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First Drive

How do I put into words the exhilaration of driving your own Porsche for the first time?

Besides the obvious excitement, I was tentative - and attentive. Every creak, squeek and silence was noted. Trying to familiarize myself with the new environment was like walking into a new house - where was everything? What's the view like out of the windows? I was fairly nervous too - it was a long way home and I certainly didn't want to break down or get stopped by the Blue & Whites for over enthusiastic driving.

I wanted to soak it all in. Immerse myself in the thrill of my first joy ride in my 944. I wasn't disappointed. The feedback through the steering wheel, the precise turn in, and the subtle rumble of the exhaust at idle, not to mention the roar when the accelerator was pressed hard. This was more than I expected it to be. It was brilliant fun to drive and the grin factor was massive.

I gave myself a bit of a surprise on a sharp left hander. The road carved left as it dipped. I entered the corner a bit fast and felt the oversteering rear drifting to the outside of the banked bend. Not once did I feel out of control in that moment but it was a new sensation - one that I hope to enjoy many times in the future!

The weight of the steering wasn't trucklike but with the leaking power steering pump I could only imagine that it would be even better with it repaired. This was going to be my first job in the coming weeks.

Pushing all the buttons I could find, trying to find the secret to reset the tripometer, noting what worked and what didn't. There was so much to take in. The electric windows were working but after making them go up & down one to many times they revolted and refused to budge. Hopefully it is just the relay, as clearly the electrics are working fine. I mustn't forget that this car is 23 years old.

Perhaps that's why the temperature gauge was playing jack in the box - bouncing the needle then settling at maximum. It was worrying at first and I watched with trepidation, listening to the engine for any sign of over heating. I allayed my fears by stopping a couple of times just to check, but there was no reason to be concerned. Must be a dirty contact at the sensor or behind the instrument cluster. I'll need to research that potential fault.

One of my favourite moments came as I exited one of Englands many, many roundabouts; I couldn't help but put pedal to the metal and feel the power of that 2.5l Porsche motor as it thrust me into my sport drivers seat. I don't know how many of the original bhp still lives under the bonnet, but I will tell you this - I think my 944 enjoyed the chance to finally clear all the cobwebs out of it's system.

I think we're going to really enjoy our time together.
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