Driving Your Older Porsche – Safely

A friend of mine recently sold his 1957 356 Speedster — a beautiful, largely original car he had owned for several decades. Knowing that his decision to sell was not financially driven, I asked him why he sold. He responded, “You know, I just don’t feel safe driving it anymore with today’s traffic.” His answer triggered some needed self-reflection and the thoughts behind this article.

Today’s modern car is a true marvel in many respects. Sometimes overlooked are the safety features built into every new car and light-duty truck. Three-point seat belts, multiple air bags, anti-lock disc brakes, crumple zones, side impact beams, collapsible steering columns, and roll-over protection are all built into even the cheapest new car today. Engineers have been very successful in creating today’s reduced-risk safety pods. But as the consequences of being in an accident in a modern vehicle have been substantially reduced, have we also adjusted by adopting “riskier” driving behaviors?

I believe we have. We follow more closely in ever-denser traffic, we send texts, we make phone calls, we roll through stops signs. We venture out in all kinds weather. We drive as fast as we can and we stop abruptly without reason. We rarely signal our intentions to turn or to change lanes. We focus too much on our navigation screens. All of this with the full comfort in knowing that our pods will save us from harm if we get into a “fender-bender.” We assume those around us also have a modern safety pod that will protect them from any harm.

Ok, maybe the driving behaviors of PCA members don’t fit this mold, but I bet you see it every day so you at least know what I’m talking about, right?

The great joy many receive from ownership of a Porsche 356 and/or early 911 is in the actual driving experience itself. Unlike a brass-era car, or a classic from the pre-war era, vintage Porsches are meant for far more than just to be stored away in a garage— they arc made to be driven! With the possible exception of the earliest pre-A versions, the performance of the 356 is adequate enough to blend into the modern world. They accelerate, turn, stop and hold the road in a manner that belies the fact that they have been on the roads for 5-6 decades. The earliest 911s are even stronger performers. And they do what they do with a character and visceral feel that does not exist in any modern car.

The problem is that the same fender-bender in a modern pod could result in serious injury (or worse) in a 356 or early 911. A 356 provides none of the modern and life-saving safety features I mentioned above. An early 911 offers only a few of them, depending on the model year. That said, I believe it is still possible to drive and enjoy an older Porsche if one understands and accepts the increased risks involved and takes proactive steps to reduce the risks.

Here are a few of the things I try to remember when I’m out and about in a vintage Porsche:

1. Choose your time & place — I stay away from rush hour traffic when the road warriors are in full battle mode. They are on an important and urgent mission and its best to give them a clear pathway. The problem where I live is that the rush hour seems to last longer and longer — or is it more accurate to say that it never ends? I have found that between 10 am and 2 pin usually works for me on the backroads during the week. Early morning weekends are also usually good. I try to avoid driving a vintage car in the nighttime and during inclement weather, for obvious reasons.
2. “Assume the other guy is either drunk or crazy” — My first driving instructor, Peter Morgan, drilled that into my head more that 45 years ago. It’s the only thing I remember learning from Mr. Morgan, although he also taught Latin and Golf at my high school. One wonders what Mr. Morgan would say about the drivers of today!
3. “Drive it like you would drive a motorcycle” — Jim Newton gave me this advice when I first purchased a 356. I’m not a motorcyclist, so I’m not certain if he was saying that I always need to wear a helmet, full leathers and some body armor when going for a drive? Come to think about it, that’s probably a good idea! Smart motorcycle riders know they are going to be big-time losers in any collision — even if they have the so-called legal right away. Defensive driving isn’t really enough being able to anticipate the actions of those around you is what makes for a safer ride or drive. CVR Autocross and Driver’s Education events can help you hone your ability to look ahead — what I have found to be a key skill in staying safe on the road in an old car.
4. Be visible — When I ride my bicycle, I want to be seen. Yes, I’m the guy who wears screaming yellow dayglo everything and has mega-watt blinking strobe lights flashing on both ends of my bike. I know this annoys some drivers of cars. If I have annoyed you, I apologize, but at least I know that you’ve seen me! I don’t tend to wear a cycling kit when out for a drive. But I do try to be cognizant of positioning the car on the roadway in order to be more visible to others. Studies have shown that people sometimes won’t recall seeing things that they weren’t expecting to see. Don’t become invisible. Don’t be afraid to use the horn to awaken someone from the fog.
5. Manage the flow — Left turns are the worst. There is one near me that is scary in any car, but especially so in a vintage Porsche that has brake lights and turn signals from a bygone era. If I can’t avoid the left-hand turn, I try to make it safer by gradually slowing my car while oncoming traffic clears, thus forcing the truck (why does it always seem to be a truck?) behind me to also gradually slow down at my pace. I try to manage the flow of traffic behind me. And I’m not above using hand turning signals in such a situation, either. I also try to take the entire lane so that the driver behind me is not tempted to pass on the narrow shoulder. He might make it through ok, but the truck behind him might ruin my day. Best to avoid left turns.
6. Think about your passengers — Is your passenger safe riding with you in your vintage Porsche? I think the answer depends a great deal on the choices that you make, beginning with the decision on when and where to go. At the very least, double-down on your awareness when with a passenger. Remember all the things your own Peter Morgans have taught you.

Drive your (vintage) Porsche — safely!