 Twin Turbo would be acceptable. In today's timing, even an everyday Carrera is Turbo charged. It makes me wonder, with the selective branding of the performance version of the all electric Taycan "Turbo"; it meant top of the line performance since inception.
The Carrera has always been an amazing machine. Natural aspiration was available as a rear wheel drive purist, and also as an all wheel drive variant. The Turbo model was designed to be propelled by all possible elements. In this instance, all four wheels.
When they introduced a four wheel drive Carrera, and later an S version; I knew it was the dawning of a new era. Fast forward to the current models of all 911's. Even the entry level variants have a Turbo. They come in coupe and convertible. They each have racing variants. They are both dual clutch or manual. They each have special editions. It can be tough to keep up with all the versions, that actually add, to their racing pedigree; legacy.
When I started to learn about these entry level, forced induction models, I asked myself; what does this mean?
Turbo for them (Porsche) , now meant top of the line performance. Forced induction, was not associated with the badge; on the outer shell of the car. Porsche is the original sports car. I don't care what you think, say, feel etc. Somebody has to make that clear to you. This is what you are buying into when you pick one of these up. Better yet. When you order one.
All of these concepts are extremely important, in order for you to fully understand the passion behind collectors, and fans alike. Remember that at age 40, my life is more about the meaning I give to things. Not exactly what they are. Let's explore this. This is what I am learning though, for today.
I figure I'd share it with you all. There is a new player in town. I really want to buy it. In fact, if I reach my business goal, I may actually pull the trigger. The 911 R did great, as an investment. But. Lets be clear. The storm is here. This may not be the best time. I am debating myself; during this entire process. A part of me wants both. I even have options to add other cars, into the mix. But, I know that I am fully committed to investing; everything.
The Turbo model is the top of the line. The Turbo S, is the one I would brake the bank for. But, although I use them for motivation; I have already learned about finances the hard way. The fact that a Carrera comes now with a turbo charger, in a coupe or convertible and even all wheel drive; is tempting.
There are special models gallore regardless and I guarantee that there is a special one, being built right now; for you. But here are my 5 why's? What is the meaning? But the more things were shifting, or changing, the more I saw the true answers, into embracing the originals.
I love the 912. Not for what it was but, more for what it represented. What it meant to me, was more important than specialized features, or the unwanted attention that those elements bring you. In other words what, social political pressures establish. I try to never feed into the status quo, of things.
The 911 had changed so much, from the originals, that the 912 in a sense, dialed it back. That pure driving experience is exactly what I was looking forward to. Nothing else really, because this would be for me. I would never buy a Porsche for anything or anyone else. I believe that basically would defeat the entire purpose.
As time and technology has progressed, more and more changes, naturally would come. There are 718 Spyder RS editions. 911 Speedsters, with only two seats like the 1980's version but modern style. With the engine from the 911 GT3 RS. I mean, with a 6 speed; whats better than that? Pricing is nearly identical, in the real world. Now it really becomes about, your own vision and your own choice.
The original Porsche was mid engined. Not rear engined. The Boxster, which formed the basis for the Cayman, that evolved into the 718. Which was another wildcard, and perhaps the natural successor to the first 912... Is mid mounted. The gripe was always, a step back in power. But. When you place the better engines, in that package that is mid engined; it makes you choose. What is the meaning?
Am I aiming for he GT4 RS, because it represents the original Porsche with its mid engine layout; with the 911' top of the line naturally aspirated power plant? Its not turbo charged... but.. It is what the car "was suposed to be".... I don't know? Or, do I go for the 911; the original sports car?
领英推荐
Do I get a 911 Carrera? How about a Carrera GTS? Or just a Carrera S? How about a coupe or convertible? Dual clutch, or 6 speed? Do I go for a 4? Or a 4S? But, wait a minute? The 4S has the "wide body" of a Turbo/Turbo S model?
But wait, they all come forced induction? In all starburst colors? Pricing is crazy on all of them, after allocation fees, plus dealer markups, re sellers etc. Its a supply and demand tactics and negotiations. Its a jungle out there if you want to buy into the brand.
With so many options, its hard to make one. Sadly, a choice has to be made. The best collector models are those like the 911 R. It is the type R version; light weight. No fu fu. No turbo. No all wheel drive. Two seats. You know what I mean? But, limited production numbers compared with the extremely high demand; brews trouble financially.
There is another 911 R predator on the apex. The pricing on any one of these special editions is bananas. But, my decision is made. I am buying a burger franchise. It costs 3.5X the price of any of these cars. In fact, its enough to buy them all together. But, priorities must go first.
From a psychological standpoint; each one of these will be my motivations during this process. But, I already know that I will not buy them at these prices. Its more likely not to happen in the future, when my business is successful, and their prices increase; naturally. The meaning for me, is more about discipline.
That time, when ever that is; is not now. I am making a conscious sacrifice for the future of my children. This franchise is my youngest sons, high school graduation gift. He does'nt know it yet. He has an idea. But, all I said when I started the paperwork was; if this music thing does not work out...I will be flipping burgers and shakes until I retire.
I have to do an internship at the company, during the purchasing process. They do not know, that I am buying several locations. And yes, I will be assisting in all of them; at the same time. Today may be the last day I get 3.5 hours of sleep. From today on, I may only sleep three.
God bless you all. I pray that this episode has touched your heart as it did mine. I am proud of myself. Writing this, and externalizing it, has brought tears into my eyes.
Nobody said this would be easy.
I am grateful that I have a piece of art that can continuously, motivate me. I am a recovering car collector. I have learned, in each step of the process. I went through each interval, and learned the hardway. I made all the financial mistakes that I could make; over and over again.
At times I learned a few things. Sometimes multiple lessons; that got harder and harder to bounce back from financially. Eventually it became financial storms, hurricanes, volcanoes. I ran through millions. I kept making millions, and blowing millions. As if God was playing games, with my emotions. But it took me years and even therapy to stop.
As embarrassing as it was, to externalize things by talking about it; I had no choice. It was part of my training. I had to not only learn my financial lessons; I had to share it with anyone I could and showcase all of my failures. Each time, I learned more and more. I got better and better at it. People around me started to relate, and kept me to my commitments; that I would never again make those same financial mistakes.
I started to teach, my financial education; even on my podcast. Live. Where ever I could. I signed up for the classes. I attended the seminars. I read the books. I reached out to the people. I decided right then and there, that I would be coach-able. Not only did I decide to grow. I wanted to go through the process. I knew that it would make me a better person; long term.
How did it all happen? I don't know. It was my destiny. I had to learn through trial and error. I could not be afraid because failure was no longer an option for me. The movie became more about the people whom I love; that depend on me each and every day. It gave me more reasons to fight even harder. Now, I had to finally implement all that I had been learning.
It all started to make sense. This all has happened for a reason. This was to become my greater good. I started to advice my business partners and my peers with their own businesses. I saw them going through the same changes, as their net worth; grew. This then increased my portfolio, of knowledge. I continued to teach, as I continued to learn, and then that; became my learning curve.
I have never been the same since. Now I can't stop. I work my ass off, each and every single day. In only 3 weeks I will be driving a top of the line exotic. Not the 911 R. That is not in the pallet for me. But something just as cool. If that's what it takes for me to stay disciplined and remain focused; that's what I gotta do.
For me. Failure is not an option. I have a 5,000 + song catalog. I have 1,372 songs in 2023 alone. A new world record. But guess what? I will be in the recording studio working on my new album; tonight.