On a quiet and sunny afternoon in late October, Porsche 914s began streaming into the Ozark Mountains. After months of anticipation, sixty-five 914 enthusiasts from the central United States were converging on the small hamlet of Fairfield Bay, Arkansas, for the second annual Mid-US Ramble (MUSR).

The MUSR 2000, held over the weekend of October 19-22, 2000, was hosted by the PCA 914 Special Interest Group (SIG), with sponsorship from Ozark Region. The Ramble was arranged and coordinated by Rich Johnson, Charlie Davis and Alan Barrilleaux. This year's event was held at the Shadow Ridge Villas and Conference Center, nestled in the woods on the shores of Greers Ferry Lake. Long time PCA members, John and Al Swanson did the legwork for the local arrangements.

The event officially began on Friday, but in reality started Thursday evening with an early arrival reception hosted by John and Fredda Swanson at their beautiful new mountainside home. The social reception included hors d'oeuvres, drinks, and campfire entertainment by guitarist Al Swanson.

Friday morning at eight a.m., the participants began to register in the conference center lobby. Participants received a goody bag containing an agenda, car show ballots, t-shirts, coupons and fliers from event sponsors. Event hats and 914 SIG t-shirts were also available. A rainbow of beautiful 914s gradually filled the parking lot, including Jim Philpot's marathon blue 1973 3.0L flared conversion. When the day ended, Fairfield Bay would host over thirty 914s, including six 914/6s, a gorgeous 914 V-8 conversion and a 1974 Limited Edition 914. From the start of the Ramble, the folks at Fairfield Bay Conference Center were very accommodating and blocked off a section of the facility just for the MUSR group and their cars.

After lunch, the tech sessions began with Ed Mayo of Mayo Performance discussing six cylinder engine conversions and engine blueprinting for the 914. His extensive expertise and detailed presentation was a treat for 914 enthusiasts and generated lots of discussion. Following Ed, Brad Mayeur of 914 Limited gave a class on chassis stiffening and transmission repair. His class centered on longitudinal repair, using a chassis stiffening kit of his own design. The next speaker was Dave Darling, the overall PCA Parade 2000 Tech Quiz winner. He was flown out to the MUSR from California, courtesy of Pelican Parts. Dave discussed troubleshooting and repairs of the D-Jetronic fuel injection system. For the final tech session of the day, Ed Mayo led an open forum discussing alignment, corner weighting, tires and other issues suggested by the audience.

The roads in the Ozarks were made for these magnificent German roadsters. After the tech sessions, the group gathered for an hour-long scenic drive to dinner. These Ozark trees were just beginning to change colors. Al Swanson took the lead in his beautiful Sunflower Yellow 1973 914, carving up the roads through a glorious fireworks display of autumn leaves. On a more somber note, Jason Martin's gorgeous red, newly purchased, 1974 914 2.0 was hit by a charging deer, sadly damaging the left side of the car. Apparently only dazed, the deer disappeared into the surrounding woods. The damage was not too extensive, and Jason seemed to take it in stride.

Returning from dinner, old and new friends alike met to swap stories, socialize and enjoy libations until the early hours of the morning. The event was a bit more relaxed than the previous year, with plenty of time for socializing. There was also some time for just hanging out, crawling under and over cars or swapping tech tips and stories. Impromptu car repairs (often with advice by committee) took place under the gentle trees surrounding the parking lot. "How many 914 owners does it take to change a valve cover gasket?" someone joked. "Twelve. One to change the gasket and eleven to give conflicting sets of instructions," was the answer.

The following morning, J.T. Snapp hosted the swap meet at nine a.m. With tables full of parts, it began to sprinkle, but many braved the weather to find a bargain. Fortunately, it didn't rain hard and the sky cleared before the drive to lunch. Again caravaning through the bear and wolf-infested wilderness of Arkansas, the group arrived at Mountain View for lunch and the car show. Following a casual lunch at the Iron Skillet Restaurant, drivers proceeded out to touch up their cars.

After the show and judging (hosted by Glenn Stazak), cars were shuffled to recreate the There is No Substitute magazine ad from 1975. Photographer Thom Ewing directed and arranged the shoot with his artist's eye. "The cars get better every year," Charlie Davis commented during the show, "and each year the event gets bigger and better."

Concluding the car show, the participants headed back to the Convention Center for the Tech Quiz and to prepare for dinner. A few adventurous souls took a detour to experience the steep inclines and hairpin turns of highway 263. The bright yellow signs that read "DANGEROUS CURVES AND STEEP HILLS NEXT 12 MILES" were quite a sight. The civil engineers that built these roads were surely fans of the Porsche 914.

Dave Darling hosted the technical quiz, with the assistance of Charlie Davis. "This quiz is downright evil," Dave quipped. "I made it as hard as I could, and there are several trick questions." He wished the challengers luck, and 40 minutes later, everyone was off to dinner and the awards ceremony.

The highlights of the evening were the awards ceremony, a scrumptious BBQ dinner, and the drawing of door prizes.

Glenn Stazak presented the Car Show Awards. Dennis and Linda Carter from Missouri received the Best Stock 914/4 Award for their beautiful 1976 Malaga red 914. Jon Watkins from West Virginia received the Longest Distance Traveled in a 914 Award and the Best Stock 914/6 for his gorgeous black 1970 914/6.

In the Modified category, Joe Yoder from Texas was hailed as the Best Modified for his Arena Red 1975 914/4. Richard and Riva Fisher won Best Modified 6 or 8 cylinder car for their stellar metallic burgundy 1973 V-8 conversion. The most dubious honor, the Dirtiest Engine Bay, was bestowed upon Oklahoman Dave Monk for his 1973 silver 914. Scott Foremaster from Louisiana received credit for the Best Vicarious (car by photo) 914, for his Signal Orange 1973 914.

For the second year running, the coveted People's Choice Award and the accompanying Wes Hildreth Trophy was awarded to Rich Johnson of Texas for his stunning and elegant chrome yellow 1971 3.0L 914/6 conversion, "Ole Yeller". Words cannot describe the beauty of this automotive masterpiece. Rich's car began life as a 1971 914 1.7, and has been lavished with care and craftsmanship to become what may be the ultimate 914.

In the Tech Quiz Awards (Dave Darling presenting), Ed Mayo took top honors, followed by Clay Perrine and John Leto in second and third places.. Riva Fisher won the mystery quiz; a contest designed to see who could find out the most about their fellow event participants.

Two lovely ladies, Pam Schneider and Riva Fisher, handed out the door prizes, courtesy of MUSR sponsors such as 914 Limited, Pelican Parts and Zims Autotechnik. No Ramble participant walked away empty handed. The awards ceremony concluded with a standing ovation for the Swanson family, who put countless hours into planning the excursions.

The 2000 Mid US 914 Ramble provided a wonderful opportunity for folks to meet, exchange ideas, and have a good time sharing their common interest - the Porsche 914. It seems a great time was had by all. The 914 Special Interest Group is already planning the next Ramble. Come out and join the fun next year!


The 914 Special Interest Group has been formed in an effort to promote owner contact, facilitate the exchange of information, and ensure the public's awareness of the true value of the Type 914.
Information regarding the 914 SIG can be obtained by contacting Charles Davis: chuxter@airmail.net
P.O. Box 213, Weatherford, TX, 76086 940.682.4719