Southwest star magazine 2014 3rd quarter

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The Southwest Star COVERING THE SOUTHWEST REGION OF THE MERCEDES-BENZ CLUB OF AMERICA VOLUME 2, NUMBER 3

The Nürburgring 24 Hour Race Looking back at the 190 ABC Pump Rebuild Francesca Aiello’s Fashion Week Swim debut

Your cars, your events, and your stories

Page 1 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Page 2 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Page 3 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

The Regional Director’s Corner Communiqués from the section presidents A world traveling G-Class

10 12 - 21 24

32 A look back at the 190 42 An ABC Pump Rebuild 48 Francesca Aiello at Fashion Week Swim 40 Just another Friday night in So Cal 60 A Mercedeswin at this year’s LeMan 65 Live from the Nürburgring 24 Hour

San Diego at the Encinitas Classic Cruise

74

Page 4 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

82 Orange County at The Muck 88 A Weekend With Desert Stars 92 Chaparral visits Kitt Peak 96 Los Angeles @ Warner Brothers Studios 100 Eurotopian, 60 cars, & Angeles Crest 110 An owner and his R107 113 San Diego at Cars and Coffee Carlsbad 122 Members' Stories 126 Upcoming Events 130 Eurotopian at Hero Motorsports

and much more

Page 5 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

The Southwest Star Covering the Southwest Region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America September 2014 Editor-In-Chief

Marcus Blair Fitzhugh



Managing Editor

VeeAnn Hegreberg



Creative Director

Karcy Bowles

Contributors Mercedes-Benz USA, Steve Ross, Peter Samaha, Mike Zonnefeld, Debbie Ichiyama, Tommy Alvarado, John McCully, Paul Bergstrom, Joslyn Salisbury, Michael Cooper, Richard Alsager, Dave Anderson, Thomas Barker-Detwiler, Barbara Benson, Joseph Binsfeld, Bud Cloninger, Dee Cloninger,Matt Crawford, Lynn Davison, Sam Dituro, Laura Dykstra, Kenneth George, Randall Gottschalk, Lynn Hearn, Mark Ichiyama, Diana Kruse, Jimmie Legrand, Dorothy Lindeman, Rex Mazonowicz, Bill McLin, Paul Miller, Mike Minges, Calos Munoz, Chris Murray, Marlyn Ortiz, John Phin, Roberta Phin, Thomas Read, Fran Schoenfeld, Blake Smith, Brigitte Sutherly, Lana Tbilisi, Michael Turner, Mark Wilson, Kevin Wright, Tina Wright,and probably 14 other people we’ve forgotten. We apologize to anyone we’ve left off the list.

Please send us a note and we’ll correct it.

Southwest Region President - Steve Ross Channel Islands Section President – Peter Samaha mbcachannelislands.org ◊ Ventura-Santa Barbara Counties, California Chaparral Section , President - Mike Zonnefeld www.tucsonsmercedesclub.org ◊ Tucson, Arizona Desert Stars Section President – Debbie Ichiyama desertstars.mbca.org ◊ Phoenix, Arizona Las Vegas Section President - Tommy Alvarado www.mbca-lasvegas.org Las Vegas, Nevada Long Beach - South Bay President John McCully www.mbcalb-sb.com ◊ Long Beach and the South Bay area of Los Angeles County, California Los Angeles Section President - Paul Bergstrom www.la-mbca.com ◊ Los Angeles, California Orange County Section President – Joslyn Salisbury www.mboc.info ◊ Anaheim, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach and Orange, CA. San Diego Section President - Michael Cooper sandiego.mbca.org ◊ San Diego, California The Southwest Star Magazine is published quarterly by Fitzhugh Media and we welcome all contributions. Any and all items submitted to The Southwest Star Magazine will become the sole property of The Southwest Star Magazine and are subject, but not limited to editing, comments, and titles.

The Southwest Star Magazine is a trademark of Fitzhugh Media. All rights reserved. This magazine may not be reproduced in part or in full - in print, by digital media, broadcast, or in any other manner without the express written permission of Fitzhugh Media. That said, permission is regularly given, so please, just ask first.

The publishers of The Southwest Star Magazine believe the content of the magazine to be reliable and correct at the time of publication. We do our best but no representation is made as to the accuracy hereof as this magazine is subject to errors and omissions. With that in mind, neither the publishers nor contributors can be held responsible for any effects arising from the content of The Southwest Star Magazine. This may include but is not limited to excessive time spent tinkering with, admiring, discussing, or dolling out money on Mercedes-Benz vehicles. The views expressed in The Southwest Star Magazine are those of the individual contributors and not necessarily those of the publisher. Advertising is accepted with the understanding that it is accurate and does not contravene the Trade Practices Act. Inclusion of an advertisement should not be construed as an endorsement by The Southwest Star Magazine, the publishers or contributors.

The Southwest Star Magazine is independent of Mercedes-Benz, Daimler AG, its subsidiaries, the Mercedes-Benz Club of America, all individual MBCA regions and the associated sections. Neither Fitzhugh Media nor The Southwest Star Magazine is responsible for any claims made by its advertisers or partners. In addition, neither Fitzhugh Media nor The Southwest Star Magazine is responsible for injuries, losses, or damages, to property or self.

All that said, feel free to contact Fitzhugh Media at Info@FitzhughMedia.com

Page 6 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

5475 Car Country Drive Carlsbad, CA 92008 (760) 438-4454

Best of the Best Dealer

Complete Custom Detail Regular $175.00 For MBCA Club Members $129.00 **Plus FREE loan car for the day.

(Must present this coupon)

10% Discount On Parts and Labor To MBCA Members (Must present Club membership card while making service appointment)

Page 7 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

From the editor’s desk

R

egrets, I’ve had a few . . . .

Frank Sinatra made that line famous. For those too young or with different musical tastes, the line is “Regrets, I’ve had a few, but then again, too few to mention.” It’s from the record “My Way”. The song is a retrospective of a guy who’s at the end of his life. Isn’t that the way we’d all like to look back, “with too few regrets to mention”?

Occasionally regrets come when we invest in “things”, rather than “experiences”.

Things come and go, but we take

experiences with us.

For example, a car is a thing.

you do while you have it is the experience.

What

What’s the

difference? You’re reading a magazine with a rather lengthy events section.

An experience is thumbing through the

events, finding something that interests you, and attending.

The events section is your personal invitation to something meaningful – to catch up with old friends, make new friends, and visit a place you may or may not know about. The place where the event is taking place is a big part of it, but it’s secondary.

“You”, and the people you interact with are what’s really important.

As you’ve no doubt guessed, the staff here at The Southwest Star attends a lot of events; as many as possible. I’m sure the staff has attended things we’ve regretted, but then again, those are too few to mention. I look forward to seeing you out there.

Marcus Blair Fitzhugh

Page 8 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Page 9 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

The Regional Director’s Corner

Wait a minute . . . .

I

n 1953 Studebaker decided that the three-pointed Star would look neat on their new Starliner model. Although it was a very nice badge, Daimler-Benz was not in agreement, even though it is upside down, and lodged a complaint. These badges are very rare so if you

see one maybe you should get it if reasonable, whatever reasonable is. Ironically two years later, Studebaker became the distributor of Mercedes-Benz automobiles.

Steve Ross

1953 Starliner with the offending badge

Page 10 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Page 11 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

The Desert Stars Section’s President’s Desk

By Debbie Ichiyama

I

recently had the opportunity to attend the Southwest Region Presidents meeting held in Palm Springs, Ca. There was an interesting exchange of ideas amongst all the attendees from the other sections in our region. It was nice to hear from other folks and it reinforced

to me how awesome the Desert Stars are in so many ways.

Both Lisa Juhl, MBCA Director of Marketing and Laura Simonds MBCA Vice-President were also in attendance. Lisa provided us with a recap of Marketing and Membership Updates. The National membership numbers have increased over the past six months to 20,825 at the end of April 2014. This number also surpassed the previous high of 20,700 in 2007.

National Marketing is doing some test market strategies in Texas and New York to attract more members through direct mail and email recruitments. Additionally, as you might be aware, MBCA has entered a marketing partnership with Airstream Luxury Coach Vans. Check out the ad in the current Star Magazine.

If anyone would like a copy of the presentation, please contact me.

I would like to thank everyone for all their hard work and dedication in making the Desert Stars section what it is today.

New Star Dust Section Members, “Welcome!”

Bill McLin, Dave Anderson, Jimmie Legrand, Joseph Binsfeld, Mark Wilson, Michael Minges, Paul Miller, Randall Gottschalk, Rex Mazonowicz, Richard Alsager, Sam Dituro, Thomas BarkerDetwiler, and Thomas Read

More Than a Car | We’re a Community

Page 12 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Page 13 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

H

The Los Angeles Section President’s desk i everyone.

This year is moving at such a good pace. I hope you all have enough free time to enjoy this fine weather we’re having in the Los Angeles area.

If you joined us for the April 6th event, both you and I had a wonderful time.

That

event, called High Rent District Car Rally, was a big success thanks to Howard and Betty Green who designed this wonderful Rally.

Afterwards the group finished up at a

restaurant where the winners were announced.

There was a great showing of club

members and everyone enjoyed the day. Thank you for your support.

It’s time to look at your calendar schedule for the month of June and mark the date for the next event. This will be our mid-summer club BBQ hosted by Amir and Mindy Rydan at their residence. Please RSVP as soon as you know your schedule. This event will be a fun day with you club friends.

Following that, our next calendar event will be in August on the 22 nd. This will be our Hollywood Bowl Summer evening concert, celebrating with music from the Beatles - 50 years after their first appearance at the Bowl. We have tickets for 30 guests. This will be a popular event so please reserve your tickets ASAP. For October, we’re planning a trip to the Mullin Museum. That activity will take place on October 25th. We have reserved 30 tickets for this up close and personal look at the museum.

We will round out the club year with our holiday party.

For all the latest updates and club information, please check our website.

If you have any questions or ideas for future events, you can always contact me.

Page 14 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

There is always room for those of you who want to get more involved with your LA Section. Please, just give me a call.

I look forward to seeing at the events Have a fun summer and safe driving

Paul Bergstrom President Mercedes Benz Club Los Angeles Section

Why read The Southwest Star Magazine?

The answer is as clear as the hood on a freshly detailed Mercedes: We cover your cars and your events And we’re free.

Page 15 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Page 16 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

The Orange County Sections’s President’s Desk

H

ello members Hope you are enjoying the summer, complete with "hot August nights"...perhaps you

took a vacation or an interesting road trip in your MB. Our New Members brunch in July gave opportunity to meet and mingle with several new members, and we welcomed back one couple who "returned" after several years away from our section. The venue overlooked a very busy lush golf course, and the menu was extensive and delicious...with champagne, of course.

Our section was delighted to be included with the San Diego section for a day of horse racing at the Del Mar Race track on August 2nd....first, brunch together to get acquainted, then off to view the horses in the Paddock area, and then to sit together in the Club House section for a view right over the finish line. Joint-section activities are always fun and encourage member participation. Thanks, again, San Diego section!

August is our time to elect new board members and directors for the coming term...mixing "experience with new innovations" should equal stability with enthusiasm for future events. We always welcome ideas for car events and social outings. Please see the calendar of events for details regarding the Elections brunch to be held August 31st, and plan to join us.

