Since 1978...

It is an unwritten doctrine that all Porsches were not created equal. While the classical Porsche evolutionary process has taken the lowly 924 to "World Beater" class, the 914 lineage was abandoned before such status was achieved. As these less desirable Porsches aged, many slipped into states of neglect, some plagued by rust; others suffered abuse from low budget owners; still others were modified nearly beyond recognition, in attempts to make them into, or at least appear to be, what they were not.

As with the 356, the aftermarket was slow to respond to the need for spare parts, while prices at the dealerships continued to escalate. Items shared with contemporary VWs were easy to find, as were high performance parts, but a substantial void was present when it came to providing hard-to-find pieces for restoration and maintenance. Enter Automobile Atlanta, haven for the unloved. While working for Chrysler in the mid-1970s, George Hussey began buying and selling Porsches, mostly 914s, from his north suburban Atlanta apartment. He had been attracted to them by having volunteered his spare time helping out in a local foreign car repair shop. Learning the car from the inside out, he recognized the quality of construction and engineering and forgave some of the styling and performance sacrifices. By late 1978, the hobby got out of hand and Automobile Atlanta opened its doors in the guise of a used sports car lot with a Porsche emphasis. Gradually other elements evolved. Mechanical work was a necessity, so a small shop was added.

Soon customers were asking about where to find parts and have restoration or body work performed, so these services were gradually incorporated. In 1981 Automobile Atlanta moved to a building that had once housed a porcelain factory in Marietta, GA. and George assembled the first 914 specific catalog on his living room floor. As time passed, the parts segment of the business grew faster than the other areas. Soon 924s, then 944s were added and a catalog was put together with these models in mind. New storage areas were added to house used parts inside, protecting them from the weather. Today Automobile Atlanta is a one-stop establishment unique in the Porsche world. They are most well known for parts and accessories for 914, 924 and 944 Porsches. They cater to an international audience and not only by telephone and mail; frequently walk-in customers appear from Europe and Australia!

Not only do they have catalogs encompassing the broadest line of 914 and 924/944 parts this side of Stuttgart, but they continue to develop the other areas of their business. For example, the current inventory of adoptable Porsches includes thirty-two 914s, seven 914-6s, three 924s and five 944s. 356s and 911s also make regular appearances. Condition of these cars range from show winners to rust-free project cars.

Total restoration in the Automobile Atlanta facilities is being recognized by numerous concours class wins for a number of 914s in the current stable and back-to-back "Best in Show"awards for George's recently completed 356B roadster. The shop facility has also grown. Not only are day-to-day services and major overhauls offered, but recently, exchange engine and gearbox programs have been launched. "The combination of all the different elements is what makes us unique," George Hussey explained. "That and the fact that we really love the cars. Most of the staff here at Automobile Atlanta drive Porsches. We relate better for that reason alone. We can offer tech support from our hands-on experience. I like to tell people that we are the only place where our telephone salesmen are required to have grease under their fingernails. We are also developing a line of specific repair parts based on what we know are problem areas and where available parts don't meet our standards. All Porsches were designed to be driven, not sit in museums or garages. If we can keep more on the road, then Automobile Atlanta is a success. "As for the future direction of Automobile Atlanta, George is looking toward the 356 and 911 and the Boxster Porsche arenas, as well as keeping up with current projects. "Our overall goal is to be sort of a 'vintage Porsche dealer' providing all the services for the older cars that Porsche dealers provide for new cars."

For more Automobile Atlanta History click here...