see where money was made take a long look at mercedes heritage
Transcription
see where money was made take a long look at mercedes heritage
VOL. 50 • NO. 7 SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA SECTION TAKE A LONG LOOK AT MERCEDES HERITAGE by Richard Simonds, Technical Director What: Technical Event at Mercedes Heritage Showroom and Shop When: Saturday, August 11, 2012, 9:30 a.m. – noon Where:1315 Rollins Road, Burlingame Cost: $7 per person Roy Spencer, MBCA member and owner of Mercedes Heritage Showroom and Shop, will show us vehicles currently in restoration, on display, and/or for purchase at this technical event. We will have an opportunity to see one of the most extensive databases on MercedesBenz SLs in the country. Our technical event will offer participants a chance to query the database and the Mercedes Heritage team about fine points of Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Roy has expanded his “Our SL” business to include a wider array of services for a broader spectrum of M-B vehicles, with an emphasis on the classics. This event was sold out a few years ago when it was held at the “Our SL” facility. Roy has moved to a much more usable building, and we’ll also get a tour of his new place. A new feature at Mercedes Heritage is a collection of fine automotive art from the ‘50s and ‘60s. A new offering is a large format stretched canvas giclee of Paul O’Shea drifting the 300SLS competition roadster at Riverside in 1956. As usual, morning treats will be at 9:30 a.m. The tour and technical discussion will go from 10:00 a.m. until approximately noon. Reservation deadline is August 3 or when limit is reached. Please register online at http:// sections.mbca.org/sfba/section_calendar.htm (or form on page 11). Questions, contact Richard Simonds at (650) 592-7613 or rsimonds@ pacbell.net. July 2012 SEE WHERE MONEY WAS MADE By Kara Christelle Pannu, Hospitality Director What: Old San Francisco Mint Tour When: Saturday July 28, 2012, 11:00 a.m. Where: 88 - 5th Street, San Francisco Cost: $15 per person Join us for a behind the scenes tour to see where money was made— the Old San Francisco Mint—just now open to the general public. Tour the mint and experience the history and get a look inside, hear the plans for the facility, and the progress thus far. This is a one-hour tour for a cost of $15 per person. After the tour, we will have a no-host lunch at the famous ‘Wichcraft for their creative soup and sandwiches. It will be a day of learning and fun! Parking is available at the 5th & Mission garage. A Bit of History and Preservation: From 1874 to 1937, the second United States Mint in San Francisco (now known as the “Old Mint”) was the most active mint in the U.S. In 1877, over fifty million dollars in coins were produced. The Mint occupies a central role in San Francisco history. In 1869, Congress appropriated $300,000 to acquire a new site at 5th and Mission Streets and construct a building. On May 26, 1870, the cornerstone of the Mint was laid. The building opened on a rainy Saturday, November 5, 1874. The mint survived the severe earthquake of 1906 due to Mullet’s design. By 1934, one third of the United States’ gold reserve was stored in the vaults of the San Francisco Mint. After minting operations were transferred to the new San Francisco Mint on Duboce Avenue in 1937, the Treasury Department and other government agencies occupied the first building. In 1961 the “Old Mint,” as it became known locally, was designated a National Historic Landmark. In 2003, the San (Continued on page 11) 2012 CALENDAR OF COMING ACTIVITIES JULY 1 JULY 28* AUG 5 AUG 11* AUG 17 AUG 17* SEPT 2 SEPT 30 OCT 5-7 First Sunday Drive Old SF Mint Tour, Kara Pannu (415) 205-0790 First Sunday Drive Mercedes Heritage Tech Event, Richard Simonds (650) 592-7613 Legends of the Autobahn, Laura Simonds (650) 592-7613 Monterey Dinner, Mauna Wagner (925) 934-7220 First Sunday Drive Oktoberfest, Kara Pannu (415) 205-0790 Sierra Nevada Rally, Robert Schilling (650) 619-7550 *Reservation form on page 11, or register online at http://sections.mbca. org/sfba/section_calendar.htm BOARD MEMBERS’ MESSAGE by Don Penney, Director at Large As a Mercedes enthusiast since 1986, I have purchased new and pre-owned cars from an Authorized Mercedes-Benz Dealer and from an independent dealer. My first Mercedes was a 1986 190E 2.3 that I drove for 