The annual Nord Stern PCA All Porsche Show & Swap Meet took place this past weekend. The morning started early with a drive from 311RS HQ to Roseville in order to position Ryan’s 930 before the show began. With this out of the way the real fun was set to begin.

From Roseville, we headed north to meet a client and shuttle a few of his cars down to the show. The scene above is how we were greeted. It was going to be a good day.

The lineup consisted of four of the best cars Porsche has ever built – Carrera GT, Carrera RS, GT3 RS 4.0, and a 997 GT2. It was an honor just to be around these cars, not to mention we had to drive them down to the show!

We headed out with the owner leading the pack in his Carrera GT. Ryan followed suit in the pristine 1973 Carrera RS. This historic car paved the way for all of the special Porsche that have came since. The monumental history can be felt behind the wheel, it’s a truly special experience to drive a Carrera RS.

Upon arriving at the All Porsche Show, the ’73 Carrera RS was given a prime spot even though the show was already packed with 30mins until officially opening at 10am.

This particular Carrera RS had it’s iconic 2.7l flat six upgraded to 2.8l RSR specification. Talk about icing on the cake. In the coming months it will have it’s carbs tuned to make the most of Minnesota fuel and weather.

Parked just behind the Carrera RS was this pristine 2011 911 GT3 RS 4.0. We’ve had the pleasure of servicing this car – removing window tint & faded clear bra, complete concours detail, wheel refinish, and chassis adjustment. It is an absolute stunner in person.

Alex Bellus was on hand and took a few photos of the cars during the show. This image captures two of the most iconic 911s together. These cars combine all that is Rennsport for Porsche, and what a treat it was to experience them together.

Lurking off to the side of the RS 4.0 was something even more special from Porsche.

The Carrera GT has to be considered when discussing the best Porsches of all time. It’s reputation of being difficult to drive may be true for some, but with respect (and modern tires) it is easily one of the most sublime automotive experiences the world has ever seen. And just look at it. It still looks modern even though it has been 11 years since it left Stuttgart.

Next to the Carrera GT sat this gorgeous 997 GT2. We’ve had the pleasure of servicing this one as well – complete concours detail, fresh Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2s, brake fluid flush with Castrol SRF brought together with a corner balance and alignment. This thing is no joke. It’s a very special car and at the moment is slightly under appreciated. We have a feeling time will be kind to this one.

The owner of 311RS GT3 #01 met us at the All Porsche Show to display his car. It was not two weeks ago this car was raging around Road America. Prior to the show it received a complete concours detail, oil change, and a brake fluid flush. We were happy to discuss this car with many interested folks, it’s not often this type of car turns up at a car show.

Soon enough the show was over and it was time to drive. Ryan had the pleasure of making the 1hr drive from the show in the Carrera GT. The defining feature of the interior is this high-mounted wooden shift knob. It is oh so sweet. Shifting will never again be this good, sadly.

The overall driving experience in the Carrera GT is a dream. There is an abundance of vision inside the car, unusual for a supercar. The pedals, the gear box, and that high-revving N/A V10 come together for a drive that is unlike anything else.

Along the way, and during stop & go traffic in Stillwater, Ryan captured this Carrera GT turning 2,311mi. It must have been fate. It’s worth noting that while in traffic the car was no trouble at all. There have long been complaints about the difficulty of working the clutch in the Carrera GT, but we have to say that is unfounded. Driven properly (i.e. no throttle from rest), the clutch is much easier to use than a traditional system which requires the user to match revs while engaging the clutch.

Ryan had plenty of time to get to know the Carrera GT on the long drive home. “It is difficult to describe how truly special this car is, especially when driven to it’s limit. Every last bit of tactile feedback is miles better than what I’ve previously experienced. Short of a McLaren F1, this has to be the best driving car on earth. It’s a special, special car.”

As if the day could not get any better, Ryan found this poster for $10 at the swap meet. Pictured is the start of 1987 LeMans with the winning #17 Porsche 962 front and center. We can only hope next year’s All Porsche Show will be this great. It will surely be a tough act to follow.

Photos courtesy of Alex Bellus, Luis Fraguada, and Ryan Gates/311RS, LLC.