Happiness Is Collecting Unloved Porsches and Driving Them Hard // CARISMA

Cyrus has a few rules for his Porsches: they have to be underdogs, they have to be great colors, and they have to be driven hard.
[CARISMA is The Drive's new series exploring the connection between enthusiasts and their cars. NEW EPISODE TODAY! • Toyota MR2 Built by Fa... ]
Starting out as a broke 17-year-old spending all his savings on a terrible $1500 Porsche 944, Cyrus got a job washing cars at a dealership, worked his way up to the sales floor, and built a successful career. When he was ready to buy his first “adult” Porsche, he realized something.
“I noticed going to Cars & Coffee, more and more you’d see these paint to sample GT3s, these cars coming in that you need to know a guy to know a guy in order to get one,” he says. “So I started looking to what at the time was the more unloved Porsches.”
Since then, he’s built what he calls the Jelly Belly collection: a salvage-title 1986 944 Turbo, 2004 911 Carrera 4S, 2008 Boxster S Limited Edition, and a Peridot Green 2012 Cayman R. All united by the feeling that these cars didn’t get their due. It doesn’t matter that they’re not the fastest or sharpest or most exclusive models. They’re amazing drivers-visceral, emotional, and just incredibly fun. To Cyrus, that’s gold.
When he bought the 996, he put a piece of electrical tape over the odometer so racking up the miles wouldn’t stress him out. It was the salvage 944 Turbo that showed him the beauty of “driving unconcerned.” Now, his goal is to make his Cayman R the highest-mileage example on the planet.
“Being in these cars, spending time around them, it brings me back to… that feeling of pure joy and excitement. I’m not able to duplicate that in anything else I do.”
Produced, shot, and edited by / tomgorelik
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[@drive]

If you're loving Carisma, check out today's episode! Supercharged NA Miata with one hell of a survivor story! kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJ7af2CGe9ShgNk

[@drive]

Cyrus wants to clarify his comment about 944 Turbo values not appreciating anymore-he's talking about his specific car because of the salvage title. Sorry for any confusion!

[@baoquoc3710]

oh great,bcz we hate seeing once neglected gems suddenly go crazy unobtainium 😂😂😂

[@jscifres100]

This video hit the nail on the head. It’s 100% about how a car makes you feel. No matter whether you want cheap or expensive speed, old or new styling, status or anonymity, an owner finds a great car when it delivers the feeling they’re after. By that logic, a beater can be cherished just as much as a rare exotic. That’s purist definition of true car culture.

[@awatea10]

"More fun to drive a slow car fast". So very true

[@zhengmingxi]

There is something genuine about this piece, and the courage and joy of owning and actually driving the less valued Porsches. Porsches are meant to be driven not bought, parked, and waiting for it to appreciate in value. - fellow 992 owner.

[@rbslammed6163]

You mean something illegal What else did that family friend do?

[@dennissimons339]

@@rbslammed6163 wtf is your problem? why hate this dude's passion?

[@rodsalvador3608]

Cyrus could be my best friend lol. I love loving the unloved, having built a small collection of weird cars with hairy pasts. 986, 996, Giulia, Evora. Taking care of these things that make no economic sense whatsoever, that's what the love of driving and cars is all about.

[@drive]

That's your collection?? Can we be friends too?

[@rodsalvador3608]

@@drive absolutely lol. you pick the road, i'll bring the sandwiches.

[@DominikWegner]

@@rodsalvador3608looks like you’ll be on a future episode. That’s collection a nice too.

[@Poorschedriver]

This dude gets it. It's not about getting the rarest car just to one up everyone at C&C, it's about getting a car with a story, especially an unpopular one, and loving it because of the way it makes you feel. So many times people ask if I couldn't afford a 911, and I tell them I own 2 mid engined porsches because I prefer their dynamic behavior. And when I tell them the 987 Boxster Spyder tribute I've created is my favorite of the bunch, they are riddled with confusion. Such an awesome collection.

