Winter.
I have no use for this season. I don't ski. I don't snowboard. And there is no longer the need for the $15 I made from shoveling my elderly neighbor's driveway. The bitter cold doesn't excite me. My car doesn't look better on winter wheels and snow tires. Worst of all, there are minimal car shows. The colorless frontier spells perennial depression for some, while turning others into seasonal hermits.
Viper Green is offered through the Paint to Sample program and adds approximately $5,500 to the bottom line.
So it is with great pleasure that I stopped by Paul Miller Porsche today to capture some of their colorful cars on display. Although I consider the newest of Stuttgart's crested wonders to be somewhat sterile in their blistering performance delivery (primarily because of their insistence on fitting the PDK as standard fare in the top-tiered Turbo and GT3 models), it's quite the joy to see that they're still being offered in vibrant colors, something that is lacking on many a manufacturer's color palette.
In fact, if you have the funds, you can order your Porsche in nearly any color imaginable (so long as it's approved), thanks to the Paint to Sample portion of their Exclusive program.
The juxtaposition of the blue and green Turbos was a great way to battle the blandness of the winter. Don't mind the gray Panamera in the background; no one handed me keys to shuffle the inventory.
Practically every letter in Roy G. Biv's name can be coated to the exterior of the Porsche line, including violet on the newest purple-people eater, the 991 GT3 RS. Sadly, one was not available on the lot to receive my drool, or the attention of my lens.
Lava Orange is offset nicely with the optional clear, glass taillights.
My favorite Porsche model and color will always be the 993 Turbo finished off in Arena Red. I will own one at some point in my life, most likely after I win the lottery or retire. Hopefully it's the former that comes first. But seeing these purpose-built street missiles slathered in screaming paint schemes really brightens my day.
The depth of Sapphire Blue Metallic GT3 is in stark contrast with the salt-stained blacktop that mimics a frozen tundra.
Not only that, but I think the livelier hues highlights some of the finer points of the 991 body, including the gaping air intakes and the power rear wing that has more technology built into it than my entire GTI.
Birds go here.
I am fortunate that I live so close to this Porsche sanctuary. The inventory is ever-changing and usually has some real gems, which currently includes a Riviera Blue Macan Turbo and every aforementioned 991. Plus, once the springtime hits, I can really start to look forward to the Cars & Croissants group returning to the grounds for an exceptional meet. Last year, it's estimated that well over 300 cars carouselled through the lot.
The letters 'GTS' are being applied to nearly every model in lineup, insinuating sportier intentions than originally planned.
Until then, I will have to do with gawking as I drive by, nodding in approval at this maker's efforts in painting the town a brighter shade of happy. And hey, maybe the folks at Paul Miller will see my work and words and invite me back before the snow melts to help capture their inventory in a more favorable light! I'm always available for freelance work.
This Lava Orange 991 Turbo is outfitted with a grocery list of extras, including (but not limited to) gloss black wheels and sport mirrors, the aero kit and the glass sunroof. Finding an scantly optioned Porsche is like finding that proverbial needle.
'PORSCHE' across the engine cover is an excellent way to connect to the car's past without invoking too much nostalgia.
The Boxster GTS, devoid of color with the exception of the red brake calipers, appears to be frozen to the ground.
Why not finish out with a 991 GT3 in a stunning Sapphire Blue Metallic?