Spring 2017 Drive Whatcom

In This Issue: Rolls Royce is still the epitome of class................................C3 Lynden Service Center’s best maintenance advice.................C4 And much more!

A supplement of the

&

C2

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 | Ferndale Record

DIEHL Take new retail delivery from dealer stock by 5/1/17. Restrictions apply. See dealer for qualifications and complete details. 2Must be a business owner to qualify and provide proof of business: license, FIN code or certify your business on fortoughtruck.com for eligibility. Take new retail delivery from dealer stock by 5/1/17. Restrictions may apply. See dealer for qualifications and complete details. 3Based on IHS Markit CY 1985-2016 US TIP registrations, excluding registrations to individuals. TIP registrations prior to 2010 do not include all GVW 1 and 2 vehicles. 4Dealer to insert disclaimer.

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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 | Ferndale Record

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Rolls-Royce: Still the epitome of class Bellingham collector Ron Jepson has two of these classic cars

By Elisa Claassen for the Lynden Tribune

BELLINGHAM — “He loves his Rolls-Royce,” said Riad Youseef, of The Autohaus, regarding local car collector Ron Jepson.

And what isn’t to love? The elegant 1980 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II fourdoor sedan has a tan interior and sports a champagne exterior on what used to be a two-tone finish.

Car statistics say that this model can accelerate to 60 miles per hour in almost 11 seconds and top out at 115 mph. It has all-around disc brakes, independent rear suspension, self-leveling suspension, and rack-and-pinion steering.

But the crux of a Rolls-Royce goes beyond that. It even goes beyond the image of belonging to the upper versus the lower class. It resides in the incredible quality of its construction. “They are hand-built,” Jepson said. “They aren’t mass-produced. They have wood veneer and lots of leather.”

With barely above 100,000 miles on it, this one still has its original engine and transmission. Its braking system, a point of consideration for Rolls-Royce cars, has also been maintained, Youseef said.

The Bellingham businessman and head of Jepson Engineering started collecting 12 years ago. In addition to this Rolls-Royce, he has another that is a 1984 convertible with 46,000 miles on it, as well as a 1972 Jaguar sedan and a 2001 Bentley Arnage. When asked where he drives them, the reply: “To dinner, out with clients. ... I have fun with them!

They are very reliable and fun to drive.”

Once Jepson’s garage got a bit full, the Rolls Silver Shadow “rolled” out to be on display — and for sale at $24,999.

“It’s such a pretty car,” Jepson said.

He found it in Palm Springs, California, 10 years ago. He figured a desert car would be less likely to have rust issues.

The dealership there, once touted as the largest Rolls-Royce dealership in the world, tends to focus on newer models.

The Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow of vintage car collector Ron Jepson is on display, and for sale, at The Autohaus in Bellingham. The four-door features a tan interior with a champagne exterior finish and, of course, the beautiful English styling. (Courtesy photo/Riad Youssef) Exotic Motor Cars, closer to the Palm Springs Airport, handles estate situations with a selection of vintage models.

Jepson’s car, from an estate dispersal, had one owner previously. “They tend to have few miles on them. Two to three thousand a year is typical.”

Once a car reaches “collector status,” usually around 30 years of age, it can qualify for a special collector’s license plate, which this one has for Washington State.

The car is now sitting in The Autohaus showroom at the intersection of

Franklin and Ohio streets, beneath a vintage Texaco sign alongside an assortment of BMWs and other luxury cars.

Jepson, serving as the driver, has used his Rolls to chauffeur brides and grooms from several local weddings to their receptions.

As Jepson has driven the Rolls around town, he has been surprised, and delighted, by the response of younger community members. “You get lots of thumbs-ups. They appreciate a wellmade product.”

While he hasn’t joined car clubs

and sat around at events to talk all day, he has had similar encounters when he simply parks and goes on his errands. He enjoys the questions.

When Jepson grew up in England, there were two particular times that all regular English folk could possibly ride in a Rolls — to their weddings and later to their funerals (since most British hearses are Rolls).

“I grew up wanting to beat those odds,” he laughed.

See Rolls-Royce on C6

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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 | Ferndale Record

Spring Drive Whatcom

Computers make cars more complex than before Lynden Service Center advice: ‘Look under the hood once in awhile’

By Ashley Hiruko reporter@lyndentribune.com

LYNDEN — For the last 33 years, Ken VanMersbergen and Jerry Brann have owned Lynden Service Center and worked on cars of various makes and models. And a lot has changed since first starting back in 1984.

