A Zed and Four Porsches – a Euro Road Trip

tomscott

Elite
 Manchester
Or more well known as

Pork, Strudel & Cheese With Holes - a road trip

Recently a few members went on a two week eurotrip. Members include JaxZ4, ZermattV, Bing, PVR, and me. Along with bing was wee-bing aka Alex, PVRs son Tim, Jacks wife Jacqui, Robs wife Beth, joined us in Modena, and my dad Tim came with me… and very kindly let me drive his pride and joy for half the trip.

Organised predominately by Jack and Rob. Much thanks from all the rest of us, fantastic trip.

The following is an editorial piece written by Jack that gives a brief description of the trip, the accompanying pics taken by me and Jack. The article will hopefully be appearing in upcoming article in the UK version of Porsche Post. The article had to be no less than 1200 words so a lot is obviously missed off, but gives a good summary of the trip.

The original thread and banter can be found here
http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=78385

Enjoy!

Four Porsches and a Zed – a Euro Road Trip
by Jack Fordyce, Photography by Tom Scott

Car club and forum camaraderie was a strong catalyst in creating this touring group, as some transitioned into Porsche ownership from much loved BMW Z4s.

A potential 2,500 mile route through Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland and Italy was agreed. Cars consisted of a 991 50th Anniversary, a 997 Targa 4S, a 997 Carrera S, a 981 Boxster S and a Z4M roadster. Drivers include Scots, English based in Scotland, English surnamed Scott, and Scots and Dutch based in England, making for a bar room joke bereft of a good punch line, with plenty banter potential.

Baden Baden & Stuttgart Factory Tour
Arriving via Eurostar or ferry to Amsterdam, meeting up for an autobahn blast to Baden Baden, coincided with a birthday so as you do we “took the waters”.

19916196005_1fb6333eef_c.jpgPorsche 911s Port of Tyne, Northshields, by Tom Scott, on Flickr

19908657822_6f8dd5edc3_c.jpgGroup meet up just off the autobahn in Baden Baden by Tom Scott, on Flickr

19921260871_86ff8bd02f_c.jpgGroup meet up just off the autobahn in Baden Baden by Tom Scott, on Flickr

19293573954_8440bb97e2_c.jpgPetrol Stop, Netherlands by Tom Scott, on Flickr

19728157968_8947afaf67_c.jpgPorsche 991, 911 50th Anniversary Edition Coupe by Tom Scott, on Flickr

A Porsche Factory Tour required a 5-30am start for a dawn assault on “The Route 500” with a photo stop at Mumelsee where pro photographer Tom, put us amateurs to shame with some fabulously composed and exposed shots. The route climbs steeply over near deserted roads, round high speed, tightening bends in magical early morning light before an equally challenging descent.

19908649432_b837b1958d_c.jpgPorsche 911 and Boxster, Route 500 stop, Mumelsee, Germany by Tom Scott, on Flickr

19729514319_721d09c174_c.jpgPorsche 911s and BMW Z4M, Route 500 stop, Mumelsee, Germany by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Navigational debate followed, assisted by four versions of OEM Porsche Sat Nav, a Tom Tom, a Garmin and a well-thumbed route map with detail only visible to the very young. We arrived in Stuttgart in good time though, scanning the underground car park for anything interesting.

19728176790_986cd52df6_c.jpgPorsche Museum, Stuttgart by Tom Scott, on Flickr

19728175160_6bb2a63c73_c.jpgPorsche Museum, Stuttgart by Tom Scott, on Flickr

The factory tour (cameras and phones prohibited) provides almost hands-on insight, urged along by our very knowledgeable guide. Witnessing the marriage between chassis, bodywork and engine was fascinating, as was a privileged peek at a collection of GT3 RS models. Task timing within the production line was admirably precise, with workers seeming remarkably stress free.