277,000 miles in 10 years. Thereafter, I also had a couple of Mercedes with approximately 110,000 miles at the time I purchased them. My current model is a 2000 E430 that I bought in 2005 with 80,000 miles, and I have driven it 280,000 miles during the past seven years (an average of 28,500 miles per year). Additionally, I purchased a 1992 300E in 2002 with the low mileage of 60,000 miles that I drove for three years until I gave it to my oldest daughter at the age of 16 when she started driving. Five years later, my second daughter was given the 1992 300E when she became 16 years old. I have gained tremendous value from the ownership of these cars, and the benefit of knowing my daughters along with their friends were safe and secure in a vehicle “engineered like no other car in the world.” I can imagine there are many similar stories of high mileage cars from the Mercedes-Benz Club of America members that may include other German marques. The Legends of the Autobahn will represent Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, BMW, and Audi on August 17, 2012 in Carmel Valley. This one-day MBCA national special event had nearly 500 cars on display in 2011 attracting enthusiasts and aficionados of distinctive German cars. The event will feature separate club concours judging sites and combined corral parking areas. Perhaps many of you will consider joining other club members with the fun and excitement at this event. MERCEDES-BENZ CLUB OF AMERICA SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA SECTION www.mbca.org/sfba Executive Board President, Jack Weir 925.934.7220 Cell 925.899.4298 Fax 925.930.0446 [email protected] Vice President, Gloria Loventhal 408.289.1933 Cell 408.823.6400 [email protected] Treasurer, Lois Wong 415.601.1329 [email protected] Secretary, Mauna Wagner 925.934.7220 [email protected] Ex-Officio, Robert Schilling 650.619.7550 [email protected] Board of Directors Activities, EVA GORDON 650.834.2614 Fax 510.234.4574 [email protected] Hospitality, Kara Pannu 415.205.0790 [email protected] Advertising, Janet migliore 650.349.2744 [email protected] Membership, ANN BORNSTEIN 831.786.0782 [email protected] Editor, Laura Simonds 650.592.7613 Ofc 650.691.9123 Fax 650.592.6318 [email protected] Technical, Richard Simonds 650.592.7613 Fax 650.592.6318 [email protected] Photographer & Historian Sandy Drobilisch 408.782.2305 Fax 408.782.1518 [email protected] Director at Large, Don Penney 707.310.0460 [email protected] Webmaster, Lois Wong 415.601.1329 [email protected] Director at Large, Jerry Terstiege 650.574.0741 [email protected] Director at Large, VACANT Director at Large, James Lindstrom 415.601.6009 [email protected] Western Regional Director, Allen Wren 916.988.0225 [email protected] National Treasurer, 650.592.7613 Laura Simonds Fax 650.592.6318 [email protected] The GOLDEN GATE STAR E-NEWSLETTER NOTICE—All members with e-mail addresses in the national MBCA membership database automatically receive the e-newsletter. Be sure that the MBCA National Business Office has your current e-mail address to receive the e-newsletter by contacting Renee Herbert at (800) 637-2360. Or send your address correction to Ann Bornstein (SFBA membership director) at [email protected]. Members with no e-mail addresses receive the printed and mailed newsletter. If you want to receive the printed and mailed newsletter, you need to opt-out of the electronic version by contacting editor Laura Simonds at (650) 592-7613 or [email protected]. To avoid being “undeliverable,” be sure to put our editor’s address ([email protected]) in your list of safe senders. 2 Publisher Editor Photographer Anza Group - San Jose Laura Simonds Sandy Drobilisch The Golden Gate Star is published monthly by the San Francisco Bay Area Section, Mercedes-Benz Club of America, Inc. Copy deadline: 10th of the month preceding the month of issue. Please type and double space copy. ABOUT OUR ADVERTISERS: We hope you will support our advertisers. No inference, however, should be made that advertising in THE GOLDEN GATE STAR implies approval of their products or services by the Club, its Officers or members, or by Mercedes-Benz - USA Inc. or Daimler AG. MEMBERSHIP information or renewal, call toll free 1-800-637-2360 You can send that wonderful article or ad via E-mail or FAX to me for inclusion in the Golden Gate Star [email protected] or FAX 650-592-6318. Laura