More Than a Car. We’re a Community.™

Mercedes- Benz Club of America

Star Bulletin

THIS MONTH IN OUR MERCEDES-BENZ WORLD

THE FUTURE OF OUR WORLD Elizabeth Alexandru

More than a Car Club. We're a Community. TM

August, 19: Legends of the Autobahn Monterey CA. Pg 6 *

November In planning. Open for ideas. Call a board member

September, 17-18: Speed Festival Naval Air Station, Coronado, page 7

October, 8 -9: Joining Desert Stars Section for winery tour in Temecula

MBCA SAN DIEGO SECTION OFFICERS

Michael Cooper President

(760) 599-0629 michaeldenise1212@gmail.com

Victoria Mazelli,

Vice President, (858) 229-3380

vmazelli@san.rr.com

Carol Kruse-Ross, Treasurer (858) 245-1991 ckr4mbenz@yahoo.com

Diana Kruse Director off first Impressions

dianakruse@ymail.com

Joanne Barnard

Director of Spirits

joannebarnard@att.net

Bob Gunthorp

Historian (619) 421-3254

badwrench7@cox.net

Gary Jarvis

Director

619-670-1375

Steve Ross Membership Chair, Bulletin Editor

Website & E-Mail Distribution

SW Regional Director

Bud Cloninger

scottsdale3@mac.com Redaction:

MBCA of San Diego

Printing & Distribution: Phoenix Direct Mail Services

Attention Members: We hope that you will support our advertisers… they support this Bulletin. Mention this newsletter when you contact them. The MBCA, the San Diego Section, its Officers, members, MBUSA, smart GmbH, and AMG, however, make no inference, that advertising in this Bulletin implies approval of their products or ser- vices.

IS YOUR MEMBERSHIP DUE FOR RENEWAL? DON'T LET IT EXPIRE

AND MISS OUT ON ALL THE FUN WE

HAVE IN THE MBCA

FRIDAY AUGUST 12th is GERMAN CAR INVASION NIGHT at CRUSIN GRAND in ESCONDIDO.

JOIN US WITH YOU PRE-1974 MERCEDES-BENZ AT CRUSIN GRAND IN ESCONDIDO FRIDAY EVENNG AUGUST 12, 2016. THIS WILL BE A SUPER FUN FILLED EVENING DISPLAYING THE FINEST OF GERMAN AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERING. PLEASE COME AND HELP US CELEBRATE EVEN IF YOU DON'T HAVE A MATURE MERCEDES-BENZ AUTOMOBILE! CHECK OUT THE WEBSITE: http://cruisingrand.com/

Saturday, December 3: Coronado Golf Course Christmas luncheon at 12:00pm

EVENTS SCHEDULE AND SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

August 2016

Update on Cars, Coffee, Mimosas, Bellini's and Juice In

RANCHO SANTA FE

With the help of members and attendees, we now have the names of the nice people who joined us for

this outing.

Joey Costa and Debra Lopez and Joey's 2014 CLA 250

Yvonne Paris' 1994 SL 320

Tony Edwards' 2004 SL 55 AMG.

From L to R, Denise Cooper, Joanne Barnard, Rose & Wess Gibbs, Bob Goff, Yvonne Paris, and David and Munira Coomber

Tony and Ellen Edwards, Bob, Gunthorp, Chuck and

Elaine Davis

Page 2 August 2016 STAR BULLETIN

From target and beyond It is another typical day in San Diego, Beautiful, and a bunch of ladies and gentleman are wondering what to

do. Why not go for a drive in our favorite automobile, SO that is what they did. Automobiles included in this

journey ranged from a 1934 Packard to a Ford Escape. There were vintage Mercedes-Benz autos as well as

machines that are more modern. We had solo lady and gentleman drivers as well as a family or two. That par-

titivating in the journey could compete for prizes or just enjoy the ride for fun. Every age group was represent-

end from persons born early in the last century (like me) to just a few years ago! We had drivers signing up al-

most up to the start of the drive and a cancellation or two, which is not unusual.

Following an inspiring speech from the Rallye Master the drivers and navigators, those that had one, fired up

their machines and away they went into the vastness of San Diego County passing through El Cajon, La Mesa,

Santee, Lakeside, Jamul, Alpine, Jamacha to Dehesa and not necessarily in that order. Drivers showing up with

racing helmets were disappointed to learn that it was not that kind of a rallye, much to their disappointed.

L to R: Ann Kinner talks to Wes Gibbs, Sam Judd and the Rallye master, Rudy Wokoek, Radu Alexandru, Lori and Ron Grabler and Costelo Alexandru

Preparation for the ride The "Belly" speaks and no one is listening.

