THE HISTORY OF RMR PART II

The 1960 Aspen Parade, the 5th held and hosted by RMR was a landmark event which vaulted RMR into national prominence, only two years after the Region was chartered. A total of 216 cars were registered and the Parade was a tremendous success, thanks to the hard work by all volunteers under the direction of Jim Stubbs.

By 1961, the RMR membership had grown to 106 and the worldwide interest in the Porsche automobile had likewise grown with a total production of 7,664 being realized for the year. This was up from only 340 total produced in 1950, 10 years earlier. The monthly RMR newsletter, "Porsche Patter," was now four pages and included several technical articles.

The events in the sixties were much like today, something almost every weekend as the sports car clubs in Denver held many joint events. Time trials at Aspen, La Junta, Continental Divide Raceway, rallies, concours, tours, autocrosses, monthly membership meetings, social events and "Gymkhanas" were especially popular. Also popular were the infamous hill climbs, which were discontinued for safety reasons.

The introduction of the first 911 in Denver, a special showing at Vern Hagestad Porsche dealership, in March of 1965, sent a shock wave through the ranks of 356 owners but was an immediate success with RMR members. The prices were also somewhat of a shock, $6,500 for the 1966 coupe but, as always, Porsche buyers seemed to find a way to satisfy their automobile cravings. By the end of the 1965 production year, a total of 76,17 I Porsches had been produced with over 29,000 being imported to the U.S. RMR members had purchased more than their fair share of these fine automobiles.

As if the 1960 Aspen Parade wasn't enough, RMR again sponsored the 1966 Parade in Colorado Springs with Leroy Spanjol as the Chairman. The Parade was attended by Dr. Ferry Porsche and his family. Bill Randle captured first place overall at the 1967 Parade in a 1952 America Roadster.

Rumors of a new Porsche/Volkswagen, the 914 roadster with a price tag of $3,000 for the 4 cylinder and $6,500 for the 6 cylinder began in 1969. RMR had its share of National Officers in the 60's with Ken Lundgren as Secretary in 1969 and Zone Coordinator, and Dr. Leroy Spanjol, National President, in 1967.

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