$500 Porsche 911S that McKeel Hagerty found in a snowbank | Why I Drive #24

Whenever McKeel Hagerty drives his 1967 Porsche 911S, an overwhelming sense of joy is accompanied by a flood of memories. The Porsche was his first car. He restored it with his father. It provided his first taste of freedom and adventure, and it now serves as a getaway car from the pressures of everyday life. Nearly four decades after Hagerty’s CEO bought the dilapidated 911S as a project car, he still drives it on the same northern Michigan roads that he did as a teenager.
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[@SH0907]

Imagine owning a car like this, with a history like this. That's the dream

[@chefgiovanni]

There are plenty out there, all it takes is $$$

[@SH0907]

@@chefgiovanni dude, that was his first ever car. He got it when he was a little child and he restored it together with his father. He learned to drive inside this car. Probably had his first date inside that car. Cruised around with his friends inside that car. Drove to college in that car. Everytime he sits in it he is reminded of his father. Even when his father is dead he will be reminded of him with that car. That's the history I'm talking about man. Money can't buy that. Classic Porsche are some of my favorite ever cars and I would love to own one but this is something different. Something even better.

[@aleksandaraleksic4067]

​@@SH0907 It is really romantic story. It takes something no one can't have - time back. You could have these Porsches (its pronounced [ˈpɔɐ̯ʃə] ) for 500USD (OK Dollar was stronger but still) now they cost a fortune. Cars nowadays lost their sense, they are too fast ant too insualted, you can't hear the engine, exhaust... and you're travelling to fast to see scenery, locals, relatives...not mentionig to stop and talk to them...pity.

[@judasthepious1499]

imagine being 13 yrs old and own a car like this 😏

[@Vampirebear13]

I don't know how anyone could give this a thumbs down. It's so great to hear from THE BOSS & have him talk about his Dad. A special car and an absolutely Top Shelf family. Thumbs up from Ohio.

[@thelegendkillersshittyduff1335]

@leicanoct to me its a vehicle thank god Im not a car Guy because if I was I be in a shitton of debt. All because of a piece of metal

[@billcichoke2534]

@@thelegendkillersshittyduff1335 You find one that isn't stupidly overpriced, and pay cash. I got a 2000 Tahoe, a 1983 Merc 300D, a 1984 and 1989 Gold Wing, a 1989 Jeep Cherokee, and a 1994 Holiday Rambler Navigator that way, and paid less than F5k for each except the motorhome. No loans, no debt, CHEAP AS HECK FULL COVERAGE INSURANCE, and aftermarket parts support for all of them, even the Merc. But a Porsche might need some doing...they command a premium to this day. After a few test drives in 911s and a 944 Turbo, I can see why. God, what awesome cars.

[@rl7586]

Always some Idiots around !

[@4rdF1Hunny]

Wait, this is Hagerty himself? Awesome, so glad to know it's not just some investment group that saw a market.

[@BlueHopi144]

Agreed 100%% - true passionate , true authenticity

[@byronrich8623]

I actually feel happy that a small portion of my premium might go to keeping this old 911 perfect.

[@bronsongraff]

Hagerty is based in Traverse City, Michigan. (I recognize one of the roads that was filmed on, out south of Glen Haven). Totally beautiful area to visit, sitting on the bay like it does. McKeel Hagerty runs the company from T.C., and is a lifelong car guy. His Mom and Dad founded the company in the mid-80's to insure classic boats and cars, and it's become a pretty special business.

[@nekosedey]

Really happy to report that this 911 is STILL pristine. Saw McKeel driving away from the Hagerty campus in it on a walk today. Still as beautiful as ever. Also, small correction, Hagerty was founded in 1984 for wooden boats specifically, and expanded to cars in the 90's... :)

[@TheEZGZ]

Most kids destroy there 1st car. I'm glad your father brought you up right and you are still enjoying your 1st ride. Of course being a early 911s probably had something to do with it. Thanks for sharing. Hope you continue to get lots of smiles to the miles. :-)

[@michaelmeliambro5117]

If I had a 911 as my first car, I'd probably kill myself first.

[@jimcarter6990]

I thought I was watching a Petrolicous video.

[@saobx3956]

Yup. Big Petrolicious vibes. It's great.

[@miken389]

me too!

