This is the third post in my blast from the past found in an old box of magazines in my garage. It’s been fun to glance back through to see what was being reported 20 years ago in the car world and about Porsche specifically. Some great articles to re-read. If you want to catch up, see the first two installments here: Memory Lane #1 and Memory Lane #2.

Today’s magazine marks the first issue published under the name Excellence. Formerly Porsche Magazine. The name change took me by surprise.

I used to drive about 45 minutes to Portland to look at and purchase magazines. Salem, where I grew up, really didn’t have any great places to buy magazines.  Especially some of the more specialty magazines that have become common place today. I had several bookstores and magazine stands that I particularly liked with huge selections. At that point in time, I wasn’t subscribed to any magazines. I bought everything off the newsstand.

I had purchased a couple of issues of Porsche Magazine and knew the latest issue was out, but when I went to look for it, I couldn’t find it at the usual spots I’d staked out. I kind of started to panic as I looked over the magazine stands trying to find this great new publication about these cars I’d fallen in love with.

It took me a while before I finally came across Excellence that I soon realized was indeed Porsche Magazine. Had quite a scare for a bit though thinking my favorite Porsche mag was gone. Needless to say Excellence DID survive and is still going strong today.

This particular issue is on my list of favorites for 2 reasons primarily.  First, the name change.  I thought the magazine editors chose well with the name “Excellence” in the absence of being able to use the Porsche name directly. It embodies the brand and what most Porscheophiles feel about the cars.

Second, I love the cover. Although I’ve never been much of a 924 fan, I think the car set on the checkered ground looks amazing. I have no idea where the shot was taken, but that checkered ground… It has that true car garage feel to it only set outdoors. Very cool.

Some other highlights from this issue:

• 924 Review
• Customized 911 Speedster
• Porsche 962 PDK
• The Slowest Porsche – Actually a Porsche powered blimp
• Driving a group of 356s through the Colorado Rockies