Margie Smith-Haas, Paul Haas Over the year 1981, Paul had been browsing through auto magazines and reading about the new 924 Carrera GT…we both were excited about the car and set our sites on hopefully finding one…in RED! We went to Zuffenhausen for some meetings at the Porsche factory. One was a very special private discussion with Dr. Ferry Porsche who we presented with a one-of-a-kind Porsche 930 Turbo TFA Car Company stuffed pillow in his personal color. We were delighted with his smile and reaction and especially the opportunity to spend some time to discuss Porsches and express our appreciation to such an accomplished amazing man. A private meeting with Dr. Porsche ???Pinch me… is this a dream? Then we were off to meet with Peter Schutz, Porsche’s new Chairman who greeted us with his jovial infectious smile…..which got even bigger when we surprised him with HIS own stuffy Porsche 911 pillow too……awesome! Such a special experience. After hearing about Porsche’s exciting projects we inquired about the availability of the Porsche 924 Carrera GT. Peter informed us that there were none in the factory, most were pre-sold and were all out in the many dealerships. So, we we’re off to Salzburg for a meet up with Peter Porsche at the train station. He zoomed up in an Audi Quattro Rally car and then it was up to the top of the mountain to a lovely restaurant with magnificent panoramic views of Salzburg. We enjoyed talking along with a magnificent dinner accompanied with the finest wines. We had met up with Peter on previous occasions at the USA Porsche Parades as well as Salzburg at his Porsche Design studio. His mother, Dorthea’s reaction to my very first stuffy pillows at the 1977 Porsche Parade in San Diego was the inspiration for me to continue making them. After dinner, Peter had me drive the Audi Quattro down the mountain and directed us to his Porsche Design Studio where we viewed all of the beautiful items. He gave us each a set of Porsche Design sunglasses and then said he would like to take us to his dealership to see some of his Porsche collection. We marveled as he pulled off the older dull green canvas car covers unveiling his amazing Porsches…..356, speedster, 911,…Wow! He even had a Porsche jagdwagen! As we ascended the steps up to his showroom, Peter flipped on the lights and our jaws dropped! Sitting in the middle of the floor was a Porsche 924 Carrera GT in guards red! We told Peter, that was exactly what we were looking for, asked questions and inquired about the price. We discussed the particulars regarding purchase and delivery to the USA. A week later we wired the schillings and the car was put on a Lufthansa flight to Los Angeles! We’ve enjoyed owning the 924 Carrera GT and even drove it in some time trials (Laguna Seca, Riverside) as well for as positioned by our friends 924 Carrera GTS for a Parade Lap at the Monterey Historic Car Races.