The European Chronicles 2024.5 - All Roads Lead To Porsche

 Otto Is Destiny!

Truly, you don't know what you don't know.  

Remember that awesome garage next to a restaurant I noticed the other day?  This one...

It turns out it is F.A.T. Mankei, the brainchild of Ferdi Porsche, grandson of Porsche founder, Ferry.  Ferdi's company, F.A.T. International, which also founded the legendary Porsche Ice Race at nearby Zell-am-See, created a traditional looking Alpine restaurant and cafe, along with the glass garage/meeting room adjoining it.  

F.A.T. International bought the property after the original wooden hut burnt down.  "Mankei" is the local word for the furry marmots who call the Grossglockner home.  The new "Mankei" opened late May 2023, with, of course, a driving pilgrimage:

The full story here:  What is F.A.T. Mankei?

And the main company here:  F.A.T. International

The last time I was on the Grossglockner was August, 2022, so F.A.T. Mankei wasn't here.  When I rode by it a few days ago, I knew I had to go back and check it out...it looked too cool for this petrolhead to miss, but I had no idea that it was in any way related to Porsche.

I stop, place my sticker, and walk into the cafe.

First walking by their ID Buzz van 😎

The patio and garage

Porsche still in the garage

You walk into this

She's manning the Porsche of coffee machines.

Yum

Of course you can buy some swag...

Very nice, and comfortable, outdoor furniture with a stunning view.

Out front is an 11 ton "stone for meditation" by the artist Karl Prantl.

So glad I stopped in...what a happy coincidence!

We're both looking forward to Otto; he finished production 14 June, and is currently at Port Emden, Germany, awaiting transport to the US.  Porsche does a great job keeping you updated with an app that tracks progress.

Meet Otto 😎

In what we think is a very interesting color called "Chalk"; the pictures don't do it justice.  We've seen a few while on the road here and are looking forward to many happy (s)miles together!

Update:  21 June 2024

As of 20 June, Otto is on the boat!!!  That took only 3 days...

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