Driving all 911 generations in three days – World of Driving’s Tour of Legends

What would the perfect road trip look like for you? Good friends, winding country roads, great hotels, the best food? Now imagine you had the opportunity to drive and experience all eras of the Porsche 911 on this trip, always with a highly emotional naturally aspirated engine, mated to a manual gearbox, as a Targa or convertible. Sounds like an impossible dream? Well, Daniel Hofmeier, founder and tour guide of the World of Driving, is making this dream come true. The Tour of Legends offers the unique opportunity to savor naturally aspirated 911s from every generation, combined with the gorgeous roof-down experience. We found the concept so exciting that we decided to try it out for you!

Social media can actually be very useful…

Kai Thomas Fischer provided the impetus on LinkedIn. He works together with Daniel Hofmeier on his passion project World of Driving. We connected each other and got talking about the Tour of Legends. A drive through the Bavarian Alps with powerful-sounding, manually operated naturally aspirated 911s of all generations was being planned. My interest was piqued and the three of us arranged to meet up.

With the Tour of Legends, we want to give Porsche fans the opportunity to experience a journey through the 911’s rich history.

Daniel Hofmeier, World of Driving

It became a conversation between petrolheads. Daniel Hofmeier is a Porsche enthusiast through and through. Not only does he himself drive a 964 from the air-cooled era and the 981 Boxster Spyder, one of the most emotional sports cars ever, but he is also an experienced mechanic. Sounds like a good skillset for carrying out trips with cars that are sometimes more than 50 years old. It is particularly important to him to differentiate himself from a sports car rental company: “For us, it’s all about the experience as a group that can get excited about the technology, the sound and the differences between the cars.” However, the supporting program should not be neglected either. Certain intermediate destinations such as Neuschwanstein Castle, top-class cuisine, drift trainings or go-kart races are also possible.

Our conversation quickly led to this conclusion: To give our users a first-hand account of an exciting Porsche tour, let’s try out the Tour of Legends for ourselves! We booked three driving days with two overnight stays. Daniel Hofmeier takes care of everything from A to Z. A World of Driving Tour is a complete all-inclusive package with car rental, fuel, accommodation in the best hotels and excellent food. Daniel’s promise was: “All you have to do is get in the car and turn the key.” How right he was…

First contact with the Porsche 911 Open A-IR Collection at the Oldtimer Resort Dasing, hearty Weisswurst breakfast to start – World of Driving feels like a meeting with friends

Monday, 11 am, Oldtimer Resort in Dasing. World of Driving founder Daniel Hofmeier was waiting at what is essentially a spa for classic cars. The greeting was friendly and it felt like we had known each other for some time. As a little refreshment, we were served – in typical Bavarian fashion – a Weisswurst breakfast with pretzels and Weissbeer, non-alcoholic of course. This slice of Bavarian culture gave us the opportunity to get to know the other participants and the organization team.

Next to the dining table at the Oldtimer Resort, your view falls directly on the Porsche 911 Black Open A-IR Collection, with which we were later to embark on our journey. As the name suggests, it consists only of Porsche 911 models with the nicknames Cabrio, Targa or Speedster. The other entry criteria are: naturally aspirated engine, manual gearbox, black paint. The interior design follows more liberal principles. No two 911s in the interior should be the same color as another from the collection. For example, there is black and green Pepita in the 911 F-Model Targa, maserati blue leather in the 996 Carrera 4S Cabriolet and Alcantara with red trim in the 991 Speedster.

Each of the open-top 911s also follows a different technical route. Whereas the 911 F-model has wider fenders citing the legendary 911 ST and open intake funnels, the narrow G-model is a little more dignified. This Targa scores extra points with its beautiful red leather interior. The 964 Carrera 2 Cabrio on the other hand features a Carrera Cup exhaust and Recaro Pole Position seats. In contrast, the 993 Carrera 2 and 996 Carrera 4S Cabriolets were left as standard. Naturally, the most modern 911s are also the sportiest. The qualities of the 991 Speedster already meet the highest demands in every respect. However, the 997 Carrera 4S also promises a lot with its sports exhaust and KW V3 suspension.

Heading for the Alps with seven open-top Porsche 911s

Our first stage was to take us from the Oldtimer Resort in Dasing, west of Munich, towards the south. It was an incredible feeling to drive along Bavarian country roads surrounded by a living Porsche pedigree. As far as the eye can see, both forwards and in the rear-view mirror, I can only see black Porsche 911s. Daniel also took us on a short stretch of Autobahn to warm us up, so to speak. This allowed us to get used to driving in a group and immerse ourselves in the orchestra of six-cylinder boxer engines for the first time.

