Atelier De La Route is thrilled to feature Andrew Hawkins, a passionate car enthusiast whose journey embodies the philosophy of ADR. We spoke with Andrew to learn about his love for cars, his current pride and joy—a 2012 Porsche 911—and how his personal journey aligns with ADR’s values.
A Lifelong Passion for Cars
For Andrew, the spark was lit early. His first car, a 1996 Toyota 4Runner, wasn’t just a mode of transportation—it was his introduction to the world of car ownership. “It was already in my family, but I pleaded for it to get passed down to me because not only was it green over tan, but it also had the highly desirable factory rear locker. The Haynes manual for that car was on my bedside table for four years.”
That 4Runner wasn’t just a vehicle; it was a foundation for experimentation and self-learning. “I modified just about every nut and bolt of that 4Runner and not only did I teach myself how to wrench on cars, but more importantly, the lessons—both good and bad—I learned along the way. You can always look back at the first car you modify and many of the changes you may laugh at years down the road, but every decision made guided your taste for years to come.”
Evolving Tastes, Timeless Classics
Andrew’s automotive tastes have evolved over time, balancing capable off-road vehicles with fast sports cars. As his passion for track performance has grown, his focus has shifted. “I have always fluctuated between capable off-road cars and fast sports cars, often dependent on where I was living at the time. However, as I get older, my focus is almost purely driving performance-focused. While spending time on the track is where my passion lies these days, the overarching theme is an OEM+ looking exterior with scalpel-like precision when it comes to performance both on and off the track.”
The 2012 Porsche 911: A Dream Realized
Andrew’s current car—a 2012 Porsche 911 (991.1 C2S)—is a testament to his lifelong admiration for the Porsche brand. His journey to ownership began with childhood memories of his uncle’s black 944 Turbo. “One of my core gearhead memories that was the spark that started the fire was a black 944 Turbo that my uncle owned. Anytime I was in town visiting my grandparents, he would take me to the local middle school parking lot, let me sit in his lap, and I could shift the gears and steer the car around the parking lot. That Porsche seed continued to grow for decades until I hit the right moment in my life to achieve my dream of 911 ownership.”
When it came to modifications, Andrew’s focus was clear: enhance track performance. “My focus has been very focused on modifications to the car that would directly translate to on-track performance. Suspension work centers around Tarett Engineering control arms and plates that give me the ability to run about -2.5 camber all around, combined with upgraded coils around the factory PDCC and PASM keep the car on rails around the track. 350mm GT3 brakes on all four corners combined with upgraded rotors and pads bring the whole package to a halt in short order. I run two different sets of Apex wheels that are wrapped in either Michelin PS4S for the road or Bridgestone RE71RS for track duty. Most importantly, this is all accompanied by a naturally aspirated flat-six symphony piped through Soul Performance long-tube headers as well as Soul Performance valve exhaust.”
Philosophy in Motion
For Andrew, being a car enthusiast is about passion and self-expression. “I firmly believe that no matter what age you are in life, it is important to have passions in your life. To me, cars are one of those passions. Getting from A to B doesn’t have to be a burden in your day; it can be one of the joys. So to me, not only does it represent a form of self-expression, but it also represents a physical activity in my day that I find deeply enjoyable.”
As a father, Andrew sees his love for cars as an opportunity to set an example for his children. “I am a father of two young boys, and there are many behaviors that I try to model to them so they can emulate them in their own growth. While I would love for them to be passionate about cars, the example I am trying to set is showing them that above all else, I have passions in my life that I love to explore. I often include them on tasks such as washing and wrenching so they feel included in my passions.”
Connection to ADR
Andrew’s personal philosophy aligns perfectly with ADR’s focus on progression and craftsmanship. “There is one aspect of ADR that resonates with me deeply. The idea that the journey of craftsmanship with our car runs parallel with our journey of self-improvement. Near the birth of my second child, I set out on a personal journey of self-improvement. I gave up drinking and set out to be the best version of myself for my family. As I continue to refine and sharpen my 911, I too am continuing to refine and sharpen myself.”
The concept of “Atelier De La Route” resonates deeply with Andrew. “To me, it reflects the beauty in the journey and not just the destinations. In an ideal world, as we continue to better ourselves, we never reach the end, just as an ideal drive to us car enthusiasts would never end either.”
Looking Ahead
Andrew’s dreams for the future remain rooted in his passion for cars. “Another 911—air-cooled. Long hood. Hot rod. In my dreams, I have a water-cooled 911 for track duty and an air-cooled for weekend duty. My ideal air-cooled car is not collector quality but driver quality. Rough around the edges, loud, and a touch of hot rod to round it out.”
In the meantime, Andrew is focused on enjoying his current 911 to the fullest. “Over the last year, I have been able to really dial in my 991 on track. As it sits today, it is a very capable weapon that has been able to put down respectable lap times around the state. I have put in over 500+ laps around Road Atlanta and look forward to taking the 991 out on some road trips to other tracks around the country.”
His advice for newcomers to the car community is heartfelt and relatable: “Do not for one second compare your worth as a person to the worth of your car. Instagram and Cars & Coffee teach you that unless you have the newest 1 of 1 ‘insert fancy Italian car here,’ you are less worthy. This could not be farther from the truth. Find a car you love, and continue to better it as you continue to better yourself. Find joy in the process, and for the love of God, just get out and drive. Less miles only means less smiles.”
Andrew Hawkins’ story beautifully captures the ethos of ADR: the relentless pursuit of passion, craftsmanship, and personal growth. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from the road ahead