Member Spotlight: Gilbert
Introduction
For the members that do not know me already, my name is Gilbert (pronounced “Guilbert” or “Jilber” 😊 ) .
They say I was born with a steering wheel in my hand. Okay, maybe not literally, but my obsession with cars ignited early. By the tender age of two, I was more captivated by car keys than teddy bears. My parents have countless tales of my automotive antics, but let’s start with the infamous church incident: Picture this: a solemn mass, my parents desperately trying to contain a whirlwind of toddler energy. Suddenly, my eyes lock onto a tempting cluster of keys dangling from a nearby preacher's pocket. Before you could say "amen," I'd snatched them, and my parents were left scrambling to explain the missing keys to a bewildered congregation. Let's just say, I made quite the impression.
As I grew, so did my automotive adventures. My dad, a frequent traveler, entrusted me with the coveted task of starting his car collection to keep the batteries alive. But let's be honest, starting the engine was just the beginning. The allure of the open road was irresistible. Despite my diminutive stature, I was determined to master the art of gear shifting and braking. Luckily, no one got hurt, and I like to think those early experiences honed my driving instincts.
By fourteen, I was behind the wheel, legally questionable as it may have been. Manual transmission? Challenge accepted. Soon after, I became the unofficial family chauffeur (not in the US 😀), navigating my siblings to school and tackling the treacherous mountain roads with my mom. Those winding turns were a playground for my young, enthusiastic spirit, and I’ve got countless hilarious stories to be shared (in person 🙂).
My passion for cars has led me to countless events, where I’ve reveled in the roar of engines and the gleam of chrome.
Zooming into 2014, I fulfilled a lifelong dream by purchasing my first Porsche 911. Joining the Porsche Club of America, Golden Gate Region was a natural progression. I've worn many hats within the club, from lead driver to event organizer, and ultimately had the honor of serving as Motoring Director from 2021 to the end of 2023!
Why do you drive?
Driving is my Zen. It's a solitary dance between man and machine, where the outside world fades into a blur of asphalt and horizon. In those moments, the car and I become a symbiotic entity, a high-speed ballet of precision and instinct. It’s like channeling my inner Mirage (from the Transformers Movie lol 😂), minus the shape-shifting and robot drama, of course.
What is your favorite style of driving? (Track day, Autocross, Motoring...)
RALLY is what I am mostly into: I'm talking full-throttle, gravel-slinging action, not the leisurely pace of a Time-Speed-Distance (TSD) event. If you're unfamiliar with the adrenaline-pumping world of rallying, think Hill Climb on steroids, but with mind-boggling stages and unforgiving terrain.
At the Porsche Club of America, I opted for the arguably safer (but equally thrilling) world of Motoring. It quickly transformed into a full-blown passion!
What would you like to see the GGR club do?
I'd love to see GGR push the envelope on driving experiences: Imagine conquering challenging hill climbs in our beloved Porsches. And why limit the fun to just us? Collaborating with other car clubs for joint motoring adventures would create unforgettable memories and strengthen our automotive community.
Can people follow you on Instagram or facebook?
Of course, follow me on Instagram at PorscheSertior!
How did you get into Porsche?
At the tender age of ten, my world was irrevocably changed by the arrival of a Porsche 944 in stunning Light Blue Metallic. Our neighbor’s new acquisition was more than just a car; it was a vision of automotive perfection. To my young eyes, it exuded an aura of speed and power that was simply intoxicating. I can still picture myself, a proud tour guide, showing off the automotive masterpiece to my envious friends. Little did I know that this early encounter would ignite a lifelong passion for performance cars.
Fast forward a few years, and my first car arrived courtesy of my car-enthusiast uncle. A Datsun SSS in Bordeaux Red, it promised spirited performance thanks to its dual side-draft carburetors and performance camshaft. But my uncle, ever the mischievous guardian, had other plans. By disabling one carburetor, he transformed the Datsun from a nimble cheetah to a lumbering turtle. Talk about a cruel joke! No wonder I found myself gravitating back to my dad's Audi Quattro whenever possible (confession 😇).
Over the years, my automotive journey has been a whirlwind of different models – Audi, Volkswagen Jetta, Subaru WRX, and BMW. But it wasn’t until 2014 that I finally fulfilled my lifelong dream: owning a Porsche.
What kind of Porsche(s) do you have or did you have?
My Porsche (991.1) is a purist's dream car: With its naturally aspirated engine, it delivers a raw, visceral driving experience that's becoming increasingly rare in the automotive world. The throaty growl of the engine, the linear power delivery, and the high-revving nature create an intoxicating symphony that only internal combustion can provide.
Coupled with a precise 7-speed manual transmission, it is a true driver's car. Each gear change is a tactile, engaging experience that puts you in complete control. The manual gearbox not only enhances the driving dynamics but also adds an extra layer of involvement and satisfaction.
Whether you're carving through a canyon road or simply enjoying a spirited drive, its combination of naturally aspirated power and manual transmission offers an unparalleled level of driving pleasure.
What is your dream Porsche and why?
While I crave the high-octane drama of gravel stages and hairpin bends, the Porsche 911 Dakar is my intoxicating blend of that world and everyday practicality. It's the rally car you can drive to work, then unleash on a weekend adventure. The perfect balance of performance and capability, the 911 Dakar is the closest thing to a rally-bred machine you can legally drive on the street.
Any future driving or event plans? (drive, events, etc)
Stay tuned for #LE25MANS! Upcoming announcement on my Instagram PorscheSertior account! 😀