Hopefully scoring brownie points, three of us sported Porsche GB Club tops and with Club Cards ready, secured free museum entry - a nice touch. The afternoon was spent at the Museum, gift shop and restaurant where we could each do our own thing, largely involving rubbing noses against expensive glass.

19889962736_6004da97ab_c.jpgPorsche 911 Turbos, Porsche Museum, Stuttgart by Tom Scott, on Flickr

19728171330_226592b0a3_c.jpgPorsche 918, Porsche Museum, Stuttgart by Tom Scott, on Flickr

19728169280_e120c898b1_c.jpgPorsche 918, Porsche Museum, Stuttgart by Tom Scott, on Flickr

A 550km drive to Savognin, near St.Moritz next, detouring to allow an eastwards group drive of the Susten Pass. A Swiss tunnel cacophony of sports exhausts merited several repeat performances.

19293558754_b9b4c80b6a_c.jpgPorsche 991, 911 50th Anniversary Edition Coupe by Tom Scott, on Flickr

19908636982_46b9b248f9_c.jpgBMW Z4M Tunnel, St.Moritz, Switzerland by Tom Scott, on Flickr

19908635872_8fd0641699_c.jpgPorsche Convoy, St.Moritz to Susten Pass, Switzerland by Tom Scott, on Flickr

19916169645_06673a1436_c.jpgPorsche Boxster, St.Moritz to Susten Pass, Switzerland by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Whilst light rain affected the Susten, an amusing lay-bye liaison with a large pair of furry marmots ensued, before another spirited session, keeping a healthy pace despite conditions.

Braving the mountain’s drizzly elements, suitably attired in T-shirt, shorts and plimsolls, Tom captured some fabulous stills of the red Carrera S, some feeling guilty for rushing him.

19921236561_6000ebbbd2_c.jpgStein Glacier, Susten Pass, Switzerland by Tom Scott, on Flickr

19916164855_af5083b786_c.jpgPorsche 911 Convoy, Stein Glacier, Susten Pass, Switzerland by Tom Scott, on Flickr

19729490879_f0ab7df8e9_c.jpgPorsche 911 lineup, Susten Pass, Switzerland by Tom Scott, on Flickr

19916153225_65a6380c2c_c.jpgReady for the green light, Tiefencastel to Savognin, Switzerland by Tom Scott, on Flickr

19908614852_57d3821a20_c.jpgPorsche 911 Targa, Scenic mountain pass road, Tiefencastel to Savognin, Switzerland by Tom Scott, on Flickr

A thrilling spar with the 991 50th on roads south from Tiefencastel to Savognin, highlighted the Boxster’s stunning composure and grip levels, assisted by LSD and PTV options, a fabulous end to a long day, ensuring the Cube Hotel’s cold beer tasted even sweeter. Cool digs these, with a petrol-head barman and the option to ride your mountain bike from a third floor room, down the ramped stairwell, straight out the lobby - sadly no MTBs on this trip.

Two father and son teams leave now for an all-day dash to Calais. The Z4M driving the entire route, roof down, including autobahns – respect.

Modena
The remaining trio continued towards Modena, via lunchtime pizza in the pretty town of San Pellegrino, over the intimidating San Marco Pass, signed “closed” at one mightily high end where approaching drivers advised the pass was open. A single track road lay ahead, tight as two coats of paint, with frequently coned off landslide sections, so we’re surprised to find the top awash with cars, ice-cream shop and a popular sunbathing spot, most arriving from the much more accessible, southern side.

