Tom Body

Welcome to the newly forming Vancouver Island Section of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America!

Our first meeting on the 24th of June at Three Point Motors was an unqualified success, put on by the organizing committee to inform attendees of progress in starting up, and soliciting their input in terms of interest in various types of events. Over 50 people turned out, and indicated a strong interest in participating in social events; such as monthly lunches or dinners at quality locations, Sunday drives, picnics/BBQs, etc. There was also substantial interest in driving events; such as car rallies, defensive driving courses, car shows, and the like. Technical subjects and sharing of technical information on how to fix your car was indicated as the third main interest. For a more detailed account of the meeting, please see Stan Jordan’s article in this first issue of the club's newsletter. Our thanks to Peter Trzewik, General Manager of Three Point Motors for providing our club with a home, absorbing the cost of mailing the meeting notices, and the hors d’oeuves: his support is truly appreciated in these financially awkward times of starting up.

We have submitted a petition to the Mercedes Benz Club of America (MBCA) for Section (read chapter) status covering Vancouver Island. By joining MBCA (at an annual fee of US $40) you’ll be joining us, the Vancouver Island Section. An MBCA Membership Form is attached as the last page of this Newsletter: you can mail it in, or simply call the 800 number.

MBCA, established in 1956 is a non-profit organization with 31,000 members in 92 Sections across North America, the closest ones being Seattle, Portland, and Vancouver. By joining MBCA we have access to these sections events, as well as to annual National Events. Other (substantial) benefits of MBCA membership are listed on the attached Membership Form, not the least of which is the full colour Star Magazine, published six times a year.

The organizing committee and myself are dedicated to creating a high-quality club for Vancouver Island, with events that will allow you to share your enthusiasm, enjoyment and pride of ownership with like-minded people. If you are interested in participating on the Section Executive and/or organizing events, please call me at 656-5357.

Come out to our next event on Saturday, August 7th: A visit to the world-famous restoration shop of Rudi Koniczek on the outskirts of Victoria. The 300 SL you saw at our June 24th meeting is just one of the exotic cars he is working on. The visit is followed by a BBQ at Rudi's place, at a cost of $10 per person. Assembly at 2 P.M at Three Point Motors (2546 Government St.), estimated duration 3 - 4 hours. RSVP by July 30th to Peter Trzewik at 385-6737.

We are also planning an informal car show/ dinner combination at Dunsmuir Lodge (1515 McTavish Rd., Sidney) for Thursday, August 26th. Car show in the parking lot 5:30 to 6:30 (bring your Benz, clean or not), drinks at the bar 6:30 to 7:00, followed by dinner. Cash bar, Dinner at $30 per person. RSVP by August 23rd to Jim Sloan 658-3980.

See you there!

Cover | President's Message | Calendar | June 1999 | Just The Details | Who's Who