Page 32 - KCRPCA MarApr 2020

IN THE HANDS OF AN ARTIST RENASCENCE MAN CHANGING DIFFERENTIAL FLUIDS MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE EXCLUSIVE REPORTER JIM RAND Bill Hartong, a KCRPCA club member has, in his unassuming manner, been there and done that. Today, at the seasoned age of 75, Bill spends most of his waking hours restoring 356 Porsches 13 in his tiny shop tucked away in Grandview, MO. YEARS Mechanic, physician, auto restorer, Porsche and BMW race car driver, bicycle road racer, collector and builder. Most of us would be pleased to have just have one of these achievements on our life’s’ resume. However, one man can lay claim to all of the above. After stepping into the closet sized entry room, my eyes soaked up the cluster of Porsche parts nestled on metal racks. Nearby, engines rested in cradles on the floor and racing memorabilia peered down from the walls. From there, a narrow hall drew me into the heart of the restoration shop. Not seeing anyone immediately, I offered up a “hello”, which was answered by a muffled reply. From under the dash of a ‘59 356A, Bill rose out of his “office”, and welcomed me. In this brightly lit but compact space, my eyes quickly darted from one jewel to another. This is a true car guys garage, or as Bill refers to it, his man cave. As we chatted, I slowly walked about the shop, like one gazing at art at the Nelson, trying to absorb every little thing. Whether items were on walls or tables, or resting on the floor or in a chair, it was all eye candy for a car geek. The shop is as interesting as the man himself. It is part body shop, part Porsche photo and poster museum, and part resting place for a collection of touring bicycles. Recently, on a dull grey, need your hat and gloves January morning, I had the opportunity to visit. 32 Der Sportwagen