UNWIND AT DINNER AFTER LEGENDS by Mauna Wagner, Secretary What: Cocktails and Dinner When: Friday, August 17, 2012, 4:00 p.m. Where: Monterey Peninsula Yacht Club, Monterey Cost: $40 per person The Monterey Peninsula Yacht Club will be the perfect venue for cocktails and dinner following the Legends of the Autobahn Concours on Friday, August 17. This popular dinner has sold out quickly the past two years, so reserve now before it’s too late. Our evening will start at 4:00 p.m. with appetizers and no-host cocktails in the bar and on the deck overlooking the Monterey Harbor. Dinner will be served at 5:00 p.m., making an early evening for those who need to rest up for the weekend or travel home. Cost for the dinner is $40 per person and includes your choice of New York Steak or Seafood entrée, along with salad, side, and dessert. Feedback from our previous visits was that the venue was ideal and the food was excellent. This uniquely charming club is casual, so feel free to come directly from the Legends concours field. Reservations will be accepted in the order that payment is received. Are you displaying a car at the Legends of the Autobahn? In the event of a waiting list, preference for reservations will be given to those that are displaying a vehicle at the Legends event. Space is limited, so reserve now before it’s sold out. Please register online at http://sections.mbca.org/sfba/section_ calendar.htm (or form on page 11). You will receive an e-mail confirmation, along with additional information. Questions about the dinner should be directed to Mauna Wagner at [email protected] or (925) 934-7220. Questions about Legends of the Autobahn should be directed to Laura Simonds at [email protected] or (650) 592-7613. WANTED: EDITOR Volunteer needed for Newsletter Editor. After many years, I will be stepping down as Newsletter Editor at the end of this year with the December issue. This is a very important job in SFBA Section. It’s the main communication tool with our members. This position is also a member of the board for SFBA Section (which meets only quarterly). If you have an interest or experience in being editor, please contact me now at [email protected] or (650) 5927613. Let’s talk about what’s required and the process. I’m happy to work with the new editor for a smooth transition, so please don’t think you’ll be “left dangling.” --from Laura Simonds, Editor First Sunday Drives First Sunday Events are casual driving events that are held on the first Sunday of every month. To be notified of the next First Sunday event and for more information to links, event photos, please find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ FirstSundayDrives, or go to www.FirstSundayDrives.com, or send an e-mail to [email protected]. On June 3rd, we had another great turn out with over twenty cars at our meet up at Autobahn Collision in Belmont. A big “thanks” to Gabriel, Frank, and Tammee for hosting and providing the free coffee and bagels! We couldn’t have asked for any better karma on the drive. The traffic flowed nicely, even though we got caught in the middle of a triathlon over Highway 92. The fog cleared just as we got to the summit, giving us spectacular views up along Highway 1 through Devil’s Slide, with a nice peek at the new tunnels. Even at our destination, the parking lot at the Treasure Island Administration Building was completely empty, as if just for us and perfect photo ops. FSD would like to welcome two of our newest MBCA members— Sandra Hayden and Jeff Gale! SAVE THESE DATES FOR UPCOMING EVENTS Oktoberfest, September 30—Oktoberfest by the Bay at Pier 48 in San Francisco. It’s “German Sunday,” and will begin at 11:00 a.m. with a parade in the afternoon. This Oktoberfest will be larger and at a better venue this year. We will have our own separate table. Look for details and reservation information in the August newsletter. Sierra Nevada Rally Weekend, October 5-7—Plans are moving forward for the rally in the Sierras. It has been approved as a Western Region Event, so be sure to mark your calendars for the first weekend in October to join fellow Mercedes enthusiasts for a great weekend in the mountains. Watch for more details on the event, our famous host resort, and reservation information in upcoming newsletters. If you have any questions or would like to volunteer to help on this event, please e-mail Robert Schilling at [email protected]. Holiday Gala, December 8—Do you know the way to San Jose? Our Holiday Gala Weekend will be on Saturday, December 8, at the Fairmont Hotel in San Jose. It will be a Twilight Time Gala from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Co-chairmen are Gloria Loventhal ([email protected]) and Mauna Wagner (maunaw@aol. com). 