topturn
New member
I've just got back to my folks house in Wales after me and Dad collected my Boxster from the factory on Friday.
OK a rushed trip (because of work) but well worth it and gives a great insight into what you're investing in.
Thursday 3rd March
1 - We travelled to Heathrow from Ashby De La Zouch at around 5am and then flew to Germany on the early flight arriving at 11am.
2 - At the airport in Stuttgart find the taxi company, give them two vouchers and wait for your cab to take you to the hotel (one voucher for hotel transfer and the other for factory transfer).
3 - Arrive at the 4 star hotel and then enjoy the day doing as you please. Room was great, city really interesting, food at the hotel very good whilst the beer flowed............ Paid for that next morning!
Friday 4th March
1 - Head Ache Tablets then Breakfast, followed by 9am collection for transfer to Porsche Factory - Approx 15 minute ride.
2 - Porsche museum and a coffee on arrival.
3 - 10am Tour of the factory that amazed me. I guess what surprised me most was the mixed production line 911's and Boxster's being built together with total different spec's but the parts arrive just when needed. You also get to see the engine production line, which assures, 1 man builds one engine - Sadly the guys no longer sign each engine after building it. They only build 150 cars a day and all of them are sold!!! Also noticed that in the workers canteen you are allowed to drink beer........... Must suggest that to my boss on Monday.
4 - Back to collection centre to see your car for the first time and to be brought up to speed on everything your model has, even the lights are set to work within the law in main land Europe. You also get a nice gift and a photo to remind you of what for me was something I've dreamt about since I was a child. All the collection centre staff have a great grasp of English and the guy who dealt with me told a couple of interesting stories, one about a guy who turned up and his car wasn't the colour he ordered and a lady who didn't like the car after her fella had brought it her for a surprise!!
5 - After seeing your car you can have a meal in the 'Casino' - You can't risk it all on the turn of a card but you can eat, the quality of the food and wine according to Dad (someone had to drive) was a good, as I've tasted anywhere.
6 - Collect your car and drive off safe in the knowledge your insured and road legal for 9 days if time allows to enjoy all that Europe has to offer.
7 - Heading for Belgium for an overnight stay allowed me plenty of time to enjoy the car, although I was advised on collection not to go over 5000 rpm for the first 600 miles which means 125mph in a 2.7..............! Arrived at our hotel early evening just as the snow started to fall - Only a little concerned now as what the morning might bring?
Saturday 5th March
1 - On the road for 8.30am and not too much snow, filled up for the first time after 370 miles and had some breakfast.
2 - It's snowing, raining, snowing and raining some more but the car drives well, and am very impressed with the rain sensor wipers you really just leave it to the technology to sort out the best settings.
3 - Arrived Calais and head for City Europe for a mini booze cruise. I'll post pictures soon on my site but I was surprised to be able to get quite so much in!
4 - Make way to Euro Tunnel, check in and then go to The Club Lounge - Free drinks, food, papers etc and a great place to relax if you need to wait for a crossing we didn't and managed to do all of the above in 3 minutes!
5 - Arrived in the UK fearing loads of snow in Kent only to be greeted by 'Operation Stack' on the M20 at least we were coming home and not going looked like a nightmare 10 mile queue of trucks!! Filled up in Shrewsbury before driving 40 miles on some of my favourite roads to my folk's house in North Wales.
Was it worth the expense? Without a doubt I only wish I'd have had more time to do things in Europe.
I will follow this post up over the next few days with photos etc on my site and would be happy to answer any questions.
OK a rushed trip (because of work) but well worth it and gives a great insight into what you're investing in.
Thursday 3rd March
1 - We travelled to Heathrow from Ashby De La Zouch at around 5am and then flew to Germany on the early flight arriving at 11am.
2 - At the airport in Stuttgart find the taxi company, give them two vouchers and wait for your cab to take you to the hotel (one voucher for hotel transfer and the other for factory transfer).
3 - Arrive at the 4 star hotel and then enjoy the day doing as you please. Room was great, city really interesting, food at the hotel very good whilst the beer flowed............ Paid for that next morning!
Friday 4th March
1 - Head Ache Tablets then Breakfast, followed by 9am collection for transfer to Porsche Factory - Approx 15 minute ride.
2 - Porsche museum and a coffee on arrival.
3 - 10am Tour of the factory that amazed me. I guess what surprised me most was the mixed production line 911's and Boxster's being built together with total different spec's but the parts arrive just when needed. You also get to see the engine production line, which assures, 1 man builds one engine - Sadly the guys no longer sign each engine after building it. They only build 150 cars a day and all of them are sold!!! Also noticed that in the workers canteen you are allowed to drink beer........... Must suggest that to my boss on Monday.
4 - Back to collection centre to see your car for the first time and to be brought up to speed on everything your model has, even the lights are set to work within the law in main land Europe. You also get a nice gift and a photo to remind you of what for me was something I've dreamt about since I was a child. All the collection centre staff have a great grasp of English and the guy who dealt with me told a couple of interesting stories, one about a guy who turned up and his car wasn't the colour he ordered and a lady who didn't like the car after her fella had brought it her for a surprise!!
5 - After seeing your car you can have a meal in the 'Casino' - You can't risk it all on the turn of a card but you can eat, the quality of the food and wine according to Dad (someone had to drive) was a good, as I've tasted anywhere.
6 - Collect your car and drive off safe in the knowledge your insured and road legal for 9 days if time allows to enjoy all that Europe has to offer.
7 - Heading for Belgium for an overnight stay allowed me plenty of time to enjoy the car, although I was advised on collection not to go over 5000 rpm for the first 600 miles which means 125mph in a 2.7..............! Arrived at our hotel early evening just as the snow started to fall - Only a little concerned now as what the morning might bring?
Saturday 5th March
1 - On the road for 8.30am and not too much snow, filled up for the first time after 370 miles and had some breakfast.
2 - It's snowing, raining, snowing and raining some more but the car drives well, and am very impressed with the rain sensor wipers you really just leave it to the technology to sort out the best settings.
3 - Arrived Calais and head for City Europe for a mini booze cruise. I'll post pictures soon on my site but I was surprised to be able to get quite so much in!
4 - Make way to Euro Tunnel, check in and then go to The Club Lounge - Free drinks, food, papers etc and a great place to relax if you need to wait for a crossing we didn't and managed to do all of the above in 3 minutes!
5 - Arrived in the UK fearing loads of snow in Kent only to be greeted by 'Operation Stack' on the M20 at least we were coming home and not going looked like a nightmare 10 mile queue of trucks!! Filled up in Shrewsbury before driving 40 miles on some of my favourite roads to my folk's house in North Wales.
Was it worth the expense? Without a doubt I only wish I'd have had more time to do things in Europe.
I will follow this post up over the next few days with photos etc on my site and would be happy to answer any questions.
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