[@icecreamalacarte]

**Pretentiolicious Also, one 20 year old away not stopping behind you on red can destroy an heirloom like this; I'm in this camp. Also, great car

[@icecreamalacarte]

@ The subtle nuance of describing a car's patina while huffing farts/exhaust fumes isn't what cars are all about?

[@michaelmeliambro5117]

Petrolicious is pure sh*t...LOL WAY too many f*ckin' imports.

[@gtoger]

You the man, McKeel. Thanks for what you and your fantastic crew do for our hobby.

[@stekarenhd6911]

Imagine having a dad that cool

[@michaelmeliambro5117]

Imagine having a dad with such sh*t taste!!!! How embarrassing!!!

[@michaelmeliambro5117]

You sure u wouldn't be embarrassed????

[@justaddafan]

You can't hear an air cooled 911 start from outside the car without having an emotional reaction. These are so special.

[@ALABAMAHEADHUNTER]

Why I Drive is another one of my favorite youtube videos . Always enjoy the stories , the cars and the people behind them . Great to see man in charge is a gearhead . Keep them coming .

[@MayurPatelZA]

Just like the petrolicious vids

[@alexyo3927]

I wouldn't sell that either

[@kirkrogers6968]

I am happy to see this kinda personal log on youtube it is why I come here.

[@shelbykingnfs7216]

"When the two of us are out there" That line right there is what a car should be. More than just a piece of metal, but a friend. A companion. Such a beutiful and heartfelt sentiment conveyed in one line

[@seanyoung1793]

Honestly your dad is the greatest, i bought my first car at the age of 22. Am 30 now and he has never shown interest or inspire me like your dad did for u. Your vids help me to not only just find my self to fix and restore but to completely understand the meaning behind cherishing something you love. Really enjoy all your vids, thank you for sharing them with us cheers.

[@Matabang1]

My dad split when I was 2. Mom married a crazy Italian that raced cars as a teenager in Italy. He adopted me at 6 , taught me w to drive his Dino Ferrari at 12. And said he’d match ever dollar i maid to restore the 67 911 that was on blocks rotting in the yard. I mowed lawns, babysat, clean pools, ,, 🤣I made 2 k. ( he almost fainted!! People get hung up on blood relationships, I took care of him till he died last year. He and mom had a baby when I was 11. She’s the only fam I got. We took his ashes for a ride in that car I still have it. Not easy to hold onto all these years. Big love Sorry for the long story. I cried after watching this video. Maybe I’m just a little too sentimental. ❤️‍🩹✌🏼

[@nicholaswoodward8191]

Such a pretty car. My favorite 911 era. I had an 85, 911 3.2 Carrera targa which I still regret selling. Enjoy her. nice to have that association with your dad too.

[@The802Rider]

What a great and moving story this is behind a great vehicle.

[@georgbaier448]

The802Rider x

[@kofiofosu9051]

You are a fortunate man to have had such a wonderful dad. I know exactly what that’s like.

[@jerrybrooks870]

I know the feeling. My daily driver is a 1959 Chevy 1 ton panel truck. My dad bought the truck in 1971 when I was five years old from some friends of my uncle. I was crazy about the truck from the first day he brought it home. I learned to drive a standard shift in it when I was about fourteen or fifteen. I finally talked him out of the old panel truck in 1985, and I have had it ever since. I have put somewhere over five hundred thousand miles on it in the thirty-four years that I have owned it. Even though it's all beat up and rusty, I wouldn't trade it for a dozen new trucks. I also have no intention of ever selling it. One of these days I hope to be able to afford to restore it, but right now I just enjoy driving it.

[@보물상자의다양한영상]

I want to drive a old value small car. Manual gear system is very heat my heart. Very good film good From ulsan big foot

[@thorandmoljnir]

This video shows who real car people are. A rich guy who just cuts a cheque for a new Ferrari or Bugatti will never have the personal connection that comes from rebuilding a classic like this beauty. All that time making memories by rebuilding this car with his dad is something money could never buy.

[@rodrigoruffa7460]

Proud son, proud father. Congratulations to both. I really enjoyed this video! Thanks for sharing it.

[@DookieOnMe]

Beautiful car, I love the old 911 models

[@hicadt]

Great video on a beautiful machine, early 911 driving in it's purest form. Your a lucky guy!