But the Tour of Legends route quickly became pretty scenic. The drive through the Eichenallee near Seefeld, over the Schäftlarner mountain and through the Pupplinger Au gradually put us in the mood for what awaited us over the next few days. The first car swap was also on the agenda, so that all participants could try out the Open A-IR Collection bit by bit. After all, the opportunity to compare all generations of manual Porsche 911s with naturally aspirated engines within a few days is something you probably don’t get a second time in your life… unless you book a second entry for the Tour of Legends!

The Open A-IR Collection delighted countless curious spectators at Lake Tegernsee

After around 250 kilometers, we reached the picturesque shores of Lake Tegernsee in the early evening. Daniel had reserved a table for us at the Bräustüberl on the eastern shore for an evening snack. We parked the Porsche 911 collection at the Cardinal’s Fountain in front of the parish church of St. Quirinus. The church forecourt suddenly filled up. The reaction of passers-by to the Porsche collection was overwhelming. A sight like this leaves no one cold…

Afterwards, we enjoyed a typical Bavarian meal in a classic pub atmosphere. From pork knuckles to grilled chicken and sausages to potato pancakes, various salads and snacks, there was something for everyone. Of course, the first driving impressions were discussed at length. A few favorites quickly emerged from the unique fleet of 911s.

Arrival at the five-star Parkhotel Egerner Höfe

We were very excited about the accommodation that Daniel Hofmeier had chosen for us. And he definitely hit the bull’s eye on the very first evening. The five-star Parkhotel Egerner Höfe in Rottach Egern has a long tradition in the Tegernsee valley. Its 85 rooms and suites are located around 400 meters from the lakeshore and are therefore very quiet. The private park offers a breathtaking view of the mountain scenery. But the boutique hotel also impresses architecturally. The first floor is modern, with lots of glass and wonderful wooden accents. The Egerner Höfe logo stands proudly in the front garden as a wooden sculpture. Guest rooms are enthroned above it in the style of an alpine hut. Here, contemporary design meets modern elements and tasteful art.

The 1,500 m² Mangfall Spa with four saunas, steam bath, 20-meter pool and its spacious fitness area was ideal for recharging the batteries after a long day behind the wheel. Next time we will certainly visit the gourmet restaurant Dichter. Star chef Thomas Kellermann combines exceptional flavors with regional products. But the KostBar and the Kaminrestaurant also offer an exciting selection, which is why they are considered a hotspot for locals.

The Tour of Legends took us through the scenic highlights of the Bavarian-Austrian Alps on the second driving day

After an excellent breakfast – the eggs Benedict are highly recommended – we wanted to set off early to tackle the next 200 kilometers. Daniel Hofmeier promised some highlights today, both in terms of driving and scenery. But before we set off, we had to answer the still unreal question: “Which Porsche 911 do I take now?” An incredible feeling!

The first stage took us to the Sylvensteinspeicher lake. We took the winding route along the Isar river on the German-Austrian border, which led over the picturesque Faller Gorge Bridge. With the steep mountain walls right next to the road it was a wonderful place to enjoy the different 911s’ sounds. Via Lenggries-Vorderriß we went to the Ahornboden at the Eng-Alm. The toll road between Wallgau and Vorderriß impresses with its rugged rock formations and the crystal-clear waters of the Isar. A few minutes later, the msytical Ahornboden appeared, which had something mystical about it with its tree formation standing between rock faces.

From there, we drove through Garmisch Partenkirchen towards Ettal and over the Ammerwald forest to the Plansee – after swapping 911s again, of course. Honestly, the ascent from Garmisch was just breathtaking. Wonderful asphalt, fantastic bends, little traffic – a dream for petrolheads. But it went on in quick succession. The road at Plansee winds directly along the lakeshore, offering great bends and a stunning view. A few of us also made a short detour to Neuschwanstein Castle. The route planning for day 2 of the Tour of Legends was simply brilliant!

Feel like James Bond at Hotel Lartor – futuristic architecture meets excellent wines

After a really great day of riding from start to finish, we headed for the Lartor Resort in Unterammergau in the evening. Everyone’s first reaction was the same. We felt like we were in a James Bond movie. After all, the triumvirate of hotel, art gallery and restaurant opened by entrepreneur Christian Zott in 2019 is architecturally futuristic and embedded in extensive natural surroundings. The Open A-IR Collection with the Porsche 911 Targa or Cabrio from all eras really comes into its own in the parking area!

Lartor’s interior design is no less spectacular. The 12 rooms – some in maisonette style – impress with sculpture-like furnishings and have a round, open shower in the middle of the room as a special highlight! This very special atmosphere is rounded off by the view of the Ammergau Alps Nature Park. In the art gallery next door there are contemporary works of art and conference rooms for medium-sized groups.

