The first Porsche Club was founded on 26 May 1952, and the community now has more than 240,000 members across more than 700 Porsche Clubs worldwide. It’s no surprise, then, that the Porsche Club network comprises people from all over the world and all walks of life. But what one might not expect is the vast age range of its members.
Sprightly at 90: Jörg Steidinger
After a long career as a goldsmith, Porsche 356 enthusiast Jörg Steidinger is now enjoying a well-earned retirement. At one time, he owned 15 examples of the air-cooled icon. Today, four remain in his care, the oldest of which is a 1963 356 C Cabriolet he’s owned for nearly 45 years. “I’ve had that car for almost half my life,” smiles Steidinger. “It’s more than just a vehicle – it’s part of my story.”
Early into his Porsche ownership, Steininger discovered the Porsche Club Europe through a magazine advert. He would later co-found the Porsche 356 Club Germany, which this year celebrates its 50th anniversary. Some of his happiest memories are from club trips across Europe. “Sometimes, more than 150 cars from different clubs would come together. The camaraderie was incredible.”
Steidinger’s three sons have inherited his passion. “They’ve all caught the Porsche bug,” he smiles. “One day, these cars will be theirs.” All four cars are impeccably maintained – and regularly used. “They need to be driven to stay in shape,” he says, fresh off the back of a long Sunday drive with his wife. “And honestly, it brings me so much joy, too.”
Despite his advanced years, Steidinger sees his age as no obstacle. “Most members are 45 and over, which is to be expected, I suppose. These cars are expensive, and younger enthusiasts often need more time to get there. But when they do, they bring fresh energy,” he says. “I’m just grateful to have reached this age and still be fit. I don’t make plans for the future anymore – I simply enjoy the here and now.”
From chicken shop to Cayman S: Theo Brunt
First cars typically fit into one of two categories: small, economical ones with little space and even less power; and rather tired ones just a breakdown or two away from a one-way trip to the scrapyard. But not always. In early 2024, Theo Brunt became the youngest member of Porsche Club New Zealand when, aged just 16, he bought his very first car – a silver 2008 Porsche Cayman S, funded entirely by 18 months of working long hours in a fast-food shop every day after school.
Brunt’s car passion really only developed after he acquired the Porsche. But, now an active member of PCNZ and now the proud owner of his second Cayman, he is a regular at club events and loves nothing more than weekend drives through the North Island’s spectacular mountain roads. “The [other club members] were obviously very surprised to see somebody as young as me – the next youngest member I’ve met is in their 30s,” he says. “But [everyone] has been so welcoming, I’ve been getting along really well with everyone.”
Buying that first Porsche was nothing short of life changing for Brunt, as his newfound passion has led to a career in automotive engineering. After writing to every Porsche service centre and garage within driving distance, he left the world of fried chicken behind and was hired as an apprentice mechanic. Now he is working towards automotive engineering and computer-aided design qualifications. “I really enjoy the process of designing cars and making everything work together,” he says, with enthusiasm. “That’s where I see myself going in the future – especially at Porsche or at a company like Manthey, I would enjoy that a lot.”
Growing up in the PCA: Jonathan Webb
Obsessed is an often-overused word. But not when it comes to Porsche-mad Jonathan Webb. Through its Juniors programme, the Porsche Club of America encourages young people to get involved with club activities, and the 11-year-old from Toronto, Canada is now a familiar face. From helping his father prep his 996-generation 911 Carrera 4S for shows – which is one of his earliest memories – to supporting PCA staff at events, Jonathan truly embodies the club spirit. “He is a real ambassador for the club and for the Juniors,” says Vu Nguyen, PCA’s Executive Director. “When he sees another kid that might be a little nervous, he takes them under his wing and you see them just quickly settle in”.
Jonathan’s year has already been full of automotive adventures – with Porsche Parades, F1 and IMSA race meetings, and plenty of other exciting trips. Highlights have been meeting Hans-Peter Porsche, son of Ferry Porsche, and he recently interviewed American TV presenter Chris Jacobs on camera. “Jonathan’s not shy to go and ask questions and engage. He’s very outgoing in that sense,” says his mother, Jennifer.
Jonathan is eyeing up a Porsche 944 as his first car and, after learning to change the oil on his dad’s 911, is keen to maintain his future cars himself and to pursue a career in motorsport. “I would love to be on a race team,” he says enthusiastically. “I just want to be involved in the paddock in any way, shape or form.”
The younger generation is very important to the PCA. “Kids like Jonathan are the future of our club,” continues Nguyen. “We want them to see the traditions we have now, but it’s also important to give them the freedom to create the club’s new traditions.”