3 4 LEGENDS 2012 ELEVATES “WOW” FACTOR Participants at Legends of the Autobahn 2012 can expect to see several new and novel things: MBCA invites you to be part of the excitement at Legends of the Autobahn 2012, on Friday, August 17. Held on the greens of the Rancho Cañada Golf Club in Carmel Valley, California, Legends attracted an audience of thousands to view nearly 500 cars on display in 2011. Four German Marques. One Unforgettable Concours. LEGENDS OF THE AUTOBAHN 2012 • More special displays of classic MercedesBenz cars • German travel book give-away to all registrants • Drawings for a free MBCA membership • New event signage • New “Join and Show” tent for those who join MBCA that day • Addition of Audi Club North America as the 4th German marque This one-day MBCA national special event will feature separate club concours judging sites and combined corral parking areas. In addition to mingling among these precision cars, there will be food, displays, club booths, and a Spaten Biergarten. For those interested in entering the MBCA Concours in one of six judged classes for 1992 and older vehicles, a $60 entry fee will apply, and to display any vintage in the corral, $30. A gourmet buffet lunch and event polo shirts are optional purchases. The discounted “early bird” registration deadline is August 1, and all registration closes on August 10. For spectators, there is a nominal donation at the neighboring church parking lot. To register, go to www.motorsportreg.com. Scroll down to “August 17” then to “MBCA—Legends of the Autobahn” (not BMWCCA or PCA). Your registration will go directly to MBCA. You can also check www.legendsoftheautobahn.org for up-to-theminute details and a link to the registration website. Registration fees increase after August 1, so register now! For additional information, contact Laura Simonds, (650) 592-7613, [email protected]. WANTED: VOLUNTEERS AND JUDGES … for Legends. Volunteer jobs include set up on Thursday afternoon, vehicle check-in, field placement, hosting in the MBCA tent, assembling registrants’ gift bags, and (the ever-popular) clean up. If you’d like to help, contact Laura Simonds at (650) 592-7613 or [email protected]. Share the Excitement of this Legendary Event During the World-Famous Monterey Classic Car Week Friday, August 17, 2012 Rancho Cañada Golf Club, Carmel Valley, CA Open to the Public | Judged Classes & Corral | Awards Refreshments | Media | All-Day Fun! Register before August 1, 2012 at www.motorsportreg.com Scroll to “August 17” then to “MBCA – Legends of the Autobahn” For event details and a registration link, go to www.legendsoftheautobahn.org and click on the MBCA logo or Mercedes-Benz name. For information, contact Laura Simonds at 650.592.7613 or [email protected] We’re also looking for concours judges. If you’d like to be a judge, contact Richard Simonds at (650) 592-7613 or [email protected]. 5 Eurotech Complete Auto Care Over 40 Years experience. Serving San Mateo county. Since 1974 S 171 Industrial Rd., San Carlos, CA 94070 | www.eurotechco.com pring into Service event S ummer Dare to Compare Service Specials with Exclusive 40% discount Offers* Quality service work at your convenience. Our written warranty meets or exceeds factory specifications. Our repairs will not effect the warranty on your vehicle. Unlike some Mercedes-Benz Dealerships, we are not corporate-owned & do not recommend unnecessary services. Stop by or schedule an appointment for free inspection and meet our honest and professional staff. Your Service Team, Call To Schedule a Service Appointment Eurotech Complete Auto Care Dare to Compare? You’ll Save $$$$$ automatic transmission Service tire rotation engine Cooling System Flush & Balance 4-Wheel alignment polybelt replacement (722.6 transmission) Smythe european $235.68 $440.00 $89.95 $124.95 $169.95 $248.75 park avenue motors $237.00 $350.00 $95.00 $125.00 $169.00 $205.00 mercedes-Benz of San Francisco $255.00 $448.30 $107.00 $84.50 $179.95 $205.00 autobahn motors $199.88 $349.88 $69.88 $129.88 $210.00 $205.00 $28.88 $86.88 $88.88 $168.88 Competitor eurotech Complete auto Care $138.88 $288.88 tire* Call us at 650-654-6805 Based on Autobahn Motors 2012 Competitive Price Comparison List. Service Prices do not include tax and hazard waste disposal fees. Eurotech Complete Auto Care prices valid through September 3, 2012. Competitor prices subject to change without notice. Prices are based on a 2003 E320. ** AMG, Maybach and vehicles equipped with Distronic or SBC may be higher. *Continental 245-45-R17 CoLLISIoN SerVICeS Up to 25% off dealer estimate for any collision related services. *Call for details. •FREE Smog Check coupon with service over $250 • Free Car wash with all services • Free air condition inspection 6 25 % * off • Free Car appraising with some services • Free Windshield repair with some services Eurotech Complete Auto Care 171 Industrial Rd. San Carlos, CA 94070 Visit us online www.eurotechco.com Service Hours Mon-Fri 8:00am-5:00pm Weekend and afterhours appointments may be available. MEET YOUR BOARD MEMBERS Eva Gordon, Activities Director LUE Drives Nice “Wow, what a great looking car. What year is it?” It’s one of the usual questions asked by someone who instantly appreciates the car and wants to know more. After all, LUE is one of just over 2,000 220S and SE “ponton” cabriolets made from 1957-1962. Many people have never seen one. Even though she’s German and wears the star proudly, I’m always very happy to reply with the very coolest year of American cars, and say, “1957... and she drives even better than she looks.” It’s true. These old ladies need just a few systems to be supreme driving machines. The ride is sublimely Mercedes—your seat is more like a living room couch, and the number of springs between you and the road is huge. You sit behind a large windshield and are cocooned in a leather and wooden paradise. The road is open and so is the top. It’s hard not to feel like Clark Gable. The engine is a legendary straight six overhead cam that Mercedes produced for many years, 106hp from 2.2 liters of rev-happy Mercedes goodness. This engine can run for days at 5,000 rpm, something you would not attempt with the Chevrolets of 1957. While Chevy solved everything with displacement, Mercedes did it with engineering and production values. For comparison the pushrod Chevy 6 was 3.9 liters, making 140hp. My guess is that the real hp difference is less. To extract the best performance from the 220S, it’s important to redline the engine in every gear, which I do almost always, concentrating on “smoothly, smoothly.” While some criticize the swing axle rear suspension, the Gull Wing seems to make do with the same system. Modern shock absorbers improve the handling characteristics, and radial tires also make a huge difference-- not least in safety. Last, the “four on the tree” transmission is always a discussion starter when I take people for a ride. The spindly gearshift lever is an indication that this gearbox is to be stirred, not shaken. Of course, that ride to lunch just starts another discussion when we park, “Is that a Mercedes?” These cars make excellent starter cars for your first classic car. Of course, buy the best one that you can possibly afford, and buy someone else’s restoration, instead of attempting your own. If that gets too expensive, the ponton sedans are just as distinctive to own and fun to drive, and cheaper by a large margin. Check out www.mbzponton.org 7 WELCOME, NEW MEMBERS May 2012 (Order name badges from the National Business Office, (800) 637-2360, or online at the Club Store www.mbca.org.) Lee Baker, Hayward Warren & Carol Chatmon, Marina Juris Dumpis, San Mateo David Gordon, Santa Cruz Sandra Hayden & Jeffrey Gale, San Jose Brent Ludvigson, Novato Louise Metaxas, San Leandro Frank Prim, Petaluma Basim & Sonia Sayigh, Menlo Park Alice Simon, Carmel Debra Summers, Redwood Shores Brian Williams, Santa Cruz Rick & Marcia Wilson, Soquel Kristin Wood, San Jose 8 MEMBER ANNIVERSARIES We’re proud to recognize our SFBA Section members who have recently celebrated a milestone MBCA membership anniversary. We appreciate that you’re part of MBCA and hope that you continue to enjoy the benefits of your membership for a long time. Congratulations! Nick Wilhelm, Lafayette, 15 years Howard & Portia Strause, Lafayette, 15 years Peter & Susan Smith, San Jose, 15 years Rich Persoff & Ann Bornstein, Watsonville, 15 years Ricky Wylie, Oakland, 5 years Eric Wee, Palo Alto, 5 years David Volk, Ross, 5 years Anthony Loo, Orinda, 5 years BLACKHAWK AUTO MUSEUM TOUR, MAY 19, 2012 Sometimes the pictures are better than words! 