A glance at the wine list at Restaurant Hieronymus makes it clear why it describes itself as a “vinophile”, as it leaves nothing to be desired. This also applies to the cuisine. Around an open grill in the classic-modern kitchen, the specialties range from fish to Iberico pork to Wagyu beef. Thank you Daniel, the hotel selection on the Tour of Legends was a hit in every respect!

One last swap of car keys – In the end, we were able to test every generation of naturally aspirated Porsche 911 convertibles on the Tour of Legends

The last day of World of Driving’s Tour of Legends started after a delicious breakfast with a view of the sculpture garden at Hotel Lartor. One last time, we asked ourselves the question: “Which 911 do I drive now?” Bit by bit, we worked our way through the collection in order to have driven each car at least once by the end. It is a privilege to try out all generations, from the 911 F and G models to the 964, 993, 996, 997 and 991. Although there is not yet an open-top 992 with a naturally aspirated engine, the range will be supplemented by a 992 convertible with a 3.0-liter biturbo engine if required.

And so the Tour of Legends set off on its final leg. A short stopover on the Hohenpeißenberg was used for the last car change before we made our way back to the Oldtimer Resort Dasing. The somewhat quieter kilometers towards the end of the trip gave us some time to process the incredibly varied impressions of the last few days and take stock.

Daniel Hofmeier’s Tour of Legends is an example of perfect organization

Just get in the car and turn the ignition key… That was Daniel’s promise for the Tour of Legends. And that’s exactly how it turned out. We didn’t have to worry about a thing. Whether it was refuelling, check-in or catering, everything was organized and prepared. Daniel led the convoy at the right pace at all times. We drove along a perfectly planned route, which delighted us with driving delicacies and magnificent scenery.

An all-inclusive holiday for petrolheads! Daniel Hofmeier’s World of Driving could not be described more aptly.

Lukas Berger, Elferspot

Not to mention the concept itself: Experiencing all generations of open-top Porsche 911s. Especially with the emotional naturally aspirated engines and manual gearboxes that we love so much. The range from the retro charm of the snotty, cheeky F-model Targa to the impressively civilized 993 and 996 Cabriolets to the superbly tuned everyday sports car 997 Carrera 4S and the sonically breathtaking and exclusive 991 Speedster was an experience that probably doesn’t exist anywhere else in the world.

Which one of the Open A-IR Collection’s 911s did the Tour of Legends participants like best?

After returning to the Oldtimer Resort – not without a good slice of cake before the journey home, of course – it was time to do the ranking. Contrary to original expectations, the top spot did not go to the 991 Speedster. Instead, the Porsche 964 Carrera Cabriolet won hearts. With its great gearbox, sound and really usable power, it was a joy to drive in any situation.

The beguilingly beautiful Speedster had to make do with second place. But perhaps this was also due to the setting. Its lateral and longitudinal dynamic capabilities were so far ahead of the other Open A-IR 911s that it could not be fully appreciated. Was there also a good deal of respect for the value of the Speedster? Probably yes. Because when someone entrusts you with a vehicle like this, you want to treat it with the appropriate care.

Third place went – also surprisingly – to the Porsche 997 Carrera 4S. Before the start of the tour, many had ranked it further down their list. But the wonderful sports exhaust system, the engine performance, the super-tuned KW V3 suspension, the great drivability and the modern equipment made it so popular.

Whether for a milestone birthday or as a company event – this was certainly not our last World of Driving Tour!

There are plenty of occasions for the Tour of Legends or one of the many self-drive tours World of Driving offers. And there’s many options to choose from, no matter if you go for the Tour of Legends or join in your own car. “I’ve already had a group of friends here who did the tour for a milestone birthday”, explains Daniel. But company events are also possible. “Whether as a team-building measure or an incentive, at the end of every World of Driving Tour there is a shared experience that lasts”, summarizes the Starnberg native. Naturally tailored to the individual group to ensure the best possible driving experience.

And with that, Daniel picked up on the most exciting part of the entire trip. Because the unique car collection itself was not the only star. Rather, it was the community. Because despite very different backgrounds, the common denominator is always the enthusiasm for sports cars. This means that there are always new topics and points of contact – regardless of origin, qualifications or industry. Instead of – as is so often the case in a business context – just sticking to pleasantries and small talk, the discussions about the experiences and the cars themselves provide so much basis for further discussions.

This was definitely not the last tour with World of Driving!

David Fierlinger, Elferspot

© photos: David Fierlinger, Henner Huflage & Lukas Maroske