If a certain 1986 blockbuster taught us anything, it’s that naval aviators have a need for speed. A need that in pilot Kirk Hibbert’s case took root as a child thanks to his father’s waxing poetic about running the backroads of Jamaica in an MGB GT. Yet little did young Kirk know, his early fascination with sports cars would lead directly to the love of his life.
Her name was Ernestine. And like all deep relationships, deep questions followed. Questions like… what do you see yourself driving in the future? Ernestine answered without missing a beat: “A convertible sports car. Something I can connect with the road, with nature, as I’m wrapped in the cool evening air with the top down.”And just like that, Kirk was hooked.There was just one thing missing: the convertible. As much as he and Ernestine wanted a spiritual successor to that old MG, Kirk’s military career meant he could be gone for months on deployment. So long as that was the case, it just wasn’t the time for a drop-top of their own.But one day after a six-month deployment, Kirk arrived home to a surprise: a Grand Prix White 993-series 911 Carrera. “I was stunned. I knew [Ernestine] understood early in our journey but had no inclination how her understanding would drive her and our young ladies to save all their discretionary funds. My bride and our two girls presented me with this incredible gift.”A gift he had to give back. Once again, the timing wasn’t right and Kirk made the decision to return the 993 to the dealer. His seven-year-old daughter joined the ride back in the passenger seat, in deafening silence the whole time.That wasn’t the end of the story, though. Kirk was intent on adding a Porsche to his family. But not for him—for Ernestine.Thus began an operation worthy of any of the great naval tacticians. Quietly orchestrated, perfectly timed, and flawlessly executed, Kirk arranged a birthday dinner for Ernestine with friends at her favorite restaurant. But little did Ernestine know, her guests were there to serve as a delaying action. Even the valet was in on it.While Ernestine was distracted, Kirk positioned a 981-series Boxster just so at the restaurant’s entrance, a big red bow on top. Kirk knew the jig was up when Ernestine asked, “Sweetheart, is that my car?” “Dear, you need to ask the valet to bring your car forward.” The valet instead presented her with the key “as if it were a crown at her coronation.”Two years later, it was Ernestine’s turn to surprise Kirk, this time with a 991-series 911 Carrera S Cabriolet. White with a chocolate brown soft top, it’s been forever after known—thanks to her—as Mufasa. “Every time I start my car, she rushes to the garage to say, ‘Oooh Mufasa, say it again!’”True love has many expressions. But the most genuine is knowing without asking. That’s Kirk and Ernestine. It eclipses anything Porsche could ever do, but it thrives—in part—because of it. “The Porsche passion is real, palpable. You can see it, you can feel it, and it’s not just about cars, it’s about the connections they bring.”And for that, there is no substitute.',',',',',','
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