OVER THE HILLS AND FAR AWAY

The 2021 Southern 356 Drive

by David and Kim Campbell
Photos by Robin Hoffman, Bob Stonerock, and David and Kim Campbell

From the November / December 2021 Registry Magazine - With Bonus Photos

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Since the first gathering in 2011, the Southern 356 Drive in Helen, Georgia, has remained true to its roots. “People, fun, and cars” is the formula George Bryan and Leonard Scrantz established for the first Georgia Mountain Party and each year the organizational team has made it happen. It is no surprise the event sold out within 62 hours of online registration opening this April. Seventy-one registered vehicles arrived with 142 attendees, from 19 different states. Approximately 43 percent of attendees were first-timers, all online forum members who got the jump on non-forum club members.

Nestled in the Georgia Appalachians along the Chattahoochee River, the city of Helen is a favorite of motoring enthusiasts for its variety of roadways and the natural beauty throughout nearby state and national parks. Driving through Helen’s Bavarian architectural theme, you could easily imagine someone remarking from the side- walk, “Ihr Porsche ist wunderschön” (Your Porsche is beautiful)!

Cars began showing up Thursday morning at Tanglewood Main Lodge, but one registrant barely made it. During his drive from Holly Springs, North Carolina, Jamie Poole encountered an adult black bear along a South Carolina backroad. Apparently, it was very curious and unexpectedly blocked his lane. Jamie put the 356’s exceptional braking and handling to the test. While he avoided bagging a trophy out of season, the bear managed to leave its mark on the right-front fender. After inspection, he continued on with an “award-winning” road trip story.

Attendees were treated with a well-stocked hospitality bag, including a 2021 grille badge and, most importantly, a very detailed booklet of route maps and attractions. Throughout the weekend, ample snacks, soft drinks, and beer and wine were served at the bivouac. Inside the reception area a wide variety of Porsche and 356-related merchandise was displayed for silent auction. Live entertainment from Tommy Joe Connor was provided each evening, and on September 11 he and his band put together a musical tribute to those lost twenty years ago
 

This year, the Friday and Saturday calendar was arranged so attendees could alternate between scheduled events, while leaving time to explore North Georgia as “captains of their own destiny.” Each morning a group driving tour headed out for Wolf Mountain Winery for lunch and a tour of owner Karl Boegner’s Porsche garages. Wolf Mountain Vineyards is one of the South’s premier award-winning wineries. The scenic mountain views are the perfect setting for relaxation and wine tasting. Karl’s collection of various Porsche automobiles and memorabilia never gathers dust and he shared some new stories and information with us.

The Tanglewood lodge and paddock site was the focal point each day, and where participants enjoyed grilled German brats and sides on Friday evening. An early morning parts swap meet got Saturday off to a good start. Around dinnertime everyone returned for a genuine Southern “pig picking.” “I enjoyed the great drives, food, and company,” noted Dwayne Deese. Dwayne and his guest, Tanesha Howell from Char- lotte, North Carolina, brought a 1961 356 B coupe that Dwayne is bringing back to life. “I love this year’s badge, too,” said Deese.

For good friends Mark Todorovich and Fred Thatcher, the trek from St. Louis meant a chance to drive the nearby “Tail of the Dragon” road before connecting with new friends in the 356 community. Other first-timers included Colin and Andrea King from Delaware in a 1958 coupe, and Rex and Cathy Harrison from Panama City, Florida, who drove their 1960 Super 90 Roadster. Sanjoy and Barka Malik from Atlanta, Georgia, brought their white 1965 coupe.

The Florida Owners Group enthusiastically showed up and certainly “worked in the trenches” as George puts it. Robin Hoffman stayed busy collecting memories with her camera. Nando Lopez, owner of Buildwerks, drove his ’57 coupe from Sarasota, Florida, and was helpful with a few technical assists. Gordon Smith, president of the Southern Owners Group, and other SOG members also served and supported the event.

The Southern 356 Drive encourages safe, spirited driving and the hosts outdid themselves in putting together the different “loops” and “out-n-backs” to navigate. The suggested routes had it all: open, rural rolling hills to get your rhythm; climbs to keep you engaged with twisting switchbacks; and descents that really kept the adrenaline flowing. Tossed in were some incredible “whoop-de-doos.” Occasionally high-speed motorcyclists and folks in lesser sports cars were encountered, but the smiling expressions on the drivers’ faces told the story every time a group of 356s returned to base after a run.

Porsches are known for their reliability, but we know stuff happens. During previous Mountain Parties, Joe Cogbill was there for mechanical repairs either on the road or at his shop in nearby Cleveland. This year Joe was happy to report no major issues and he and Ginger graciously hosted guests at the three-time SCCA champion’s facility. Other attractions nearby included Old Car City and a legal moonshine distillery in nearby Dawsonville.

Ben and Terry Cherbonnier of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, don’t see a lot of hills back home, which is one of the reasons they returned with their 1963 Bali Blue coupe. Ben summed it up: “This year’s event was the best ever. The weather was great, the cars are great, and most importantly the people are great! Our trip to Helen is the highlight of our 356 activities for the year.”

Sunday morning, we arrived at Tanglewood for staging and drivers’ meeting prior to the drive to Glen-Ella Springs Inn & Restaurant. This year the organizers returned to a rousing and exciting course that wound around the coves of Rabun Lake. Drivers had little time for sightseeing with the twists and turns and elevation changes. At certain points my view through the windshield resembled Monte Carlo rather than Georgia, with the lakefront residences, iron gates, and tall masonry retaining walls.

The food and drink and service were again exceptional at Glen-Ella Springs. No judging or concours takes place at the Georgia Mountain Party, however there is the “Sneaky Concours,” where a single individual secretly picks the 356 they’d love to have in their own garage. There were many well-maintained “drivers” and some award-winners present, but “judge”Lucy Kivett, owner of Glen-Ella Springs Inn & Restaurant, chose the black ’58 Speedster brought by Tom Tate and guest Katie Carton of Medville, Massachusetts.

After lunch, a number of special awards and recognitions preceded a rousing open auction. Over the years the Southern Drive has raised approximately $17,500 for the American Cancer Society through its charity efforts.

George Bryan and Daryle Higginbotham served as co-presenters. Dr. John Lovejoy of Jacksonville, Florida, was recognized for Perseverance. In 2019, he and his wife Harriet were seriously injured by an at-fault motorist during their return home from the Southern 356 Drive. Tom Olson from Whidbey Island, Washington, was honored for Dedication. Tom has logged more than 30,000 miles as a regular attender of the Southern Drive since its inception. They were presented custom blown-glass awards.

The Photo Safari winners received unique 356-themed plaques printed to natural slate from Glen Getchell. Daryle Higginbotham then brought forward the first (and hopefully the last) “Bear in the Headlights” Award for Jamie Poole.

As this portion of the ceremony wound up, Trustee Cliff Murray addressed the group regarding George Bryan’s vision and organization for the “Mountain Party.” Cliff called it, “one of the best events I attend in the 356 community,” and presented a Hall of Fame award to George.

The heart and soul of the weekend belongs to the “team”: George Bryan and Carol Gardner; Leonard and Sherry Scrantz; Rudy and Judy Bernhard; Daryle and Becky Higginbotham; John Wolosick and Lois Schwarz; Glen and Mary Getchell, Gordon Smith, and Pete Bartelli. We also appreciate the many official sponsors and a number of anonymous donors who helped make the event possible