Issue link: http://digital.nexsitepublishing.com/i/769947
JANUARY 2017 50 By Jim Trask John Mueller has done it again. He has given PNWR members another excursion into automotive history and anthropology. The visit to VRM in Redmond had attendee's eyes popping and glistening like a child getting a new puppy. Several months ago I planned on attending this event with one of my good friends. As the date drew near one of the new club members that I met at the Oktoberfest social called and asked if I wanted to go. I said I was already going, so we all carpooled to the event. Upon entering the garage area we were greeted with coffee, donuts, and lots of smiling faces. The 1960 Aston Martin DB4GT was the first vehicle we saw. Then our eyes scanned a sea of finely sculpted metal in the forms of autos from the past. We moved from car to car and room to room in awe of the beauty and history of each vehicle. Cars from various eras manufactured by BMW, Alfa Romero, Bentley, Ferrari, Lotus were on display. John circulated around the room saying, "Hi" to everyone and asking us all to sign the poster that was to be left behind at VRM as thanks for a wonderful day. It is a good idea that makes sense. It shows that we appreciate our hosts letting us see, touch, and learn about their business. John mentioned in his opening monologue that we are very fortunate to live in an area that has so many great auto care providers and personal car collections. A Porsche 917 was showcased in the center of the room. It caused a lot of admiring stares and smiles. I kept coming back to it in an effort to internalize all the details. It reminded me of the old adage about the '600 pound gorilla in the room'. I asked our host Thor Thorson, if he could "light up" the 917. He said he could not do it, but to ask Byron, as he may be able. Byron said, "Yes, I can do that". A battery came out, the rear end of the 917 came up, and the garage door was opened. We all stood transfixed as this great piece of racing history roared to life. I personally felt like a little kid as I listened to the throaty rumble of this blue and orange lion filling the garage. It was a wonderful experience! Thank you, John.