Safe driving,

Jocelyn Salisbury We welcome our newest Orange County Section members – Ron Davino  Carol Dotson  Dennis Gibb  Wayne Jensen  John Glover  John McDonald Cassandra Smith-Williams  Elliott Stone  Larry Trowsdale  Gerald Zilly

Page 17 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Page 18 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

From the Desk of The San Diego Section President

By Michael Cooper

F

or those that went to the Show & Shine, Thank You for making it such a fun event! Holy Cow…. Lot’s of stuff coming up. August is the month for car lovers. Monterey Week which includes the Pebble Beach Concourse, Legends of the Autobahn, Vintage Racing,

numerous car auctions, a beautiful drive up the coast as well as many other events. We also have our yearly Mercedes Club at Del Mar event. My head is spinning just thinking about all the fun we are going to have.

Two points of business, we are still looking for a new meeting location since the Elephant Bar closed. (We will keep you in the loop on our new location). We are also looking for a handy member to assist with the newsletter. If you have any suggestions for either, please shoot me an email.

The Desert Stars Section has kindly invited the San Diego members to join them during at the sections premier event in Havasupai (See the events section for details) Watch your email as we are doing email blasts from time to time. Some for planned events, some for spur of the moment outings.

(How fun is that).

Please remember to use our

advertising sponsors. Hope to see ya soon.

Michael Cooper President

New San Diego Section MBCA Members Gavin Arthurs  Stuart Comer ~ 2014 E350 Cabriolet Mark Hersberger  Dot Koerner Guy Loranger  Francisco Magallanes (1975 300D)  Beatrice Moras  Chris Maund Dennis Murhphy  L. Richards  Daniel Schmaltz (2010 C300) Mark Souther ~ 1977 450SL Ty Stewart  James Taylor Jr. (2007 E350)

A hearty welcome to all our new members.

Page 19 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Page 20 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

The President’s Desk

S

ummer is here and along with it a major step forward for the Chaparral Section of MBCA. Mercedes-Benz of Tucson has been very supportive of our Section for some time and now has made another gracious move for MBCA members. Your Chaparral Section MBCA

membership has even more value.

Mercedes-Benz of Tucson now offers a 10% discount on Mercedes-Benz parts and labor under the following conditions. 

You must show your CURRENT MBCA membership card.



The work must be performed at Mercedes-Benz of Tucson.



The discount does not apply to tires and service such as oil changes, etc.



The discount does not apply to over the counter parts.

Please note this discount cannot be combined with other discounts.

Let your service representative know of your MBCA membership when you arrive.

Please treat this offer with respect and courtesy and be sure to thank our local Mercedes-Benz of Tucson dealership, as well as our other sponsors, for their support for our Chaparral Section of MBCA. Come join the Chaparral Section Board meeting as well.

The board of directors meets the

second Thursday of each month, except in July and August, at 5:00 PM at Mercedes-Benz of Tucson.

Happy summer and drive safe!

For the Chaparral Section, MBCA

Mike Zonnefeld President

New Chaparral Section Members

Thomas Chance, Robert Hoppe, Cliff Tolnay, Jim Turnbull, & John Wisner,

Page 21 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Page 22 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Page 23 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Ladies and Gentlemen, I’d like to present to you - The World's Greatest Traveler:

“Otto” A 1988 G-Wagon that has been to 172 countries

Page 24 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

G

By Marcus Blair Fitzhugh Photos by Gunther Holtorf

ermans have a word; wanderlust.

It’s an irrepressible desire to explore the world,

simply because it’s there. Some would say that describes Gunther Holtorf. In 1988, Gunther Holtorf and his wife took their G-Wagon on what was supposed to be an 18 month road trip across Africa.

Most of us can understand that.

Eighteen months

sounds a little long, but if your finances are in order, why not? They were going to cut across the continent from north to south. In theory that sounds simple enough. I imagine it has its challenges, but it seems doable. Just keep heading south and eventually you’re done. Except Gunther started 25 years ago and he’s still driving.

The 18 month African road trip took five years.

Next, they decided to take the car down to

South America for a basic tour of that continent. I’m not sure how that happens. Do you just look at your wife and say, “you know, as long as we’re out . . .”?

After crisscrossing South

America, they decided to take the G-Wagon up to Panama. For those who know geography, this was by ship, because there was no road.

They took Panama through Central America, into

North America, all the way to Prudhoe Bay, Alaska. That’s just about the northern tip of Alaska.

Where to from there? Since they were at the northwest end of the continent, why not Goose Bay in the port city of Labrador? That’s the northeast tip of Canada.

Gunther and his G-Wagon have been through 172 sovereign countries, 17 dependent territories, 6 special territories, and 5 de-facto states.

He’s driven to Tibet, Mt. Everest, Sudan, Iraq,

Afghanistan, and was the first Westerner to drive in North Korea last year.

Page 25 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Gunther travels without a suitcase, which I can understand. If you can’t fit it in a G–Wagon, a suitcase isn’t the solution. But think about this – he also travels without a cell phone, a tablet, PC, iPad, or any of the other modern electronics that I can’t seem to walk out to the mailbox without. He doesn’t blog, tweet, post on Facebook, send/check email, or read The Southwest Star while on the road. He does have a Garmin 75 GPS unit.

Those of us who are willing to admit we know nothing about 25-year old navigation devices know we’d be worse off with a Garmin 75 than without one. You see, without one, I know I’m lost. There’s no question about it. With one, I might be silly enough to think there is a chance that I know where I am.

So how does one travel the world like this?

Obviously a passport is required.

Garmin 75 Or passports.

Gunther currently has four active passports and has just applied for a fifth. This type of traveling fills them up rather quickly. The passport he got last year has 42 pages and is nearly full.

The next question may be, “What does something like this cost?” When he started, Gunther estimates that he was spending about 500 Euros per month. Now he estimates it to be about 800 Euros.

He’s financed this excursion with savings, but 500 to 800 Euros really isn’t that

much. Think of it this way, 800 Euros is $1,090 U.S. dollars per month. Assuming the Social

Page 26 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Page 27 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Security Administration isn’t broke by the time I retire, this would be somewhere around a third of my monthly Social Security check. It doesn’t appear that money is a problem for Gunther though.

He’s turned down potential sponsors.

That’s because he doesn’t want their logos

plastered across his car. I can understand that. I’m not a fan of the ‘stickers are us’ look either.

Now you’re probably wondering, how the heck does he travel the world on $1,100 a month when a corner suite at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel is $1,600 a night? Well, as nice as the Four Seasons in Mauritius is, Gunther Holtorf isn’t staying at the Africa version of the Beverly Wilshire.

He

sleeps in a makeshift bed in the G-Wagon’s backseat. I know . . . . here in the states we have a term for people who live in their cars. It’s called “homeless”. But he’s not really homeless, he’s got a home. He just doesn’t sleep there most of the time.

Gunther says the advantage of sleeping in the G-Wagon is that he gets to “sleep in the same bed with the same peculiar smells each night”.

His mattress in the back of the car is the size of

a French double bed and he says, “It’s much bigger than you’d assume. We keep the hatchback open to get breeze, and there’s a sliding roof. We keep it open depending on the security situation.”

Page 28 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

I used to think I was as adventuresome as the next guy. Gunther’s story has confirmed I have zero sense of adventure.

Sleeping in a car for years on end, peculiar smells, and “security

situations” are not part of my retirement plans. Reading about someone else doing it is about as close as I want to get.

Another part of this escapade involves food. Gunther cooks the food he buys in local markets.

According to Gunther, it’s nothing fancy.

He has a gas cooker with two gas bottles that last

about three to four months. In his words “We prepare a real dinner every night. No canned food or fast food. We shop in local markets.” Most of us buy food at the local markets and many of us avoid fast food, but I’m pretty sure it’s not the same thing.

Gunther named his G-Wagon “Otto”. I’ve called certain cars names before. If one got me stuck quite literally in the middle of nowhere, I’d probably call it a few things that aren’t fit for print.

However, Gunther says Otto has never had a serious breakdown.

It has the original

transmission and transfer case, neither of which has been opened up or touched. Let’s face it, a G-Wagon is built like a tank. Here in the southwest, we use them because they have a certain style, but Gunther uses his because it’s indestructible. things even easier.

Gunther’s G is a diesel, which makes

Old diesels run on just about anything that will burn.

That’s convenient

because in certain parts of the world, poor quality diesel that barely burns is about all that’s available.

Page 29 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Things do occasionally fail, so Otto has been loaded up with over 1100 pounds of genuine Mercedes-Benz spares and supplies. Gunther has also packed other necessities in case things go sideways - ropes, a winch and tools. Like many of us, Gunther does take his G-Wagon into a dealer. His goes at regular 100,000 mile intervals. Gunther makes it a point to take Otto back to a dealer in Germany for maintenance. I’d love to see the look on a service writer’s face if I rolled in with a G-Wagon and said, “I’m here for the 100,000 mile service.” About the fourth time through the look of unbelief would be classic.

Like many good things, Gunther’s expedition is coming to an end. The last leg of his journey wraps up this year. Mercedes-Benz has taken note of this story and is are buying Gunther’s G. It will be enshrined at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart.

As you’ve no doubt guessed, personally, I’m not cut out for this type of adventure. I need a real bed, real food, and I’m not a fan of wild animals. However, I do like hearing about this type of thing. Have you got a road trip story? If so we’d love to print it. Crisscrossing the world and running up several hundred thousand miles isn’t a requirement. Some of the more interesting jaunts occur when we plan a short trip.

Page 30 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

.

Page 31 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Mercedes Seeks to Defend its Title at the Nürburgring 24 hour Race

by Kevin Ehrlich Photos courtesy Mercedes_Benz and Kevin Ehrlich

W

ould you willingly spend a weekend at a place with a nickname of the “Green Hell”? For over 200,000 people, the answer is a resounding “YES!”

That’s right, over 200,000

people annually descend on a ribbon of asphalt that winds through rural Germany for

the Nürburgring 24 hour sportscar race. For them, it is not just a race – it is a tradition. This year, the race was held the weekend of June 21-22.

The Nürburgring is located in the Eifel mountains in Western Germany. It’s about an hour east of the Belgian border and an hour south of Cologne and Bonn. The countryside is a mix of farmland, grazing pasture for cattle, and heavy woods. The “mountains” aren’t of the Alpine variety found in southern Germany, Austria and Switzerland, but the topography is rolling with constant elevation changes.

The

weather sweeps in from the Atlantic Ocean across Belgium and doesn’t encounter much resistance until it finds the Ardennes in south

Page 32 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

east Belgium and Eifel in Western Germany.

The track is in a lush, green area that is subject to changing weather conditions – bright sun, torrential rain, fog and everything in between.

Built in the shadow of castle ruins in the town of Nürburg, the track is the area’s dominant feature.

It’s located some distance from

metropolitan areas, and it isn’t “on the way” to anywhere.

One doesn’t “accidentally stumble” onto the Nürburgring.

because you intend to be there.

If you’re there, it is

Everything there is because of the track.

Restaurants and

hotels are named after the track’s famous corners and have racing memorabilia hanging from the walls and rafters.

The local gas station is world famous for the huge selection of scale models in its gift shop.

“Spy photos” found in magazines or on the Internet of prototypes being tested are often either on the track or heading to/from the track. Marques like Jaguar, Aston Martin, and BMW have buildings that stand out and are visible from the track. Hyundai recently joined the mix and opened a gleaming test center building in July of 2013.

Nürburgring is an amusement park for car fanatics.

