Eurotrip - Porsche Road Trip

tomscott

Photographer & Graphic Designer
I have moved this front the sports section as Craig was kind enough to set up a new travel thread. :)

Recently I went on a two week eurotrip. The following is an editorial piece written by Jack Fordyce that gives a brief description of the trip and the photographs were taken by me. The article can be found in an upcoming article in the UK version of Porsche Post.

Kit used: 5DMKIII, 16-35mm L F2.8, 24-70mm L F2.8, 70-300mm F4-5.6 L

The photographs are a selection suited for the article, roughly 70 out of 770. There are a lot more that I will post in due time.

Enjoy!

Four Porsches and a Zed – a Euro Road Trip
by Jack Fordyce, Photography by Tom Scott

Car club and forum camaraderie was a strong catalyst in creating this touring group, as some transitioned into Porsche ownership from much loved BMW Z4s.

A potential 2,500 mile route through Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland and Italy was agreed. Cars consisted of a 991 50th Anniversary, a 997 Targa 4S, a 997 Carrera S, a 981 Boxster S and a Z4M roadster. Drivers include Scots, English based in Scotland, English surnamed Scott, and Scots and Dutch based in England, making for a bar room joke bereft of a good punch line, with plenty banter potential.

Baden Baden & Stuttgart Factory Tour
Arriving via Eurostar or ferry to Amsterdam, meeting up for an autobahn blast to Baden Baden, coincided with a birthday so as you do we “took the waters”.

Porsche 911s Port of Tyne, Northshields, by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Group meet up just off the autobahn in Baden Baden by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Group meet up just off the autobahn in Baden Baden by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Petrol Stop, Netherlands by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Porsche 991, 911 50th Anniversary Edition Coupe by Tom Scott, on Flickr

A Porsche Factory Tour required a 5-30am start for a dawn assault on “The Route 500” with a photo stop at Mumelsee where pro photographer Tom, put us amateurs to shame with some fabulously composed and exposed shots. The route climbs steeply over near deserted roads, round high speed, tightening bends in magical early morning light before an equally challenging descent.

Porsche 911 and Boxster, Route 500 stop, Mumelsee, Germany by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Porsche 911s and BMW Z4M, Route 500 stop, Mumelsee, Germany by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Navigational debate followed, assisted by four versions of OEM Porsche Sat Nav, a Tom Tom, a Garmin and a well-thumbed route map with detail only visible to the very young. We arrived in Stuttgart in good time though, scanning the underground car park for anything interesting.

Porsche Museum, Stuttgart by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Porsche Museum, Stuttgart by Tom Scott, on Flickr

The factory tour (cameras and phones prohibited) provides almost hands-on insight, urged along by our very knowledgeable guide. Witnessing the marriage between chassis, bodywork and engine was fascinating, as was a privileged peek at a collection of GT3 RS models. Task timing within the production line was admirably precise, with workers seeming remarkably stress free.

Hopefully scoring brownie points, three of us sported Porsche GB Club tops and with Club Cards ready, secured free museum entry - a nice touch. The afternoon was spent at the Museum, gift shop and restaurant where we could each do our own thing, largely involving rubbing noses against expensive glass.

Porsche 911 Turbos, Porsche Museum, Stuttgart by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Porsche 918, Porsche Museum, Stuttgart by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Porsche 918, Porsche Museum, Stuttgart by Tom Scott, on Flickr

A 550km drive to Savognin, near St.Moritz next, detouring to allow an eastwards group drive of the Susten Pass. A Swiss tunnel cacophony of sports exhausts merited several repeat performances.

Porsche 991, 911 50th Anniversary Edition Coupe by Tom Scott, on Flickr

BMW Z4M Tunnel, St.Moritz, Switzerland by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Porsche Convoy, St.Moritz to Susten Pass, Switzerland by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Porsche Boxster, St.Moritz to Susten Pass, Switzerland by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Whilst light rain affected the Susten, an amusing lay-bye liaison with a large pair of furry marmots ensued, before another spirited session, keeping a healthy pace despite conditions.

Braving the mountain’s drizzly elements, suitably attired in T-shirt, shorts and plimsolls, Tom captured some fabulous stills of the red Carrera S, some feeling guilty for rushing him.