“Traffic is a lot worse and I don’t know everybody in town anymore like I used to,” co-owner VanMersbergen joked. “But it’s good for business. There’s a lot more cars on the road and a lot more cars need fixing.”

VanMersbergen and Brann met while working at Hinton Motors in downtown Lynden, before the car dealership relocated to its current location on the Guide Meridian. At the time, Brann and VanMersbergen decided to break out on their own.

The pair already had years of experience under their belt. It was in 1971 that VanMersbergen first began his long career in cars. He was a senior in high school.

“Cars weren’t very complicated in 1970 and cars are now,” VanMersbergen said, “with all their computers talking to each other. Everything is computerized, it seems like.”

The computerization of cars has led to a decline in people’s general interest in cars,

Jerry Brann (left) and Ken VanMersbergen have owned Lynden Service Center for 33 years. (Ashley Hiruko/Lynden Tribune) he said. People are no longer working on their own cars like they used to when VanMersbergen’s interest was first piqued. In turn, this has led to a shortage of mechanics, one the Lynden Service Center has felt.

“You can’t soup up (cars) or anything like that because immediately you’ll end up with the ‘check engine’ light on,” he said. “Subtle changes every year happen and you learn those changes, but for a guy to just step into the field right now — it’s so complicated. He can’t just do that.”

VanMersbergen, who is 63 and not far from retiring, still works on a regular basis at the service center. He has plans of retiring someday soon, but the shortage of mechanics puts his retirement up in the air.

“I can’t retire because I can’t find someone to replace me,” he said. “I don’t want to do this all my life. I want to take some time off to travel and see some

things. Right now, it’s like I live here.”

But VanMersbergen isn’t complaining. He thrives in the car environment.

For years he and Brann have helped numerous customers, lending advice in car purchasing and maintenance.

There’s one bit of advice VanMersbergen would like to offer the average car consumer, one that doesn’t require a lengthy background in vehicles: “Look under the hood once in awhile.”

“Customers come in here and we’re changing the oil and there’s nothing reading on the dipstick,” he said. “They are in the process of ruining their car, and they don’t even realize it.

“Check under your hood once in awhile and make sure your fluid levels are where they should be.”

This, he said, will make all the difference when it comes to maintaining your car.

Spring Drive Whatcom

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 | Ferndale Record

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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 | Ferndale Record

Spring Drive Whatcom

Rolls-Royce: How to obtain collector plates through DOL Continued from C3

Finding luxury cars at The Autohaus In 1999, the family-owned business The Autohaus opened in Blaine as a wholesale operation. After being in Ferndale for five years, it ended up in downtown Bellingham at the corner of Ohio and and Franklin streets in 2006.

Once a warehouse for Bellingham Transfer Inc., a transportation company, this place was revamped to have a retro-industrial vibe with a collection of toy cars lining the sales offices and comfortable seating throughout.

Signage on the walls came from a relative who owned the Starvin Sam’s gas stations locally.

While the Ferndale spot brought a broader array of classic cars including Model A and Model T Fords, now in Bellingham BMWs, Mercedes and Land Rovers are the specialties. More recently, Lexus have been added to the lineup.

Sales consultant Riad Youssef, part of the family that owns The Autohaus, says it has stayed busy even during recent economic downturns. While many potential buyers are concerned about the cost of maintaining fine vehicles, Autohaus gives support by selling the service and parts of pre-owned luxury vehicles at cost, he said. “Anything and everything car-related” is his motto.

Another reason for continued success is having happy customers. Business is 60 percent is repeat from the strong customer base, Youssef said.

Recently, a technician was added to the team, although Harmony Motorworks of Bellingham is also highly recommend for providing maintenance for the European cars.

Every Rolls-Royce is “hand-built,” not mass produced on an assembly line, notes Bellingham collector Ron Jepson.

And the engine delivers good acceleration power for a heavy vehicle. (Courtesy photos/Riad Youssef)

You can get collector license plates if ...

lector vehicle.

• It may be driven to and from car shows, circuses, parades, displays, special excursions, club meetings, for testing purposes and for the pleasure of others without compensation.

The initial cost of plates is currently $56.75 for a passenger vehicle or truck and $50.75 for a motorcycle. For more details about the program, contact the Department of Licensing.

According to the Washington State Department of Licensing, Collector Vehicle license plates can be issued if: • You have current registration.

• The car is more than 30 years old.

• It is capable of operating on a highway.