STARBULLETIN August 2016 Page 3

And the correct answer is?

Rose & Wes Gibbs give us a smile while David and Rose Katz talk with Brian Wagner of the San Diego Region Packard Club. Rose and David are Long beach-South Bay Section Board Members.

AND THE WINNERS ARe

Third place Brian and Diana Kruse driving a bright RED 500SL. Diana is holding a Mercedes-Benz knick- knack holder to compliment her Starbucks card

Radu upon finding out his team won second place!

Michael Cooper, Radu, Costelo, daughter Elizabeth and Amber Alexandru. Radu and his family always come as a team. It is great to see the kids out with the family at our events

Page 4 August 2016 STAR BULLETIN

First place rallye team was Joey and Debra, their first ever rallye. We will probably see them in the winners

circle again. They also won a 1955 Mercedes-Benz Gullwing which Joey is removing from the box in photo on right.

Fourth Place Rallye, Rose and Wes Gibbs in their 1971 280S pictured above on the rallye road somewhere in

SD County. They received a vintage Mercedes SS plaque. More about the plaque later. Looking on is Radu with his racing helmet. No one is sure but we think he wore it during the rallye. Radu may be a frustrated

wannabe formula 1 drive. Note helmet. As is the case in Formula one racing the difference between first place and third place was less than one point and tenths of a mile.

Joanne Barnard our lady Solo Driver who finished with most of the answers. We al- ways try to give our ladies something special for participating in Our Mercedes-Benz World. President Michael and David

Katz of Long Beach- South Bay Section observe.

The clock, the Mercedes SS and the two Mercedes-

Benz knick-knack holder were all donated to our Club by Evie Burgess. Evie and her late husband Floyd won

all of these awards in our section events over the years. Floyd and Evie were both section leaders and held nearly every position in our section. They were also consistent winners in many of our events.

STARBULLETIN August 2016 Page 5

THE HEAD SHED GUYS

Michael Cooper, President Mercedes-Benz Club and Richard Schauer, President of the San Diego Region

Packard Club.

There were some great rallye teams at this event! The top four awards were very, very close making it tough on the rallye master to score. This was a great driving day for all of us and everyone had fun. No teams came back without a smile on their face. Hope to see you all soon.

MONTEREY WEEK AND LEGANDS OF THE AUTOBAHN. For those of you planning to join our group for the trek up the coast to Monterrey, we will depart on Tuesday August 16, 2016 from the Rest Area on I-5 in Oceanside. Departure time from rest area will be 9:00 AM. We will spend Tuesday evening in San Luis Obispo at the Travel Lodge. Phone number for reservation is 800-543-5110. Address 1825 Monterey St, San Luis Obispo. Please make your reservations if you plan on going and let Steve Ross know at inewsx@sbcglobal.net or 619-508-3925. You will of course need a place to stay in Monte rey.

Mercedes, long a pioneer in experimenting with hydrogen fuel

cell vehicles, plans to release the first plug-in fuel cell car next

year.

The Mercedes GLC F-Cell will be the company’s first production

fuel cell vehicle. The car’s fuel cell, which fits entirely in the

engine compartment, uses hydrogen to produce the electricity

that powers the car’s two-wheel drive train, according to Car

and Driver.

In addition to hydrogen fuel, the engine would also be supplemented with an on-board, 35 kW battery pack

that can be recharged simply by plugging it in. The battery pack and fuel cell would give the car a range of

approximately 310 miles, according to the company’s website.

The GLC F-Cell would be the first production vehicle to combine these two green technologies, effectively

breaking the long streak of technological limitations.

The hydrogen would be stored in two tanks located underneath the car. Mercedes says that refueling the tanks

from empty would take around three minutes. The car — and, by extension, all fuel cell vehicles — would pro-

duce nothing except water vapor.

Vehicles powered by hydrogen have long been a small niche within the automobile market. Several companies,

such as Honda and Toyota, have experimented with the technology, but the current market hasn’t seen an influx

of interest in fuel cell vehicles.

Page 6 August 2016 STAR BULLETIN

The San Diego Section is Looking for a few gooD PeoPLe to serve on

the BoarD of Directors for the coMing year!

the foLLowing PeoPLe are Directors or Officers •Michel Cooper • Victoria Mazelli • Diana Kruse •Carol Ross • Joanne Barnard• Bob Gunthorp •Gary Jarvis •Steve Ross

But we have Director oPenings for severaL More… officers wiLL then Be chosen froM the BoarD of Directors

BaLLots for Directors wiLL Be in the sePteMBer newsLetter.