[@jscifres100]

They’ve likely never driven one, so have no basis upon which to form a personal opinion. They can only go off their observations, videos they watched, and market pricing. I also think our perception of these cars evolves over time as the market both gives and takes away new and old favorites. When they were brand new, I never would have guessed I’d prefer a 987.2 base Boxster MT over a 997.2 911 GTS PDK 12 years later. But I do. I very much do. Either I changed, or the car’s value proposition changed over time. Maybe both.

[@zeusmultirotor8479]

@@jscifres100I think there is something about a small lighter weight mid engine car. I’ve driven a 996 911 turbo and a cayman s almost back to back. I honestly can’t say which one I like driving better because they’re too different

[@Porsche35996]

This is incredible. I have had the pleasure of driving with Cyrus in his OG 944. He has always had love for his cars, but to finally get to see that passion put into a perfect curation is absolute legends! (Personally I have had a deep seated love for the 996 since I was a kid) Please, PLEASE continue to make this type of content. Can’t wait to catch the next addition!

[@drive]

have no fear, lots more to come!

[@drive]

here's the next one! kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJ7af2CGe9ShgNk

[@smurf9857]

I bought a late model 944 Turbo, black with cream leather interior, and with the late edition hard, flatter rear spoiler, as a 25th birthday present to myself Saved for years and bought it outright. Loved that car for 3 years but I then got into motorbikes, and I got an offer I couldn’t refuse for it. Great cars and happy memories

[@arthurmchugh5184]

Totally understand the motorcycle 🏍 thing !!! My Porsche is nice, but would go away before the Ducati 😊

[@user-qn6yt3zx3w]

That’s a wonderful collection - tastefully curated and most importantly, properly used.

[@51jjm]

My favorite line: "I don't even turn the radio on." :) Love this guys passion, and he is a younger guy driving a manual. There is hope for the younger generation yet...

[@996Revival]

If you ignore the snobbery and enjoy the cars, you’ll find all Porsches can be fun. The heritage is top notch and it shows in alls of the products.

[@Satori-Automotive]

i absolutely love "niche" Porsches they are atleast still a realistic dream!

[@chilliwilli4971]

Love your color palette. The 987 Cayman R will appreciate- hang onto that for sure. Perhaps the Boxster too. I appreciate you being able to express how P-cars make you feel. There are legions of us in the House of Porsche. This is our drug of choice...glad you are with us fellow addicts!

[@DrJ3RK8]

Love the sentiment! I've had a 72 911T, 83 SC, two 914s, a 924 Turbo, a 924S, Boxster and now a 996. None of them were the cool model to have at the time, and were affordable. I then proceeded to absolutely enjoy all of them. I have never driven a Porsche that I didn't absolutely enjoy and grin every time I drive anywhere. :D Nice video! Also the 944 Turbo is an amazing car. Enjoy! My 996 is a Guards Red Carrera. It's actually my favorite car that I've owned. The 72 911T was a close second. Also "just a Boxster". That is a silly phrase. Even "just a 914" is a silly phrase if we want to get right down to it.

[@afoolandhismoneychannel]

My Porsche journey has been very similar... enjoyed the heck out of my "not real Porsches" while they were unloved by the purists... '69 912, '72 911 T targa, '75 911S, '79 SC "Frankencab" targa, '87 924S, '07 Cayman 2.7 and now an '01 996 aerokit Carrera. The '75 S remains my all-time favourite but the 996 runs a very close second and might eventually surpass it. What a car!

[@drive]

Right? I mean, they're all Porsches! No "just" about it.

[@DrJ3RK8]

@@afoolandhismoneychannel Wow, that is REALLY similar! My 911T was also a Targa in metallic blue :) Dual triple-choke Weber carb setup. Sounded incredible! Not the most efficient, but…. ;)

[@afoolandhismoneychannel]

@@DrJ3RK8 Mine was Gulf Blue, Italian import to Canada, also carbed. 😎

[@TexasRiverRat31254]

Absolutely agree! I'll be taking my base 987.1 out for a "spirited" drive on the twisty, roller coaster back roads tomorrow. And I don't turn the radio on.

