Randy Nonenberg interviews Cobus, a passionate automotive photographer and contributor to Bring a Trailer, who shares his journey from childhood photography to racing vintage Porsches. Cobus recounts his early experiences at racetracks in South Africa, his transition to the U.S., and how he became involved with BAT after capturing stunning images at the Goodwood Revival. The conversation also touches on his current racing activities, including his beloved 356 and 912, and his plans for upcoming events like the Lamar Classic. Cobus emphasizes the vibrant BAT community and the joy of sharing automotive stories.
As our hosts recover from their various holidays, we revisit our May 2023 interview with Kobus, BaT commenter and contributor extraordinaire. Randy and Kobus discuss his formative years at Kyalami in South Africa (including talking his way into a media pass for the 1969 and 1970 Nine Hours); his love of driving and racing his vintage Porsches; getting into vintage racing in a stock 356 Cabriolet during the pandemic; and acquiring his Sand Beige 912 racer, seen at tracks and events all over the Northeast, followed by a very historic Formula V car.
The two go on to share in the beauty and danger of the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix in Schenley Park; their mutual admiration of the Goodwood Revival; their thoughts on Luftgekühlt; Kobus' work for the 356 Registry in print and online; and pre-war hillclimbs.
"...back in the day when I was in high school, we went to Kailami all the time to watch the Grand Prix and the nine-hour races, slept over, usually two nights, got dropped off."
Grand Prix is a term used for important car races, especially in Formula 1. These races are very popular and feature fast cars competing against each other.
The Grand Prix refers to a series of prestigious auto races, particularly in Formula 1, held on various circuits around the world. These races are known for their high speeds, advanced technology, and competitive teams.
"...back in the day when I was in high school, we went to Kailami all the time to watch the Grand Prix and the nine-hour races, slept over, usually two nights, got dropped off."
Kailami is a famous race track in South Africa where many car races take place. It's known for exciting events like the Grand Prix and long endurance races.
Kailami is a motorsport race track located in South Africa, known for hosting various racing events, including Formula 1 races and endurance races like the nine-hour race mentioned. It has a rich history in motorsport and is a popular venue for car enthusiasts.
The Porsche 912 is a vintage sports car that looks similar to the more famous Porsche 911 but has a smaller engine. It's loved by enthusiasts for its classic design and driving experience.
The Porsche 912 is a classic sports car produced by Porsche from 1965 to 1969. It shares many components with the Porsche 911 but features a four-cylinder engine instead of the six-cylinder found in the 911.
"...you pulled up to one of our events in a Silver 356, which is near and dear to my heart..."
The Porsche 356 is an older sports car that was made by Porsche. It's famous for being one of the first cars the company produced and is cherished by collectors for its style and performance.
The Porsche 356 is the first production automobile by Porsche, produced from 1948 to 1965. It is known for its lightweight design and agile handling, making it a favorite among classic car enthusiasts.
"I actually went to the first Rensport reunion at Landmark Park."
The Rensport Reunion is a big event for Porsche fans where they can see both old and new Porsche cars, watch races, and meet other people who love Porsches.
The Rensport Reunion is a gathering of Porsche enthusiasts that celebrates the brand's racing heritage. It features vintage and modern Porsche cars, racing events, and opportunities for fans to meet and share their passion for Porsche.
"But super hub caps on overriders. Doesn't have overriders? Yes."
Overriders are extra bars on the front or back of a car that help protect it from small bumps. They were often used on older cars to make them look nicer and keep them safe.
Overriders are additional bumpers or protective bars that extend beyond the main bumper of a vehicle, often used to protect the car from minor impacts. They are commonly found on classic cars and can enhance both aesthetics and functionality.
"...a big one on the wall from the Nurburgring and I think 56 or 55, 56."
The Nürburgring is a well-known race track in Germany where many cars are tested and raced. It's famous for being very difficult and has a lot of twists and turns.
The Nürburgring is a famous racetrack located in Germany, known for its challenging layout and elevation changes. It has a long history in motorsport and is often used for testing and racing by manufacturers and enthusiasts alike.
"...I've rebuilt the engine, rebuilt the gearbox."
A rebuilt engine is an engine that has been taken apart and fixed with new parts so it can work like new again. It's a way to make an old engine last longer.
A rebuilt engine refers to an engine that has been disassembled, cleaned, and reassembled with new parts to restore its performance and reliability. This process can extend the life of the engine significantly.
"...I've rebuilt the engine, rebuilt the gearbox."
The gearbox is a part of the car that helps control how fast the car goes. It works with the engine to change speeds and make driving easier.
The gearbox is a mechanical component in a vehicle that transmits power from the engine to the wheels, allowing for different speeds and torque. It can be manual or automatic, affecting how the car drives.
"...they put roll bar in, fuel cell, nice seats, like period to red seats, not, you know, not like crazy racing seats."
A fuel cell is a special type of gas tank that keeps fuel safe and secure, especially in race cars. It helps prevent fuel leaks if there's an accident.
A fuel cell is a specialized container designed to safely hold fuel in a vehicle, often used in racing for its lightweight and safety benefits. It reduces the risk of fuel spillage during accidents.
"...they put roll bar in, fuel cell, nice seats, like period to red seats, not, you know, not like crazy racing seats."
A roll bar is a metal bar added to a car to keep people safe if the car flips over. It helps keep the car's shape and protects the passengers inside.
A roll bar is a safety feature in cars, particularly in racing vehicles, designed to protect occupants in the event of a rollover accident. It adds structural integrity to the vehicle's frame.
"Yeah, it's just so much fun. I actually bought a historic Formula V as well. Oh, wow."
Formula V is a type of racing where small, simple cars race against each other. It's designed for people who want to start racing without spending a lot of money.
