Bob Rassa - He Has Gone To Every Porsche Parade Since 1966!
About this episode
Bob Rossa, a dedicated PCA member since 1966, shares his remarkable journey of attending every Porsche Parade over nearly six decades. He reflects on the evolution of the PCA, the camaraderie among Porsche enthusiasts, and memorable moments from various parades, including the unveiling of the 928. The episode highlights Bob's contributions to the PCA, his experiences with iconic Porsche models, and the changes in the automotive landscape. His passion for the brand and the community shines through, making for an engaging conversation about the rich history of Porsche and PCA.
On this episode, Bob Rassa, PCA member since 1967, talks about what PCA was like in the 60’s, how he joined the club and why he decided to start attending Parades. He also tells us about buying his first Porsche, meeting club founder Bill Sholar and what it was like having Ferry Porsche at the Porsche Parade. This one is a little longer than usual but it’s chock full of interesting stories. We also cover the latest Porsche news to include IMSA results for the 963 and Porsche stock slowdown.
Pirelli
"I want to thank our presenting sponsor, Pirelli. Pirelli tires have to achieve the highest levels of performance, safety, noiselessness, and grip on the road surface."
Pirelli is a brand that makes tires, which are the rubber parts of a car that touch the road. They are known for making high-quality tires that help cars perform better.
Pirelli is a well-known tire manufacturer that specializes in high-performance tires for various types of vehicles, including sports cars and luxury vehicles.
Jaguar XKE
"...I had a Jaguar XKE and you probably know that Jaguars don't have a super reliability."
The Jaguar XKE is a classic sports car from the 1960s known for its sleek looks and fast performance. It's a car that many people admire for its design and history.
The Jaguar XKE, also known as the E-Type, is a British sports car that was produced by Jaguar from 1961 to 1975. Renowned for its stunning design and performance, the XKE is considered one of the most beautiful cars ever made.
XKE
"...But the XKE was not that reliable."
The XKE is a famous sports car made by Jaguar. It's known for looking great and being fast, but some people say it can have reliability issues.
The XKE, also known as the Jaguar E-Type, is a British sports car that was produced from 1961 to 1975. It is celebrated for its stunning design and performance but has a reputation for being less reliable than some competitors.
Porsche 911S
"They didn't have any 66's in stock, 9-11's. They had one I think was black and I didn't want a black car."
The Porsche 911 is a famous sports car known for its speed and unique shape. The 1966 and 1967 versions are some of the earliest models made.
The Porsche 911 is a high-performance sports car that has been in production since 1964. The 1966 and 1967 models are part of the original generation, known for their distinctive design and engineering excellence.
Porsche 912
"...the 66th parade. It was kind of fun. All 356's except for a couple 9-11's and 9-12's that showed up."
The Porsche 912 is a car made by Porsche that was produced in the 1960s. It looks a lot like the 911 but is generally less expensive and has a smaller engine.
The Porsche 912 is a model produced by Porsche from 1965 to 1969. It was designed as a more affordable alternative to the 911, featuring a similar body style but with a four-cylinder engine.
Porsche 356S
"But I mean, today we're just going to kind of delve in with how you even got here, how But mostly it was 356's. the club has, you know, changed and maybe stayed the same after six, close to six decades"
The Porsche 356 is an old sports car made by Porsche that first came out in the late 1940s. It's important because it was the first car that Porsche made, and many people still love it today for its style and performance.
The Porsche 356 is a classic sports car that was produced from 1948 to 1965 and is significant for being Porsche's first production model. It helped establish the brand's reputation for performance and engineering excellence, and it remains a beloved model among collectors and enthusiasts today.
Jaguar
"...And I had already settled into the Jaguar because it was a very, very nice car. What we saw in the area was 356's and there weren't that many of them."
Jaguar is a brand that makes luxury cars, known for being stylish and fast. They have a long history of producing high-quality vehicles.
Jaguar is a British luxury car manufacturer known for its high-performance vehicles and elegant designs. The brand has a rich history and is associated with luxury and sportiness.
Shelby Cobra
"So I believe you even have like a Mustang Cobra and you have some V8 cars too."
The Mustang Cobra is a powerful version of the Ford Mustang, which is a popular American muscle car. It's known for its speed and sporty design.
The Ford Mustang Cobra is a high-performance variant of the Ford Mustang, known for its powerful V8 engine and sporty features. It has a strong following among muscle car enthusiasts.
Ford Mustang
"...ody knows this. So I believe you even have like a Mustang Cobra and you have some V8 cars too. How did the ..."
Chevrolet Corvette
"...e muscle car crowd treat 9-11's or 356's? And the Corvette people as well. Different nature of beast."
The Chevrolet Corvette is a famous sports car from America that has been around since the early 1950s. It's known for being fast and stylish, making it a favorite among people who love cars.