[@jaymartin8423]

I loved watching this! Agree with his perspective in so many ways!! Excellent video!! 🎉

[@drive]

thanks for watching!

[@MrCornholios]

I had a 1988 Turbo S 20 years ago. Chiped to 300 HP and 430 NM. Was a realy nice and reliable car. And very fast for its age.

[@Carandmotorcyclefreak]

Absolutely love this guy and how he thinks about cars definitely dreaming of ever having a collection like him

[@airgunbubba2505]

"The bolt action sound." 110%!!!! Great comparison.

[@roelfkromhout]

That speed yellow 4S 996 is just perfect.

[@jcat96]

I have such a soft spot for the 951. Beautiful machines.

[@andrewallison376]

My first Porsche was an 1988 951. Amazing summer car. Guys in old Vettes always wanted to race…Great 50/50 balance and crazy handling!!! Would always love an 89 951 S with bigger brakes and suspension. Love it!

[@SentinelIXK]

I'm SOOOO happy you're back making these.

[@drive]

we’re stoked that people are liking it so far!

[@bryanfregoso4903]

I always wanted a 944.... I own two 928s that im working on getting on the road running strong! My father owned a 944 and I always heard about it a lot as a kid. Always wanted one! Beautiful cars!

[@drive]

they've aged so well too

[@DKarGarage]

I got a 968 safari but dream bout 928 gt

[@mandeepsangha8225]

good to see drive back

[@drive]

good to be back, yo

[@ThatCaymanGuy]

I love the unloved too, the 914's, 944's, 928's Caymans, Boxster's. you can tell a car maker by their quality of all of their cars.

[@CarPlebs]

So my current collection is the 996.1, 996.2 and 996tt x50. So I fully appreciate what he's saying!!! ☺

[@afeudale]

944's are amazing! As Casey Putsch says, "944 is the best Porsche ever made, I'd even take one over a 911". 💯👍

[@TheBackRoads]

We're a little bias, but yes we agree with everything said! They're beyond fantastic cars.

[@reventon4547]

I feel the same way driving my '96 300zx. Of all the cool JDM cars from the 90s, it's the least loved, but it's such a blast.

[@tamasalfoldi9575]

I couldn't be happier with my base 986!

[@richardherman650]

Very cool video, I have my 1986 944 turbo for 21 years and agree completely with him. These cars are meant to be used and enjoyed.

[@sprintermaximus]

This is good. I'm him, I own the 996.2. That is unloved. But it is the best thing that ever has happened to me when it comes to cars.

[@MrCsluggo]

loved the 944 along with the 928 S!

[@johngalt5411]

Lovely portrait of a happy man. These are amazing cars and I've been on a similar journey. My first Porsche was a 1986 944 Turbo in black, omg, I loved that car. My second a 2002 Boxster S which I currently use as a daily, it's magical.

[@cyruseslami5535]

As another Cyrus with a Speed Yellow 911, this is AWESOME!!!

[@markwashburn2418]

I love your perspective, great piece .

[@Lonespark]

This dude is living the dream.

[@AB-mt6og]

Awesome video! Love the whip

[@thylandx]

What a genuine take by Cyrus. This is The Drive, not The Cars. This man gets it. This is a truly excellent video. I wish it was much longer!

[@johnkokinis2313]

I’m the exact same way. Totally obsessed. I have an 86 944 turbo, an 87 928, an 01 boxster, and an 85 911. And obviously I love the unloved models. Also in the New York area. Great video.

[@maxlarose4539]

This is it! This was a great video. Well done lads

[@spiff_d]

This was incredibly well said. This is how I feel as well, and I'm happy to see some of the cars (even if I didn't love the 996 & 944 at first) are getting the recognition they deserve. Most importantly - drive it if you love it. Don't save it for the next person!

[@RedRoverDiscoveries]

I loved everything about this video.

[@taylorhoward2165]

I love the fact that you drive your cars. My first oar was also a 944, and I got it for $1000. But I loved it.