• It is owned and operated as a col-

Writer’s Footnote: When I was a child I enjoyed reading a popular detective series for children called “The Three Investigators.” The boys, who weren’t old enough to drive, had acquired a Rolls-Royce with a chauffeur through a contest. They took the car to meet their clients.

Spring Drive Whatcom

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 | Ferndale Record

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McEvoy celebrating 85 years Friday Come by to Irongate site at mid-day

BELLINGHAM — An 85th anniversary celebration is happening for McEvoy Oil Company this Friday, March 17.

The celebration will be from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the McEvoy business offices at 4040 Irongate Rd. There will be cupcakes from Kat’s Kreations and Primer Coffee on site with a hosted “pour over” coffee bar for any who stop by.

McEvoy Oil Company has been family owned and operated for 85 years now by three generations of the McEvoy family. Tim McEvoy joined the business in 1992 and became president and coowner in 1999. The firm was established 85 years ago in 1932 by Tim’s grandfather, Charles McEvoy. Tim’s father, Pat McEvoy, started the heating oil part of the business See McEvoy on C10

The McEvoy Oil company was founded in 1932 by Charles McEvoy and is now in a third generation of the family. The base of operations is in Bellingham’s Irongate complex. (Courtesy photo)

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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 | Ferndale Record

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Van Loo’s gains a following of happy customers Brothers keep going the shop their dad Evertt began 50 years ago

By Calvin Bratt editor@lyndentribune.com

From left, Jack and Roy Van Loo carry on the automotive repair business started by their dad Evertt over 50 years ago. (Calvin Bratt/Lynden Tribune)

LYNDEN ­— Out of 774 reviewers on online SureCritic Reviews, Van Loo’s Auto Service wins the top five-star rating from 95 percent of them, four-star from 4 percent more, for a 99 percent approval rating.

Here’s a sample of the comments: • “very capable ... a terrifically good job.”

• “expertise ... they go into fine detail explaining the problems with my car.”

• “I appreciate your work on our Ford Ranger; it runs like a charm, and we know it’s better and safer than ever.”

• “I got great customer service for an affordable price. Also, it was awesome how quickly my car was ready to go with all problems fixed.”

Brothers Jack and Roy Van Loo readily acknowledge that their standing with customers is something they value highly — even when it’s a busy place with jobs stacked up to get done.

Sometimes it can be a challenge to do it all ­— get the job done well, and on time, and at a good price.

“We strive to please our customers,” Jack said. “We treat them like family,” Roy added.

It helps immensely that in 2008 Van Loo’s Auto Service went through a complete transformation of the facility at 205 Liberty St. From two adjoining buildings a new unified one was created with a new front entrance, a new three-bay wing, and a blended roofline. Brother partners Jack and Roy Van Loo couldn’t have been happier with the result.

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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 | Ferndale Record

Spring Drive Whatcom They can’t imagine not having done the upgrade.

“It was a big change, all good,” Jack can say now. “We had to do something. (The old set-up) was to the point that it needed some help.”

Contractor DeYoung & Roosma completed the work by Thanksgiving that year, and the Van Loos could finally enjoy a proper office area that was not a trailer in the alley.

“Our first winter was much warmer than it was in the old building,” Jack cites as another immediate benefit.

In fact, the big remodel could be considered such a big step forward then that the marking of 50 years in business in 2016 went more low-key last year.

It was in 1966 at the corner of Third and Front streets that their dad, Evertt Van Loo, took over the Mobil gas and service station that had been run by Vander Pol & Maas to that point.

Evertt had earned his credentials as a mechanic and service manager for Hinton Motors when it was located downtown in the space that is now the Dutch Village Mall.

Ironically, it had started across the street at Third and Front too, in what became Charlie’s Auto Body.

In 1977 the Van Loo’s business moved to its present location, where Modern Auto Body had been.

Along the way, Jack had been off to get a University of Washington education and was only going to help his dad as a fill-in for the summer of 1975 until moving on to something more permanent. Something happened. He stayed.

“I came back and never left.”

Roy, who had been working at S&H Auto Parts for a number of years, came in as a partner in 1999, and it has been a success, as the customer reviews attest.

Van Loo’s Auto Service does the full range of domestic and foreign auto and light truck repair. They can have as many as seven bays for four employees to work in. The brothers feel they are set up with a good facility for well into the future.

The Van Loo’s Auto Service facility was thoroughly transformed with a complete rebuild in 2008. (Calvin Bratt/Lynden Tribune)

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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 | Ferndale Record

C10

McEvoy: Participates in community outreach

Local agriculture is one big sector for the use of Texaco and Valero products from McEvoy. (Courtesy photo) Continued from C7

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in 1955.

