2011 Deutsche Classic
2011 Deutsche Classic
By John Kassay with commentary by Bruce Ringstrom
The second Saturday in July brings the wonderful clatter of hundreds of German cars and enthusiasts from all over the east coast as they ascend on a little known shady park. So, it would seem odd that the little town of Fleetwood Pa. is where these fans bring their Audis, VWs, Mercedes, BMWs, Porsches and anything German made.
Bruce Ringstrom and I headed off bright and early in my Boxster so we could get a shady spot to park at the show. Last year we didn't make it because of the rain, so I was really looking forward to it.
As we pulled into line for general parking, the security attendant suggested we enter the Porsche corral. "It's only ten dollars more," he said. "Ah, preferred parking!" Bruce concluded. So, we turned around to find the "proper" entrance
After registration, we started into the park to find a spot. Immediately we began to see many early and late model Porsches. I knew this was going to be a great day! Can you believe it ..… at least a dozen 356’s, and dozens of 911’s in all variations!
After parking, a beautifully maintained 1953 356 cab caught our attention so we headed over, proclaimed itself to be one of the first ten Speedsters built. Then I saw what appeared to be a “barn find” 356 that was untouched all original (and rough) fantastic! And then there were the hundreds of other German cars to see, so let’s get started;
Under the shady trees of the park, it seemed like there were at least 1,000 people sharing our passion for these German cars. As the smell of chicken being cooked for lunch loomed in the air, Bruce and I made the rounds. Parked under the shade of the trees at the far side of the field, we saw our own A.K. and Helga Kissell showing their Mini Cooper S. Helga was defending her Mini's second place finish last year. Then, back over to the Porsche corral, we saw a familiar sight - Les and Ginger Tronzo's orange and black GT3 RS. Les reminded us that he is the featured speaker for next month's Club Night on August 10th. He told me that he would elaborate his answer to my question then about a vibration I only occasionally get between 55 and 72. But, he did assure me I could absolutely avoid it entirely by just not going slower than 73. "How hard was that!"
Throughout the day, we heard music and calls over the PA for winners of door prizes, and announcements for the tire toss and Ladies in Jeans competitions; all the while, the kitchen handed out lunch boxes.
The local Audi dealer brought a range of current models which included several new Porsches and Audis. I told Bruce as we compared a Panamera to a 911, I believe you get more for your money with the Panamera, "I think that's my next Porsche." Bruce responded, "Yeah, you get more sheet metal. It's substantially heavier. And, you can fit people in back who are taller than 4'6". I believe you're right." There was an amazing display of a nearly complete set of Type 1 VW Beetles from 1949 to 2003. Wow! More vintage Karmann Ghias than I've seen in one place since a visit to a 1962 showroom.
And, how can I forget that "short" trip over to Carbela's in Hamburg after the show. Since we were that close, we had to do it (just sayin…). Good thing they had prepared boxes of fudge for us to offer our ladies for being late getting home for dinner.
So, as daylight became lights on driving home, I really enjoyed moving up and down through the gearbox as we made our way up and down through the foothills of Pennsylvania's Blue Mountains. Be careful, those flashing red lights ahead mean horses and buggies soon to be passed.
In my opinion,(as a prejudiced previous owner of Audi’s, BMW’s, VW’s and Porsches) one of the best shows on the east coast. There wasn’t anything that I didn’t want to see.
It certainly was a wonderful day in the Fleetwood Biergarten where the varietal referred to due'ly respected car marques rather than sudsy steins of brew. I look forward to leading a return tour next year; hope you choose to (play) tag along.
Auf wiedersehen.
Look for more of Bruce's great photos on Flicr!
