Folks,

Carl Cordell, a former shop owner and 356 friend to many, lost his battle with cancer early this morning. He was at home with his dear friend Ingrid. I was lucky enough to have Carl working at my shop for about 8 months over the past year. He was an amazing wealth of information and he loved to share it. Carl will be greatly missed. I will pass on information for services when available.

Eric Wills
Fairfax, VA

My family thoughts and prayers are with his family. Thanks for posting.

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George E Walling

Carl Cordell's passing last weekend was indeed sad news. With patience, wisdom and honesty, Carl guided me through 35 years of 356 mis-adventures and ignorance. In addition to keeping my cars running, he was a combination of Yoda and Google, possessing an encyclopedic knowledge of every aspect of these cars, their history as well as the real reasons why certain things are the way they are. No matter how many books or articles I'd read, Carl always knew more. No matter how many other people I'd consult, Carl would gently steer me back onto the right course. In an era when everybody claims to be a "know-it-all", Carl actually was. His passing is a major loss to the entire 356 community, especially those of us in the DC area. Certainly, it is a major blow to me and Carmen, my 356c. We will both miss him greatly. It's a very sad day.

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George Maves

Carl was a wonderful friend -- going to the East Coast Holiday at Newport Beach RI from the DC area, in 1985 in my newly acquired, C cab (still have), we ran into Carl in his microbus. Seeing our poor daughter stuck in the back with a bunch of books, Carl volunteered to take some books and our daughter Lolly. Later we had a flat on the dry rotted tires. Carl helped change it. We lost Carl in a rain storm. Finally we had a second flat and were stuck for the night in Connecticut. Not knowing what had happened, Carl fed Lolly and took her to Newport -- where we had already called ahead and arraigned for the Leapples to take her. We'll miss friends like Carl -- fortunately bob and Marcia Laepple are still with us.

bill block

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Folks,

I thought those that knew Carl would enjoy a few photos. The first photo is him performing an alignment on Robert Clark's 61 coupe this past March. Then we have a photo of him at Summit around 1975. Some may remember the "Bathtubs are better" t shirts from the past. The last is a picture of Carl when he was working at a local Porsche dealer many years ago.

Eric Wills

For 12 years I waited to buy my first 356 based on what Carl told me one day in 1994 while at his shop in Springfield, VA "get a car with good floors, don't buy one with fixed floors unless you know who replaced the floors, or one that needs floors replaced". He didn't know me at the time, but still took time to guide me and prevent me from making a big mistake. I am very thankful for his advice. RIP Carl.

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Here is Carl's obituary that was sent to me this morning:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obi ... story.html

I worked for Carl for several years while working towards my engineering degree. Though I had no formal mechanical training, he gave me a shot at working in his shop and along with his aunt Sybil, they eventually treated me as one of their family. Carl was a great mentor and friend and will be greatly missed. Rest in peace Carl

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I just read of Carl's passing while looking for his info to recommend him for a PPI on the 911S Registry. Very sad to read this thread. Carl was a great person and Porsche master. He took care of my father's 68 912 in the late 80s and later my Audi 4000 Quattro in the 90s. I always enjoyed riding over to his shop with my Dad back in those days. Carl's shop was a treasure trove of all things Porsche and he was always happy to talk with you about your car. When Rennsport was open I always made a point of visiting his shop when back in DC on a trip. A picture from my last visit. Rest in Peace.

Brad Davis

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Brad Davis