Stein Glacier, Susten Pass, Switzerland by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Porsche 911 Convoy, Stein Glacier, Susten Pass, Switzerland by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Porsche 911 lineup, Susten Pass, Switzerland by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Porsche 911, Sustens Pass, Switzerland by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Susten Pass, Switzerland by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Ready for the green light, Tiefencastel to Savognin, Switzerland by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Porsche 911 Targa, Scenic mountain pass road, Tiefencastel to Savognin, Switzerland by Tom Scott, on Flickr

A thrilling spar with the 991 50th on roads south from Tiefencastel to Savognin, highlighted the Boxster’s stunning composure and grip levels, assisted by LSD and PTV options, a fabulous end to a long day, ensuring the Cube Hotel’s cold beer tasted even sweeter. Cool digs these, with a petrol-head barman and the option to ride your mountain bike from a third floor room, down the ramped stairwell, straight out the lobby - sadly no MTBs on this trip.

Two father and son teams leave now for an all-day dash to Calais. The Z4M driving the entire route, roof down, including autobahns – respect.

Modena
The remaining trio continued towards Modena, via lunchtime pizza in the pretty town of San Pellegrino, over the intimidating San Marco Pass, signed “closed” at one mightily high end where approaching drivers advised the pass was open. A single track road lay ahead, tight as two coats of paint, with frequently coned off landslide sections, so we’re surprised to find the top awash with cars, ice-cream shop and a popular sunbathing spot, most arriving from the much more accessible, southern side.

Scenic road, Switzerland by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Porsche 911 lineup, Scenic road, Switzerland by Tom Scott, on Flickr

San Marco Pass, North side, Bergamo Alps, Italy by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Dirty Porsche 911s, San Marco Pass, South side, Bergamo Alps, Italy by Tom Scott, on Flickr

San Marco Pass, South side, Bergamo Alps, Italy by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Group pic, San Marco Pass, South side, Bergamo Alps, Italy by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Harly Davidson Police Bike, San Pelegrino, Italy by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Our Modena hotel pool boasts a cool “spring break” atmosphere with live band. The manager clearing the hotel frontage, to allow group parking alongside a blue BMW M4, we later learn is on “European collection” from its’ Calgary bound Canadian owner. Our chat follows a pre breakfast jet wash session, armed with microfibers, wheel cleaners, detailing sprays etc. Cars look good again unlike an earlier Julier Pass, dirty photo stop.

Porsche 911 and BMW M4, Valet Sports car Parking, Best Western, Modena by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Ferrari, Pagani & Lamborghini
Both Ferrari Museums are great fun, our preference being the Enzo museum - a Ferrari filled pleasure dome, with wonderful photo opps and importantly, well priced strong coffee. We’re in awe at the boat, the forging of exhaust pipework, polished cylinders, engine displays and the gift shop prices.

ARNO XI Hydroplane, Enzo Ferrari Museum, Modena by Tom Scott, on Flickr

La Ferrari, Enzo and F50, Enzo Ferrari Museum, Modena by Tom Scott, on Flickr

La Ferrari, Enzo Ferrari Museum, Modena by Tom Scott, on Flickr

A short tour of the Pagani factory leaves us thrilled to spot Horacio Pagani personally hosting customers. Our charming guide stresses the bespoke nature of “every car is a customer’s” so no photos again, as we clearly resemble some major industrial spies, though handling some carbon fibre samples is a rare treat. An opportunistic photo of a Huayra leaving the gates, with the Targa in shot is bagged.

Pagani Factory, Modena by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Zonda F interior, Pagani Factory, Modena by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Zonda F and Zonda R, Pagani Factory, Modena by Tom Scott, on Flickr

A tentative approach through the Lamborghini factory gates sees us as swiftly encouraged to leave, as we are warmly welcomed, with iced coffee at a nearby cafe, where our Porker’s colours contrast well with the “Test Drive a Lambo” offerings.

Lamborghini Aventador, Lamborghini Factory, Modena, Italy by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Lamborghini Aventador, Huracan, Porsche 911 Targa, Lamborghini Factory, Super car Rental, Modena, Italy by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Lamborghini Huracan and Porsche 911 Targa, Lamborghini Factory, Super car Rental, Modena, Italy by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Garda, Stelvio, Bernina, San Bernardino & Grimsel

Malcesine, Lake Garda, Italy by Tom Scott, on Flickr

At Malcesine, Lake Garda, we lunch beachside, amusing diners and sunbathers with our incessant photography. We split again, with Targa occupants Bolzano bound and Carrera and Boxster to Basecamp Stelvio at Trafoi.

