The 4EVER NU 911 is more than just a car—it’s an irreplaceable family heirloom and a rolling piece of history. Originally purchased brand new in 1976 by my dad, Bill Hawkes, it has been part of our family for nearly five decades, evolving and improving with every chapter of its story.

The car’s license plate, “4EVER NU,” is a prophetic tribute chosen decades ago that has proven true over time. Its timeless design and enduring appeal are a testament not only to Porsche but also to my dad’s remarkable eye for classic, lasting beauty. He has a unique ability to recognize the kind of design that transcends trends, and this car embodies that vision. Through meticulous preservation and restoration, the 911 has stayed as fresh and captivating as the day it was first driven.

My dad, a brilliant CPA who mostly worked from his home office, cherished this car, but he didn’t put too many miles on it. As a professor of accounting, he occasionally drove it to campus during his teaching years, and he used it for small errands or special trips. Being somewhat of a car collector, he also owned a DeLorean and a Corvette, so the mileage was divided among his vehicles, keeping the 911 in excellent condition for many years.

The engine eventually froze at XXXXX miles (details of this part still to come), but my dad had it repaired and upgraded, breathing new life into the car. In 1988, he sold it to my older brother, Steve. As you might imagine, a good-looking teenager with a 911 quickly became quite popular. Steve loved the car and enjoyed it while he had it, but unfortunately, he crashed it not long after and couldn’t afford the repairs. Frustrated yet unable to let go of such a cherished piece of our family’s story, my dad bought the car back. It sat damaged in our garage for years, a project quietly waiting for its next chapter to begin.

That chapter began when we stumbled upon a treasure trove of parts from a 1986 911 Porsche—fenders, doors, hood, and more. With these parts, the car underwent its first major transformation, evolving from a 911S into a 911 Carrera. The engine was rebuilt to Carrera specs, gaining additional horsepower, and the body was stripped to bare metal before receiving a pristine, show-quality paint job in its original white. When it rolled out of the garage, it was better than new—a testament to the timeless design of Porsche and the dedication of its owner.

The car remained in this condition for many years, largely undriven but deeply cherished. Time, however, has its way with even the best machines, and eventually, it was time for another restoration. In 20XX (details of this phase to come), the 911 was rebuilt again, this time with a widebody upgrade, new wheels, and the addition of a classic whale tail spoiler. Once again, it emerged in showroom condition, a blend of vintage style and modern performance. Even the leather interior still carries that unmistakable “new car” smell.

Driving this car is like stepping into a time machine. There’s a raw, visceral connection to the road that modern cars simply can’t replicate. Remove the Targa top, and you’re immersed in the open air. The sound of the engine—a signature of the classic 911—resonates with a power and soul that words can barely capture. It’s like hearing the roar of a P-51 Mustang from the golden age of warbirds; it’s not just a sound—it’s an experience.

This 911 isn’t just a car; it’s a lesson. A lesson in history, in the timeless beauty of classic design, and in resilience. It’s a tribute to my dad, who has cared for it for over 50 years, restoring and rebuilding it better each time. It’s a reminder that, like this car, we too can be broken, but with care and dedication, we can come back stronger than ever.

When I sit behind the wheel, I feel its soul, the echoes of its history, and the unmistakable connection to its original owner. In 2024, my dad told me his time with the car had come to an end, and he gifted it to me. After years of preserving and caring for this masterpiece, crafting it into something extraordinary, he passed it on—not just as a car, but as a legacy. It’s a gesture that’s as humbling as it is inspiring. Now, the responsibility is mine to care for it, preserve its story, and honor the passion that’s been poured into it over the years.

I look forward to the new adventures and special moments yet to come with the 911. Whether it’s a scenic trip with the open targa top, the occasional local night out on the town, or sharing its story and timeless beauty with others at car shows and events, this 911 is more than a car; it’s a connection to family, history, and the joy of driving something truly extraordinary.