Benefits of Being a Director: 1. LorD itover everyone you Meet

2. have the Power of Life & Death over your feLLow MeMBers

3. change the course of Life on this PLanet as we know it

5. Be in charge of a Bank account vaLueD in the tens of DoLLars

Questions? Michael Cooper • 760-599-0629 • michaeldenise@gmail.com

EELLEECCTTIIOONNSS

STARBULLETIN Augus 2016 Page 7

are you Breathing? Do you have a PuLse?

then you QuaLify to Be a Director of the

Prestigious san Diego MBca!

Coronado SpeedFest September 17th & 18th

If you have been thinking about attending a club event, this is one not to miss!

Do you like vintage car racing up close and personal? Do you like unfettered access to the pit areas where you can

watch the mechanics preparing the cars, talk to the drivers?? Well this is the place to be on September 17 and 18

at the Naval Station Coronado. You may see vintage Ferrari's, Bugatti's , Mercedes Benz plus many American

Muscle cars and NASCAR vehicles.

The weekend excitement begins on Saturday, September 17th with food, fun and fantastic company! Then on

Sunday drive your favorite star car over the San Diego- Coronado Bridge and meet up with fellow club members

from the San Diego and surrounding sections to watch the races, check out the cars, wander through the pits and

see what the vendors have on display and of course show off your own Mercedes Benz!

Saturday:

Saturday, September 17th, 6pm, Karl Strauss Brewing Company, 1157 Columbia St. Downtown San Diego The

cost is $35 per person and includes an entrée, dessert paired with a sample of beers, soft drinks, coffee and tea.

Pre-registration required. There are 4 meal selections to choose from the night of the event: Seared Ahi Sal-

ad, Mediterranean Salad with Flat Iron Steak, Fish N Chips, or Brick Chicken. (Last year I had the Fish & Chips.

It was awesome). We will be collecting payment prior to the event. Please see below. Sunday:

Tickets to the Speedfest: You will be on your own for purchasing the tickets to the event. General Admission

tickets are $25 if you purchase them prior to the event and $35 the day of. Please go to

https://www.fleetweeksandiego.org/events/tickets/ for details. You can also purchase a 2 day ticket if you want

to go Saturday as well.

Corral Passes: Corral Passes will get you into the display area where the San Diego Section will have special

parking, a few chairs and a pop-up tent so that you may get out of the sun if you would like to from 9:00am –

2:00pm. Corral passes will be given out at the dinner on Saturday evening (We have a limited amount of

Corral passes so a head count from you is crucial). So, please let us know if you plan on attending so that we can

assign a pass to you.. If you are not attending the dinner, we can mail your pass to you prior to the show.

Last bit of business “Reminder". Whether you decide to join us for dinner, Speedfest or Both. We ask that you

let us know of your attendance for head count/logistical purposes. Please RSVP to: Michael Cooper

at 760- 599-0629

Please fill out and return with a check made payable to MBCA SD Section, to Michael Cooper 2410 Links Way,

Vista CA 92081

Dinner at Karl Strauss $40 per person Name:

Number in party: Name:

Amount Enclosed: Name:

Page 8 August 2016 STAR BULLETI

HAVASUPI 2016- SATURDAY SEPT 24TH "CHOCOLATE RALLYE"

The Desert Stars Annual Rallye will be a one day Havasupai Event. We will combine education, a rallye challenge, and CHOC- OLATE. We will explore Chocolates from around the world, while staying right here in the valley. We will learn how chocolate is grown and converted into the confections we love, we will taste examples of fine chocolate and some of the creative combi-

nations that tempt and delight. We will even do a wine and chocolate pairing to complete our education. The rallye will be fun and friendly, so everyone will enjoy the day and be on time to the tastings. Our day will end with a group dinner and prizes awarded to the rallye winners.

The history of chocolate begins in Mesoamerica. Fermented beverages made from chocolate date back to 1900 BC. The Az- tecs believed that cacao seeds were the gift of Quetzalcoatl, the God of wisdom, and the seeds once had so much value that they were used as a form of currency. After its arrival to Europe in the sixteenth century, sugar was added to it and it became popular throughout society. In the 20th century, chocolate was considered a staple, essential in the rations of United States

soldiers at war. The word "chocolate" comes from the Classical Nahuatl word chocolātl, and entered the English language from Spanish.

It is therefore fitting that we will begin our education with a tasting of chocolate from Xocolatl. “At Xocolatl, our desire is to create an artistic journey of the senses using the world as our inspiration. We are able to create fine chocolates because we start with the finest ingredients.” How does Single Malt Scotch, Mangos Diablo, and Celtic Caramel sound to you! Our host

will be Chocolatier Jason Wasser, and this will be held at one of Xocolatl’s retailers, Brix Wines, located at 37636 N Tom Dar- lington Dr, Carefree, AZ. This will be our starting point for the rallye.

