Matt Hummel Doesn't Remove Rust From Your 356

In the world of motorcycling there is a whole subculture based on cultivating an aesthetic that is as rusty as possible: the rat movement. This is based on the fact that, if you have to put some type of spare part that is not absolutely essential for the engine, it must come from the same garbage. Keeping the rust and dirt off the bike are also essential values ​​to have a good ripper mount.

In short: the search for a disheveled aesthetic and so supposedly worn as a mousetrap, in imitation of patina. It is an option, but at the end of the day ... It does not stop imposing a certain age, since the majority of motorcycle owners "warThey corrode metal on purpose. Although the idea is interesting, most of the time there is no true story to blame for that rust. It is like the young German vacationer who dresses like a hippie to spend a sabbatical in Andalusia.

The truth ... is that it has its charm. Source: Petrolicious.

All over the field ... Source: Petrolicious.

However, there are classic owners who drive rusty bodies that do tell a story. It is the case of Matt Hummel, un tanned "porschistCalifornia staunch defender of using their classics on a day-to-day basis, maintaining the patina that time and constant use has left on bodies that tell old stories.

A GARAGE OF DREAM

If you are a Porsche fan, the face of this Californian boy may already be familiar to you; someone who you have no problem getting your 356 on dirt roads. Something that clashes with the care and care that any other owner of such a jewel would have when it comes to ensuring that its plate is not rubbed by any dust or gravel. Matt does the opposite, enjoying his 356 every day in the wild places that surround the ship where he treasures a magnificent collection.

Matt posing with his wonderful collection. Source: Porsche.

Its sinuous lines are one of the pinnacles of automotive design. Source: Petrolicious.

Sculptural no matter where you look at it. Source: Petrolicious.

Time has done its thing even on the emblem. Source: Petrolicious.

Un 911 3.2 Carrera 1986, 912 de 1966, two 356 cabriolets from 1952 with the consecutive chassis number ... And the one that takes the greatest role in terms of use by land and maintenance of rust is concerned: the 356 coupe that Matt Hummel found in a deplorable state almost abandoned in a warehouse.

Anyone else would have subjected the car to a meticulous restoration work, trying to leave its body as shiny and new as possible and then only take it out on the road on very rare occasions, lest it be damaged ...

The engine is in perfect condition. Source: Porsche.

A car to enjoy every day. Source: Porsche.

That was how it was originally. Source: Petrolicious.

Recognizable Porsche engine. Source: Petrolicious.

WITH THE BODYWORK IN ORIGINAL CONDITION

Far from following in the footsteps of the brand's classic restoration department, this somewhat hooligan "porschista" decided to keep all the original patina so that it would tell the story of a car that has accumulated several decades. As we can see in the videos, the paint wear is evident and there are even traces of rust on the roof; however Matt does not appear to be suicidal, so structurally he appears to be fine and the engine looks clean and neat.

For us, the interesting thing about this case lies in the healthy controversy that it can elicit. And it is that, in a market of classics where more and more high-end units end up as investment objects, the story of Matt and his Porsche 356 reminds us of two things: The first is that, also in metal, time generates scars as chapters of a biography.

The second is that a classic, however highly valued it may be, is still a car; and cars are made to be driven… and enjoyed. Well done Matt.