The track is a notorious 15.7 mile race

circuit with 170 corners (depending on how you count). It was built in 1927 and only modest revisions have been made over the years. A small portion of the track is used for the 24-hour race. This portion has modern-day grandstands, pits, paddock and a wide and flowing smooth track surface.

The 24-hour circuit differs quite a bit from most of the track.

Much of

Nürburgring features a rough surface that winds through the countryside and forest with constant changes in elevation, blind corners, modest track width, and little runoff room. It is so large that three villages sit inside the circuit.

The forest alongside the track is filled with campgrounds – but not ordinary campgrounds. The Germans build huge viewing platforms from scaffolding, wood, scissor lifts and utility trucks.

They bring couches, generators, refrigerators, satellite dishes, flat screen televisions, disco lights

Page 33 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

and music systems. The scale and quality of the construction is very impressive. The campers aren’t just there for a party – they follow the race closely and keep an eye on the television coverage and timing and scoring (unless Germany is playing in the World Cup). When the race starts, flags wave and flares are lit to welcome the cars. Drivers talk about navigating the forest in the night by the brightness of the campgrounds in the absence of other track lighting.

Wood pallets are the universal building block for viewing platforms, showers, tiki bars and sleeping quarters.

The pallets also serve as firewood, so structures are built and then

disassembled during the course of the event as needed to feed the fire. Particular spots along the fencing are home to the same people from the same families and same towns every year.

Multiple generations of families make the trek to the same spot each year. While you may not get your pick of a campsite as a new visitor, you are very welcome to stop and have a beer and make a friend and you will be welcomed into their temporary “home” as a guest.

Although the campgrounds are in the forest, monster speakers pump different types of music depending on the time of day. This mixture of music, alcohol and bonfires might cause some to envision a chaotic atmosphere, but the forest has an amazing feeling of community rather than an out-of-control fraternity party. Of course, you can elect to remain in the relative safety of the grandstands near the main pit complex, but you would miss out on a big part of the experience.

Page 34 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

The 24 hour race is very much a German event. There is significant presence from Mercedes AMG, BMW, and Audi. Porsche usually has a strong presence, but this year Porsche has directed their attention towards its LeMans return. Signage and hospitality makes this flavor very clear.

The main grandstands are known as the “BWM M Power Tribune”, with the “Mercedes Tribune” gracing the first turn – complete with a silver star on the roof. Mercedes, BMW and Audi all have road car displays in the spectator area. The welcome mat is out for anyone who would like to watch or race.

They are very happy to have visitors, but the Germans would run the race regardless

of

interested.

whether There

is

anyone

else

always

a

was

steady

presence of visitors from other parts of the globe, including Japan, Australia, and America among others.

This year 178 cars entered the race, with 165 making the start and participating.

The

starting grid is divided into three groups of 60 cars each.

This is to ensure adequate

separation at the green flag.

Even so, the

slowest cars are barely getting their first lap underway before being overtaken by the fastest cars.

Individual pit garages are shared among five to seven cars and classes of cars are mixed for garage assignments. This is to exploit different pit strategies and help avoid having all the cars of a single garage pitting at the same time. To pull this off, a high degree of cooperation and coordination between teams is critical. Everybody understands the program and works together to give each other as much room as possible.

This year’s entry list is wide and varied.

At

one end of the spectrum were cars from wellfunded factory supported teams.

The other

end was made up of weekend-warriors in beaten and bruised cars with sundry racing miles.

The driver line-up is similarly varied.

With multiple drivers in each car, the 650 drivers

range

professionals

to

from

factory

amateurs

out

employed for

the

experience. The professional’s goal is a podium finish while others are satisfied with

Page 35 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

participating and finishing in a memorable event. For the past several years, the CEOs of both Aston Martin and Toyota have participated as drivers. Those CEOs and others like that the event rules are fairly flexible, allowing for many car classes.

Those classes permit everything from

one-offs and hybrids, down to barely modified/street legal cars that appear to have come directly from the showroom.

Mercedes AMG has had a very strong effort for the past several years, overseen by a large hospitality area overlooking pit exit. Last year (2103), the faithful saw a Mercedes AMG SLS win the event.

That was the first win for a

Mercedes since the inception of the 24 hour race in 1970.

The actual race winning car

from 2013 was in the Mercedes manufacturer display with no ropes or barriers to get in the way of a close look.

For 2014, six privateer SLS entries sought to defend the crown against stiff competition such as the Audi R8, BWM Z4, McLaren MP4-12C, Lexus LFA, Nissan GTR, Aston Martin Vantage and the ever-present fleet of (non-factory) Porsche 911 variants. The wide variety of hardware is part of the magic of the race, but there is absolutely no question when an SLS is approaching and passing. The rumble of the large V8 is not only audible, but those standing close to the track can attest that it makes the ground vibrate. The gullwing doors provide a distinctive scene in pit lane for driver changes.

The race is extremely difficult to survive. The track is a challenge by itself with its numerous corners and elevation changes. there

are

many

cars

with

In addition large

speed

disparities and variances in driver talent and experience. uncertainty

Throw in darkness and the of

poor

weather,

and

the

nickname “Green Hell” bestowed by Formula One driver Jackie Stewart becomes plainly appropriate.

Throughout the race, most cars show scrapes and scratches from contact with

other entrants and/or the barriers. There usually are no “small” crashes or accidents.

Page 36 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

I walked along the back of the garages during the race and could see an assortment of broken wheels and bodywork, along with repairs being made, and early retirements. There is a strong ethos that seeks to keep cars in the race. If a car stops on the course due to an accident or mechanical damage, there is always a chance that mechanics can get there and fix it or get the course workers to tow it back to the garages for repairs.

While weather didn’t play a role in the race outcome, as it did in 2013, this year’s race was none the less grueling.

Of the 165 cars that

started, only 110 cars were credited with a finish.

Rowe

The SLS entries from Black Falcon, Racing,

HTP

Motorsport

and

Car

Collection experienced highs and lows along the way. Sadly, the bright red Car Collection SLS encountered oil and had an unfortunate meeting with a Porsche. Despite being only three laps

Page 37 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

in, that incident ended the day for the SLS. At almost the same time, a Rowe Racing SLS was hit trying to avoid another spinning car in the forest and wrinkled the left rear corner of the car.

That damage was partially repaired with zip-ties. The Rowe Racing SLS worked its way up from the back of the field, only to be retired two hours before the finish due to another accident. A Black Falcon SLS retired in the early morning hours after being hit from behind and suffering suspension damage.

On a more positive note, three Gullwings were among the top seven, with two taking podium positions.

The Black Falcon SLS claimed the second step on the podium and Rowe Racing

repeated its 2013 performance by finishing third. overall.

The HTP Motorsport SLS finished seventh

The Phoenix Racing Audi R8 had a near-flawless run and won by a gap of only 3

minutes in front of the Black Falcon SLS. A total of six SLS AMG GT3s started for this 42nd running of the endurance race. AMG customer teams Black Falcon and ROWE RACING entered two Gullwings in the race while HTP Motorsport and Car Collection Motorsport started with one gullwing each.

Page 38 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

The SLS wasn’t the only Mercedes highlight. A 6 cylinder Mercedes C230 won its class against a fleet of BMW 3-series entries, but it was close.

The C230 bore scrapes along its flanks and

struggled with transmission problems in the last hour. Even as a class winner, the C230 finished 63rd overall.

It was a narrow and extremely commanding 24-hour race. My congratulations to Black Falcon and ROWE RACING for their podium positions. The achievement of placing three vehicles among the positions 1 to 7 in this strong starting field is a clear proof of Mercedes-AMG’s and our customer teams’ firm establishment in these competitive surroundings.

Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Board of Management Mercedes-AMG GmbH

The 24-hour race at Nürburgring is an ultimate highlight in the endurance race programme. In the end, having two SLS AMG GT3 on the podium and three among the seven best is an excellent team achievement. We are proud of the performance of our customer teams, which repeatedly succeeded brilliantly in beating their competitors. Congratulations to Black Falcon and ROWE RACING for the positions two and three. Thanks to all customer teams, all drivers and the entire Affalterbach team, which made this success possible for Mercedes-Benz and AMG by their passionate commitment.

Congratulations to the winners of the team Phoenix Racing and Audi.

Jochen Bitzer, head of AMG Customer Sports

Page 39 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

A voyage to the Nürburgring is a special event for most car enthusiasts. A visit during a race weekend adds a whole new dimension. For a place with a nickname of the “Green Hell,” many people can’t imagine being anywhere else each year for the 24 hour race.

Sidebar: In addition to the main event, there were other events during the weekend. A “Classic” category featured a wide variety of vintage cars on the track. Many of those cars had run in prior 24 hour races.

For the Mercedes faithful, there were

several 190 variants and even a 560SEC. While not competitive for the top honors given the other cars in the classic race, it was still good to see the older cars on track at speed.

This year also featured an appearance of vintage

German

Touring

Cars

which

was

comprised of a fleet of BMW M3 variants, a few Porsches and Opels, and gems like the Mercedes 190 Evo which ran in competition in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Also running

was a 2000 Mercedes CLK model which ran professionally in the hands of Marcel Fässler – the same driver who had just won LeMans the week before in an Audi prototype.

Final Position 1.

Begining Position 4

Vehicle / Team Audi R8 LMS ultra/ Phoenix Racing

Laps Completed 159

2.

1

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 / Black Falcon

159

3.

22

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 / ROWE RACING

157

4.

44

Porsche 911 GT3 R / Falken Motorsport

157

5.

7

Aston Martin Vantage GT3 / Aston Martin Racing

157

6.

20

BMW Z4 GT3 / BMW Sports Trophy Team Schubert

157

7.

15

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 / HTP Motorsport

156

8.

28

BMW Z4 GT3 / Walkenhorst Motorsport powered by Dunlop

154

9.

502

Audi R8 LMS ultra / Audi race experience

153

10.

16

Audi R8 LMS ultra

152

Editor’s Note: A special thanks to Kevin Ehrlich who went to Nürburg West Germany, attended the race, and wrote this article.

Page 40 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Page 41 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

The W201 190: A turning point for Mercedes-Benz

By Marcus Blair Fitzhugh

"The styling of the 190 is head-turning."

- Road & Track, November 1983, on the design of the W201:

W

hen we look at the 190 today, it seems somewhat ordinary. Not dated, just ordinary. I think the 33 years have shown that it aged well.

When introduced in December of

1982, the 190 was revolutionary. This small to mid-size sedan became a milestone for

the future development of Mercedes-Benz models. The 190 wasn’t “luxury by brand”, like the Cadillac Cimarron (a Cimarron was a Chevrolet economy car with a Cadillac grille). The W201 was a genuine Mercedes-Benz, in a new category – the compact class.

With its clearly defined wedge shape and finely chiseled contours, there was nothing restrained about the 190’s looks. The man responsible for this design was Bruno Sacco, and his baby was a major success. As well as providing the basis for subsequent C-Class generations, the 190 sedan was a major step forward for future Mercedes-Benz products.

Although Mercedes-Benz was entering the compact car segment, this wasn’t going to be a cheap, entry level car. Mercedes’ goal was to replicate the virtues of the larger models in terms of luxury, handling, passive safety and reliability. Think of it in these terms – the average car enthusiast doesn’t know which model is the entry level Aston Martin.

Aston Martin.

They just know it’s an

Mercedes had a similar goal; something smaller, lighter and economical, but

always a Mercedes-Benz.