9 A DAY AT THE RACES—BENZ STYLE by Jack Weir, President And style there was a-plenty on June 3rd. In the race-day garb of our members, in the beautiful thoroughbreds we watched, and in the plush treatment we received in the exclusive Turf Club at Golden Gate Fields. After cocktails and a delicious buffet lunch, the races and betting—and even some winning!—began. Several members were able to watch the 4th race, named in the club’s honor, from the Winner’s Circle. We even had our picture taken with the winning jockey. Our “Day at the Races” was sold out, and our signature “Mercedes Only” parking signs were presented to first-time attendees, the Eskildsen’s and the Taniel’s. While we may not repeat this event each year (we have so many “favorites”), we’ll be back sometime in the future. Many thanks to Eva Gordon for making all the arrangements, and to Kara Pannu and Mauna Wagner for serving as hostesses. Incidentally, it was universally agreed that the view of SF Bay from the Men’s Room is spectacular! 10 OLD SAN FRANCISCO MINT TOUR Saturday, July 28, 2012 RESERVATION FORM Names of attendees: Address: City/Zip: Phone: E-mail: MERCEDES HERITAGE TECHNICAL EVENT Saturday, August 11, 2012 RESERVATION FORM Names of attendees: Address: City/Zip: Phone: E-mail: First Event: Y N First Event: Y N ____ persons @ $15 ea. = $________ Enter a question about classic Mercedes-Benz vehicles to have the topic covered at the event (if possible). Make checks payable to SFBA/MBCA and mail to: Ann Bornstein 61 Devon Court Watsonville, CA 95076 (831) 786-0782, [email protected] ____ persons @ $7 ea. = $_______ Make check payable to SFBA/MBCA and mail to: Richard Simonds 2909 Brittan Avenue San Carlos, CA 94070-3520 (650) 592-7613, [email protected] Reservation deadline July 16, or when limit is reached. For confirmation, include e-mail or phone number above. Confirmation will be sent upon receipt of registration, or register online at http://sections.mbca.org/sfba/section_ calendar.htm.. Reservation deadline, August 3 or when limit is reached. For confirmation, include phone # or e-mail above, or register online at http://sections.mbca.org/sfba/section_ calendar.htm. MONTEREY PENINSULA YACHT CLUB DINNER Friday, August 17, 2012 RESERVATION FORM CLASSIFIEDS Names of attendees: Address: City/Zip: Phone: E-mail: First Event: Y N Display car @ Legends of Autobahn: Y N Phone day of event: _______________ ____ NY Steak @ $40 per person = $________ ____ Seafood @ $40 per person = $________ Total enclosed: $________ Make check payable to SFBA/MBCA and mail to: Mauna Wagner 31 Banbridge Place Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 (925) 934-7220, [email protected] For confirmation, include e-mail or phone # above. Conformation will be sent in order of payment received, or register online at http://sections.mbca.org/sfba/section_ calendar.htm. No ads this month. Please support our commercial advertisers! They support our club. Be sure to tell them that you’re a member of the club and saw their ad in this newsletter. [Remember, classified ads are free to members, $25 for non-members. Your classified ad will appear both in the newsletter and on our web site for one month. Send your “for sale” or “wanted” ad to Laura Simonds, editor, [email protected], or (650) 5926318 fax.] WHERE MONEY WAS MADE (Continued from page 1) Francisco Museum and Historical Society’s plan to renovate the building and establish a permanent home for the San Francisco Museum won unanimous support from the Mayor’s Old Mint Task Force. Reservation deadline is July 16. Please register online at http:// sections.mbca.org/sfba/section_calendar.htm (or form on page 11). Questions, please contact Kara Pannu at (415) 205-0790 or [email protected]. 11 VOL. 50 NO. 7 • SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA SECTION • JULY 2012 MAILING ADDRESS: 2909 BRITTAN AVE. • SAN CARLOS, CA 94070 Please send any address changes directly to MBCA at 1907 Lelaray Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80909, or call 1-800-637-2360. We cannot process address changes locally. FIRST SUNDAY DRIVE, JUNE 3, 2012
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