The track was one of many attractions of the day
Among the great Porsche collections of the world, The Ingram Collection, headquartered in Durham, North Carolina, stands among the most significant. In their 2014 book, Porsche Unexpected: Discoveries in Collecting, authors Cam Ingram and Randy Leffingwell, with photographer Michael Furman, shared not only the beautifully curated Porsches of The Ingram Collection but revealed deep insights into the collecting process itself. Fittingly, the Ingrams chose to feature the book at a Saturday morning friends and family event at One Porsche Drive, Porsche’s new home in Atlanta known as OPD to everyone who works there.
Not all cars could be shown in one area owing to the turnout
It was a great day for a sell-out crowd of Porsche enthusiasts who gathered early for Cars and Coffee on the front plaza at OPD followed by a presentation and Q & A in the Heritage Center moderated by Classic and Delivery Center Manager Ray Shaffer.
The panel discussion included (L to R) Bill Warner, Vic Elford, Bob Ingram, and Cam Ingram
On the podium were Amelia Island Concours Founder and Chairman Bill Warner; legendary driver Vic Elford; Bob Ingram, the founder of the Collection; and son Cam Ingram, the co-owner of Road Scholars, a noted restoration firm, and in charge of management of the Collection.
Elford and Ingram with a car important to both of them, the 911R
Whew! That’s a heady list of titles but if it suggests that what ensued was a stuffy book club event, I’ve misled you. For the first time in 40-plus years of studying Porsche lore, I learned that Vic Elford was the actual originator of the RS America concept. And that Bill Warner, who bought his first 911 in 1971, drove One Lap of America in a bordello red Lincoln rental when a sage Porsche exec declined to lend him a 911.
The discussion took place in the Heritage Center of OPD
Bob and Cam graciously answered questions about the art and, yes, science of collecting. Lending assistance was Rory Ingram, the general and marketing manager for the Collection. The Ingram-Porsche relationship is definitely a family affair.
Books are signed by the Ingrams and Vic Elford
The morning concluded with a book signing session before participants were released to wander the exhibits at OPD, which this day included a Cayman GT4 and a Rothmans 962. A fine way to spend a Porsche Saturday.
Porsche enthusiasts enjoyed coffee while perusing the display
Racer Leh Keen displayed his now infamous Porsche Safari #1 (in red) and the newly built Porsche Safari #2
Some cars were historic, some pure performance
Porsches were brought by their owners to OPD’s front plaza early on Saturday morning
A target rich environment for the camera
View Comments (2)
How does one see the Ingram collection in Durham? Is a reservation, or even an invitation, necessary? thanks, bob
(Bob Whitsett, Denver, 303 948 1549
Bob, I would say you have come a long way since ripping around Charleston in that light blue Chevy. Dick Planck. Dpjoy@aol.com.