[@normsallitt2753]

Awesome video!! 👏👍

[@StefGio428]

Great collection of cars and colors man I love this

[@josephscolaro8382]

Cyrus taught me how to drive manual in his OG 944. It's great to see his passion for cars and, more specifically, porsche, has continued to grow and blossom into the jelly belly collection

[@rickintexas1584]

I thoroughly enjoyed this episode.

[@jaug-dr5we]

This is incredible!

[@jonathanbrumfiel9909]

these new videos are hitting that og petrolicious vibe. keep it up boys.

[@drive]

🫡

[@Thisath100]

back to back bangers??!! these videos are so good...

[@drive]

🙏🙏🙏

[@JEdmund81]

Awesome collection! I want to see more of the 944!

[@SimonPilkington]

Great attitude!

[@Steedonline]

I agree with the title 🙌 I loved the 944 turbo

[@themadhatter444]

This guy rules. Great video.

[@FFAdventuresOriginal]

Love this collection! Is that a late 80's/early 90's Acura Legend in the background too? My cousin's dad had one of those and we loved when we got to take it out for a trip.

[@abhattal]

This video is nuts. You can't be a man of the people, slumming it, when you're slumming it in a Cayman R. And have another three or four Porsches. Dunno what kind of people he's hanging out with if they think his selections aren't "proper" Porsches. Anyway, glad he's got his dream cars and loves them, and enjoys them.

[@cameronstewart6193]

Awesome. Jellybean colours rock.

[@govindajith5243]

Loved this one. Super excited for drive to be back.

[@drive]

thanks! lots more to come

[@Wileylikethehawk]

Used to have one of these and I LOVED it. It was a great car. They still look good today, it was very comfy, and the hatchback was very practical. I’d happily drive one again if they hadn’t gone up in price by ten times the last ten years.

[@DavidMorley]

Love the 944 especially the Turbo. Another great one is the 924S. I have a 968 which is probably the most practical.

[@hithardcustoms4576]

Love how these square Porsches are becoming more and more popular after a huge chunk of time where people wouldn’t even class them as a Porsche

[@aussie2uGA]

Always wanted a 944 when I was learning to drive. When I was able to finally afford a Porsche, I went for the 928S4.

[@afrikav8]

These videos should be 40 minutes long. They are so good.

[@drive]

noted! and hey, thanks for sticking with us all this time!

[@christopherlastname7638]

I drove a boxster when they were new first one in Florida I drove it so hard the center caps melted off put 2000 miles in 4 days what a car !

[@ghost21501]

Don't make the 944 popular. I haven't bought one yet.

[@drive]

there's still time!

[@fraserwright9482]

924 + Audi 5 cylinder + Turbo

[@anthonydietmeier6524]

Better hurry. Bought mine just in time to watch non running junkers suddenly sell for $3k when they were $500 cars the previous year.

[@afeudale]

It's not popular, but that actually makes it more expensive. Most 944s were mistreated, so finding a good one is rare and expensive.

[@66gtfb]

Waaaaaaaay too late. Good 944s, turbos, S2s and 968s are well in into the $20k to $30k range. Great ones change hands for more than that.

[@ssamcobalt4956]

Need more videos like this

[@drive]

more on the way!

[@StephenLee529]

That’s a great collection

[@justinbendorf9882]

944 going to be my next car. Still undecided on exact year or base model or turbo. Love them.

[@taldavid215]

Now that’s a car guy. 🎯

[@gregoryfranks7347]

outstanding video. I was born in 74 and my whole life was and is car. im a Porsche fanatic as well I've just never got to own one because I'm a fuck up. luckily my brother is not and was smart enough to make a bunch of money. slod his mint E46 m3 and bought his 21k(currently) guards 993 turbo. I curate it when we do PCA event or take it to the Porsche swap meet in Hershey PA. its such an amazing car but I loved all the unloved cars tansaxle Porsches w/pasha interior oh god!!!! im actually since 1985 been in love with RUF. im a tuner lover and I think anyone that Porsche willing gave bodies in white to has to be so special. what a great story. I thoroughly enjoyed this video. my dad taught us his love for cars. I know way more than my brother and have had a couple drag cars nothing euro like my dream but hearing your story now I need a rose gold 951. I'm willing to sell my organs for it. if I luck out I make a video for you to watch my friend. time well spent on KZbin today. I cant thank you enough. cheers

[@mikefaulhaber]

When we watch ordinary features or reviews, we try to see ourselves in the cars, but with the relaunch of The Drive, we can see ourselves in the stories.