The Chevrolet Corvette is an iconic American sports car that has been in production since 1953. Known for its powerful performance and distinctive design, the Corvette is often seen as a symbol of American automotive engineering and has a strong following among car enthusiasts.
SCCA
"But you were at different venues. You were at courses, SCCA or doing autocrosses..."
The SCCA is a group that organizes car races and events for people who love motorsports. They help make racing safe and fun.
The SCCA, or Sports Car Club of America, is an organization that promotes motorsports and organizes racing events across various disciplines, including autocross and road racing.
autocross
"You were at courses, SCCA or doing autocrosses..."
Autocross is a type of car racing where drivers go through a course made of cones. It's about how well you can handle your car rather than how fast you can go.
Autocross is a timed competition where drivers navigate through a defined course marked by cones, typically held on a large, flat surface like a parking lot. It emphasizes precision and handling over outright speed.
Porsche Cayenne
"Like we talk about all the, you know, when the Cayenne came out, when the Panamera came out, when the Boxer came out, like anything new."
The Porsche Cayenne is a big, fancy SUV made by Porsche. It was one of the first SUVs from a brand known for sports cars, and it offers a mix of speed and space.
The Porsche Cayenne is a luxury SUV that was first introduced in 2002, marking Porsche's entry into the SUV market. It combines performance with practicality, appealing to both sports car enthusiasts and families.
Porsche Panamera
"Like just default, must not like. You heard Lee's story, they basically told him to sit in the corner of the room because he had a 9-12."
The Porsche Panamera is a luxury car with four doors that drives like a sports car. It was first made in 2009 and is known for being fast and comfortable.
The Porsche Panamera is a luxury four-door sedan that blends sports car performance with the comfort of a luxury vehicle. It was first introduced in 2009 and has been praised for its handling and powerful engine options.
Volkswagen
"A lot of them were dual with Volkswagen. And they got started because of Volkswagen."
Volkswagen is another famous car brand from Germany that makes many types of cars, including the well-known Beetle. They are one of the biggest car companies in the world.
Volkswagen is a German automaker known for producing a wide range of vehicles, including the iconic Beetle and the Golf. The company has a significant history and is one of the largest car manufacturers in the world.
Porsche of America Corporation
"When POAC became into play in late 69, early 70, Porsche of America Corporation, they wanted to change a lot of that."
Porsche of America Corporation is the part of Porsche that sells their cars in the United States. They help manage how the cars are sold and serviced in that region.
Porsche of America Corporation is the official importer and distributor of Porsche vehicles in the United States. Established to manage the brand's presence and sales in the U.S. market, it plays a crucial role in the company's operations in North America.
Porsche sales in the US
"Porsches weren't in huge production because again, the Porsche sales in the US weren't huge."
Porsche sales in the US means how many Porsches are sold in America. It shows how popular the brand is and how many people want to buy their cars.
Porsche sales in the US refer to the number of Porsche vehicles sold in the United States market. Historically, these sales figures can reflect the brand's popularity and market demand.
mechanical fuel injection
"Yeah, it needed a mechanical fuel injection rebuild."
Mechanical fuel injection is a way to get fuel into a car's engine using mechanical parts instead of computers. It's an older technology that can be very reliable but might need more care to keep it working well.
Mechanical fuel injection is a system that delivers fuel to an engine using mechanical means rather than electronic controls. This type of system was common in older vehicles and is known for its simplicity and reliability but can require more maintenance.
air conditioning
"And it also had air conditioning and it was sitting in the back because they couldn't get it to work."
Air conditioning is a system in cars that keeps the inside cool and comfortable, especially on hot days. It helps to make the ride more enjoyable.
Air conditioning in cars is a system that cools and dehumidifies the air inside the vehicle, providing comfort to passengers. It's an essential feature, especially in warmer climates.
Houndstooth interior
"It had the Houndstooth interior. And that's what they called it, Houndstooth."
Houndstooth interior is a type of fabric pattern used in car seats. It looks like a checkered design and is often found in classic cars.
Houndstooth interior refers to a specific fabric pattern often used in car upholstery, characterized by a broken check pattern. It's a popular choice in classic cars for its distinctive look.
Houndstooth seats
"If you're chasing down maybe Papita or Houndstooth seats, you have Porsche parts that are impossible to find."
Houndstooth seats are a type of car seat fabric that has a unique checkered pattern. It's often found in older sports cars and gives the car a classic style.
Houndstooth seats refer to a specific upholstery pattern commonly used in classic cars, including some Porsche models. This pattern features a distinctive black-and-white check design that adds a sporty and vintage look to the interior.
Porsche 944
"Restoring a 944 turbo or looking for a trim piece for your 911 E-Targa..."
