Breakfast with the Countryman's and Zimmer's

Tom Countryman in his 550 Spyder. Mankato airport.

Photo from the Countryman collection.

Tom Countryman called yesterday and invited me to breakfast with his wife Audrey and Jack and Rhonna Zimmer. Jack founded Carousel in 1969 at what then was basically a used car lot on Excelsior Blvd. complete with the string of 60 watt light bulbs lining the lot. Great stories ranging from selling John and Annie Denver a 1969 911 Targa to racing mischief with Richie Ginther. The Countryman's and Zimmer's did a lot of racing of Porsche's in the late 60's and early 70's, including against each other in 914/6's. (Zimmer claimed to be faster because he had the hot California motor and Countryman's was built locally. Some things never change!)


Be sure you say "hi" to these folks at the party and be prepared to get a great history lesson in our origin. These are really fun people.