Take a Chance
As sections and regions organize their 2015 calendars and start promoting events, I’d like to encourage you to take a chance and attend one of these affairs. You can never tell whom you might meet or the fun you will have.
So far this year, I have already attended several events that far exceeded my expectations. In early January, I had a wonderful time with club members from Kansas City at their annual holiday party, where Rich Carlson and Kevin Arburn were honored as Member and Officer of the Year, respectively. A good time was had by all, as they say, and it was great to see old friends again. Whether it is minus 10 or 100 degrees, I always seem to have a great time with the Kansas City folks.
The next morning I headed to Phoenix. Former MBCA board member Chuck Stanford is one of the directors for the Arizona Concours d’Elegance held at the Biltmore Hotel. This spectacular show featured a beautiful display of cars, with many fine examples from the MBUSA Classic Center and the first Gullwing ever sold. Keep in mind that the MBCA hosted StarFest® 2012 – the first event of its kind – at the Biltmore Hotel. Now, automotive enthusiasts are gathering regularly at the beautiful venue.
In mid-January, I traveled to Miami to attend South Florida Section’s Concours de Eleganz. I spent Saturday with member and prominent concours participant Guy Lewis as he showed some of his cars at the Antique Automobile Club of America show on Ocean Drive in Miami Beach. There, we were thrilled to meet Fred and Elisabeth Smits, who are traveling around the world in their 220S. Later that day, Guy showed me some wonderful examples of Mercedes-Benz history from his collection: All I can say is, it was an inspiring few hours. If I keep my head down and work hard, maybe one day... .
The biggest surprise of all was that Guy told me that he considered it unacceptable for me to attend the MBCA event in a rented Chevy Aveo. He handed me the keys to a spotless white 1979 450SEL 6.9 in concours-ready condition. The performance of that car was unreal and I had the biggest smile on my face as I headed to Fort Lauderdale.
At the show Sunday, I viewed an impressive group of cars, including a Gullwing, two 300SLs, and many Pagodas in great condition. Then we honored Maria Rodriguez as Officer of the Year for her efforts in building the Section and its leadership; new President Michael Chrusch is well poised to continue Maria’s excellent leadership.
Right as I left dinner following the show, I texted Guy that I was headed back to Chicago and to enjoy the Aveo. He thought it was funny and probably didn’t realize how tempted I was. Because I wouldn’t like serving a stint in jail, I reluctantly returned his 6.9, shook hands and reiterated my thanks, and headed to the airport. In the air, I drifted off to sleep with wonderful dreams of what my vintage Mercedes-Benz collection would look like. When I awoke a bit later, I opened my laptop and immediately started looking at various Mercedes classics that I would one day like to own.
What a blast! You just never know how much fun you will have at an event. I ended January with a tan, a bug for collecting vintage cars, and many more smiles with friends and fellow members. I am building my calendar to traverse the country and have nothing but great expectations for this coming year. I encourage you to start locally and build up to regional and national events. I look forward to seeing you there. You’ll find there is no better way to pass your time than with the great cars and people that make up the Mercedes-Benz Club of America.
At South Florida Section’s Concours de Eleganz in Miami. FROM LEFT: Concours participant Guy Lewis, Fred and Elisabeth Smits – traveling around the world in their 220S – and Terry Kiwala.
As sections and regions organize their 2015 calendars and start promoting events, I’d like to encourage you to take a chance and attend one of these affairs. You can never tell whom you might meet or the fun you will have.
So far this year, I have already attended several events that far exceeded my expectations. In early January, I had a wonderful time with club members from Kansas City at their annual holiday party, where Rich Carlson and Kevin Arburn were honored as Member and Officer of the Year, respectively. A good time was had by all, as they say, and it was great to see old friends again. Whether it is minus 10 or 100 degrees, I always seem to have a great time with the Kansas City folks.
The next morning I headed to Phoenix. Former MBCA board member Chuck Stanford is one of the directors for the Arizona Concours d’Elegance held at the Biltmore Hotel. This spectacular show featured a beautiful display of cars, with many fine examples from the MBUSA Classic Center and the first Gullwing ever sold. Keep in mind that the MBCA hosted StarFest® 2012 – the first event of its kind – at the Biltmore Hotel. Now, automotive enthusiasts are gathering regularly at the beautiful venue.
In mid-January, I traveled to Miami to attend South Florida Section’s Concours de Eleganz. I spent Saturday with member and prominent concours participant Guy Lewis as he showed some of his cars at the Antique Automobile Club of America show on Ocean Drive in Miami Beach. There, we were thrilled to meet Fred and Elisabeth Smits, who are traveling around the world in their 220S. Later that day, Guy showed me some wonderful examples of Mercedes-Benz history from his collection: All I can say is, it was an inspiring few hours. If I keep my head down and work hard, maybe one day... .
The biggest surprise of all was that Guy told me that he considered it unacceptable for me to attend the MBCA event in a rented Chevy Aveo. He handed me the keys to a spotless white 1979 450SEL 6.9 in concours-ready condition. The performance of that car was unreal and I had the biggest smile on my face as I headed to Fort Lauderdale.
At the show Sunday, I viewed an impressive group of cars, including a Gullwing, two 300SLs, and many Pagodas in great condition. Then we honored Maria Rodriguez as Officer of the Year for her efforts in building the Section and its leadership; new President Michael Chrusch is well poised to continue Maria’s excellent leadership.
Right as I left dinner following the show, I texted Guy that I was headed back to Chicago and to enjoy the Aveo. He thought it was funny and probably didn’t realize how tempted I was. Because I wouldn’t like serving a stint in jail, I reluctantly returned his 6.9, shook hands and reiterated my thanks, and headed to the airport. In the air, I drifted off to sleep with wonderful dreams of what my vintage Mercedes-Benz collection would look like. When I awoke a bit later, I opened my laptop and immediately started looking at various Mercedes classics that I would one day like to own.
What a blast! You just never know how much fun you will have at an event. I ended January with a tan, a bug for collecting vintage cars, and many more smiles with friends and fellow members. I am building my calendar to traverse the country and have nothing but great expectations for this coming year. I encourage you to start locally and build up to regional and national events. I look forward to seeing you there. You’ll find there is no better way to pass your time than with the great cars and people that make up the Mercedes-Benz Club of America.
At South Florida Section’s Concours de Eleganz in Miami. FROM LEFT: Concours participant Guy Lewis, Fred and Elisabeth Smits – traveling around the world in their 220S – and Terry Kiwala.