Tito’s 1986 Porsche 911

What is your name and what do you drive?

My name is Tito, but my family calls me Hector, and I drive a 1986 Porsche 911.

Tell us more about yourself.

I'm 42 years old, born and raised in Brooklyn. My parents immigrated from the Dominican Republic when they were young, and we settled here in Brooklyn. Twenty-two years ago, I joined the US Navy, specializing in anti-terrorism and force protection. It's funny because if you look at me, you wouldn't even realize I've been in the military. A lot of people confuse me with you know, singer or an artist but I've always had this type of style like since I was in junior high school, always complimented on my my fashion and all that stuff. So it's a passion for me.

Photo - Ohad Kab

How did your experience in the Navy shape your outlook on life and influence the person you are today?

Well, coming from New York City, it's easy to get lost in the streets. and I think the Navy provided me an outlet and a way to finance my future. Really. If it wasn't for the Navy, I don't know what I would do today but me being resilient and coming from the background I come from, I would have made it anywhere. But I chose the Navy.

Photos - Ohad Kab

What is the story behind this car?

You know how as a kid you have that car poster and dream about owning that car? After years of hard work and perseverance, I was able to buy this car as a retirement gift to myself five years ago. so little by little I've been fixing this car and you know, making it to what it is today. The beautiful piece of art that everybody compliments me on.

What do you love most about your car?

It’s timeless shape, how intricate and how simple of a design/tech could become ever so appreciated by the masses. The sound of the flat six engine, the scent of oil/fuel in the air, it’s trashy AC, it’s visceral feel over 120 MPH. Last but not least all the thumbs up I get everywhere I go. 

What are some of your favorite spots to drive in New York City?

I’m originally from Williamsburg, the old Williamsburg so it’s cool to come back home and zip around the Northside and reminisce on the times I was a kid and would see only drug dealers with these types of vehicles and wishing one day I owned one.  Also grew fond of taking upstate; Beacon, Bear Mountain, Croton-on-the Hudson, etc. 

What is your favorite memory of driving your car? 

Going up to Monticello for the weekend with my 2 little boys. I never had my real dad around, but my stepdad sure did emerce me in the car culture as a kid and it feels great to pay it forward. 

What do you hope to achieve with your car? Do you have any future plans or aspirations for your Porsche 911 SC, such as restoration projects, road trips, or participating in car shows or events? 

I hope to converse with the youth and let them know that anything in life you put your heart and desire to is achievable with hard work and perseverance. I hope to network and meet others like me that just simply have a passion for the culture. I hope to maybe have Roxy be in some photo shoots, commercials and/or movies. I’d like to repaint the whole car from scratch, redo the engine perhaps and turn it into a 3.3 Stroker, considering bagging it, but I’d like to keep it as original as possible without changing too many of its originality. It’s not an SC, it’s a 3.2. SC’s ceased production in 1983, mine is a 1986, so from 1984-88 they made the 3.2.

What are some of your favorite things to do in Brooklyn with your car?

Well I recently retired from the military after 22 years of service, so my past time are hitting up local establishments and supporting up and coming friends with their businesses. I’m a big foodie so getting good grub is a must; one of my fave spots are Shelter on North 7 and Sweet Chick. 

How did you develop your passion for vintage Porsches? Was there a particular moment or experience that sparked your interest?

It was my stepdad who ignited my passion. He's from Puerto Rico, and he used to take me to car shows when I was young. I actually wanted to be a car designer when I was a kid, but that never came about. I joined the military. So I've always loved all types of vintage cars. This is my third vintage car. My first vintage car was a 69 Camaro, then a 79 GMC C 10. And then I sold that and then I got this.

Photos - Ohad Kab

Have you learned any significant life lessons from owning and caring for a vintage Porsche? Has it taught you anything about patience, resilience, or the value of craftsmanship?

Well, owning a vintage Porsche is easier car to work on. But the key to owning any vintage car is networking. You know, you network with people and you get things sorted out. You got to have patience with Porsches because people want to tax you just because you own one. I'm a poor kid from BK that bought his dream car. That's it, you know? no, father, no mother gave me money. I had to do it myself. So, you know, I mean, those are the life lessons I've learned with the Porsche you know, like, anybody can own one. I own this one and I love it.

Photo - Ohad Kab

 What do you think of the car culture in Brooklyn?

We need to get it to what it used to be, we need to compete and/or make connections where the culture could be as big as it is in places like Miami and California. 

Is there a shop in NY you highly recommend ? why? 

There’s 2 that come to mind; hands down, eyes closed; 1: @carburetorpapi owner of @bavwerks in Long Island, I mean the kid is a debonair guru, plus he’s a mechanical engineer, my a man 50 grand Ian. Hit him up for whatever your build needs are and he’s competitive and loves the game and then there’s TCS (The Custom Shop) out in Long Island City, Brett came thru a couple of times on a tight shift. 

What is your dream garage?

Oh I’m simple, a couple aircooled vehicles and motorcycles (aircooled) and some chunky Toyotas just in case the apocalypse hits. 

Favorite spot in Brooklyn?

Breakfast: Sunday In Brooklyn 

Lunch: Shelter

Dinner: Sweet Chick

Party: Freehold (Perreo Nights)