3/4/2024: From Jackie Kennedy’s Limo to Meeting Legends
Bella O -
I have been spending more time with the mechanic, James. Even though he has many years of experience, he learns something new every day because of the uniqueness of the cars. He still works on these cars, because it is a passion of his, and he enjoys cars because he grew up around his father working on race cars in Pennsylvania. He told me how he seriously injured his finger working on electrical of a Porsche 911, stressing the importance of focus and safety while working on these machines.
A Rolls-Royce is being sent to its owner in Portugal, and because of the complexity of the vehicle due to its old age, there is a multistep process to get this car started. I listened to James describe a step by step process, of how to start the engine, for Chip to write down to give to whoever needs to operate the vehicle during it’s transport over seas.
It has been a busy week at Classic Promenade, as they are preparing for Mecum Action which is being held March 5-9th which I look forward to attending this Friday. 12 of the cars in the showroom that haven’t been sold have been transported these past few days to StateFarm Stadium in Glendale. I have loved seeing these cars, and watching Chip, James, and Santos become annoyed with each other while rearranging these fragile and expensive cars around the showroom in order to easily transport them out and onto the truck.
Today was probably my favorite day at my internship so far, because I got to ride in a 1990 Porsche 944 as well as Jackie Kennedy’s limo. Even though I was only in these cars for a few minutes while Chip drove me into the moving truck, I had a smile on my face because of how fascinated I was that everything in the car was original. I will include pictures of both these cars below.
This weekend is the NASCAR Cup Series Race in Phoenix which I might be attending with my dad if I am able to obtain tickets. I am not a huge fan of Nascar, because as Mr. Kirschner explained NASCARs are more like a minivan while Formula style cars are rocket ships on wheels. I do not follow this area of motorsport, I really want to experience being at a race track as I have never been to one before.
Also, Harry contacted Lyn St. James to set up a possible time for me to meet with her as she will be in town next week. Lyn is a former race car driver who competed for the IndyCar series and is one of nine women who have qualified for the Indy 500, and the first woman to win the Indy 500 Rookie of the year award. I am excited to speak with her about her experiences in motorsport as a woman, and how I would like to enter that world as an engineer.
1990 Porsche 944:
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