Picking-up a Porsche 911 sports car from the factory

Delivering a 911 sports car the special way

A Porsche owner’s epic journey from the US to Europe and back again

16 December 2021

Man outside Porsche Delivery Centre with grey 911 Carrera GTS

When Yoon Lee found out that he could collect his new 911 from the Porsche factory in Germany and bring it back home to California himself, he embarked on a memorable adventure. It’s a tale of new-found friends, legendary racetracks and unforgettable experiences

Deliver me a dream

Ever since I found out that Porsche had a scheme called the European Delivery service for US customers, it’s been on my bucket list to do. I’ve wanted to do it for so long and so badly. Finally – I am now over 50 – I knew that there would be a time when I’d have to make it a priority or risk never doing it all. So, when I saw that the 991.2 GTS was available on the Porsche website in January 2017, I sprinted over to a Porsche dealership near to where I live in Marin, California, to order one. But it was not just any order. For my first ever new 911 sports car I chose the European Delivery option.

Blue grey 911 Carrera GTS at the Nordschleife — Setting the ’Ring on fire: Yoon takes on the Nordschleife

What happened after that was simply an epic experience that played out over 18 months. From the moment I sat down at the dealership to decide on the colour and the different options for my new 911 Carrera GTS, it was like one of those addictive TV series that you can’t help binge watching. You are kept up to date with the build process throughout. Four months after the initial order was made, I was told that my 911 was ready. Not long after and I was preparing for my trip to Europe, picking up the car at the factory in Leipzig, and then driving around the Continent meeting friends and stopping at landmarks. That included time spent driving the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife, before – for now at least – waving goodbye to my 911 as it boarded a ship to head to its new home back in the US. I was even able to watch its progress en route using a mobile app, before I was finally reunited with my car once again at my Porsche dealership.

911 Carrera GTS with Neuschwanstein Castle behind — Fairytale finish: Yoon’s 911 takes in a view of Bavaria’s famous Neuschwanstein Castle

Getting better all the time

In my home state of California, the experience magically carried on. I gave my 911 sports car what I felt it deserved – a racing livery. Then, I took the 911 to the world-famous Laguna Seca Raceway for a track experience with Porsche Club of America. This entire European Delivery experience defined my 2017 and extended into the better part of 2018. It gave me the opportunity to meet so many amazing people along the way, who where all so passionate about Porsche and its vehicles. What seems like such a straightforward task – buying a car – had turned into an epic experience with Porsche.

911 Carrera GTS at airport, suitcase beside it — Very special delivery: Yoon’s 911 is something of a jet-setter

And it was to get even more epic. Throughout 2018, Porsche held a series of celebrations to mark its 70th birthday. I was fortunate enough to get invited to the UK to take part in the Goodwood Festival of Speed as part of the celebrations. Just being at Goodwood was incredible in itself, but my Porsche experience was to hit new heights – one that any Porsche fan would envy. On the last day of the festival, I was given the chance to drive a yellow 1973 911 RS – a Porsche Museum car – up the world-famous Hillclimb course.

I named my 911 Carrera GTS ‘Mayday’ as it was built in May… but also because Mayday is an answer to my mid-life distress call
Yoon Lee | Porsche 911 Carrera GTS owner, California

Memories made by Mayday

All of these magical events unfolded after my decision to go all in when ordering my new 911 sports car. To take the European route for delivery. I named my 911 Carrera GTS ‘Mayday’. Why? Yes, because it was built in the month of May and delivered to me on 24 May 2017. But also because Mayday is an answer to my mid-life distress call.

Rear view of 911 Carrera GTS at Laguna Seca Raceway — California love: Yoon Lee takes on the challenge of Laguna Seca Raceway

I never dreamed I would have so much fun with a car. I am creating photo memories of all the interesting places I visit with Mayday and have plans to take it all over the United States and beyond. To see the world together and enjoy as many race tracks as we possibly can around the world, too. And where next with Mayday, once we can all travel freely again? The decision will be a spontaneous one. Just like how it all started.

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