My car: |
Fräulein Zuffie, 1960 T-5 Drauz S-90 Roadster |
Tip-off that a 356 was the car for me: |
Back in the Sixties when Paul Newman drove
one in "Harper." |
My age when I acquired my first 356: |
Too old, and I waited too long. I had a
Triumph TR-2 and a BMW R-60 motorcycle in
college during the Sixties, a Porsche 944 in
the Eighties, and now I am back to the Flat
Four roots. My first 356 was a 1965 Signal
Red C coupe with a black interior. |
Engine type: |
S-90 engine. Not the original S-90 engine,
which blew up in 1985, but a replacement S-90 engine which came from a 1962 B coupe
and was given to Harvey L. Smith by Lukes and Shorman in trade for his body work on another 356.
|
Miles driven per year: |
Don't know yet, as she just came out of the
356 prenatal ward. I've put 850 miles on
her in six weeks, so I consider that I am off
to a good start. |
Favorite destination: |
Anywhere on a sunny day when I can put
the top down. |
Fantasy road trip: |
Any back country road in Wisconsin or the Upper Peninsula of
Michigan or down to Road America to meet with my fellow 356 enthusiasts. |
Most inconvenient mechanical failure: |
Haven't had one yet. |
Car I'd have if I couldn't have a 356: |
A 912 or an early 911, possibly
an English car like a Seventies Lotus Europa
or a Morgan. |
What I like most about my car: |
Driving anywhere on a sunny day with the top down and listening to
that S-90 engine purr so sweetly right behind me.
|
Most unique feature: |
My car has been restored to perfection with
very few changes and updates. Former red
leatherette interior switched out to full tan
leather. Little things like an aluminum oil
cooler and LED lights from our own CU Layer.
Also replica Derrington wood steering wheel
and chrome wheels. |
Most recent repair: |
My car has just been fully restored and back on the road again
after 34 years. The full story is on the 356 Registry web site at
http://356registry.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12616.
After sitting in a garage for 34 years, my Roadster was restored
by Terry Worick of Absolute Body and Paint down in Eagle, Nebraska. Many, many people
had a hand in the restoration process. Vic Skirmants of 356 Enterprises rebuilt the
engine and transmission which had formerly been rebuilt by Lukes and Shorman out in California.
Others including Ibrahim Kuzu, Brad Ripley, Al Zim, Jim Breazeale, Roy Smalley, Bud Dunklau,
Bruce Baker, Bill Brown, and too many others to mention all deserve my thanks and credit.
|
Longest drive so far: |
From Lake Bluff up to her permanent home
in Door County, 260 miles. |
Next project with this car: |
She's perfect now, but whatever's needed. |