Family tree

Is love at first sight possible? Clive Brown proves it is. This dedicated 911 owner from Napier is a perfect example of how decades of Porsche passion can spark from the simplest encounter. 

An experienced electrician and maintenance fitter, it was during his days as an apprentice at the start of the 1970s that he stumbled across the first car that would cement his love.

“I was browsing through the ‘Cars for Sale’ section in the New Zealand Herald when I noticed a 1958 356 1600 Super in Ruby Red,” he says. “The bonus was the car was located in Napier. And it turned out to have previously been owned by Colin Giltrap.”

It was more than a lucky find. It was the start of a long relationship. 

“My wife Christine and I owned that car for 16 years. We travelled regularly to race meetings at Pukekohe, Taupo, Manfield and – my favourite racetrack – Bay Park, where I competed in it.

Clive’s 356 proved to be the perfect entry ticket to Porsche life. His journey with the car included rebuilding the engine and repainting it in 1979, following the instructions from two technical manuals. 

“While the car was off the road, I managed to find some Michelin tyres which, back then, were very difficult to obtain.”

A New Zealand-delivered 1971 911 T in burgundy took over from the 356 in 1982, taking on the same racing circuits and weekend enjoyment. 

“We sold it in 1986 when we travelled to the UK,” Clive says. “I hoped to find a replacement during our trip and ship it home but unfortunately I didn’t find what I was after.”

It led him on a deeper search back home. He later enlisted help from a local Porsche expert to find his ideal 911, but a lack of success led him to the decision that a new car built to his own specifications was the best solution. 

“I bought the 911 Carrera in 1996,” he says, leaning against his still-as-new Grand Prix White modern classic. It’s a manual with a black interior and so far travelled only 55,000 kilometres. We still use it to attend local Porsche Club events and, unlike my earlier Porsche, it’s never been raced.”

“If it’s a Porsche, that’s all that matters to me.” 

Clive Brown

“I remember dad’s 356 parked in the garage back when I was around two or three years old,” he says, sharing a smile with his dad. “But I have so many memories of the 993. 

“Dad always took me to race meetings as a kid and it’s what sparked my love for cars and motor sport, and Porsche is at the centre of it.

“I still remember always gagging to go for a ride with mum and dad. I’d always make mental notes about how dad drove and all those memories came back to life when I was lucky enough to drive the latest 911 Carrera S and Boxster S with driving coaches Ray Williams, Greg Murphy and Ashley Stichbury at a Porsche drive day at Pukekohe in 1998.” 

And his favourite Porsche memory?

“Seeing dad’s 993 for the first time and hearing it start. The sound was incredible.”

Watching his family’s life with Porsche showed Ed they have been more than beautiful and fun-to-drive sportscars. 

“When I see dad with the cars, I see a great sense of pride. He’s a modest and practical man, and his original 356 was the most fitting way to start with Porsche. He simply wanted a car that would get him to the track, let him compete and get him back home again, all while being affordable, dependable and fast.

When asked about his favourite Porsche, it’s a reminder of how the apple never falls far from the tree. 

“Like dad, I’m drawn to the 911 GT3’s racing pedigree and design, but I have a soft spot for his 993.”