The Sepia Effect: A Collector's Enduring Love Affair with a Historic Porsche Hue

A Collector's Deep Dive into Sepia Brown

Richard Raimist, a 72-year-old enthusiast from Florida, has cultivated a remarkable passion for Porsche, particularly for the distinctive Sepia Brown color. His collection, housed in a personal automotive shrine, features seven Porsches, with three standing out due to their shared Sepia Brown hue, spanning over five decades of production.

The Genesis of a Sepia Obsession

Raimist's fascination with Porsche began in his childhood in Los Angeles during the 1960s, where the sight of 911s, 356s, and 914s fueled his automotive dreams. His dream materialized at age 20 when he purchased a 1973 911 T Targa in Sepia Brown, a color that, while not popular at the time, he found captivating. This initial purchase marked the beginning of a lifelong connection with the brand and the unique color.

From Street to Track: A Racing Journey

After nearly a decade and 160,000 kilometers in his first 911, Raimist, inspired by a newfound passion for racing, modified the Targa for amateur competition. This led him to join the Porsche Club of America and participate in various events. His competitive spirit soon escalated, leading him to purchase a 1973 911 Coupé and later a factory 1994 911 Carrera RSR 3.8. He competed in the PCA club racing series across the country, even venturing into professional racing by entering the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1995.

Establishing a Racing Legacy

Furthering his motorsport career, Raimist founded his own race team, Team A.R.E., achieving success in the IMSA GT Championship, including a third-place finish at Laguna Seca and a sixth overall finish at Daytona in 1996. Although he eventually stepped back from driving to focus on team management, his involvement in racing continued for several years until his retirement from the sport in 2000.

The Sepia Effect Continues

Post-retirement, Raimist relocated to Florida, where he managed a bicycle shop and continued his passion for cycling. However, his love for Porsche remained undiminished. He is now a familiar face at automotive events in Florida, sharing his experiences on social media. His Sepia Brown Porsches have become local celebrities, and his collection is set to grow with the addition of a new Cayman GT4 RS, further cementing the enduring