Page 42 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Lighter and more economical go hand in hand, as lighter weight cars require smaller engines, and burn less fuel. This caused Mercedes engineers to rethink the structure while focusing on aerodynamics and innovative materials to reduce weight. The efforts paid off and the original 190 weighed a scant 2600 pounds. This was done without any sacrifices in passive safety.

190 rear suspension

Reconsidering the entire car resulted in a revolutionary new lightweight chassis design.

The

main feature was the multi-link independent rear suspension. Each of the 190’s rear wheels is located by five independent links. longitudinal

forces

effectively

This allows optimum wheel control, with lateral and

balanced

in

all

driving

situations. The rear suspension improved steering precision and handling characteristics. The new rear axle design was also lighter and more compact than its predecessors.

The front axle featured struts, triangular wishbones and anti-dive control.

The new suspension gave the W201

excellent straight-line stability, and being a relatively flat structure, it also left a lot of space under the hood.

Expecting

significant

sales

numbers,

Mercedes-Benz

planned to build the 190 in both the Sindelfingen and Bremen assembly plants. Production began in Sindelfingen, with the Bremen assembly line starting in November of 1983. Production at the Bremen plant was delayed because it required extensive modernization.

This proved to be a

long and expensive process. Prior to the 190, the 123 station wagon had been manufactured in Bremen since early 1978.

Page 43 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

The Sindelfingen and Bremen joint operation was the first time in Mercedes-Benz history that such an arrangement was used to this extent. Despite the plants being several hundred miles apart, they exchanged body components.

For example, Bremen produced the hoods, floor

assemblies, fuel tanks and doors, while all other sheet metal components came from Sindelfingen. The engines, transmissions, and axles were an additional layer of complexity as they were shipped to both plants from Untertürkheim, while the steering gear assemblies came from Düsseldorf.

Production of the 190 and 190 E models began in 1982. The 190D and 190E 2.3-16 followed in 1983 and 1984, respectively. The 190 and 190E were both gasoline-powered, two-liter four-cylinder engines.

The basic 190 engine

was a bit more primitive and produced 90 horsepower, while the fuel injected 190E had 122 horsepower.

The more powerful 190E

boasted a 120 MPH top speed, which was considered fast for the time.

In 1983, the 190 D was introduced with a newly developed four-cylinder diesel engine. This new engine laid the groundwork for state-of-the-art diesel technology in Mercedes-Benz passenger cars.

At the time it was known as the "whisper diesel".

This is because the engine emitted

about half the noise of comparable diesel power plants.

The diesel was very popular and

452,806 190Ds were built over the ten year production run.

In late 1983, the new 190E 2.3-16 was unveiled.

Benz”.

This was a very different “Baby

On the showroom floor, it looked a

little different than the garden variety 190. It had wider wheels, ground effects, and sat noticeably lower. When you got close enough to see the sticker price, you knew you weren’t in Kansas anymore. The 190E had a list price of about $23K, while the 190E 2.3-16 cost $35K.

Or put another way, the 2.3-16 cost

more than a 300D.

The 2.3-16 was more

than just an expensive pretty face. Its 2.3

Page 44 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

liter four-cylinder engine had a newly designed cylinder head with dual overhead cams, fourvalves per cylinder, tubular exhaust headers, and a completely different fuel injection system.

Those are a lot of “parts” so to prove they meant business, Mercedes-Benz showed the public what they could expect for $35K. Four weeks before the 190E 2.3-16 launch, three prototypes set several long-distance world records. The records were set under strict FIA supervision at the Nardo track in southern Italy for 50,000 kilometers. How fast did they go? averaged almost 155 MPH.

The 190E 2.3-16

To put it in perspective, the 190E 2.3-16 was faster than the

Porsche 944, which made its debut the prior year. The road-going version of the 16-valve model went into production in September 1984, in two metallic finishes: blue black and smoke silver.

190E 2.5-16 Evolution II

Years later, the 2.3-16 was replaced by the 2.5-16. The year after the 2.5-16 was released, the 190E 2.5-16 Evolution was introduced at the 1988 Geneva Auto Show.

These cars are

commonly referred to as the “EVO I” and have a different engine, wider wheel arches, a different spoiler, improved braking, and a self-leveling suspension whose ride height can be adjusted by an interior switch. An AMG PowerPack option was available for the EVO I. This option included more aggressive cams, a larger throttle body, as well as ignition and fuel system improvements.

Only 502 EVO I’s were built.

The next year (1989), the Evolution II was introduced at the

Geneva Auto Show. The PowerPack option was standard on these cars and they came with a radically different body kit that included a large adjustable rear spoiler.

The EVO I was so

successful, that the EVO II sold out before it was revealed. Only 502 EVO IIs were built. The first 500 came in a blue/black metallic paint while the last two were astral silver.

Page 45 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

1988 was about the half-way point for the W201 model production, and in March of that year, the one millionth W201 rolled down the Bremen assembly line.

As expected, sales dropped

somewhat during the next five years, but not by much. Another eight hundred thousand cars were sold from March of 1988 until production stopped.

Throughout the course of its production, the 190 had a number of improvements.

Additional

engines were made available, suspensions were upgraded, and the interiors were improved. Yet despite its success and the numerous refinements, prices held pretty steady.

The 190 was

about $23K in 1983, and could be had for $28K in 1993. Prices actually dipped at one point. A base 1991 190E was $3K less than a base 1990 model.

With the level of success the car

enjoyed, some manufacturers would have been tempted to continue increasing prices until the public refused to pay anymore. The 190 was replaced by the new W202 based C-Class in 1994 and even then, the new C-Class was available for a mere $1500 more than the outgoing 190E. The W201 changed the way we look at small car luxury segment.

In fact, if the Cosworth

designed, Autobahn scorching 190E 2.3-16 hadn’t obliterated the ultimate driving machine’s performance numbers, the M3 may never have been built. With the 190, even the BMW crowd has something to be thankful for.

Worldwide Production Figures Model

Designation Production period

Production numbers

190

W201 V 20

1982 - 1984

35,021

190E and 190E 2.0

W201 E 20

1982 - 1993

638,180

190E 2.3

W201 E 23

1983 – 1993

186,610

190D

W201 D 20

1983 – 1993

452,806

190D 2.2

W201 D 22

1983 - 1985

10,560

190 (new engine)

W201 V 20/1 1984 - 1991

83,540

190E 2.3-16

W201 E 23/2 1984 - 1988

19,487

190D 2.5

W201 D 25

1985 - 1993

147,502

190E 2.6

W201 E 26

1986 - 1993

104,907

190D 2.5 Turbo

W201 D 25 A 1986 - 1993

20,915

190E 2.5-16

W201 E 25/2 1988 - 1993

5,743

190E 2.5-16 Evolution

W201 E 25/2 1989

502

190E 1.8

W201 E 18

173,354

1990 - 1993

190E 2.5-16 Evolution II W201 E 25/2 1990

502

Total

1,879,629

Page 46 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Page 47 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

By Alvin Tran

ABC, or Active Body Control, is Mercedes-Benz’ fully active suspension system.

It controls

vehicle body motions and virtually eliminates body roll during cornering, accelerating, and braking. Its semi-active Adaptive Damping System continually adjusts to both the driver’s input and the road surface. This system can make adjustments at each wheel in just 10 milliseconds.

This sharpens handling while allowing the passengers to enjoy the smoothest ride possible.

Active Body Control is the backbone of the new Magic Body Control system with its curve tilting function. ABC has been around for quite some time and occasionally we hear of an ABC pump failure. Being a DIY type, Alvin Tran rebuilt his pump rather than spending $1400 on a new one.

This is how he went about it.

As with any project, this requires expertise, proper tools and an honest assessment of one's own abilities. Some can replicate the success shown here, while others would be better off having a professional perform the work. Keep in mind, when working on the Active Body Control system, it has high pressure hydraulic lines and there is a risk of injury.

The first step should be to

depressurize the system.

Alvin will take it from here I hadn't seen anyone try to rebuild this pump. The procedure actually didn't seem too bad it just takes a long time to take out, fix, install, and add fluid. It is less frustrating than shelling out $1400 for a new pump plus labor.

I spent hours looking for a rebuild kit and managed to find only one place selling them for $69.

Page 48 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

The kit is called a Mercedes Benz ABC Pump Seal Kit, MBZABCSEALKIT, and is available at www.invasionautoproducts.com/mebeabcpusek.html.

The seal kit contains everything you’ll need to replace all the O-rings inside the pump. When performing the service, you should go ahead and replace the ABC micron filter and the power steering filter.

Step 1 Remove ABC pump pulley, I used a puller to remove the pulley.

This is probably the hardest

part of rebuilding the pump. It takes about an hour to remove the pulley. I heard at least 3 loud clicks as it was coming out.

Step 2 Remove the cover and it should now look like this. The yellow arrow points to a snap clip you must remove after you take off the ABC pulley. I used a snap clip plier to make it easier.

Page 49 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Step 3 Note the O-rings.

I have marked with them yellow arrows. A hollow Torx bit is needed. A Torx

40 if memory serves me. Remove the 4 hollow hexagon screws.

Step 4 Remove the other screws all around.

A

special tool is not needed

After you remove the hexagonal screws all around, remove the springs followed by the pressure pistons.

Notice how some of the springs are also broken. Mine were not broken so they did not have to be replaced. Nonetheless the spring dimensions were: length 31 mm, outer diameter 9.2 mm, wire thickness 1.25 mm.

Page 50 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Step 5 Another O-ring…

Step 6 Notice the O-ring on the inner side. I used a screwdriver and a wooden hammer to lightly tap it out and replaced it right away. Note which side faces out and which side faces in.

Step 7 More O-rings…

Page 51 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Step 8 Unscrew and remove the opposite side now

Step 9 The center O-ring is comprised of the two rings in the picture on the left. If you look closely the gray and blue fit into each other like a puzzle, but there is also an O-ring in-between them as well. To remove the older gray and blue O-ring, use a screw driver and lightly hammer it out. I used the wooden side of a hammer and tapped lightly. Place the new one in and you’re good to go.

Page 52 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Step 10 The circular object in orange should slide out pretty easily.

In the 2nd picture it, in the red

boxes, take note of how it fit in to the slits. Some parts are slightly curved or just plain sharp.

This will be obvious when you take it out. Put it back in, the same way it came out.

Step 11 Eventually if you keep taking out the middle pieces, it’ll look like the picture n the left. In the left is the final o ring.

Step 12 If this has been done properly, every O-ring in the kit should have been used. If not, you did something wrong.

Final notes: Reassemble the pump in the reverse order. At this point, the hardest part will be re-installing the ABC pulley. Heat the pulley on a stove and make sure to already have the snap clip on the

Page 53 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

pump prior to this step. After the pulley is hot enough, using pliers, place it back on the ABC pump. When hot enough, the metal will expand and the pulley will slide on with ease. To cool the pulley, I poured water on it.

Miscellaneous thoughts: 

I rebuilt the pump because it was spewing a lot of oil. Because of the oil, I knew the unit had damaged O-rings.



After reinstalling the pump the ABC warning lamp no longer illuminated.



After installation, I filled up the ABC and power steering reservoir with Pentosin CHF11S Hydraulic oil to the appropriate levels.



After starting the car, I cycled the hydraulics up and down to lift and lower the car at least 15 times. I also turned the steering wheel left and right for the power steering fluid.

Page 54 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Eurotopia was launched in November of 2012 in Santa Monica, California.

