Porsche lovers make trip for show

For the past three years, George Bryan has managed to combine two things he is passionate about: the Porsche 356 and the fight against cancer.

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The Southern Bull Session car show began three years ago with eight men and four cars and has expanded each year, Bryan said.

"It started out with a bunch of us guys trying to see if we could come up with an idea to raise some money for the 356 Registry Cancer Fund, because I'm a cancer survivor myself," said the retired U.S. Army colonel, who was diagnosed with lymphoma about six years ago. "It's just a very informal thing."

After money is collected in the cancer fund throughout the year, a donation is made to the American Cancer Society.

"For whatever reason, the good Lord has kept me longer than what the doctors say I'm supposed to be here," said Bryan, a 356 Registry member. "This is just one of those things where I've re-evaluated my life and found out what's really important.

"I try to do things now for other people. I try to find things to do to keep busy."

On April 4, 26 Porsche 356s from the 1949 to 1965 model years were showcased at the third annual Southern Bull Session in Evans. Bryan owns a 1961 and a 1962 356 Super 90 sport coupe in addition to a 1964 356 C Model sunroof coupe.

The event included guests such as Columbia County Commission Chairman Ron Cross, more than two dozen Porsche 356 owners and enthusiasts, and race car driver Ted Tidwell, who won six races at Chimney Rock Hillclimb in North Carolina.

Tidwell, of North Augusta, said he had received a call from Bryan to attend the event.

"I've got a special place in my heart for (this) particular model Porsche," he said.

Attendees drove from as far as Asheville, N.C., Tallahassee, Fla., and Washington, D.C.

Joe and Karen Johnson drove their silver 1960 Porsche 356 B Coupe five hours from High Point, N.C., the night before. They said they enjoy driving the car across country.

Joe Johnson, a trustee of the club, said he has been friends with Bryan for about 20 years.

"It's a good way to raise money, and he's been successful for the last two years doing it," he said.

Money was raised through a silent auction that included practice-round tickets to The Masters Tournament, an Atlanta Braves game and a NASCAR race, in addition to Porsche 356-related items and parts.

The "bull trophy" is awarded each year to the person who can tell the most farfetched tale about his car. It started out as a joke, Bryan said, but now has become a coveted award.

"Part of the fun for the day is guys stand around and talk about their cars," he said. "They try to tell the most outrageous lie they can about the car and make it sound believable."

Bryan said a dozen cars were on display last year, when more than $2,200 was collected throughout the day. Nearly $3,500 was raised for the cancer fund this year.

"Whatever it is, it is," he said. "We're just trying to have some fun and do something good."

Bryan said he plans to continue the event and hopes to bring the Southern Bull Session to a larger venue next year.

"What I'm hoping to do is grow it into something big enough that when the good Lord decides he's done with me, then maybe this will continue on here," he said.