INFORMATION MEETING A GREAT SUCCESS !

By Stan Jordan

A few weeks ago a half-dozen enthusiasts (the organizing committee) met to thrash around the idea of forming a Mercedes Benz club on Vancouver Island. This culminated in invitations being sent out to local owners to attend an "information meeting" on June 24th. The response was most satisfying as over fifty showed up at Three Point Motors in Victoria.

An original condition (not restored) 300 SL Gullwing on view and the refreshments acted as the catalyst to break the ice and get everyone chatting informally.

Peter Trzewik, general manager of Three Point Motors welcomed the group with an overview of the evening and introduced a 10 minute Mercedes factory video on safety. Many tears were shed, however, as he passed around photos of a 300 SL Roadster that had been gutted by fire - but still worth a cool $65,000 (U.S.)

Tom Body then spoke. He was V.P. of the Mercedes Benz Club in Ottawa before moving to Victoria; he enjoys all aspects of his Benz and is determined to 'have fun' in this new club - just an all round 'Capital Guy' !! As spokesman for the start-up group, Tom then reviewed the organizational options:

(a) A free-standing Mercedes Benz club;

(b) A new section of the Mercedes Benz Club of America.

The benefits of being under the umbrella organization of MBCA are considerable e.g., six copies a year of the superb 'Star' in-house magazine; access to other Mercedes Benz Clubs' activities i.e. Vancouver, Seattle, Portland, California etc;

free adverts in the magazine (circulation 35,000); club store for purchasing goodies (roll-on Christmas); the innovative new-car raffle and Internet Technical Tips. It was also felt that joining in with the existing Vancouver group was not practical on a regular basis, because of the more than three hour commute involved each way to attend events. Tom then introduced the original group (organizing committee) asking each to say a few words as to why they were involved.

Peter Trzewik (pronounced Chevik) as General Manager of Three Point Motors (our host) offered generous support by supplying a meeting room and other start-up resources such as mailing and use of the Company's industry contacts for our club events. New Mercedes products could be made available for members test drives, plus the latest factory news would be circulated first-hand. Peter stated there were 2,500 customers on Vancouver Island and he saw a great future for the club. It was made VERY clear that even though the Company was helping the start-up, the club would NOT be a Three Point Motors club.

Jim Sloan spoke of his automotive involvement. He attends several auto shows each year as the owner of a company that details classic and exotic automobiles. He admitted to being an active member of the

BMW Club for many years. His experience in club organization and events will be invaluable PS. He loves his SLK !! Stan Jordan has owned seven Mercedes since 1964. He described his love of driving his 20 yr. old 280 SE and promised to use his devious mentality in organizing future driving events. His sons are all Mercedes enthusiasts and will be helping in the start-up process.

Karen Jordan has much experience in the 'Ladies Section", being a member of the Doghouse Club, headquartered at Silverstone, U.K.. She was a member of the Morgan Club (owned a 1933 Morgan three-wheeler); still owns a 1977 Spitfire, and shares HER 280SE with hubby Stan. She is looking forward to encouraging female membership.

John McIntosh is a computer expert and photographer. He owns an '89 300 TE, was a member of the San Francisco Mercedes Benz club and is familiar with the Mercedes site on the Internet. He and his teen-age son, John Sterling (no-not named after Mr. Moss) will produce the newsletter - but assistance is needed as time is a problem.

After these brief introductions, suggestions from the floor were welcomed. Mr. Lane a former member of the Pike Peaks section enjoyed luncheon meetings - possibly with a guest speaker. This could prove very popular especially if we have some VIP from the factory. Defensive Driving Events could be entered. These are already being run by other clubs and we could attend - but how would the BMW boys react to Mercedes Benz winning all the time? Technical subjects are always popular. Driver- instructor Sam McGee is available to speak at a meeting over the winter. He is Canada Safety Council and I.C.B.C. certified and is chief driver-training instructor for Greyhound. Maybe we could get to take a double-decker bus on a skid pan.

The enthusiasm for the Club formation was evident. The next event is a visit to the restoration shop of Rudi Koniczek on Saturday August 7th, followed by a Sport Utilities fun day in September. A dinner is being considered for late August.

The organizing committee is delighted with the response and feel it will not be long till the Mercedes Benz Club of Vancouver Island is the brightest, shiny new "STAR' on the West Coast.

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