Porsche 911 Carrera S, Malcesine, Lake Garda, Italy by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Porsche 911 Targa, Boxster S, Malcesine, Lake Garda, Italy by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Porsche 911 Carrera S, Malcesine, Lake Garda, Italy by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Porsche Boxster S, 911 Carrera S, Malcesine, Lake Garda, Italy by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Porsche 911 Carrera S, Malcesine, Lake Garda, Italy by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Meeting up next morning, despite a booking blunder, we highly recommend Hotel Madatsch for panoramic views, quirky owner and resident St. Bernard.

Trafoi, Stelvio Pass, Italy by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Trafoi, Stelvio Pass, Italy by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Initially, Stelvio Pass was predictably busy with motor-bikes, cyclists and drivers resisting others’ attempts at enjoying the challenge, but space is soon found and some relatively decent movie footage, the best probably rearwards facing, is in the can.

Stelvio Pass, Italy by Tom Scott, on Flickr

The top of the Stelvio has a near carnival atmosphere and we retrace our steps for another photoshoot where Tom probably takes the tour’s best shots. The descent down the southern side is fabulous with smooth surfaces, well sighted sweeping bends and motor bikes that unusually, we pass!

Stelvio Pass, Italy by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Stelvio Pass, Italy by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Stelvio Pass, Italy by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Porsche Line up, Stelvio Pass, Italy by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Porsche 911 Targa, Stelvio Pass, Italy by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Porsche 911 Carrera S, Stelvio Pass, Italy by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Stelvio Pass, Italy by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Onwards to the fast flowing Bernina Pass with Swiss chocolate box alpine views of lakes and mountain trains, returning to Savognin following afternoon tea in St.Moritz. We enjoy a Savognin ski lift ride for some fine views before pressing on. Another split, this time where the Carrera heads to BMW Welt, Munich, re-grouping in Cologne.

Scenic fuel Stop, Switzerland by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Piz Forbesch, Oberhalbstein Alps, Savognin, Switzerland by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Savognin, Switzerland by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Porsche line up, CUBE, Savognin, Switzerland by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Ski lift, Panoramabahn, Savognin, Switzerland by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Porsche line up, CUBE, Savognin, Switzerland by Tom Scott, on Flickr

BMW Efficient Dynamics, Vision, BMW Welt, Munich, Germany by Tom Scott, on Flickr

BMW Welt, Munich, Germany by Tom Scott, on Flickr

The Targa and Boxster are joined by a German 911 cab for the sublime San Bernardino Pass, where at the summit, even the coffee bill at the Ospizio fails to spoil the sheer joy of the twistier approach sections. Early traffic on the Furka Pass clears, allowing a swift ascent of this high and tight pass in a James Bond (in the wrong car) style. A passing group of German Lotus & Caterham 7s heading up the Grimsel Pass wave, before our arrival in Meiringen for the night, followed by a visit to the stunning Reichenbach Falls, via funicular rail and a decent hike.

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Last lap
A sweltering morning drive is rewarded with a swim in chilly Lake Lucerne, then a final group meal, below Cologne’s Cathedral before our homewards ferry completes a mind blowing trip with great company, the purest highlight of which might be the simple opportunities to stretch both driver and vehicle.

Roll on the next one and for anyone swithering – book it !

Tom Scott
 
Hello, I have the same habit with you. I'm used to start a road trip in every three months. The two points that I need to say on here. One is that we have a choose a nice vehicle for this road trip, the another is to take a charger with you. Since I need to charge camera battery, so I have bought a soft charger-400w power inverter from bestek. The easy way for us to use this tool is to connect with car cigarette lighter charger outlet. If you are interested in knowing more about this charger, you can search bestekmall on Google. Hope this point is useful to you.
 
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tomscott

Photographer & Graphic Designer
I have just completed another documentation of a European road trip which will also be published in Porsche Post magazine.

This one consisted of 7 cars in total, 2 Porsche 991 911s, 2 boxster S 981, Cayman S 987 II and a BMW Z4M roadster. North Shields (UK) over to Amsterdam, through the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, France and to our final destination Monaco and back to the UK.

I am in the middle of editing the images but here is a quick preview. This is the Furka Pass in Switzerland where the James bond car chase in Goldfinger was shot of the Aston Martin DB5 and Ford Mustang. Also the side footage of Bond stalking Goldfinger in his Rolls Royce.

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