[@eroomjennings]

I had my dads 67 911 for many years and enjoyed it as you do! Wish sometimes I could still do the mountain roads as you do. Sold it many years ago.. Super fun cars!!! Enjoy!!

[@gidney100]

I wish I could of done something like this with my Dad, but he was always too busy. RIP Dad.

[@paulmckinney1491]

gidney100 that’s what I was thinking all through the video... and I always wanted to do that with my dad as well... RIP. Dad !!!

[@clarkfisher566]

My grandparents bought Fank Hagerty’s family lake house back in 1983. Frank, as my grandparents described him, was a great and nice man. Soon the following year, Hagerty Insurance was founded and has now become the successful insurance company that it is now. Our family still has the Hagerty lake house 38 years later. It has changed very little since and we still have the “H” in the floor of the breezeway. My grandparents have since passed, however our family has always wanted to get in touch with McKeel Hagerty. We want him to know that the house is still here, and he is more than welcome to stop by.

[@vettekid3326]

My first Corvette was a well worn beater that I spent three years slowly going thru it fixing & replacing as needed. I learned a lot about the C4 series on that car and even though it wasn't the most desirable, it was special to me until a careless driver in a pickup ran into it & totaled it. The insurance money allowed me to buy a newer, low mileage one in excellent condition but even though I love to drive it, it's not as special as the one I went thru rebuilding the suspension, replacing the entire interior and going thru the engine.

[@Chr.U.Cas1622]

Oh WOW, simply fantastic! What an absolutely wonderful story and beautiful iconic car! Both sounds perfect! I would have loved to have that kind of a father for sure. Thank you very much for showing making taping editing uploading and sharing. Best regards luck and health to all involved people.

[@johnwilliamson5191]

Now that's a Porsche they should make, Great story McKeel my second European car I ever had a chance to drive was '70 911 I'll never forget it. I was 17.

[@mebodeck]

What a fantastic story and a great car! Thank you so much for sharing. Greetings from Germany

[@TimothyArcher]

Very cool, the back-story on the CEO! I'm loving the Hagerty channel. Great content.

[@MrBradclack]

My dad's best friend purchased a 1973 911T in 1987 and I was hooked on Porsche for life

[@Tourtiere34]

an iconic car with a sentimental value; absolutely priceless!

[@iammaximus614]

What a Wonderful Legacy 👦🏻❤️👨🏻 Best gift to give any child

[@thelegendkillersshittyduff1335]

Love and understanding of ur kid that's the best gift not a damn vehicle

[@kw8757]

Love the 911, Northern Michigan looks beautiful, great roads too.

[@thomasgreen1557]

Best dad ever

[@jamesprice6381]

The Dad moments are just the best, thank you for sharing what seems these days is a bygone era, i did the same w/my dad on a 63 chevy impala, great dayz, great memories, thx for sharing...

[@maxmeier532]

Reminds my of my own story, when my dad pressured me into getting laid by a top model once i turned 18. Tough childhood.

[@thebigboybossy4232]

Sounds rough brother

[@davebutler2776]

I'm surprised that you're not scared for life .Any photos asking for a friend.

[@Freedomquest08]

Kinda cruel the guy would wait until the car was buried in the snow to sell it, but that's still better than hoarding it and letting the elements eat it.

[@victorbitter583]

Maybe he was testing the kid to see how bad he really wanted it. A great idea I reckon.

[@brandonclark8736]

Maybe he was close to death. Might've been hard to let it go for the old man, too.

[@robgrant9583]

He sure made him earn that car.

[@jaywest4102]

Said it was getting close to Christmas, maybe the guy needed extra money at that time

[@paulmckinney1491]

Freedomquest08 I think the old man was at a crossroad in his life... he knew the time had come and if it was going to be done it needed to be at that time !!!

[@2trkpony471]

Great back story & choice - newer is not always better!

[@privatehand]

Wish I'd had a Dad like that. Not jealous, though. Life has still been full of good cars.

[@weets69]

Beautiful car and awesome story.

[@benjamintaylor6822]

That has to be the best Why I Drive segment yet.

[@orangemaster969]

Sometimes its not about the money. Great story

[@imtiredbosss]

sure it isn't, boomer.

[@lukew2194]

It is when you have money to pay for a full professional restoration

[@bigmacdaddy1234]

Keep telling yourself that.