[@drive]

that’s what we’re here to do

[@sununtaschnittker6469]

I owned close to two dozen 356's, 912's and 911's over the years since 1972. Never occurred to me to buy a water cooled Porsche. Now I drive a 986 Boxster and can experience air conditioning that is actually cold, heat that does not try to kill me with carbon monoxide and a defrost system that actually clears the windshield. Who knew?

[@SonicBoone56]

I love the underdog Porsches too. And I'd be picky about colors. Plus I'd want to drive them. Cyrus is like me then.

[@Granturismoveloce]

Fuck yes. This man gets it. Bravo! 👏

[@TJCombo67]

Great vid

[@drive]

thanks for watching!

[@mcradical6283]

Nice! I'd love to own a Porsche sports car, and if I do I promise to drive it everyday, just like Cyrus!

[@Scottydoing]

Always loved porche they just speak too me. Tho iv never owned one yet iv bein very close. Almost purchase a 70s whale tail kit car with no drive train but just didn't have the money. Iv bein driving a subaru svx for years instead and that flat 6 cylinder noise is my absolute favorite. There was a point I had just stolen my exhaust pipeline off my car for my truck and it was dual straight pipes 4 feet off the headers and that was the best sounding thing I had ever heard. Absolute hoot hooning around in some snow with those sounds but ultimately new exhaust went on.

[@NSXavier997]

I’m going backwards. I bought a 997 Turbo as my first Porsche and now I’m looking at 944’s.

[@drive]

enjoy the ride

[@billturner6564]

The only Porsche I ever had was a 944 Cabriolet 😅 Wonderful car Wonderful feeling Wonderful memories That was 2000 I remember it well

[@twistingterrain7748]

This guy has my dream collection

[@Maxrotor1]

This was my favorite Porsche. I purchased a RX7 in 1988 because I could not afford a 944.

[@MarcoOomen]

Nice guy

[@badgersalesman5595]

Dad had a black one 1984 I still remember the smell it was the coolest car in the world and I still have dreams about it ❤

[@DonAl9114]

Great car. The 944 turbo has much more to offer compared to 911 from that era. It is easy to drive and is a true every day driver. 😊😊

[@chrisw554]

Great video!! Is that a 88ish acura legend sedan behind him where he sits as he talks? I had a couple of those and a love for 951 as well.

[@Schuey_M]

Absolutely loved watching this as a massive Porsche fan myself. Just recently acquired an unloved model too, the 986 Boxster as a daily runabout in addition to my 992 GTS, and it's a fantastic car the Boxster is. 😎

[@idokwatcher2062]

nice humble brag about your 992 bro

[@Schuey_M]

@@idokwatcher2062 Didn’t realise being honest on a petrolhead channel was deemed as bragging. Oh well! Have a nice weekend.

[@Laspatoadv]

I love the unloved.

[@badgersalesman5595]

We had a 924 before the 944 and that was cool as Christmas also

[@easydayez]

I feel the same about my Turbo S new beetle

[@AM-uk7jv]

I get what he means. I have a 718 Cayman S with the flat 4. Probably the most unloved engine since the original 986 Boxster.

[@cbremer83]

I used to have an 87 non turbo 944. Still miss that car.

[@KAS470]

“It’s more fun to drive a slow car fast than it is to drive a fast car slow”

[@996Revival]

Speed Yellow 996🙃💛

[@shavedaddy]

i love car enthusiasts that aspire to have the highest mileage of a particular model. bravo.

[@muffinman4353]

I owned one and loved it.

[@aprasert]

Love it! Drive them enjoy them

[@drive]

you ever think about how happier rich people would be if they actually drove their collector cars?

[@jesseseymour4011]

There goes the market on unloved porches.