Formula V, also known as Formula Vee, is a class of open-wheel racing that uses small, lightweight cars with a simple design. It was created to provide an affordable entry point into motorsport, allowing amateur racers to compete in a controlled environment.
1968 is a year when many famous cars were made. Cars from this time are often seen as classic or vintage, which means they are older and have special value.
The year 1968 is significant in automotive history as it marks the production of many iconic vehicles and the evolution of automotive design and technology. Cars from this year may be considered classic or vintage, depending on their make and model.
"And so I plan on taking it to Pitt Race, but they're going to have a big reunion. OK. And I'll definitely have to take some photos there. Tell us about that. Pitt Race. I know Pittsburgh Vintage GP."
Pitt Race is a racetrack in Pennsylvania where people can race cars and motorcycles. It's a popular place for racing events and car enthusiasts to gather.
Pitt Race, or Pittsburgh International Race Complex, is a motorsports facility located in Wampum, Pennsylvania. It hosts various racing events, including track days and club racing, and is known for its challenging layout and multiple configurations.
"...the brakes went. Oh, no. And it was really scary."
Brakes are the parts of a car that help it slow down or stop. If they stop working, it can be very scary and dangerous.
Brakes are crucial components in a vehicle that allow the driver to slow down or stop. When brakes fail, it can lead to dangerous situations, especially at high speeds.
"And I had been following Bring a Trailer. And here and there, there were some things"
Bring a Trailer is a website where people can buy and sell classic cars. It's popular among car enthusiasts for its detailed listings and community discussions.
Bring a Trailer is an online auction platform that specializes in classic and enthusiast cars. It allows users to buy and sell vehicles, often featuring detailed listings and community engagement.
"...one of my favorite Goodwood cars, which is the Red Alfa Romeo Giulietta Ti Sedan kind of on three wheels going through the terrain."
The Alfa Romeo Giulietta Ti Sedan is a stylish small car that was popular for its sporty looks and fun driving experience. The 'Ti' means it's a sportier version of the regular Giulietta.
The Alfa Romeo Giulietta Ti Sedan is a classic compact car known for its sporty design and performance. The 'Ti' designation stands for 'Turismo Internazionale', indicating a more performance-oriented version.
"So, obviously, a thread here of flat four cylinder engines for you."
A flat four cylinder engine is a type of engine where the cylinders are laid out flat, making the car more stable and easier to handle. It's different from the more common upright engines you might see.
A flat four cylinder engine, also known as a boxer engine, has its cylinders arranged horizontally in two opposing banks. This design helps lower the center of gravity, improving handling and stability in vehicles.
"I like the older ones, especially the old 911 styles. But yeah, because of ridiculous and the setting was great."
The Porsche 911 is a famous sports car that many people admire. It's known for its unique shape and powerful performance, especially in older models.
The Porsche 911 is a classic sports car known for its distinctive design and rear-engine layout. It has a long history and is celebrated for its performance and handling.
"I'd love to go with him to the Lamar Classic, which is a big year this year. I'm going. Are you going? You should go."
The Lamar Classic is a big car show where people display classic cars. It's a fun event for car lovers to see and appreciate old cars together.
The Lamar Classic is a significant automotive event that showcases classic cars and often includes races or exhibitions. It's a gathering for car enthusiasts and collectors to celebrate automotive history.
"We're gonna go back to Goodwood again. We gotta do that every few years. There's a Porsche race there this year."
Goodwood is a famous car event in England where people can see and hear many different types of cars racing up a hill. It's a fun place for car lovers to gather and enjoy the excitement.
The Goodwood Festival of Speed is an annual hillclimb event held in West Sussex, England, showcasing a wide variety of vehicles from classic cars to modern supercars. It's a major event in the automotive calendar, attracting enthusiasts and manufacturers alike.
The Monaco Classic is a special event in Monaco where old cars are shown off and sometimes raced. It's a chance to see beautiful classic cars in a fancy place.
The Monaco Classic is a vintage car event held in Monaco, featuring classic cars and often including races or parades. It celebrates the history of automobiles in a glamorous setting.
"...I'm gonna try and find the pre-war car somewhere. Are you gonna try to drive? Are you gonna try to get a pre-war car? Wow, I love it."
Pre-war cars are cars made before World War II. They are often classic and vintage, and many people love to collect and restore them.
Pre-war cars refer to automobiles manufactured before World War II, typically characterized by their classic designs and engineering. These vehicles often hold significant historical value and are sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.
"...So I said, okay, let's go shop for a Porsche. One of the Boxster is less expensive."
The Porsche Boxster is a small sports car that has two seats and is designed for fun driving. It's usually less expensive than other Porsche models, making it a popular choice for those who want a Porsche without the higher price tag.
The Porsche Boxster is a two-seat roadster that is known for its mid-engine layout and sporty performance. It's often considered a more affordable entry point into the Porsche brand compared to other models like the 911.
"What did you drive? A Volkswagen Golf or like, well, I mean, those are fine."
The Volkswagen Golf GTI is a small car that is really fun to drive and has a lot of space inside for passengers and cargo. People like it because it combines sporty features with everyday comfort, making it a great choice for many drivers.
The Volkswagen Golf GTI is a sporty hatchback known for its performance and practicality. It has a strong following due to its fun driving dynamics, versatile interior, and everyday usability, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts and casual drivers alike.
The BMW X3 is a luxury SUV that is designed to be comfortable and fun to drive. It has plenty of room for passengers and their stuff, and it comes with a lot of high-tech features that make it feel special.
The BMW X3 is a compact luxury SUV that offers a blend of performance, comfort, and advanced technology. It is significant for its spacious interior, strong engine options, and the brand's reputation for driving pleasure, making it a popular choice in the luxury SUV segment.
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