It all began when a

couple of driving enthusiasts came together looking to share a drive through some of California's most scenic roads. Since these humble beginnings, we've held monthly events and continue to do so to this day. Today, Eurotopia is one of the fastest growing driving enthusiast groups in Southern California with 700 registered users. We have branched out to include more events like car rallies, shows, track days, go karting and more.

Why should you consider attending Eurotopia events? If you live in Southern California, enjoy driving events, and the company of like-minded enthusiasts, then the real question is “Why haven’t you attended a Eurotopia event?” The upcoming events are listed below.

Register now on www.eurotopian.com and receive future event notifications

The August through November Event Schedule August 31 Big SoCal Euro Gathering September 20 K1 Speed Go Cart Racing

Page 55 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Swimwear designer, age 19, makes her debut at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim in Miami Beach Reprinted with Permission of the Associated Press

I

t was nearly show time as designer Francesca Aiello snapped pictures backstage of models in her latest swimwear designs. This was Frankie's Bikinis' debut show for the 19-year-old designer at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim in Miami Beach, but Aiello is a pro when it comes to social media.

"I was nervous at first ... of all the attention. But I'm excited," she said before posting the photos on Instagram and Twitter, where her brand started just a couple years ago and has since taken off.

She is the youngest designer to ever present at the shows in Miami Beach, organizers said.

Aiello (pronounced ah-YELLOW) is a California girl who grew up wearing bikinis in Malibu. With help from her mom, she'd launched the swimwear line by age 17.

"I don't know how to sew, but my mom does and after her first attempt didn't work out, we began our trial and error process of finding the people to help make the right bikini," she said.

The pair found a pattern maker and factory in Los Angeles where the pieces are now made.

"They're not stopping me because I'm only 19," Aiello said. "I've always said that it's really

Page 56 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

important for young girls to know that they shouldn't let their age stop them."

That carefree attitude is present in her (now) third swimwear collection, with bohemian designs and suits in lavender, blue and bright orange.

"I'm always watching the girls on the beach," she said of her inspiration. "I wanted to make suits for every girl."

Page 57 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Her collection fuses the Hawaiian shoreline with southern California style in feminine and flirty pieces with low-cut bottoms and revealing crochet designs. Bikini tops with crisscross backs are ideal for the beach lifestyle and the surfer girl.

Aiello embodied the surfer-chic look as she took to the runway after the show in a white crop top and pants, her long dirty blonde hair bouncing off her perfectly tanned shoulders.

The line can be purchased from online sites like ShopBop and from some boutiques.

Next for the designer: expanding the brand to include clothing that can be worn in places other than the beach — and keeping up those social media posts

Page 58 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

An acquaintance has a new hybrid and recently compared her car with the features included in the 2014 BlueTec E-Class. Aside from all the standard equipment, one feature that stood out was the fuel economy, which is better than her hybrid. Then she discovered the list price on a BlueTec E is less than she paid. She was shocked.

Fortunately, Mercedes-Benz dealers will take a trade-in.

Page 59 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

S

ome say you’ll need some sizzle. A ritzy locale, A good caterer, entertainment, a possible celebrity sighting, prizes, good weather, no scheduling conflicts, and then maybe, just maybe, it’ll work. Others say, “it’s not what you know, it’s what you bring.”

In this case, a father and daughter team decided to put something together. They made a few calls, got the OK to use the corner of a large retail parking lot, posted an invite on some forums and it was on.

When I first heard about the event, I contacted the organizer. I told him I live 10 minutes from the Ventura county border and wanted to ensure he was expecting more than just two or three cars. For those who don’t know the Southern California landscape, from north to south, there’s

Page 60 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Ventura County, Los Angeles County, and then Orange County. I asked a friend of mine if he’d like to come along. Without hesitation turned me down. He didn’t even consider it. He knew exactly why I invited him and said, “Look, I know you want someone to come along so you can use the carpool lane, but I’m not going. Traffic is going to be a nightmare. Look at the route – across the valley, over the hill, and then you have to go past UCLA and LAX. Both ways. On top of that, it’s a Friday night.

There’s no way I’m

sitting in bumper to bumper for hours on end for an event hosted by somebody I’ve never heard of.”

I

suppose it’s a good thing he’s a friend. Someone else might have really given me an earful.

As it turns out, traffic was surprisingly light. Even if it were the usual horrific Los Angeles drive, this event was worth it. People showed up. As the night continued, they kept showing up.

This was a much bigger turnout than I had initially

envisioned.

The

organizers

wonderful

were

people

two

named

Arman and Jaelyn.

Write

those names down.

If you

hear that Arman and Jaelyn are hosting an event, don’t hesitate,

just

clear

calendar and go.

Arman

has

your

You see, been

an

employee of Mercedes-Benz for almost twenty years. Not a dealer employee, but an employee of Mercedes Benz USA. We’ll save the details of what he does for a follow up article. For now I’ll say it’s intriguing work with some very nice cars. I’m also going to make a guess that over the course of those twenty years he’s made friends with people who also like nice cars.

Page 61 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

When I arrived at the event, the first thing that caught my attention was W201 royalty. Yes, royalty. When was the last time you saw a 190E 2.3-16? What about two parked next to each other?

How about three?

Four?

Can you honestly say you’ve personally seen four of these

anywhere in your lifetime?

In addition to the Cosworth 190’s there was a standard 190E that looked new. By new I mean, original paint with no chips, no dings, no dents, no discernable wear, correct hoses, and it even had a Mercedes-Benz Varta battery. Yes, that guy works for MB USA too. Next to his car was yet another very good looking W201. because many

there

were

Cosworths,

there

were

also

This wasn’t simply a 190 meet.

The 190s stood out

so but

other

Mercedes in the crowd.

On top of that, a number of VW owners showed up.

As did some Subarus. Of course

Eurotopian

was

there. Is it just me? Has anyone else noticed that Eurotopian is everywhere?

There was even a Ducati with

a

full

Termignoni

exhaust. As the sun went down, the couple of BMWs that showed up earlier were joined by a steady stream of late arriving 3s and 5s. I arrived at 6:something and people were still coming in when I left 5 hours later.

Page 62 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

The crowd was friendly, willing to discuss their current car, their previous cars, and what they’d like to buy next.

It was like

Cars and Coffee, except you didn’t have to leave the house before daybreak.

Arman and

Jaelyn were great hosts and remember,

when

they

announce another get together, don’t miss it.

Page 63 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

At The Southwest Star Magazine, we’re always on the lookout for your cars and your events.

For your cars, were covering every model Mercedes-Benz we can find – both new and old. The southwest region is swimming in events - MBCA, joint events with PCA, and now our newest friend of the Benz: Eurotopian. What else can we do to get and keep your attention? Race coverage?

We’ve got it. Mercedes is running away with F1. We’ve also got a friend from SoCal, Kevin Ehrlich, who flew to Germany and covered this year’s 24 hour Nürburgring.

Fashion? Lifestyle? Technical articles? Yes, yes, and yes.

Did I mention the magazine is free?

Page 64 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Mercedes wins the 2014 24 Hours of LeMans Photos and story by Kevin Ehrlich

D

id you know a Mercedes sportscar took the checkered flag at LeMans this year? Perhaps some background is in order‌ In 1985, privateer sportscar racer Peter Sauber was looking for something more reliable to replace the BMW

engines that he had been using. He had some good friends at Mercedes and was able to arrange for a supply of engines for his World Sportscar Championship prototype cars. The arrangement was not officially acknowledged at the time. A Swiss engine tuner officially provided the engine, but Mercedes was working behind the scenes. The Sauber and Mercedes partnership would prove to be very fruitful.

Page 65 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Mercedes supplied the turbocharged V-8 as well as engineering resources and sponsorship dollars. This support became more and more evident with each season. In 1988, Sauber cars ran with AEG Olympia sponsorship which was a DaimlerBenz subsidiary. The cars wore a distinctive black paint scheme with a circuit board overlay. While successful at other tracks during the season, two Sauber C9s withdrew at LeMans before the race due to tire problems in qualifying.

In 1989, the Sauber C9 dropped the black AEG paint scheme in favor of a silver paint scheme. This led to the cars being known as the “Silver Arrows”, a tribute to the name previously used by dominant

German

racing

teams

Mercedes and Auto Union.

With Mercedes power and support, the Sauber C9 won all but one of the championship races and also claimed the top two finishing positions at the 24 Hours of LeMans. Those familiar with the LeMans course will know that two chicanes interrupt the long Mulsanne straight. The Sauber C9 reached a top speed of 247 miles per hour in 1989 – the fastest ever recorded at LeMans and the last year the race would be run without the chicanes.

Towards the end of 1989, Mercedes removed the thin veneer of supporting the Sauber “privateer” entries and become a factory effort for 1990. This was a major move for Mercedes – a full factory Mercedes effort had not run at LeMans since the tragic events at the 1955 race (see the June 2014 Southwest Star for details). While the Sauber C9 had been successful in 1989, it was now three years old.

The new Mercedes C11 had its first test in October 1989, sporting advances in chassis design and aerodynamics. The first chassis (C11-89-00) was used as a test bed for several years and never actually saw race action. The list of drivers that ran the test chassis at different times is impressive – Mauro Baldi and Jochen Mass are well known names to sportscar fans. However, the car also was piloted by future F1 stars Karl Wedlinger, Heinz Harald-Frentzen and a young German named Michael Schumacher.

Interestingly, the Mercedes team skipped the 1990 24 Hours of LeMans as it was not part of the World Sportscar Championship. However, Mercedes claimed the championship with the C11 winning every race it entered but one. In all, six examples of the C11 were built – five that raced and one test car.

Page 66 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Why did the model naming go from the C9 to the C11 without making a C10? In German, the pronunciation of “C” and “10” was too similar. (C is pronounced as “tsay” and 10 is “zehn”.) On another side note, the “C” in Sauber’s car nomenclature was a nod to Peter’s wife, Christine.

For 1991, a successor car – the C291 – struggled with reliability so the C11 remained active.

Three Mercedes

C11 cars ran at the 1991 24 Hours of LeMans.

One car (with Michael

Schumacher among the drivers) finished fifth overall behind a Mazda and three Jaguars. The other two cars did not finish.

The C291 was a disappointing car, largely due to difficulty in adapting to new regulations. A successor was in the works for 1992, but Mercedes opted to withdraw from sportscar racing and focus on Formula One in support of Peter Sauber’s entry starting in 1993.

Twenty-five years after the prototype first hit the track, spectators to the 2014 24 Hours of Le Mans were treated to the sight of TWO Mercedes C11 examples in the Group C support race that ran prior to the main event. The test chassis described above is run by Chamberlain Synergy and was piloted by Bob Berridge. Shaun Lynn drove his C11 - the next chassis built (C11-90-01).

Seventeen cars took the green flag under sunny skies on the morning before the 24 Hour race itself. Along with the two Mercedes C11 entries, the field was comprised of a number of Porsche 956/962 models, two Jaguars, a Nissan, an Aston Martin and a few others. The 10 lap race got off to a quick start as Bob Berridge led from the front row and threatened to disappear.

After building a 26+ second lead in two laps, Berridge suffered a front-left blowout at speed on the Mulsanne on his third lap. The car made it back to the pits, but the team opted to retire rather than risk a repeat. Shaun Lynn, however, notched a dominant win with a margin of 32+ seconds over an Aston Martin, a Nissan, a Porsche and a Jaguar.

To provide some perspective, Berridge set the fastest lap during the race with 3:45.873. That pace would have put him on the grid for the 2014 24 Hours of LeMans in 27th starting position – faster than any of the GT entries.

