Some could argue that we – cars people – are all the same, but it actually happens that each of us has a really different story to tell. Things may have started early, as children, but the way this magic evolved into us surely has different forms and shapes. Sebastian’s tale is made of thousands of kilometers to be driven with a third pedal and a manual gearbox in one of the most iconic drivers’ car ever made: the Porsche 911, generation 996. You can bet that with the howl of its flat-six and the capability to rev up to the redline is just a matter of time until he’ll be back on Europe’s best roads hunting for curves, fine food and all it takes for creating amazing memories.

Time to meet Sebastian and his yellow baby.

What’s your name and where are you from?

My name is Sebastian Sprengers, my pseudo on the ‘gram is @iamspeedgelb .

I live in Belgium. Born in Antwerp, nowadays I live in the countryside, named “Flemish Ardens”. I am 34 years old, no children, no pets, but I have a wonderful girlfriend who shares the same car passion and accepts my “car-things”.

I am working in the automotive world since 8 years now.

What do you usually drive?

Started as a sales support at Mercedes-Benz for about a year, I became a sales-guy afterwards at Jaguar Land Rover for 7 years and since 7 months I manage a Renault and Dacia dealership. Therefore I had to trade in my daily Jag (I-PACE) for a Renault. It’s an orange Arkana HEV RS-Line. I don’t quite like SUVs (yup, despite I’ve worked for Land Rover), but I really like the Arkana. It handles okay for a FWD SUV.

How did your passion for cars started?

As far as I remember cars were always there. As a child I had a lot of matchbox model cars (I mean, a lot!). Still a pity they got lost in time. I could recognize “every” car on the streets when I was a child and my father encouraged me. At that time, he drove a SAAB 900 Turbo, not a common choice, so he has to be a petrolhead as well.

When I grew older the matchbox cars became 1/18 scale models, but still a Porsche -only collection. I always said: “one day” and everyone said: “Then you’ll have to work very hard and do your best in school.”

I remember I was hospitalized as a child (nothing to bad) and my parents came to visit me. My father bought a magazine where the 996 was introduced and tested for the very first time. I even remember a line from the journalist that was like: “this car is so quick, Porsche equipped an extra digital speedo next to the analog needle because it can’t keep up with the acceleration”.

Also back in the days, my father had a friend who owned a (unofficial) Porsche-dealership. I always wanted to go there, because the guy always took me out for a drive. The 911 back then was a 996.

When I got my driving license I owned a lot of BMW’s (a few E30’s, E36, E87, E92), even had a SAAB 900i myself, but finally – it’s 4 years now – I have been able to reach my ultimate goal in owning a 911.

What is the reason for preferring a manual sports car, rather than an automatic one? What does it add, according to you, to the driving experience?

That’s a no-brainer for me.
As a daily I enjoy the comfort of an automatic gearbox. All my fun-cars (except for the E92) were stick shifts. Why? Because it has to be that way. It’s a part of the sensation, controlling the vehicle and doing exactly what I want, double declutching, dropping a gear without lag (like it is in a 996 Tiptronic) and so on. Back in the days, an automatic gearbox was for grandpas. Let’s not forget that my 996 is a car from “back in the days”.
I remember a while ago, I saw a 993 Targa (Tiptronic) and I caught the eye of the owner. We started talking and he asked what car I was driving. The guy – thinking he was the top of the food chain because he drives a 993 – laughed at me reacting: “Oh, the one’s with the ugly front-end lights.” And I was like: “yeah, but at least I drive it like a guy should drive it, with 3 pedals.” Things got really awkward then…

What are the three main features your 996 Carrera 4S has over all the other cars you could get instead of it?

Its rear end for sure! When I was looking for that I doubted between a 997 Carrera or a 996 C4S. But like Shakira sung in 2006: Hips don’t lie.

Also the fact that it is my first Porsche. It’s kind of a milestone to me and I’m really proud of it. It is one of my childhood hero, it was the generation of 911 you saw on the streets when I was younger.

What is the secret recipe for experiencing the ultimate on road adventure?

We already went two times on road trips. First time we drove about 4,500 km through France. Last year we did about 3,000 kilometers across Germany, Swiss and Italy.

I think the ultimate goal to me is combining a few things: sunny weather, nice cities, good food and drinks, nice roads (French Riviera, Alpine roads). I could drive all day long on Furka and Simplon passes, heading to Italy arriving in Como, having a view on the lake out of your room with the car parked in plain sight, enjoying some fine Franciacorta. Then going out for dinner to Federico in Cernobbio, having one of the best pizza with a glass of Lambrusco, seeing the sun set while your car is always there … Heaven!
On the other hand, I enjoy the small things in life as well. After a stressful day, taking out the C4S and going for a little evening drive forgetting everything. Just me and the car, or meeting up other enthusiasts, taking some pictures, that’s what it really means to me.

If you had to choose, the right car on the wrong road, or the wrong car on the right road?

I’d go without a doubt for the wrong car on the right road. Besides, what is a wrong car after all? A car where my heart doesn’t lie? Unknown makes unloved.
Imagine yourself with your absolute “right car” on a wrong road such as traffic jams, bad road conditions, and so on.

I believe you can have fun in every car because there is so much more than the car itself. With the right entourage, nice roads, endless cornering, even a s**tbox might be fun to drive!

What has been the most rewarding road trip you’ve ever had so far?

Our last roadtrip to Italy, for sure.
The car was loaded with our luggage as we left for Switzerland. We had a stay at Gasthaus Zum Bauernhof near Bremgarten (tip to visit!). The next day we left for Furkapass and Simplonpass where we met other Porsche-enthusiasts. We visited Lago Maggiore, Genoa, Bagnone, Parma, Modena and Lake Como.

Next year we probably go back to Italy again. The weather, the food, the wine, the… “Dolce far niente”.

Projects for the next driving season or some winter escape already planned?
It’s about time for my C4S to go to the bodyshop. I want to get rid of some imperfections due to time and proper use.

Afterwards I will have my wheels done. Small operations but probably fresh looking afterwards.

Anything you want to add then?

Next to my car story I’m a biker as well. I can appreciate a lot of motorbikes. At the moment I drive a 40Yrs BMW R1250GS and a Buell XB12Scg. My girlfriend has a Suzuki SV650x.

A GS is a perfect bike for touring and traveling. And it is a boxer-engine as well. This is my second GS, with my previous I already travelled to Spain. I used to own a Ducati Panigale V2, another Buell XB12, Suzuki SV1000, 2 Honda VTR1000 Firestorm (in USA known as a Nighthawk), a BMW S1000XR, Honda CBR600RR.

Photos courtesy of Sebastian Sprengers