19295193113_d0e8a22872_c.jpgScenic road, Switzerland by Tom Scott, on Flickr

19728115118_5ec505e88f_c.jpgPorsche 911 lineup, Scenic road, Switzerland by Tom Scott, on Flickr

19889924576_7f0b1ca952_c.jpgSan Marco Pass, North side, Bergamo Alps, Italy by Tom Scott, on Flickr

19921205581_88ca0a54a5_c.jpgDirty Porsche 911s, San Marco Pass, South side, Bergamo Alps, Italy by Tom Scott, on Flickr

19293517864_7cfafb3b21_c.jpgSan Marco Pass, South side, Bergamo Alps, Italy by Tom Scott, on Flickr

19921201111_44e2544aba_c.jpgGroup pic, San Marco Pass, South side, Bergamo Alps, Italy by Tom Scott, on Flickr

19728101218_b39b0c5f76_c.jpgHarly Davidson Police Bike, San Pelegrino, Italy by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Our Modena hotel pool boasts a cool “spring break” atmosphere with live band. The manager clearing the hotel frontage, to allow group parking alongside a blue BMW M4, we later learn is on “European collection” from its’ Calgary bound Canadian owner. Our chat follows a pre breakfast jet wash session, armed with microfibers, wheel cleaners, detailing sprays etc. Cars look good again unlike an earlier Julier Pass, dirty photo stop.

19889907156_d3b59c91f5_c.jpgPorsche 911 and BMW M4, Valet Sports car Parking, Best Western, Modena by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Ferrari, Pagani & Lamborghini
Both Ferrari Museums are great fun, our preference being the Enzo museum - a Ferrari filled pleasure dome, with wonderful photo opps and importantly, well priced strong coffee. We’re in awe at the boat, the forging of exhaust pipework, polished cylinders, engine displays and the gift shop prices.

19293512314_760fc5f5ce_c.jpgARNO XI Hydroplane, Enzo Ferrari Museum, Modena by Tom Scott, on Flickr

19295171703_c59c8f2d5c_c.jpgLa Ferrari, Enzo and F50, Enzo Ferrari Museum, Modena by Tom Scott, on Flickr

19916125665_a8cc01c0d7_c.jpgLa Ferrari, Enzo Ferrari Museum, Modena by Tom Scott, on Flickr

A short tour of the Pagani factory leaves us thrilled to spot Horacio Pagani personally hosting customers. Our charming guide stresses the bespoke nature of “every car is a customer’s” so no photos again, as we clearly resemble some major industrial spies, though handling some carbon fibre samples is a rare treat. An opportunistic photo of a Huayra leaving the gates, with the Targa in shot is bagged.

19293507264_2d4eaa470b_c.jpgPagani Factory, Modena by Tom Scott, on Flickr

19921190621_0d39f5ecc0_c.jpgZonda F interior, Pagani Factory, Modena by Tom Scott, on Flickr

19889903266_128f23f93e_c.jpgZonda F and Zonda R, Pagani Factory, Modena by Tom Scott, on Flickr

A tentative approach through the Lamborghini factory gates sees us as swiftly encouraged to leave, as we are warmly welcomed, with iced coffee at a nearby cafe, where our Porker’s colours contrast well with the “Test Drive a Lambo” offerings.

19295160803_7bc6fbc202_c.jpgLamborghini Aventador, Lamborghini Factory, Modena, Italy by Tom Scott, on Flickr

19916117765_77d541c270_c.jpgLamborghini Aventador, Huracan, Porsche 911 Targa, Lamborghini Factory, Super car Rental, Modena, Italy by Tom Scott, on Flickr

19908580092_abe0f46042_c.jpgLamborghini Huracan and Porsche 911 Targa, Lamborghini Factory, Super car Rental, Modena, Italy by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Garda, Stelvio, Bernina, San Bernardino & Grimsel

19728109250_ec04750870_c.jpgMalcesine, Lake Garda, Italy by Tom Scott, on Flickr

At Malcesine, Lake Garda, we lunch beachside, amusing diners and sunbathers with our incessant photography. We split again, with Targa occupants Bolzano bound and Carrera and Boxster to Basecamp Stelvio at Trafoi.

