When he’s not tearing into a ruck or steaming down the flank for Bath Rugby, Miles Reid is equally content slipping behind the wheel of his classic Porsche 911 SC. A homegrown talent with deep roots in the club & an eye for timeless engineering, Reid blends on-pitch aggression with off-pitch elegance. We caught up with the man himself to discuss club traditions, chasing silverware, & his air-cooled automotive indulgence.

A Bath lad through & through

Rugby runs through Reid’s veins; his father was involved in Bath Rugby back before the sport turned professional. “I must have been eight or nine when I started playing,” he says, recalling early sessions at his local club. By 18, he was signing a professional contract. The rest? A whirlwind of big hits, hard yards & 100 caps for the club.

That 100th cap came at the start of the season against Northampton Saints – the same side that had beaten Bath in the final the year before. Sweet symmetry, sweeter revenge. “It was a special evening,” Reid nods.

The rhythm of a rugby week

Professional rugby is less blood & thunder these days, more precision & process. Mondays are for review, recovery & opposition analysis. The week builds to a crescendo midweek; high-intensity sessions that sharpen the sword before things taper towards the weekend.

Even players not involved on matchday play a vital role: running as the opposition to keep the starting XV sharp. “Everyone buys into it,” Reid says. “The focus is collective; the goal is always to win.”

And then there’s The Rec. Matchday at Bath is something else entirely. “We’ve got the Tunnel of Noise now. Drums. Fans lining the way in. Proper gladiator vibes,” he grins. “It gets you fired up.”

After the final whistle? A pint at the Swift Half – Bath’s pop-up pub and social hub. There’s music, fans, family, and a uniquely intimate feel. “That connection with supporters, it’s different in rugby. More personal.”

A Porsche 911 SC story

Off the pitch, Reid indulges in another kind of performance culture. His love of cars came via his grandfather, a keen collector who passed on more than just a couple of Triumphs; he passed on the bug.

“I always loved the smell of old cars,” he says. “Petrol, leather, heat-soaked metal; there’s nothing like it.”

A casual chat with his barber led to a tip-off: someone local had a classic 911 up for sale. One sunny afternoon, Reid found himself standing outside a garage in Bath as a Porsche 911 SC rolled into the sunlight.

“The light hit the bodywork just right. That was it. Game over,” he laughs.

The right car for the right reason

Reid’s 911 SC isn’t about bragging rights; it’s about feel. “You can have fun in it without doing ridiculous speeds,” he says. “It’s just so engaging. Everything feels mechanical.”

He’s made a few tasteful changes – a Momo steering wheel, new gauge surrounds, fresh gear knob, & yes, a USB cigarette lighter adapter. “Modern necessities,” he grins.

Where Design911 comes in for the Porsche 911 SC

Sourcing parts for a classic car can be a rabbit hole. But Reid found Design911 to be a lifeline. “It’s got everything. You just pick your model, your year – and bang, you’re in. Dead easy,” he says. “And if I ever need anything, I know I can just drop you a message.”

Established as the go-to destination for Porsche enthusiasts across the UK and beyond, Design911 offers everything from OEM and performance parts to specialist upgrades and interior refinements. Whether you’re restoring an air-cooled icon like the 911 SC or modernising it subtly with period-correct accessories, the site is intuitive, well-stocked & backed by knowledgeable support.

Reid’s experience reflects that simplicity: no hassle, just a reliable source of parts from people who live and breathe Porsche. Our Head of Sales Strategies, Anthony Malone, is always on hand to offer expert advice – whether it’s sourcing a specific part or recommending the right upgrade for your build.And if I ever need anything, I know I can just drop you a message.”

Five Zeros: the perfect hideaway for the Porsche 911 SC

When he moved to Bath, Reid stumbled across Five Zeros completely by chance. Just five minutes from his home, it now serves as his car’s basecamp. “It’s a storage facility, but also a bit of a social spot. Great coffee, great people,” he adds. “They’re proper petrolheads.”

More than just storage, Five Zeros is a luxury automotive destination. With secure, climate-controlled facilities, a stylish café, and rotating displays of some of the world’s most desirable cars, it’s part car club, part museum, part members’ lounge. Whether you’re storing a classic Porsche or simply soaking up the atmosphere, it’s become a fixture of the local motoring scene.They’re proper petrolheads.”They’re proper petrolheads.”

Dream garage daydreams

Reid’s garage goals? Ambitious but grounded. “I love the new GT3 RS – it’s the closest thing to a race car on the road. But I’ve always had a soft spot for Ferrari too. The F40? Unreal. Although I’ve sat in one before and had to crawl out of it… so not the most ergonomic choice.”

Eyes on the prize

For now, his focus is on the season ahead. Bath Rugby are on a roll: in the mix for the Premiership Cup, the Challenge Cup, and with real ambitions in the league.

“The dream? Win the Premiership. It’s been too long for Bath. That’s what I want more than anything,” Reid says.

Whether he’s locked into a scrum or the driver’s seat, Miles Reid is a man dialled into performance. Mechanical. Physical. Focused.

And yes – he really does use that USB adapter.

Watch the full interview

Want to hear Miles tell the story in his own words? Watch the full interview now and take a closer look at his Porsche 911 SC, his matchday rituals, and what makes Bath Rugby such a special club.

Looking for parts for your classic 911? Explore Design911’s full range of components for the Porsche 911 SC here.