Creation is a marvelous ability bestowed upon us. Even when the work of our hands is fleeting, the joy of enduring with an idea till completion triumphs despite obstacles is the reward within itself. This is the case even if it goes unappreciated and unrecognized. To revive those ideas is a privilege, and two years ago, Harris Porsche was given that opportunity with the possibility of high status for one unique customer’s prize possession.

Nearly two years ago, our beloved and loyal customer (Whom we shall name Mr. Gmund) made a grand request. Amongst his fleet of extraordinary vehicles ranging from early 90’s Ferraris to the rare Porsche 991.2 Speedster, there is one that stands alone as the apple of his eye; a 1960 Porsche 356 B Roadster. Painted in brilliant metallic silver with a navy canvas top, the classic Porsche was a joy to behold as it represented the advancement and success of a newly formed brand. The 356 was the second generation of a model line that is undoubtedly one of the most important cars in history, so when he requested to have it restored to its youthful vigor, it was not taken lightly.

Chris Sansbury, Dustin Gomez (Mechanic), and Glen Carpenter (Senior Mechanic) began working furiously. The idea of sending Mr. Gmund’s Porsche around the world and giving him that joy spirited the team to overcome inconveniences and setbacks.

A team effort and cohesive thinking were needed. The Porsche 356, as simplistic as it is comparable to modern vehicles, took a great deal of patience and resourcefulness to mend. The most significant inhibitor was the parts shortage. Being a 60-year-old car, things such as camshafts, carburetors, door components, and even door glass were incredibly tough to find. And for a part to be refurbished, it required special attention. The cylinder heads, for example, had to be sent to Porsche to be refurbished. These things took a great deal of time, reducing the time to assemble. And with a mass influx of service work in a dealership going through renovation also taking the team away from the project, things looked bleak.

Chris Sansbury and Mr. Gmund constantly talked, undoubtedly having some unpleasant conversations. Nothing was held back.

However, the team was unwilling to concede. Dustin worked from dawn till dusk, often completing routine assignments during the day, then the 356 at night. As the day drew nearer, Chris stayed to assist with mechanical work the closer it got. Even Dustin’s wife helped by driving an hour to provide refreshments.

Despite the odds, the project was completed with little time to spare.

The Porsche 356 B was sent to Porsche Headquarters in Atlanta, where it went on to win its region against great competition. Upon winning, Chris and Dustin were overjoyed as they finally had confirmation that the struggle was worth it.

Mr. Gmund’s 356 B was running poorly. It chattered, leaked, and puffed with little will to rotate those glorious silver-capped wheels. Interior-wise, it was a similar story, and it was a rust-ridden cave with a wooden steering wheel that would give your eyes splinters if your gaze prolonged. In readiness to help our beloved customer, our service manager, Chris Sansbury, quickly accepted the task.

To add to the greatness of this project, the vehicle was entered into the 2022 Porsche Restoration Challenge, where Porsche dealerships from all across North America had the grand possibility of having one classic Porsche tour the world. Each contender was to restore their vehicle to the best of their ability while keeping in mind a deadline. They would be subjected to several stages of judging before reaching consideration for the grand prize.

When approached with the proposition, Mr. Gmund said, “Do whatever you need to do to win this. If we do this, we need to do this right.” And at that, all gears shifted to the completion of Project 356 B.

However, this did not mean that Mr. Gmund's 356 B would travel the world. There were two more challenges that had to be won in order for it to win the grand prize. The second judging took place two days after the initial at the largest car meet in America; Caffeine and Octane. This time, Mr. Gmund was in attendance. Brimming with joy, he gazed at his car for the first time in its fully functioning state and sporting a "Regional Winner" restoration challenge badge on the rear grille. The legend alive and spritely as it was in 1960.

Unfortunately, we did not have the pleasure of witnessing Mr. Gmund have another accolade attached to his 356. Some fairly fantastic competition prevailed. Nonetheless, Mr. Gmund gathered us together and stated, "You are winners. In my book, you won."

Mission accomplished. At the end of the day, the challenge was merely a plus. The happiness of our customers is beyond the most essential factor. And through Mr. Gmund's words, we received the confirmation that it was a job well done.

On another note, that was cool, but we are not in the business of being second. Next year we will be back, and so will Mr. Gmund with another special Porsche in need of love.