In a world of 20-year-old "self-made millionaires" on social media, Mario Pohlscheid is the inspiring antidote. His first 911 arrived when he was 52, and it tastes better than ever today. We spoke with the President of the Porsche Club Bonn about true passion, club legend Helmut, and why it's never too late to pursue your dream.
1. The Man Behind the Wheel
Who are you when you're not chasing curves, and how long have you been leading the club?
My name is Mario Pohlscheid. Since 2022, I've had the honor of leading the Porsche Club Bonn as president. For me, it's not a dry office, but a matter of the heart. I see myself more as an enabler for unforgettable moments.
What does Porsche mean to you, without any marketing jargon?
Porsche, for me, is pure emotion and a " kindred spirit" on four wheels. It's that very special way of life that connects people. In the end, it's not about the car in the garage, but about the passion you share with others.
2. The "Voucher" Story: How it all began
Everyone has that one moment. How did your love for Porsche ignite?
It was always a dream, but the path was long. The impetus came from my father-in-law: He had discovered a voucher for a test drive with a first-generation Panamera in an opera newspaper and gave it to me. That was the first contact. Later, there was an offer through a Cologne hotel with a 911 (997) Cabrio. My wife and I treated ourselves to this luxury, and shortly after renting it, it became our first own Porsche.
What has been your most unfiltered Porsche moment so far?
Definitely the drive with my 964 in Spa. This legendary racetrack, the direct feedback from the car without digital filters, and that electrifying atmosphere on-site... you feel pure adrenaline in every fiber.
3. The Garage: Between Analog and Future
What do you currently drive when you turn the key?
My collection is a mix of eras: A 997 Cabrio GTS (2011) for sunny days, a 964 "30 Jahre Edition" (1989) for the mechanical feel, and a 718 GT4RS (2023) as an absolute driving machine. For everyday use, I have the newest member: a Cayenne Coupe E-Hybrid. It's fascinating to see how Porsche builds a bridge to the future.
And if money and availability were no object?
Then there would be a 918 Spyder. For me, that's the ultimate masterpiece.
4. Community Vibe: More Than Just Status
What are you particularly proud of as president?
Our cohesion. Our 25th-anniversary celebration at Schloss Miel was magical. There were historic racing cars from partners like Kremer Racing or DP Motorsport alongside modern models. But the most important thing was the laughter of the people.
What does the Porsche Club Bonn stand for?
For friendship and continuity. It's not about who has the most expensive car. It's about the joy of driving and being together. We are a crew, not an elite circle.
The Club Legend: Helmut (82)
If you want to know what Porsche passion truly means, you have to meet Helmut. He is 82 years old, drives a Gemballa G-model, has a new girlfriend, and is freshly in love. Helmut is living proof: a Porsche not only keeps the engine young but also the heart.
5. Roadguide & Lifestyle
If I have 3 hours: Where do you send me?
To the Eifel or the Westerwald! Start in Bonn, then take winding country roads towards the Ahr valley. The route is a mix of technical challenge and true "flow." Best on Sunday mornings when the world is still asleep.
And the culinary pit stop?
Clearly: Spargel Weber in Alfter. Our regulars' table also takes place there. Down-to-earth, friendly, good. The perfect photo spot for the car, by the way, is Schloss Miel.
Where and when can we visit you?
Visit us every second Thursday of the month at Spargel Weber in Alfter. Just send us a short message via the website. We look forward to new faces!
6. Message to the next generation:
What do you say to a 20-year-old standing in front of a Porsche and thinking: "I'll never achieve that"?
I say: "Just come by and walk a bit of the way with us." It costs nothing to get a taste of it. I only treated myself to my first Porsche at 52. On social media today, everything looks like "instant success," but in real life, you need patience. My advice: Start small. A nice Boxster or a 996 are fantastic entry-level drugs. But factor in the costs for service and insurance. Dreams need a solid foundation.
Speaking of style: You stood out in the Alps with matching hoodies from Sechszylinder...
Yes, that was a statement! At an event in Traumwerk, we were constantly photographed as a group because we appeared uniformly... subtly stickered cars, matching hoodies. The feedback was so good that we constantly have reorders. It shows: We are a team.
The Quick 7: The Short Quiz
- Trackday or mountain pass? Both!
- Garage Queen or out in all weathers? Garage Queen (it should shine).
- Air-cooled or water-cooled? Both have their charm.
- Naturally aspirated or turbo? Naturally aspirated.
- Manual or PDK? Oldies manual, new models PDK.
- Original or still room for improvement? Still room for improvement! My 964 has BBS, a roll cage, and a sports exhaust – and still has the H-plate (historic vehicle registration). It has to fit.
- Music or engine sound? Engine sound, no question!
Photos:
Mario Pohlscheid
Jan Werner
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The Dinner Vol. 1