Category: Desert Drives

This marks the beginning of a monthly series exploring the evolution of the Porsche 911, tracing its origins from the early 356 models through each generation and culminating with today’s 992.2 series cars.

Gary Lea

Part One: THE BATHTUBS

Genesis in Aluminum and Air: The Porsche 356 A, B, (D), and C

Before the numbers became sacred—before the 911 became a silhouette recognized in rearview mirrors across the world—there was something quieter. Lighter. Almost uncertain of itself.

The Porsche 356 wasn’t built to dominate a category. It was built because Ferry Porsche couldn’t find the car he wanted to drive.

So he made one.

And in doing so, he set a pattern Porsche would follow for the next 75 years:
“If the world doesn’t understand it yet, build it anyway.”

My very first time to behind the wheel of a Porsche of any stripe was in 1971, at the age of 17, when my [...]

By Reid Smith

A few weeks ago, while reading the Sunday Review-Journal, I was pleased to see that Las Vegas Region PCA member Greg McCurdy had been recognized as a 2026 Legacy Park Honoree.

Greg’s commemorative placard now stands alongside those honoring past and future leaders of Las Vegas’ Historic Westside, recognizing his lasting impact on both the community and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.

According to the article, Undersheriff Andrew Walsh told the large crowd:

“Greg was one of those innovative people who found ways to connect the Police Department to the community.”

Walsh also highlighted Greg’s remarkable work ethic, recalling how he would arrive early to ensure officers’ uniforms were sharp and presentable and that every officer was prepared for the day ahead.

Additional remarks were shared by Las Vegas Councilwoman Shondra Summers-Armstrong and Clark County Commission Vice Chairman William McCurdy II, Greg’s nephew, both of whom spoke about Greg’s many contributions [...]

Air|Water 2026: A Vegas Crew Rolls Into L.A.

Last month, a strong contingent from the Las Vegas Region PCA made the pilgrimage to one of the most unique gatherings on the Porsche calendar: Air|Water in Los Angeles.

What started as a few cars heading west quickly evolved into a full Vegas caravan. Familiar faces including Dave Sullivan, Radu Muntean, Matt Miller (and his dad), Steve Vitoli, Mario and Marissa, and Chef William all made the trip.

Joining the group were our friends from Gaudin Classic — Steve Thiel, Mikey Patriquin, and Emily Hedwall — along with members of our extended Porsche family from Southern California.

In the end, the weekend became exactly what these events are supposed to be: less about the cars, even though there were plenty of incredible ones, and more about the people.

A Proper Entrance… With a Twist

In true Cars Unknown fashion, JP’s route to the event was anything but [...]

LAS VEGAS REGION PRESENTS 🏁 Lake Tahoe Tour 2026 🏁 September 7–11, 2026

Join us for an unforgettable five-day, four-night Porsche tour through some of the most scenic roads in the West.

Registration REGISTER AT:

msreg.com/TAHOETOUR2026

Tour Host: Reid Smith

Escape the Heat and Head for the Mountains

Beat the Las Vegas heat, hop into your Porsche, and enjoy an incredible driving adventure to the beautiful Lake Tahoe region.

Our home base for the first three nights will be Carson City, Nevada, followed by a final night near Mammoth Lakes and Yosemite before returning home.

Once registration closes and we have a final headcount, we will coordinate optional group meals along the way.

Tour Requirements

• Tuesday evening’s BBQ dinner is included with your registration fee.
• Participants are responsible for arranging their own lodging and all [...]

Two dedicated Las Vegas PCA members recently proved that true Porsche passion knows no borders. JP and Romi Mirza loaded up their air-cooled classics and made the long haul from Las Vegas to Meridian, Idaho, for the second annual Idaho Air event on May 2, 2026.

Romi piloted his hardcore Porsche 934 race car, while JP cruised in his striking Ice Green 1979 Porsche 930. The journey itself was an adventure, covering hundreds of miles through changing landscapes before arriving in the Pacific Northwest for what turned out to be a spectacular celebration of air-cooled Porsches.