Now with over 32 employees, McEvoy Oil continues to serve the Puget Sound region with quality fuels and lubricants to customers throughout the Northwest.

The company is the largest branded wholesaler in Whatcom County, representing Shell and Valero products. It also provides on-site fueling to clients in the construction, industrial, agricultural and marine industries.

McEvoy Oil was recognized as the 2012 “Top Overall Performer” in the entire United States by the Royal Dutch Shell Company.

McEvoy shows its support of the community by participating on various boards and partnering with nonprofit organizations including the Boys & Girls Club and Action for Africa.

“Each of us is committed to conducting our personal and professional lives in a manner that will bring credit to ourselves, our families, and to our company.

We attempt to do so each day, as we remember to enjoy the journey while looking forward to the years ahead,” says the McEvoy website.

Customers and neighboring businesses are invited to come by and celebrate the anniversary with McEvoy.

Spring Drive Whatcom

Northwest Honda rates high in consumer satisfaction BELLINGHAM — Northwest Honda has been awarded a 2017 DealerRater Consumer Satisfaction Award, an annual recognition given to auto dealerships delivering outstanding customer service as rated by online consumer reviews.

DealerRater, a leading car dealer review website, created the Consumer Satisfaction Award program to let online car shoppers instantly give feedback on dealers providing high-quality customer service.

The awards are given to the top 10 percent of U.S. new-car dealers based on their PowerScore as well as top independent and Canadian dealerships that receive at least 25 annual reviews and maintain an average PowerScore rating of 4.0 out of 5.0.

Northwest Honda has consistently achieved high scores on the DealerRater website. Online shoppers visiting Northwest Honda’s dealer page will find a “2017 Consumer Satisfaction Award winner” badge on the profile.

Northwest Honda had this to say when the latest results were shared: “We are so proud to have achieved such a high level of customer satisfaction. This award has been a goal of ours these past few years and all of our employees have worked hard to provide excellent care to our customers. We want to give a huge thank-you to all of our customers for their business and for taking the time to share their experiences with us online. Customer service will continue to be our #1 priority and we hope that we can earn this honor year after year.”

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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 | Ferndale Record

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New Chrysler minivan brings safety, options to the road Pacifica received high marks across the board in safety categories

By Brent Lindquist brent@lyndentribune.com

BELLINGHAM — The Chrysler Town & Country was a mainstay in the Chrysler line for decades, but now the company has a new minivan on the market, bringing to the table a variety of cutting-edge features.

“They went to a whole new design and a whole new vehicle,” said Jay LeClair of Rairdon’s Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Bellingham.

Production on the Town & Country’s replacement began in 2016 for the 2017 model year, and LeClair touts the van’s safety features first and foremost. The Pacifica boasts high marks in the safety department, earning five-star ratings in every category except for rollover (it earned four stars in that category), leading to a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

As far as convenience goes, the Pacifica includes many options and features making it a versatile vehicle for many different needs.

Stow’n Go seats are one popular option specific to Chrysler minivans. This feature allows seats to fold down to make room for cargo, or fold back up for people to ride on.

Chrysler’s Uconnect system helps keep kids in the backseat entertained via screens on the backs of the driver and passenger seats, an option that allows streaming from a tablet to the two 10-inch screens. Built-in games and apps are included.

Hands-free power sliding doors and a liftgate are also featured, including an op-

The Chrysler Pacifica boasts both strong fuel efficiency ratings and safety scores. (Courtesy photo/Chrysler) tional foot-swipe activation system that opens the sliding side doors and rear cargo door.

This year will bring a hybrid model to the table, the first hybrid van of its kind.

LeClair said the hybrid version is expected to get somewhere in the ballpark of 90 mpg (miles per gallon equivalent, used to measure mpg for hybrid vehicles), making it

one of the most fuel-efficient minivans ever created. The gasoline model is rated for 28 MPG on the highway and 19 in the city, making the base model quite fuel-efficient as well.

“It really does get good gas mileage for a van,” LeClair said.

For drivers with kids, the Stow ’n Vac option is available on the top-of-the-line

model, and includes a Ridgid-made vacuum cleaner in the second row of seats designed for cleaning up dry spills.

“This is a good family car,” LeClair said.

For more information on the Chrysler Pacifica, visit Rairdon’s at 1615 Iowa St. in Bellingham, or call the sales department at 255-4800.

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, March 15, 2017 | Ferndale Record

C12

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