[@rl7586]

Good Story ! I had a 1977 Carrera, about 3500 of them were build. Imported it from Germany to Australia, but at that time I move back and forth So I sold it in Australia after I had it for a few years before I went back to Germany again. 911's are one of the most reliable cars around and I loved it ! Greetings from Australia

[@Deadmaker182]

I don't like Porsches but I respect the passion of this guy ! It's a good story :)

[@Hagerty]

Thank you for watching! Enjoy the ride.

[@JohnSandovalesq]

This story is what I always imagined when I hear the song Red Barchetta by Rush. My first taste of freedom was a 1969 Baja Bug but every time I drove it I imagined I was in a 911.

[@jjpopnfresh6822]

"Tires spitting gravel, I commit my weekly crime!"

[@elvine2149]

This is the best 911, the 911 type "901" is really iconic, this is the first 911, why you drive that, because this is one of the most beautiful car ever, all porschists dreamed of this car when he was a kid, it's my top 3 of my favorite cars

[@gene978]

Your First Car $500 used Porsche and you’re still driving her with that excitement. It’s so much more than a car. It’s your Memories, and life. This car is family. I would of kept my first car I bought with my hard earned money catering at age 15. ‘71 Olds Delta 88 Royale Hardtop with the 455. Few major options making it Luxurious and comfortable. When the call came in from my Shop Teacher that I could take the car my heart came out of my chest. Mr. Butcher (the trade schools baker) picked me up for a year in this car and gave me rides to school. When I seen that little for-sale sign in the back window and he told me the price $900 I couldn’t believe I could afford such a nice car. Of course it would be a year before I could drive t legally so it was the Cleanest and most polished car in the country! I had to pay for off road parking down the street at a neighbors house throughout the winter months. Up Next at age 17 came the ‘73 Fleetwood Brougham that my dads uncle owned. ( I had no idea we had rich relatives) ;)

[@dylanhill1640]

I surely miss those garage moments with my father. Thanks for sharing!

[@dethmane]

Wish I could find a beat up old Porsche to fix up. That is always a dream I'm looking out for but not yet found. Keep driving!

[@Vidar.m]

What a great car and memory you have of your dad. Awesome !

[@thomaskerr9891]

Perfect car, perfect color, perfect sound. Who would ever want to part with it?

[@BenzoiAbK]

My pops has a similar 72 911T locked away in a dust room the same color this brings back a lot of memories

[@stanp3646]

Beautiful story. Thank you for sharing

[@jimmyjoejeeter2366]

Looks better than the new ones! What a great story! I also wanted one, after seeing one in 1971. It was a white 911 Targa, with the cookie cutter wheels! I'm still dreaming of owning one!

[@WeAreTheMusicMakerz]

What a story! Thanks for sharing.

[@Ford363Stroker]

I loved everything about this. Thank you.

[@kenbode8806]

What a great story. Congrats on building an amazing car and more important the memories you build with you dad

[@billiondollardan]

I miss the old days of Michigan winters. I grew up between Leland and Lake Leelanau so that shot of them picking up the car with the lake in the background brought back memories. edit: I also love those old winter wonderland plates

[@rbmedd]

Beautiful! These cars need to be maintained and loved as the younger generations will no longer drive, let alone own "cars". Akin to the time when automobiles upended horses as daily transportation. Horses are kept, raced, and loved.

[@simonstovebolt]

Awesome story loved it

[@norm4907]

Bet if you had to do it again you would keep the 2.0S and have bought a 2.8 for it. A properly tuned 2.0S is a thing of beauty and an absolute screamer. Nice car, $500 😂 wow.

[@diegomendoza1079]

My dad and I fixed a junker with the goal of becoming my first car. After the a long time of renovation and troubleshooting the transformation was completed. When the family’s ran into financial trouble. My dad had to let go of the car. I dream of one day buying him 911 sport.

[@ftby59mikeD]

Beautiful, touching story & great car. How many people can say they still have their 1st anything!? Thx, Hagerty.

[@christ-37]

L’amour de la passion. C'est énorme ❤

[@andyk3950]

Rivaling Petrolicous...perhaps you've surpassed them or are about to. Great story line, great car, great cinematography. McKeel, thanks for sharing your story. Thoroughly enjoy the content that your teams are putting out for our consumption. The various sub-series (Red line, Barn Hunter etc...) Thank-you!

