An Anniversary

[Sebastian Gaeta]

Twenty Five years ago this weekend, I brought this car home, in spite of the stern warnings from my better half

They are both still with me but I will never forget that first week. The car was mesmerizing but it was a tough go with my pregnant-with-our-first-child spouse. We eventually worked it out and of course my family is the best thing that ever happened to me, But... over these 25 years the car brought me immeasurable joy, created lifelong friendships and gave me another avenue for stuffing my brain with information that is completely useless outside of the subject.

The car was 27 years old when I bought it and now it is 52 years old. I suppose I have cared for it longer than any previous owner and we have covered more than 70,000 miles with several trips through Vermont being a big highlight.

Anyway, I thought I would share this milestone with my 356 friends, I hope yours have brought you as much joy.

[Mark Reich]

Happy anniversary, Sebastian! Each year seems to get better.

I have owned mine for 15 years now and treasure each adventure. It is amazing to see the family grow up with the car,and the car remain a strong part of the family. Treasure family, and the part your 356 plays in that family!

Mark

[David Jones]

I have only owned my "A" coupe for 23 years because I was dumb enough to not buy one when I lived in California in 86. Instead I bought a 74 2 liter 914 for $700 which of course was a very good buy as well.
One year later I moved from Oklahoma to Ohio and this was the line up. Not in the picture was the Aerostar van and the race car.
I still have the "A" coupe but the rest including the white "A" coupe are history but for the Honda 4 wheeler which gets used as much as the "A" coupe.

[Jim Liberty]

Here is is Sunday, and I'n in my shop working on my '55. Having an understanding wife is key to a happy life.

[Richard Zarbo]

You're my inspiration Sebastian. Thanks for guiding me into and through 356 ownership. I'm spoiled now. No other sports car will do.

[Charles H Jacobus]

Congratulations, Sebastian! Looks like at some time you picked up another one.

ChuckJ

[Sean M Rooks]

Congrats on your anniversary! I really like the look of your coupe.

[Doug McDonnell]

I guess this means you didn't give it to your daughter when she graduated this year? Congratulations on being it's caretaker so long!

[Martin Benade]

I have had my cab 39 years this month, and my wife of 11 years was understanding 6 or 7 years ago when I asked if she could stand it if I spent (wasted?) a bunch of spare time getting my car back on the road after 25 years. She may not have understood it, but she understood that it meant a lot to me. Even better, she likes the car and often suggests that we take it out. She is real cute in it, too.

[David Lawrence]

My experience shows that the longer these vehicles are in the family the more the wife gets attached to them. I believe it's the celebrity part they like, as we all know these cars will get peoples attention wherever they go.

In our case the current 64C Cab has been in the family for 41 years of a 43 year marriage.

[Neil Bardsley]

Congrats!

[George Walling]

I've had the Speedster for 52 yrs. and been married to the wife for 47yrs. The wife has been so supportive of the Speedster. I think mostly because we had such great time back in the dating days and now she just enjoys getting out with the top down and short trips. I have to admit she doesn't care for long road trips as she ages but she still enjoy supporting me by letting me spend time and retirement money on it. The Speedster is one of the family for sure , kids and grand kids all enjoy rides in it.

[Sebastian Gaeta]

Great stories guys, keep 'em coming!!

[Dick Weiss]

I just celebrated 57 years (last June) of owning my Carrera Speedster which is scheduled to participate
in the Put-in-Bay Regional Raceweekend (Lake Erie, OH) 2-weeks from now.

Dick

[David Jones]

Be careful Dick and "don't drive too fast", as my mother in law was heard saying to my wife at that time, at Nelson Ledges at an SCCA race many years ago.