Sam Lander, subject of the latest in our Porsche People profile series, talks to us about his journey from apprentice to owner of his own Porsche specialist outfit in Malton, Yorkshire.

In this interview, look out for…

Questions and answers: ‘How did I get here’, those we’ve interviewed in the past often seem bemused that they have gone from simply liking Porsches to either owning one or a showroom/service centre working with Stuttgart’s finest all day. Sam’s in the latter camp.

The Road so Far: Sam unrolls his mental CV, having worked with Porsches for 17 years. He’s offered a share in a workshop, the business grows over three years, he took on another workshop – and here we are.

What he can do: In the case of Sam Lander Engineering, that’s pretty much the lot – servicing, repairs, stereo upgrades, body, and engine stripdowns, suspension upgrades on anything from the Porsche 356 to 991 (992 aren’t old enough yet).

What’s in the workshop: Sam shows us the 964 Carrera 4, nicknamed Lego by the owner’s grandchildren because of the different panels. It was intended to replicate the 964 RS race car variant – so it’s fitted with orange, green, and Maritime blue panels. Then there’s the ‘74, 2.7 Carrera, ready for servicing and preparation for a few summer tours.

His philosophy: “Do we see ourselves as different from the rest? I don’t know about ‘the rest’, we just do things our way. If your car’s in for a service and we see little bits that aren’t right, we’ll just fix them. We won’t ring you or charge extra – we just put it right. It’s what we do.”

Is he old school or engaged with the new? “Air-cooled, water-cooled, it’s all good. But not Panameras or Taycans. We just make your car as cost-efficient as possible – but a car is never complete.”

Who does he work with? “Three technicians and an apprentice. Lee loves his VWs. James is very thorough, does a cracking job, and Vaughan – he’s Mr Diagnostics. He’ll come to work in the morning having worked out what’s wrong with the car at half past two in the morning. Our young lad, Oliver, wants to get into F1 and begins his apprenticeship this summer.”

And the future? “We might move again in the future – maybe look at taking on some sales, too.

His opinion on Design911? “Cracking. I order the part on Thursday, the part’s there on Friday and I can get the job out the door for the weekend, start again on Monday. We can get jobs finished. Daryl, Kevin, Josh and Phoebe – spot on. They always answer the phones, which helps.

What’s your tagline? “Fuelled by pig’s ear (beer)!”