19916114185_0ec460ddfa_c.jpgPorsche 911 Carrera S, Malcesine, Lake Garda, Italy by Tom Scott, on Flickr

19295157813_5bb1f0c747_c.jpgPorsche 911 Targa, Boxster S, Malcesine, Lake Garda, Italy by Tom Scott, on Flickr

19921180211_f0f3b47e91_c.jpgPorsche 911 Carrera S, Malcesine, Lake Garda, Italy by Tom Scott, on Flickr

19295155193_13fb556013_c.jpgPorsche Boxster S, 911 Carrera S, Malcesine, Lake Garda, Italy by Tom Scott, on Flickr

19728102150_03be15e5ce_c.jpgPorsche 911 Carrera S, Malcesine, Lake Garda, Italy by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Meeting up next morning, despite a booking blunder, we highly recommend Hotel Madatsch for panoramic views, quirky owner and resident St. Bernard.

19729434469_bf73c7660a_c.jpgTrafoi, Stelvio Pass, Italy by Tom Scott, on Flickr

19916104655_b8900de0a9_c.jpgTrafoi, Stelvio Pass, Italy by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Initially, Stelvio Pass was predictably busy with motor-bikes, cyclists and drivers resisting others’ attempts at enjoying the challenge, but space is soon found and some relatively decent movie footage, the best probably rearwards facing, is in the can.

19293485784_e24f2110a5_c.jpgStelvio Pass, Italy by Tom Scott, on Flickr

The top of the Stelvio has a near carnival atmosphere and we retrace our steps for another photoshoot where Tom probably takes the tour’s best shots. The descent down the southern side is fabulous with smooth surfaces, well sighted sweeping bends and motor bikes that unusually, we pass!

19295147713_719dfd60c7_c.jpgStelvio Pass, Italy by Tom Scott, on Flickr

19889882776_9d193d58be_c.jpgStelvio Pass, Italy by Tom Scott, on Flickr

19889881686_72f64777dd_c.jpgStelvio Pass, Italy by Tom Scott, on Flickr

19293481684_1eb894c458_c.jpgPorsche Line up, Stelvio Pass, Italy by Tom Scott, on Flickr

19293480674_9539aa12cb_c.jpgPorsche 911 Targa, Stelvio Pass, Italy by Tom Scott, on Flickr

19728088950_f83f2ecd50_c.jpgPorsche 911 Carrera S, Stelvio Pass, Italy by Tom Scott, on Flickr

19728065988_9d41d76801_c.jpgStelvio Pass, Italy by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Onwards to the fast flowing Bernina Pass with Swiss chocolate box alpine views of lakes and mountain trains, returning to Savognin following afternoon tea in St.Moritz. We enjoy a Savognin ski lift ride for some fine views before pressing on. Another split, this time where the Carrera heads to BMW Welt, Munich, re-grouping in Cologne.

19728085930_2886793760_c.jpgScenic fuel Stop, Switzerland by Tom Scott, on Flickr

19921159491_0d053ea968_c.jpgPiz Forbesch, Oberhalbstein Alps, Savognin, Switzerland by Tom Scott, on Flickr

19921158851_4da30c563b_c.jpgSavognin, Switzerland by Tom Scott, on Flickr

19908552292_f5ffeaf0b1_c.jpgPorsche line up, CUBE, Savognin, Switzerland by Tom Scott, on Flickr

19729416299_57da03c3aa_c.jpgSki lift, Panoramabahn, Savognin, Switzerland by Tom Scott, on Flickr

19916085975_38684a4578_c.jpgPorsche line up, CUBE, Savognin, Switzerland by Tom Scott, on Flickr

19728078250_3084a76beb_c.jpgBMW Efficient Dynamics, Vision, BMW Welt, Munich, Germany by Tom Scott, on Flickr

19293468954_5391a944ba_c.jpgBMW Welt, Munich, Germany by Tom Scott, on Flickr

The Targa and Boxster are joined by a German 911 cab for the sublime San Bernardino Pass, where at the summit, even the coffee bill at the Ospizio fails to spoil the sheer joy of the twistier approach sections. Early traffic on the Furka Pass clears, allowing a swift ascent of this high and tight pass in a James Bond (in the wrong car) style. A passing group of German Lotus & Caterham 7s heading up the Grimsel Pass wave, before our arrival in Meiringen for the night, followed by a visit to the stunning Reichenbach Falls, via funicular rail and a decent hike.