Page 67 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

While Mercedes has no presence in modern-day World Endurance Championship racing and the 24 Hours of LeMans, seeing a pair of Mercedes C11 examples running at speed at LeMans in 2014 and one claiming a checkered flag – if only in a support race – was a treat.

Acknowledgements: the websites for the Sauber F1 Team, Chamberlain Synergy, and Group C racing, the LeMans Group C race report from Dailysportscar.com, and the “Golden Years” book by Ian Briggs & John Starkey were very helpful in preparing this article. Of course, any errors are solely the responsibility of the author.

Page 68 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Page 69 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Have you ever wondered about the Mercedes-Benz Logo??

By Laura Dykstra

Carl Benz founded the company Benz & Cie in 1883, while Gottieb Daimler founded the company Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft (DMG) in 1890. In 1926 the two companies merged into DaimlerBenz AG. Meanwhile in 1898, with the agreement of DMG, an Australian, Emil Jellinek, began to promote and sell DMG automobiles.

In 1900, they began calling them “Mercedes” after

Daimler’s 10-year old daughter. Mercedes means “grace” in Spanish. In 1902 DMG registered “Mercedes” as its legal trade name.

Benz & Cie used the cog wheel emblem from 1903 until 1909 when a Laurel Wreath surrounding the name “Benz” replaced it.

DMG had registered both a four and three-pointed star as its

trademark in 1909, but only used the three-pointed star from 1910 on. The points stand for “on land, on water and in the air” symbolizing both the objective of becoming a universal motorization company, and one of prosperity. In 1916 DMG surrounded the points of the star by a circle containing four smaller stars and the word “Mercedes” as its emblem. In August 1923 DMG registered the three-dimensional three-pointed star enclosed in a circle as its trademark.

In 1926, when the two companies merged, a new emblem was designed combining DMG’s three-pointed star surrounded by the Benz wreath enclosing both the names “Mercedes” and “Benz”. Beginning with a blue shade, the three-pointed star logo eventually became the current uncomplicated and simple metallic gray which represents status.

Page 70 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Page 71 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Page 72 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Page 73 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

The San Diego Section visits

Encinitas Classic Car Cruise Nights

O

by Michael Cooper

n May 15th Downtown Encinitas held the first Cruise Night of the season. We gathered at Charlie’s Foreign to enjoy the evening.

Niko (the proprietor of

Charlie’s Foreign) pulled out all the stops. He presented us with BBQ braut’s and

hot dogs as well as sodas and an open bar.

We enjoyed it all!

We had very nice

gathering of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, so much so that they were spilling out of the parking lot and on to the street. A special thank you to Bob Gunthorp of the Mercedes Club of America, San Diego Section and Jonny B of the W113 Group for getting things organized.

The cars were

parked and situated so all attendees

and

spectators

could enjoy them.

A good time was had by all!

Page 74 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Page 75 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Page 76 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Page 77 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

2014 Desert Stars Annual Meeting It was a great Meeting!

By Debbie Ichiyama

A

great turn out for the 2014 Desert Stars Annual Meeting luncheon at the Tanzy Restaurant.

After starting with mingle time in the

beautiful

bar

area,

we

gathered for a delicious lunch and were entertained by a slide show recap of the past events and important club information.

It

was

nice

seeing

some

members who we had not seen in a while, and fantastic meeting some new ones who made this their first event.

Once we settled into the private dining area, outgoing President

And you thought it was all business

(he hates to be called “retired”), Bud Cloninger, presented plaques to the retiring Directors in attendance, Andrew Flynn and Bob Yoder. Also retiring was John Hutchison. We all owe each of them a helping of gratitude for their time on the board

Above: Dee and Bud Cloninger humbly accepted gifts of appreciation for their years of dedication to the club Left: Andrew Flynn received his plaque for service

Page 78 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

The election for Officers and new Directors was then held. The Officers are President Debbie Ichiyama, Vice President Bob Yoder, Treasurer Dick Sharp and Secretary Don Burton.

Congratulations to our new Director, Ken Borowitz.

Bud was honored, and occasionally roasted, by friends with stories of long ago. We concluded by presenting Bud Cloninger and his wife, Dee, with gifts of appreciation to thank them for all their hard work and dedication to the club over the years.

Above: Bob Yoder received his plaque for service Right: Dick Sharp (not photographed) shared a story and gave Bud a framed memory

Page 79 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Page 80 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Page 81 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Eurotopian visits Hero Motorsports

H

ero Motorsports, a Eurotopian sponsor, opened their doors for a free clinic and lunch.

They have been working on European cars for the past 25 years and hosted this event from their Van Nuys location.

Hero Motorsports is a family owned business run by a

husband and wife team. In addition to running a first class repair facility, opening his doors on weekends to host free clinics and giving away lunch, Kevin is a certified driving instructor and an avid professional driver.

If you didn’t make the event, didn’t get your car corner balanced for free, and didn’t partake of the free lunch, make sure and join us next time. Here are some photos from the event –

Page 82 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Page 83 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

The Chaparral Section visits Show and Shine and Dine at St. Phillips Plaza

by Lynn Davison

S

panish colonial architecture complete with bubbling fountains, classic Mercedes-Benz Benz styling, and a gorgeous day with bountiful sunshine and delightful temperatures made for a

fun filled day for the Chaparral Section’s first ever show and shine event.

We packed 16

treasured cars ranging from 1960 190SL’s through the latest 2014 S550 into and around the plaza.

We had a very good representation of Mercedes-Benz automobiles; seven SLs, two SL Roadsters, an SLK, and six Sedans.

Of course there were prizes to be awarded thanks to Jerry Tucker’s bent for the eclectic. Jack Watters from Seattle won the long distance prize of an Arizona road map, while Nicolas Siemens with his ’85 300D won the high mileage award and received a car deodorizer. He also snapped up the dirtiest wheels category and received a nice wheel brush to keep ’em clean in the future.

Page 84 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Ken George will be able to keep his windshield cleaner now with a bottle of Windex, and that will keep him from winning

the

dirtiest

windshield

category in the future. Our oldest car present was a 1960 190SL, a perpetual concours winner owned by Tom and Lynda

Bosworth

who

received

a

document protector.

The two car show judges, Alexandra Selby and Liz Shaw, decided the car they most wanted to drive home after the show was, no surprise, Jack Watters 2014 S550. Jack was pleased with his toy race car to take home himself.

Finally, our two judges gave the pair of fuzzy dice to new member Siegfried Rosenthal and his gorgeous ’69 280SL because that was the car they most wanted to be picked up in on a first date!

Union Public House in the plaza came through with a German schnitzel plate as a lunch special for us. About 20 members and guests enjoyed a nice view of the plaza and our German machines while enjoying lunch, a fitting end to our show and shine event.

A good time was had by all for our Chaparral Section’s first ever show and shine event. May there be many more.

Page 85 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Page 86 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Page 87 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

T

by Laura Dykstra

he Muckenthaller Car Festival held this last May 17th and 18th was very enjoyable. Of course there were many impressive automobiles of different makes and models. There was music, food and a sense of fun. The weather was perfect! Thanks to our Orange

County Mercedes-Benz Club members, Blake Smith and Lynn Hern, for helping to put on this most prestigious car event. As one individual put it “I am proud to say it was one of the best ever.” These photos and those on the internet are interesting to look at but clicking on the link to YouTube below shows in real time how terrific the event actually was: http://youtu.be/aUI82p9ybeQ

Page 88 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

This was the 20th Anniversary of the Muckenthaler Motor Car Festival. The Muck is the oldest and grandest car show in North Orange County, and hosts Hot Rods and a Concours d’Elegance.

People come here to see the true classics of the automotive industry, which are spread out over eight acres of lawns.

While enjoying the cars, attendees feast on fabulous food and special

brews from Bootlegger’s Brewery. In addition, there were special musical performances in the outdoor amphitheater. Proceeds benefit the Muckenthaler’s youth arts education programs.

Page 89 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

The San Diego Section’s Coronado Motorcars on Main Street

by Diana Kruse

I

t was a perfect day to show off and look at a great selection of makes and models of cars in Coronado.

May 4th was Motorcars on Main Street car show and we had a few of our

members come out and show off their Mercedes-Benz.

Gary Jarvis brought his award

winning 1967 250SL, Bob Gunthorp brought his 200D stretch limousine, Steve Ross brought his 1932 Packard, and Brian and I brought our 1961 190SL. Bob Gunthorp served as Chief Judge and was busy all day. There were a variety of cars and it was fun to spend the day with fellow enthusiasts. At noon a group of us walked over to the Hotel Del for lunch with members of the Packard Club. There, we had a wonderful lunch discussing the cars and dining on great food.

Other MB members who joined us for lunch were Joanne Barnard as well as Del and Mary Baumgartner.

Gary Jarvis’ 250SL

Page 90 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Bud Hartwell’s 1800 Volvo

Page 91 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Desert StarS In The Mirror: Memorial Day Weekend 2014 Road Trip

T

By John and Roberta Phin

wenty-two Desert Star members traveled to Tucson for the long Memorial Day weekend in May 2014. Early arrivers spent Friday evening dining at McMahon’s, and many visited the renowned DeGrazia Gallery in the

the Sun early on Saturday morning. The Gallery in the Sun is a 10-acre historic district in the foothills of Tucson’s Santa Catalina Mountains, and inside and outside the museum buildings are the creative works of Ted DeGrazia.

Saturday afternoon was spent “underground” exploring Kartchner Caverns, where the group learned about the discovery in 1974, development after 1978 when the “secret” of the caves was disclosed, and conservation of this “living” treasure deep in the earth.

The cavern structures are still growing and changing and we followed our tour guide’s directions to preserve this natural wonder. We then met for Mexican food at Café Poca Cosa.

On Sunday it was out early to head up to Kitt Peak National Observatory, where the group toured

the

observatory.

facility The

and

an

National

Science Foundation signed a lease in October of 1958 with the

Tribal

Council

of

the

Tohono O’odham Nation and started

implementing

what

are now twenty-five optical and 2 radio telescopes on the peak. We then enjoyed a

Page 92 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

picnic lunch catered by Feast on the Ramada at the top of Kitt Peak, which at almost 7000 foot elevation put us close to the heavens! That evening Jennifer Sprung of the Tucson Chaparral Section joined the Desert Stars for dinner at Maynard’s.

And of course we should mention the Happy Hour provided by the Embassy Suites each evening, where the group gathered for snacks and beverages and good company. After dinner many in the group sat together in the garden or by the pool and continued the camaraderie through the night.

For the hearty souls in the group, there was one more tour, a Monday morning visit to the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum, where we saw (most, some?) of the desert animals that are featured at the Desert Museum and the beautiful landscape and specimen plants that are nurtured there. Then one more meal!!! Lunch was at Proper in downtown Tucson completing the weekend.

We all put a few miles on our cars, traveling to the depths and heights and desert floor of the beautiful Sonora Desert and environs. The sites were amazing, but the company was even better!!!

Top Left: MBCA Kartchner Group Top Right: Degrazia sculpture Right: Marianne Hutchison, Rich Schulte, and John Hutchison at the Degrazia Gallery Visit Previous Page: Kitt Peak National Observatory

Page 93 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Eurotopian

Attends Hillbank Motor Corporation’s Show & Drive

H

illbank Motor Corporation invited Eurotopian to a Show & Drive in Irvine.

They met

around the corner from Cars & Coffee at 5:45AM and headed out at 6:00 AM.

