At Design 911, we take pride in supporting passionate Porsche enthusiasts and their quest to elevate their driving experience.

Recently, we had the opportunity to have a chat with Rob, the founder of the Porsche event ‘Porsche In The Park.’

Rob shared his impressive journey, which is undoubtedly similar to many, as a Porsche owner and his experience with us as his trusted part supplier for upgrading his second-generation Porsche 996 C4S.

A Drive Down Memory Lane

Rob’s fascination with Porsche began at a young age. Fondly reminiscing, he shared his first encounter with a Porsche 944. “My mate’s dad had a 944, and I remember finishing a football match. His dad was giving us a lift home, and I was buzzing with excitement at the thought of getting in a Porsche for the first time. Squeezing into the back seat, I remember the plush, thick rug that crammed us in. The back of that 944 felt posh and luxurious. I can still feel the sensation of gliding around a roundabout.”

“Then, as the road opened up to a national speed limit zone, my mate urged his dad to put his foot down, and in an instant, we went from 40 to 70. That was the moment I became hooked.”

As most will know, owning a Porsche isn’t an immediate luxury for the majority. Recalling his beginnings, Rob remembers his first car – a £700 Vauxhall Nova. Despite this, the magnetism of Porsche stuck with him throughout his life, which eventually fuelled his determination to acquire a Porsche 996.

Owning The 996

When describing his experience of owning a second-generation Porsche 996 C4S, Rob said “Every time I get into my 996 and turn the key, the visceral experience of sitting there with a flat-six engine grumbling away behind me is like a drug, I suppose. It’s absolutely brilliant.”

Rob goes on to emphasise the importance of the upgrade, servicing and enhancement side of his Porsche ownership, highlighting the importance of sourcing quality parts and performing regular servicing to ensure continued, and utmost, performance.

Upgrades And Parts

In terms of the suppliers of these parts, Rob trusts us as his go-to. He says, “Design 911 is fantastic, considering the variety of available parts and the expertise of the folks you speak to when enquiring about different types of suspension, brakes, brake pads, discs, and more.”

One notable enhancement Rob made to his vehicle was the installation of a Bilstein suspension kit, provided by us. On his newly upgraded suspension Rob said, “Regarding the Bilstein suspension, I honestly can’t fault it at all. It has been faultless and has truly transformed the ride, both on the track and on the road.”

Rob’s pursuit of optimal performance also led him to install RSS engine mounts, a modification that significantly improved ride and roll stiffness. “Another recent addition were the RSS engine mounts, which significantly improved the ride and roll stiffness. It’s almost unnoticeable now when putting the power down because the engine delivers it to the tarmac brilliantly.”

Rob goes on to highlight parts that are more critical to the function of the Porsche 966, such as upgrading the notoriously faulty IMS bearing, “Design 911 supplies upgraded bearings, so if you have a 996 and it hasn’t been done, it’s probably worth considering for peace of mind. It’s like having insurance, really.”

The Story Continues

Throughout his ownership of his Porsche 996, Rob has embarked on exhilarating adventures across Europe, including unforgettable trips to Italy and even the iconic Nürburgring. He highly recommends experiencing the joy of driving a Porsche at renowned tracks like these.

Moreover, as a member of the local Porsche Club, Rob recently attended a memorable event in Reims – which we were there to capture – where Porsche enthusiasts gathered to celebrate their shared love for the marque.

Porsche In The Park

In closing, Rob expressed how his partnership with us has helped him past just the development of his personal Porsche, whereby we are supporting his own project and celebration of the Porsche marque, ‘Porsche In The Park.’ “Lastly, I want to express my sincere thanks to Design 911 for their support with Neverland and for providing the parts. They’ve also been a fantastic partner for Porsche in the Park.”

“Porsche in the Park” is a one-day event, hosted on the 15th of July 2023, celebrating the Porsche brand.

The event will be held at Beechwood Park in Markyate, featuring hundreds of Porsche cars from classic to modern, along with games, entertainment, and food and drink from local businesses.

Visitors can register their cars to be part of the show or simply enjoy the day with their families. The event promises to offer a relaxed atmosphere with plenty of space for everyone to enjoy.

Final Thoughts

Rob’s journey as a Porsche owner and his collaboration with us exemplify the endless possibilities and exhilaration that await those who dare to enhance their driving experience. From the addictive allure of Porsche ownership to the meticulous customisation of performance parts available, we remain committed to delivering exceptional quality and unparalleled expertise to fellow Porsche enthusiasts. We’re thrilled to support events like ‘Porsche In The Park’ and look forward to celebrating the remarkable automotive legacy that is Porsche.

You can watch the full feature here –