The Mercedes Freude gathering held at Hilton Head Island, South Carolina the first week of November, culminated in a gala banquet and then the first-ever Legends of the Autobahn – East car show.

Over 300 MBCA members attended and an atmosphere of celebration was everywhere. Celebrating the joy of everything Mercedes After Tuesday's arrivals and greetings, Wednesday saw active attendance at a day full of seminars and presentations on technical, collector market, and other aspects of our hobby.

Thursday offered a choice of two day trips to the Butterfield Plantation or to the Jepson Collection. Friday held the competitive rally and poker run, or relaxed tours of the area.

Finally, on Friday night, the club banquet took place with section honors and a special Mercedes-Benz Silver Star award presentation to Jim O'Sullivan.

See the following pages for more in depth coverage of many Freude events and more details about the Silver Star award.