The group drive headed east towards Cook's Corner in Silverado, California and finished back in Irvine at Hillbank's showroom where breakfast was be provided. After breakfast, Hillbank provided an intimate tour of their facility. Here are a few photos from the outing:

Page 94 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Page 95 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

The Chaparral Section’s Kitt Peak Tour and Picnic

By Michael Turner

A

perfect Tucson Spring morning, beautiful Mercedes-Benz automobiles and Chaparral Section members; looks like a recipe for a great event.

Six Mercedes-Benz automobiles with 10 Chaparral Section members onboard departed Tucson at 8:15 AM for the short 45 minute to drive to the Kitt Peak National Observatory and our tour of the McMath-Pierce Solar Telescope.

The weather and roads were great and it seemed the drive was too short, even the last 12 miles with 5375 feet of elevation change, up State Route 386 to the Kitt Peak Visitor’s Center.

Promptly at 10:00 AM, our guide (Docent) for the tour, Jim Oakes, provided a short presentation on the History of Kitt Peak and the McMath-Pierce Solar Telescope in the Visitor’s Center classroom. Our group then began the short walk to the telescope.

Page 96 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Upon arrival at the telescope, Jim took us inside the visitor’s observing room and explained the intricacies of the mechanical portion of the 3 telescopes and their mirror configurations.

A very nice description of the telescope complex can be found at http://nsokp.nso.edu/mcmp-inst

Jim next showed us the interior of the administration entrance and the tunnel to the astronomer’s observing and control room. The graphics on the tunnel walls showing the relative sizes of our sun and planets to other stars really brings home the massive sizes of stars.

At the completion of the tour, we returned to the visitor’s center parking lot for our bring-yourown-picnic.

Page 97 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Page 98 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Page 99 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

The Los Angeles Section visits

Warner Brothers Studios

Page 100 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Page 101 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Page 102 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Page 103 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Packards & Mercedes-Benz Wash, Shine and Dine at The Lazy H With The San Diego Section

By Steve Ross

There were too many cars here to get into one photo! That is a great problem to have. Note the four Packards on the left end. There are more Mercedes-Benz around the corner on the right in the photo e believe there were total of 30 cars at the show and four were Packards. A Rolls Royce appeared for a bit and then left. Someone said they were a member of the Mercedes-Benz Club but, I did not get the opportunity to talk to them. Various awards were given and the Packards were judged by Mercedes-Benz judges and the Packard club had a representative on the judging team. I was told there was a lot of discussion about which Packard would be given the judges choice award.

W

While the judging was going on we enjoyed snacks, drinks both adult and soft, did some tire kicking and discussed important issues. Cocktails were served from the trunk of a Mercedes-Benz Limo that was even longer than Mark "B's" Packard Limo.

There was a nice assortment of automobiles there to inspect and compare notes. Shortly after noon the judges were finished with their

Page 104 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

difficult task of picking the winners and we retired to the Lazy H dining room for lunch. Prime Rib was offered for lunch and several folks opted for that.

Page 105 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Prizes

were

awarded to the

“Cleanest”,

“Dirtiest” and “Judges Choice”.

Page 106 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Page 107 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

The Orange County Section’s New Member Brunch

By Laura Dykstra

W

e had a great turnout for the New Members Brunch. It was held in July at the Alta Vista Country Club.

The get together included delicious food, beautiful views of the

golf course and, most importantly, time spent with friends from the club.

It was a

great time to make new acquaintances. Some people have mentioned that we only include in the Newsletter photos of us eating but, hey, that’s what a brunch is all about so here are some photos!

Page 108 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Page 109 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Eurotopian,

, and

R

oughly 60 cars showed up for a Sunday drive up Angeles Crest Highway. Considering a World Cup match between USA and Portugal was live on TV at the time, the turnout was incredible.

The sponsors for this event were Hero Motorsports and Los Angeles Rush

Hour Rally.

Hero Motorsports provided a complementary lunch and $2,500 in raffle prizes were handed out. Thanks to the sponsors, the event was free of charge.

If you’d like to attend a few driving events, but you’re not sure where to turn. Please consider supporting us, Eurotopian, by simply registering at the Eurotopian.com website. Eurotopian is a Southern California based online community for driving enthusiasts. It costs nothing to register and any additional costs are on a

Page 110 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

per-event basis. Basically, if you attend a free event, it’s free. If you attend an event and that event has a fee (track time at Willow for example), you pay your fees for that event.

We look forward to seeing you at a future event

Page 111 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Go, California Chrome, Go! Best wishes for the Triple Crown!

Anyone can frame a photo, but commissioning a piece of fine art elevates even an iPhone photo to a heightened level of intensity.

Artist Jane Roberts captures the essence and energy of everything she paints, adding color and dimensionality that bring her subjects to life.

These one of-a-kind pieces become heirlooms that can be enjoyed for generations or simply cherished every day.

Jane helps you celebrate what you love, be it a boat, a pet, or a Triple Crown contender.

Contact the artist at Jane@JaneRobertsArt.com .

View samples at www.JaneRobertsArt.com

Page 112 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Freunde des R107

A Special Contribution by Desert Stars member Mike Minges

F

irst, I would like to thank our new club president, Debbie Ichiyama, for the opportunity to write a column about a car I hold near and dear. My purpose is to describe the total experience of owning a R107, a car many of us love. My first interaction with the R107s

began in the early 1970’s.

I had recently been discharged from the Army after serving two and one-half years in Berlin, Germany. I landed in Wichita, KS and took a sales job at Scholfield Brother’s Pontiac, Honda and Mercedes-Benz. Only 3 salesmen were allowed to sell Mercedes and it was a position that had to be earned.

What would catch the Mercedes manager’s attention wasn’t volume of sales but product knowledge and demo ride. After one and one-half years of selling Pontiac and Hondas I was given the opportunity to sell Mercedes and I jumped on it. I still remember my Mercedes manager telling me in his Oklahoma accent, “Now Mahke, I don’t want you to kill anyone, but if you don’t scare the folks just a little, you’re just not doing your job.”

OK, boss. It was a grand two and one-half years and I knew someday I’d own a R107 of my own. Skip ahead to last spring. I auctioned off my ’04 Porsche Boxster and went on the hunt. I found in Hemet, CA. what appeared to be my ideal R107, a 1989 560SL. It had only 112k miles on the clock and 3 owners, two of which were in the same family. I was assured it was garage kept and well maintained. As it turned out, “well maintained” means to some the oil was changed regularly. Regular oil changes was all the maintenance it had since 1997. Yes, it was garaged kept but to say the interior was filthy is to say the Titanic took on water. Enough about me and my baby, let’s hear from you. I want to hear about restaurants, scenic back roads and experiences with mechanics and parts sources. Forward your thoughts regarding anything that will enhance our shared ownership experience. R107 owners would like to hear from other fellow R107 owners!

Feel free to contact Mike through the section editor’s email at StarDustMBCA@gmail.com

Page 113 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

The Las Vegas Section’s Spring Mountain Ranch Picnic

The Spring Mountain Ranch Picnic on April5th was a great success.

Mouthwatering dishes appeared on the tables, prepared by members.

Who missed it? 40 Members and 11 Guests did not miss this Las Vegas section event.

Page 114 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Page 115 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

The Chaparral Section’s Run to Mount Lemmon

By Kenneth George

S

ix Mercedes-Benz vehicles and a solitary BMW occupied by eight Chaparral Section members and guests, participated in the annual Mt. Lemmon Drive and Dine. It was a brilliant Saturday morning and everyone had a fabulous time.

The first highlight of the trip was a stop at Windy Point rest area to take in the much cooler air, great views and a photo op. The group then proceeded to the beautiful town of Summerhaven and had an excellent lunch at the Saw Mill Run restaurant.

Page 116 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

It’s amazing how fast time passes when you’re having fun! Let’s make it a point to do this again next year! Enjoy the summer and be mindful of overdoing activities in our wonderful DRY HEAT and be especially careful during the Monsoons. SEE YOU IN THE FALL. The Chaparral Section wishes to thank everyone for attending. And a special “Thank You” to Ken George and Lynn Davison (Mr. Event Meister) for coordinating the Annual Mount Lemmon Drive and Dine.

Page 117 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Orange County Joins San Diego at Del Mar

W

By Laura Dykstra

e had a great time at the Del Mar Horse Races event as guests of the San Diego Club Section!

A lot of people from the San Diego Section attended and we all enjoyed

ourselves meeting new friends. We thank them for the hard work they put into planning this event and we intend to return their kindness. Though it was sunny and warm when we started out for the San Diego area it soon started to rain. Happily we had undercover seating at the races right over the finish line so had a good time despite the weather!

It was a lot of fun

betting on the horses. As well as betting on the favorites we also enjoyed just betting by gut feeling as we watched the horses parade by.

None of us won any money but none of us lost very much either! Just a good time all around!

Page 118 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Page 119 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Eurotopian visits

No, the Mall isn’t open. Those are enthusiasts and their cars

F

or those that don’t know, Supercar Sunday is a weekly event where auto enthusiasts gather to share their vehicles and build camaraderie.

Supercar Sunday is held at the

Westfield Promenade Mall on Topanga in Woodland Hills (the San Fernando Valley). Like

Cars and Coffee, Supercar Sunday brings together a wide array of personalities and vehicles.

It’s not unusual to find a ultra-rare vehicles parked right next to a rust bucket. It’s a community event that allows celebrities and fabricators mingle with everyday car enthusiasts walk. Tourists from around the globe make it a point to visit Supercar Sunday, and with that introduction, it’s obvious why Eurotopian planned a visit. Eurotopian is made up of European car fanatics, and as these pictures illustrate, they were not disappointed.

Page 120 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Page 121 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

T

by Michael Cooper

he San Diego Section had an unofficial gathering at The Carlsbad Cars & Coffee in the Carlsbad Company Stores parking lot.

In attendance were two Mercedes-Benz

limousines, and nice showing of SL’s spanning from 190SL’s to 560SL’s, a new sedan or

two, as well as a lovely SLK350. We took over the back side of the parking lot and spent the morning drinking coffee, having breakfast, talking about cars as well as making new friends. It was a nice gathering and we intend to do this again real soon!

Page 122 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Page 123 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Page 124 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Page 125 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

From the San Diego Section -

Members’ Stories The San Diego Section has started a nice segment in their newsletter Where members are encouraged to submit pictures and stories. It’s a great idea and I hope it catches on. The inaugural Guinea Pig is the San Diego section President – Michael Cooper

G

oing forward, this will be your page. A page For Members, Where Members can submit pictures and stories. Did you purchase a new Mercedes? Let’s post a picture of you and your new car. A recent acquisition, let’s post it. Just had a baby? We wanna

see! How’s that new grandchild of yours? (Post a picture here). When you were a kid, did your parents have a Mercedes? Tell us about it and we’ll post it. How about a picture of the Mercedes you sold but now wish you hadn’t. Do you have a great Mercedes story, tell us about it.

Here is a picture of my wife Denise and I some years ago. As with many addictions they start small. My entry into what is now a “Mercedes addiction” was the hat you see me wearing in this picture. Before SL’s, before the sedans, before the toys and books it all started with this darn hat! Many years ago at Laguna Seca, I ran

across

Mercedes

this Racing

hat. (Notice the logo on the hat) So I had the hat, all I needed was the car to go with it. The rest of the story has led me to some great cars, some

fantastic

people I have met along this Mercedes journey and you my fellow

Mercedes

Club members.

