Foreword (page 1.1)

I am very honored to have the opportunity to participate in this tale of a good man and his very special car. A type of now-old German sports car in which I, too, am very fond, and in this case a very special Model 356 Porsche Speedster from 1956 with a very special story.

Small but ergonomically generous, based on the simplistic VW Beetle with better handling and with only slightly less gas economy, aerodynamic and somewhat Spartan, it was above all else- FUN- a Speedster is a true sports car that was either loved or hated. John loves his still. A long romance his wife can appreciate and obviously his kids can too. (Growing up with it helped, I'm sure.)

The back story: My fondness of Speedsters began 54 years ago when I had one myself as a young man but could not afford anyone to work on it for me, so I learned by doing, by reading and luckily, being mentored.

After some time in the military from which I was released early without a plan, a small business of that Porsche work eventually led to a very fortunate meeting with John Kreuz, now a long-time respected friend. That's how it works...the cars bring people together and friendships evolve very naturally.

John's dedication to his Porsche Speedster is surpassed only by his dedication to his family. John is the prototypical model 356 enthusiast. He drives his Speedster as often as possible and does much of his own work on his car, a rarity now for a 63 year old sports car deemed a "collectible" more than our shared original purpose of "fun transportation." John still drives it for the fun it still provides! In all areas of his life, John has been surely blessed!

John is a great man with a great sense of humor, my kind of guy. He and I have developed our own way of parting company-- as long ago he realized that it usually takes 5 "g'byes" before an exit. Therefore, to allow an exit from this foreword (and the continued reading of this tale of John and his Speedster), I'll just say as John says to me, "G'bye, g'bye, g'bye, g'bye, g'bye........." and I'm certain that you will enjoy the following!

-Bruce Baker