The Porsche 944 Turbo is a sporty car from the 1980s that has a turbocharged engine, making it faster than the standard 944. It's a favorite among car fans for its fun driving experience.
The Porsche 944 Turbo is a high-performance variant of the 944, known for its turbocharged engine and sporty handling. It was produced in the 1980s and is popular among enthusiasts for its balance of performance and affordability.
Auto Atlanta
"Either way, Auto Atlanta has you covered. They've been taking care of Porsches and only Porsches since 1978."
Auto Atlanta is a business that sells parts and helps fix Porsche cars. They have been around since 1978 and know a lot about these vehicles.
Auto Atlanta is a company specializing in parts and services for Porsche vehicles. Established in 1978, they are known for their extensive inventory and expertise in maintaining and restoring classic Porsches.
Interstate Highway System
"I mean, you remember the Interstate Highway System"
The Interstate Highway System is a big network of highways in the U.S. that makes it easier and faster to drive from one place to another. It started being built in the 1950s.
The Interstate Highway System is a network of controlled-access highways in the United States that was established in the 1950s. It was designed to facilitate efficient transportation across the country, improving travel times and safety.
Porsche Parade
"So I would plan my vacation around the Porsche Parade and I just said, okay, I'll go next year."
The Porsche Parade is a big gathering for Porsche fans where they can meet, show off their cars, and participate in fun activities together.
The Porsche Parade is an annual event organized by the Porsche Club of America (PCA) that brings together Porsche enthusiasts for a week of activities, including car shows, driving tours, and social gatherings. It's a celebration of the brand and its community.
Fuchs
"we can talk about Fuchs wheels, we can talk about all these details of a brand."
Fuchs makes special wheels that are popular among car enthusiasts, especially for racing and performance cars.
Fuchs is a well-known manufacturer of high-performance wheels, particularly famous for their lightweight and strong designs used in various sports cars, including Porsche models.
Porsche 928
"...I used to do road tests for. The 914, 914.6, the 928, the 924, 924 Turbo,..."
The Porsche 928 is a luxury sports car made by Porsche that was produced from the late 1970s to the mid-1990s. It is known for its comfortable ride and powerful engine, making it suitable for long-distance driving.
The Porsche 928 is a luxury sports car produced by Porsche from 1978 to 1995. It was designed as a grand tourer and featured a front-engine layout, which was different from the rear-engine design of the 911.
Porsche 914
"I used to do road tests for. The 914, 914.6, the 928, the 924, 924 Turbo, the 944, I d..."
Laguna Seca
"...and Laguna Seca was a fantastic lot across."
Laguna Seca is a well-known racetrack in California where cars and motorcycles race. It has a famous part called the Corkscrew, which is a tricky turn that many drivers find challenging.
Laguna Seca is a famous racetrack located in California, known for its challenging layout and the iconic Corkscrew turn. It hosts various motorsport events, including car races and motorcycle competitions.
Mercedes-Benz SL
"Okay, gotcha. And the sports car, the SL series, I would say. Like SL, I think the 350,"
The Mercedes-Benz SL is a fancy sports car that has been around since the 1950s. It's known for being powerful and comfortable, making it a popular choice for people who want a luxury driving experience.
The Mercedes-Benz SL is a luxury sports car that has been a part of the Mercedes lineup since the 1950s. Known for its combination of performance, comfort, and advanced technology, the SL series has become synonymous with high-end motoring.
Porsche 904
"...you expect like a long hood, but I'm looking at a 904. I'm looking at some."
The Porsche 904 is a classic sports car from the 1960s that was made for racing. It's special because it's lightweight and has a unique design, which helps it go fast and handle well.
The Porsche 904 is a lightweight sports car produced in the mid-1960s, known for its racing pedigree and innovative design. It was one of the first cars to use a fiberglass body, contributing to its performance and agility on the track.
Porsche 924S
"a lot of 928s floating around, a lot of 924s, 944s floating around. And what people don't real..."
The Porsche 924 is a sports car made by Porsche from the late 1970s to the late 1980s. It was designed to be more affordable than other Porsches, making it easier for more people to own a Porsche.
The Porsche 924 is a sports car produced from 1976 to 1988, notable for being one of the first Porsches to feature a front-engine layout. It was aimed at a more affordable market segment and helped Porsche expand its reach in the automotive world.
Porsche Boxster
"...goes out, everything's fine. Production for 718's Boxster Cayman is going to cease next month."
Porsche Cayman
"..., everything's fine. Production for 718's Boxster Cayman is going to cease next month."
The Porsche Cayman is a sporty car that came out in 2006 and is known for being fun to drive. It's designed to handle really well on the road, which makes it a favorite for people who enjoy driving.
The Porsche Cayman is a mid-engine sports car that was introduced in 2006 as part of Porsche's lineup. It is known for its excellent handling and performance, making it a popular choice among driving enthusiasts.
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