A Stunning Display in Meridian

Hosted at the Ten Mile Campus in Meridian, Idaho, just outside Boise, Idaho Air 2026 delivered exactly what enthusiasts crave: more than 120 air-cooled Porsches on display, live music from The Canyon Kids, fresh coffee and bites from local vendors, and a vibrant community atmosphere.

Organizers Kelly and Daria Smith created a welcoming event [...]

Greetings to all our wonderful Porsche family!

Just as predicted last month, April disappeared in the blink of an eye.

Spring is packed with exciting Las Vegas Porsche Club events, from HPDE weekends to scenic drives and coffee gatherings

🏁 HPDE

Our next HPDE event is coming up on May 17th and 18th, and there is still time to sign up for what is always an exciting and rewarding weekend.

If you’ve been considering attending, now is the time to reserve your spot.

HPDE is not about racing. It’s about learning how to drive your Porsche safely and confidently at speed in a controlled environment. Let’s be honest—very few people buy a Porsche without wanting to experience the incredible performance and handling these cars were built to deliver.

This is the perfect venue to do exactly that.

The program includes:

• A closed course environment
• Detailed classroom instruction
• In-car coaching with experienced instructors
• A [...]

Hello fellow Porsche enthusiasts—meet Charles and Barbara Washington.

We have been Las Vegans since 1990, moving here from the Florida Gulf Coast—and what a change that was. Barbara was a CPA, small business consultant, accounting department manager, and I was a computer scientist, statistician, mathematician, project manager, university faculty member, systems architect, pre-AI expert systems developer, and involved in several other related fields of study.

This is our story.

Charles

My father used to say that someday he was going to dust the world.

He grew up on a farm and remembered long days working in the fields while cars sped past on the dirt road, leaving behind drifting clouds of dust. In those days it was called “getting dusted.” He would raise his fist and declare that when he grew up, he was going to [...]

Our recent Cars, Coffee & Conversation gathering at Corsa Coffee was the perfect blend of community, conversation, and, of course, incredible cars.

The first-arriving member’s Porsche wasn’t just parked—it was showcased inside the Corsa Coffee showroom, becoming the centerpiece of the morning and a true conversation starter.

With more than 25 Porsches in attendance, the lot featured everything from modern performance icons to beautifully maintained classics. The result was an impressive display that drew admiration from members and guests alike.

A Warm Welcome to New Members

One of the highlights of the morning was the strong turnout of new members. It was wonderful to see so many fresh faces joining our Porsche family, connecting with longtime members, and quickly becoming part of the camaraderie that makes our club so special.

Events like this are a great reminder that while we share a passion for cars, it’s really the people that make this community thrive.

A [...]

I recently attended a discussion about the PCA Juniors program, and it really got me thinking.

We often talk about attracting younger members to strengthen the future of our club. There’s no question that younger generations are essential to the growth and long-term success of any organization, and we are no exception.

To be honest, many of our members are a bit older. I include myself in that group at 72 years young. When I first learned about the Juniors program, I immediately signed up my oldest granddaughter, who is now 17.

She already has her eye on my 2009 Carrera S and has made it very clear that she plans to claim it someday. She loves cars, and her dream Porsche is a 1973 911S in green with a tan interior. Whenever she visits, her favorite activity is going for a drive together in the Porsche.

A Personal Perspective

My own Porsche journey started [...]

San Francisco Cars und Kaffee Debuts at Stunning New Location!

The San Francisco chapter of Cars und Kaffee celebrated a successful debut at its brand-new venue on Sunday, March 26th. The event moved to the impressive 4,000-square-foot Deeb Spec car showroom in San Rafael, owned by Michael Deeb — JP’s partner from the Bid Nerds.

Attendees were treated to far more than just the cars. The spacious showroom housed an outstanding collection of classic and collectible vehicles, while the walls featured Michael’s eclectic and sophisticated art collection. Instead of the usual vintage gas pumps and 1950s oil signs, guests enjoyed rare Porsche and Italian car prints that made the space feel like a true automotive gallery. Many remarked that the art on the walls was every bit as spectacular as the cars outside.

A huge turnout filled the area, with classic and collectible Porsches (and other fine cars) parked all around the building. Enthusiasts traveled [...]