11110895_10153675348532018_3730109217398758588_o.jpg


11742808_10153675349552018_3431752830022531576_n.jpg


Last lap
A sweltering morning drive is rewarded with a swim in chilly Lake Lucerne, then a final group meal, below Cologne’s Cathedral before our homewards ferry completes a mind blowing trip with great company, the purest highlight of which might be the simple opportunities to stretch both driver and vehicle.

Roll on the next one and for anyone swithering – book it !
 
Great pics and adventure catalog!

Bet you all had some serious fun.

Surprised PVR didnt take his Z4 back when seeing his old car side by side!
 
Haha there was plenty of banter about that!

Unfortunately this was more geared toward the Magazine article so more Porsche orientated but I have another 700 images to sort through with plenty of Bings Z which I will post in time :)
 
As I've long suspected - every road trip should have a Tom Scott chronicling the experience.

Jack - what a fabulous piece to read through as well - the magazine editors will be thrilled.

Brilliant piece you two :thumbsup:
 
aquazi said:
Great pics and adventure catalog!

Bet you all had some serious fun.

Surprised PVR didnt take his Z4 back when seeing his old car side by side!

There was a homecoming at my parents place where I took the keys back ... :evil:

NL2_zpso7b7pdiq.jpg
 
Bing also protected the car by putting a wheel clamp on it, in case I was taking it earlier in the day ....

NL1_zpsiz6yf0rh.jpg
 
Wow... surprised u had time for so many pics.

Magical place, glad u made it all back safe
 
Awesome pics and awesome trip.

I'm going on a European tour with my wife tomorrow:-
Bruges
Dolomite Mountains
Stuttgart
Venice
Rimini
Rome
Naples (and Amalfi coast)
Florence
Pisa
Modena
Lake Garda
Luxemborg

Any restaurant/bar/food/road recommendations greatly appreciated! :D
 
Cheers for the pics Tom , although its only fired up my desire for a 997 that i had mangaged to suppress quite well for the last 12 months .
Europe is a great place to explore by road & looks like a great trip for all
 
Cheers guys!

We all had such a wonderful time and what made it so good was the great company. Not just fantastic places, cars and new experiences but new friends.

Traveling was fantastic but I'm ashamed to say I enjoyed the road trip more. Combination of the driving, 5 countries, roads, scenery, food and company was a really fantastic trip and I couldn't recommend it any more.

I think it will most certainly be something I want to try and do on a yearly basis.
 
mr wilks said:
Cheers for the pics Tom , although its only fired up my desire for a 997 that i had mangaged to suppress quite well for the last 12 months . . .

Would that be the cabriolet version of the 997?
 
Wow - that's quite a statement Tom - you're bringing a tear to my eye and a lump in the throat - but can only echo what you've just said - it was an awesome trip in so many ways and undoubtedly the company makes it - the willingness of all to work and play together was just great.

You all even managed to put up with Jacqui and I's walkie talkie bickering - sorry navigational debates !

It was like all the best Zed hoons back to back for 10 days or so with largely great weather, wonderful light, nice hotels and fine food and just simply spectacular scenery - especially in Switzerland - no wonder they charge so much - maybe it's a "scenery tax" and I totally acknowledge we're lucky in Scotland with roads, just a little less so with weather.

Equally around Lake Garda Italy was beautiful and it was a shame we couldn't spend longer but such is the nature of these trips if you want to cram in so much in and I think we all did.

Cheers for the comments guys re the super condensed and edited trip report !
 
Grumpyowl said:

Nothing to be jealous off, I mean - Sports cars, beautiful country side, good food, great company, women at your feet (does help to have size 12 shoes to trip them up 8) ) - hardship all the time :lol:
 
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