[@anthonys.3129]

Stunning car. Looks like one I’ve seen in Oregon

[@MrDanty64]

Been a Porsche lover all my life but I'm putting my foot down: Rear bumper free Uber Alles Now! Looking at those curves and no bumper on the back end makes the purity of the design quietly come across.

[@shankarbalan3813]

Simply superb.

[@TheLandOfJonny]

A beautiful and well made video and thanks for sharing :)

[@captaccordion]

It's also in my view the 911 at it's most beautiful, before the flared wheel arches, spoilers, black paint and all of that stuff killed it's looks.

[@johnmatthews1095]

and short wheel base too

[@jcarlton7368]

Thanks for sharing your story. Persistence pays off.

[@watchaone4400]

Good story good dad good car good guy

[@evergladesflyer5167]

Reminds to the scene in the movie Le Mans when Steve McQueen drives through the French countryside.

[@oscarpark1523]

The fact that 911s are now the size of F150’s and are almost all turbo, is making these little gems priceless. Completely understandable, but kills the dream of ever getting one..

[@johnmatthews1095]

you might still get into a 60s 912 if you can weld

[@alfee9411]

It's sad that somebody would give this a thumb down.... jealous people ?

[@GETUPANDGO]

Another great piece, thanks for sharing

[@sokete7]

Love this story.

[@BradGryphonn]

I really enjoyed your story. Very cool.

[@peterwalter3663]

What a beautiful love story! And what a great car!!

[@KantstandlamGarage]

I would never get the chance to own one of these gems. Saddest thing in the world when greedy men buy all these classics and resell them for crazy money that an average man like myself can never dream of Affording.

[@erikhertzer8434]

Lam Le : not greedy...saavy. Market demand determines the value items sell for, not the seller.

[@Rchelicopterfun]

Get an early Boxster (97-2001). They are inexpensive especially ones that need TLC but will most certainly sarting to go back up, just like the pre impact bumper 911's did. I had a 1973 911T and still am upset I sold it, but our little 1999 Boxster that we purchased in 2002 is a better car, and way more fun to drive. No question, not as engaging or harsh as an older 911, but more enjoyable overall.

[@marshallsonmotorsltd2101]

What a story! Love it

[@ahmedjallohr1341]

That’s my dream car I wish I’ll owned one Porsche car in my life time or the Beatle one thing I love about this two brands is I love the engine at the back.

[@audieconrad8995]

Ahhhh...backroad twistys in a mechanical sounding Porsche. Rock on.

[@germanium1872]

No matter how good a car is, you will never feel the same level of connection as you do in a motorcycle. It truly feels like it’s a part of you. To me a car is a very practical appliance to transport you, your family, and your groceries comfortably. Once you ride a motorcycle, even some of the best sports cars become boring.

[@adrianrichardson233]

Great story, I loved every part of it, thanks for sharing! Just one query, did you and your Dad actually buy both the 67 911s and the 66 912?, if so what happened to the 912?, as it was not mentioned again in the story, cheers!

[@rodgraff1782]

You guys insure my 69 911. I built a 2.7 short stroke, with close ratio transmission for mine. I’ve removed over 400 lbs of weight, and with 245 horsepower it’s a rocket.

[@atomicmozart]

Great car! Love the gold trim on those earlier models... Gold on White is my Fav!

[@mija1983]

Great story, beautiful car.

[@BlueHopi144]

at 13 years old ? jeez , thats passion right there

[@GarthLovesTRAVEL]

and this is why i have hagerty insurance on my C4S!

[@wrxzboost]

great story, great car. good to know there are others that share the same passions in the midwest. let's go for a climb!?

[@MarcAmengual]

What a car!

[@jamesshirrell3677]

I love it so lucky you had a cool dad

[@clarkgriswold5903]

What a great story, never sell it!

[@maldo72]

love the way this car sounds... Great company that's why I am a customer... ...

[@erickstiner1668]

The hood shots of the drivers face, is reminiscent of Steve McQueen. Excellent

[@turbolivesinmyheart6328]

Beautiful car, beautiful country. I bet that would be A blast to drive.

[@steepskier5301]

Excellent story!