Page 126 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Page 127 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Page 128 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Page 129 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Page 130 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Page 131 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

If you would like to attend an event listed here, please be sure to contact the event coordinator of the hosting section.

This is important as many

events require an RSVP so we can know how many people to expect.

Also, additional details may be

available at the hosting section’s website.

The San Diego Section’s Picnic and Wine Tasting at the beautiful Hacienda de las Rosas in Ramona Saturday, September 6th

Spend a fun afternoon with your Mercedes Club friends.

We will be having a Picnic and Wine Tasting at the beautiful Hacienda

de

las

Rosas

in

Ramona. Bring a picnic basket and bring a friend!

You can

meet us there, or drive with the group on a scenic drive to the winery.

This is another

event featuring Fun, Friends, Fresh Air and Festivities.

The cost is just $2.00 to support the club. If you wish to join us for wine tasting, the charge is $10.00 for 4 tastes of award winning wine from this fabulous vintner.

Details: The date of the event is September 6th. We have a group leaving from Mercedes of Escondido. That group will meet at 11AM. If you just want to meet us at the winery, be there at 12:30PM.

To RSVP, or for more information

and details, please contact DianaKruse@ymail Don’t wait until the last minute! CALL NOW!

Page 132 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Join Eurotopian as they head south for The Big So Cal Euro Gathering in San Diego Sunday, August 31st 2014

Eurotopian is inviting everyone to join them as they caravan together to the 2014 Big SoCal Euro Gathering at Qualcomm Stadium. Last year over 2,000 vehicles were in attendance and they are expecting even more this year. If you've never been to this show before then you are truly missing out on one of the best car enthusiasts gatherings in California. Some of the features for this event are:      

LEGAL 1/8 mile drag racing Raffle drawing & prizes Gourmet food trucks Stuff-a-Dub competition Swap meet/parts trade area Not sure what to expect? Watch the youtube video - http://youtu.be/c2g83L6X8oA

Eurotopian will meet on Sunday morning at 11:15PM in the Home Depot parking lot at 1830 West Slauson Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90047 (see map below)

They will leave Home Depot at 12:15PM For more information and to register, go to eurotopian.com/thread/616/drive-show-august-socal-gathering#ixzz3B4a2roKC

Page 133 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

The Chaparral Section’s Dine and Drive Oracle Inn German Lunch September 13,2014 Our last visit to the Oracle Inn Steakhouse, in the high foothills town of Oracle north of Tucson, for a wonderful German lunch was in February 2012 when 18 Chaparral Section vehicles, members and guests caravanned to the town of San Manuel for a quick look at this historic mining town and center, and then returned via a back road to the Oracle Inn. Contact either: Fred Finney, fvfinney (at)comcast.net or Michael Turner, mrmgturner(at)earthlink.net

Havasupai Weekend Sat & Sun, September 13-14, 2014

By John and Roberta Phin and Bud Cloninger Havasupai is the premier Desert Stars event of the year often gaining recognition across the Southwest Region of MBCA. And this year the event is “have-it-your-way” Havasupai. We have a series of events, and you can choose which of them you will attend. This in-town weekend takes advantage of the attractions right here in our own backyards, and hopefully piques your interest and involvement. Pricing is a-la-carte, with events priced individually.

On Saturday, September 13, we start with a “competitive driving” event at the Octane indoor go-cart track. You can get the need to speed out of your system, without burning up your tires or your engine! There will be prizes for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place cars in the event, and we will have a “spectator” area with snacks for the folks who choose not to drive. We will meet at Octane Raceway at 1 PM, 9119 E. Indian Bend Rd, Scottsdale, and drivers must be licensed and at least 4’6” tall and race with closed shoes; pants are recommended (rather than skirts or shorts). Price for driving is $27 per person, price for spectator area snacks and NO driving is $7 per person.

Dinner Saturday evening will be at the nearby Orange Sky dining room at the Talking Stick Resort. The food is excellent and the view is one of the best in the valley. A great place for before dinner, dinner and after dinner bragging (or fabricating) about the great race of the day.

Page 134 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

This dinner will start at 6 PM, is self-pay, so no pay in advance required. Orange Sky is at the top of the Talking Stick Casino and Resort at 9800 E Indian Bend Road, Scottsdale On Sunday, September 14, we will re-convene for a great day of fun driving through the streets of our beautiful city and ending in an afternoon Hawaiian-style “luau” for participants. Get ready to Rallye like you’ve never Rallied before. Contrary to most Rallye’s, we suggest you bring GPS, a smart phone or a tablet with mobile internet (if you have one). Electronics are acceptable! Not to worry - miles and time are still a component of the Rallye. Your Rallye Master has a way to level the playing field for all rallye participants. If you are a first time rallye person or a seasoned veteran, you will want to attend! So be sure to bring out all your toys in hopes of winning.

And the Luau, well this part of the event is being overseen by a Hawaiian resident of many years. Now that promises to be authentic!! Make sure you eat a hearty breakfast as we will meet up for the rallye 11 AM (place TBD) and we will give you some snacks to take along to carry you over until the Luau starts. (Of course you can stop along the route for lunch if you prefer) The Luau will commence around 4 PM (ample time for all to finish the Rallye) at 6502 E. Evans Drive, Scottsdale, AZ 85254. Pricing for the Rallye and Luau is $20 per person.

Again, you can participate in the Octane indoor go-cart, and/or Orange Sky dinner and/or Rally and Luau. Your way works!! Just be sure to fill out the reservation form and do the math properly and forward the correct amount for any of the pre-paid events.

For more information please feel free to call John or Roberta at 480-272-8851 jgphin@cox.net.

Page 135 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Las Vegas Section’s Lake Mead Brunch Cruise Sunday, September 21, 2014 Come join our Sunday Brunch on Sunday September 21st on Board the Desert Princess! We like to welcome you on board! Our boarding time is 9:45 AM and we will return at 11:30 AM. The price per person is $46.50, and that includes all taxes and gratuities.

You will also have to pay the park entrance fee, or

use your Eagle Pass.

Please contact Ann Geskes for payment

details on or befoe August 22, 2014 (Space is limited)

Desert Star Sections’ Star Night 2.0 at the Havana Café Friday, September 26, 2014 at 6:00pm

By John and Roberta Phin Join Desert Stars on Friday, September 26 at 6 PM at the Havana Café, 6245 E. Bell Rd., Scottsdale, 85252. We try to provide Club members diverse culinary experiences in venues that have passed the test of time. Havana Café has thrived for 20 years! The original location on Camelback was lost to redevelopment but the Scottsdale location continues under the same ownership.

The menu includes many Cuban and Latin dishes that are familiar yet sufficiently different to delight the senses. RSVP to John or Roberta at 480-272-8851, or jgphin@cox.net by September 19. As usual, we will order off the menu with separate checks and there is no need to call the restaurant as John will handle reservations.

Page 136 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Havana Café's recipes have been developed by owner and chef BJ Heranandez (right), and are adapted from traditional Cuban dishes. For more than 20 years Havana Café has gained many loyal customers.

Come out to the Mullin Automotive Museum with the Los Angeles Section RSVP by October 1

Those who have been to the Mullin have no doubt already signed up.

For those who are

unfamiliar with the Mullin, it was established as a tribute to French automotive styling and the decorative arts that influenced the genre. Peter Mullin is the proud owner of one of the finest collections of French cars in the world – and that’s not an exaggeration.

Peter Mullin is

Chairman of M Financial, Chairman of the Petersen Automotive Museum, and president of the American Bugatti Club. Mr. Mullin is also a Knight of the Order Arts and Letters for contributions to preserving French history and culture. This is definitely an event you want to attend.

San Diego Section is heading to the Welk Resorts Theater to see Oklahoma!

Saturday, October 11th

Please consider joining the San Diego group for an evening matinee at the Lawrence Welk Theatre in Escondido California.

We will be seeing the

Classic Rodgers and Hammerstein production of Oklahoma. We will have a buffet dinner prior to going to the theatre.

The Lawrence Welk Resort is in Escondido California and dinner begins at

Page 137 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

5:30 PM. Showtime is at 8:10 PM. The cost is $67.50 per person. This includes dinner and the play.

Please RSVP by September 29, 2014 with Steve Ross and all checks should be made out to MBCA San Diego Section. Questions? Contact Steve Ross at inewsx@sbcglobal.net

Join the Desert Stars Section for a trip to Chaco Canyon Friday - Sunday, October 17th through the 19th

By Dick Sharp

For anyone who would like to see the wonders of Chaco Canyon, there is still room for them to be included in the good times for this October 17th-19th adventure. Contact Dick Sharp, at richardsharp31@gmail if you have not already done so!

This trip will be pay on your own with two nights at the historic route 66 hotel the El Rancho which has large rooms and was the place where many movie stars stayed when filming westerns. Chaco Culture National Park in NW New Mexico Is remotely located and a two and a half hour drive from the hotel. We will encourage attendees to drive SUVs and non-SUV members can hitch rides from the hotel to the park with other members.

Page 138 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

The Chaparral Section is going to the Tucson Classics Car Show October 18, 2014 Come out and join fellow Chaparral Section members for one of the premier shows in the Southwest. This has always been a fun event, with the show having a limit to the first 425 cars.

In addition, all cars are parked on grass. Last year, eleven Chaparral Section members attended the show.

We need at least 10 vehicles entered to retain the special section and signage from

the previous year. Contact either Mike Cooper, michael_31475 (at) msn.com, or Jerry Tucker, jeroldvtucker (at) comcast.net

Join the Chaparral Section for their Mystery Dine and Drive November 1, 2014 – Remember the Hot Rods Old Vail Mystery Dine and Drive?

Well, our Event Meister, Lynn

Davison has another of his patented “Mystery Dine and Drive” events.

Chaparral Section

members meet somewhere of Lynn’s choosing and are provided driving directions to “somewhere”.

The destination is usually fairly close and somewhat eclectic. Contact Lynn

Davison, crackerdog (at) cox.net.

San Diego Section’s Christmas / Holiday Party Sunday, December 14, 2014

The Christmas/Holiday party this year will be held at the Country Club of Rancho Bernardo, the same place we went to last year. The reviews we received were very positive so we decided to return. Plans are in the works to make this year’s party much more exciting, so mark your calendar and we will see you at the club.

Page 139 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Some So Cal Odds ‘n Ends by Laura Dykstra Classic Car Shows Those that have an interest in classic cars may enjoy attending Classics On the Coast Car Show in Ventura on September 6, the Corona del Mar Coastline Car Classic on September 7, the Palos Verdes Concours D’Elegance on September 13&14, and/or the Customs & Classics Car Show in Santa Ana on October 26th. These are only a few of the many car shows being held in and around Orange County.

An excellent website that lists all of

California’s car shows is “californiacarshows.org” which is a “Car Show Calendar for California”.

Page 140 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Page 141 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Wannagoshopping?????

Hats embroidered with section logo only $12 each Available at all events or by mailing check to MBCA Long BeachSouth Bay Section PO Box 30132 Long Beach, CA 90853-0132

T-Shirts in blue or black with silver screen printed logo $12 each

New!!!

Polo shirts with embroidered Long Beach-South Bay Section logo. Only $25 each Add $5 for packaging and postage per shipment

Page 142 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Page 143 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Page 144 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

If you would like to see your ad here, send us an email at info@FitzhughMedia.com

Page 145 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Page 146 The Southwest Star Magazine – covering the southwest region of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America