Then we will take a kitchen tour and learn more about chocolate at Zak’s Chocolate, hosted by owners Maureen and Jim Elitzak. “Zak's Chocolate is a family-owned small-batch craft chocolate maker and an artisan chocolatier. We love chocolate and we love the story and amazing flavors of fine cacao varieties.” “At Zak's we roast cocoa beans ethically sourced from dif- ferent regions and make our own single origin and house blend chocolate to use in bars, truffles and other yummy confec-

tions. Everything is done by hand, from sorting cocoa beans to wrapping our bars.”

Our last tasting will be a chocolate and wine pairing. Our host for the pairing will be Frederiek Verbeke of Chocolade van Brugge, and will take place at Drexyl, the restaurant where we will dine after the tasting. “Chocolade van Brugge is a tradi-

tional Belgian chocolate shop located in the desert of Scottsdale, AZ. Proudly owned by Frederiek and Christine, we are a hus- band and wife duo dedicated to sharing our love of Belgian culture with you. Chocolade van Brugge is the exclusive North American importer of these fine, high-quality, traditional Belgian chocolates. We offer more than 90 hand crafted chocolate confections, chocolate bars, marzipan, cookies, figurines, and our most recently added liege Belgian waffles.”

The restaurant Drexyl is the home of some of Scottsdale’s finest modern American cuisine, with seasonal, handcrafted dishes that reflect the melting pot of America, spanning Western- and Eastern-influences. Located at The Shops Gainey Village, 8877 N. Scottsdale Road, Ste 402, this recently renovated restaurant is getting great reviews from satisfied diners! Diner will

be ordered off the menu and will be self-pay with separate checks. We will award Havauspai Rallye winners, 1st, 2nd and 3rd

place finishes, with prizes appropriate to the day’s events.

Please register for this event now (deadline September 15, our chocolatiers will need prep time). The fee of $40 per person covers the chocolate tastings, tour, and wine pairing. This is not just an M&M tasting (as good as that may be); fine choco- lates come at a price and you will be getting a taste of chocolates representing the finest the world has to offer. This is a local event, no hotel fees, so go ahead and treat yourself to a day of yummy-ness. The Rallye is a great excuse for indulging our- selves! Mitigate any stress with a chocolate reward. For information contact Roberta and John Phin at raphin@cox.net,

jgphin@cox.net or call 480-272-8851. Registration and payment information can be found on page XX. To get starting time and directions you MUST BE REGISTERED.

Havasupai Rallye and Chocolate Tasting, Sat. 24, 2016: Registration Form Contact Information:

Name(s) registering: Number Attending: Address: City, State/Prov., Zip: Phone No.: Day/Night Email Address: Cost is $40 per person. Registrations should be paid by Sept 15th, after that date or for questions call Roberta or John Phin

at 480-272-8851. Make you check payable to: MBCA Desert Stars and mail to: MBCA Desert Stars, c/o Debbie Ichiyama,

6502 Evans Dr., Scottsdale, AZ 85254. Or for Credit Card payment, contact Debbie Ichiyama at 480-268-9535

STARBULLETIN August 2016 Page 9

KAABOO FESTIVAL AND MERCEDES-BENZ

Michael Cooper, Steve Ross Carol Ross Valerie Romero. GB Magazine Model and General Manager David Scott

While the July Rallye was in progress the Rallye Master, Section President and Carol Ross stopped by the El Cajon Mercedes-Benz Dealership, since the end of the rallye was in El Cajon. We were in for a surprise. The

owner Valerie Romero, General Manager David Scott

and representatives of GB (Giving Back Magazine) were there doing publicity photo shoot for a Magazine article about the KAABOO music festival in Del Mar on September 16, 2016. All of the Mercedes-Benz Dealers in San Diego County are sponsoring this event.

August 13, 2016 Mercedes-Benz of El Cajon is having an open house and will have a drawing for free tickets to this event. You may enter the drawing by visiting the

Mercedes-Benz of El Cajon Facebook site. We wish you luck in winning tickets to the KAABOO festival in Del Mar.

Coming soon to your area

Photo courtesy of Bob Gunthorp. Bob took photo in Oregon

Page 10 August 2016 STAR BULLETI

please SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS WHEN POSSIBLE

New San Diego Section MBCA Members

Gary Cono~ no vehicle listed on MBCA roster Susan Roll~ Airstream Interstate

A hearty welcome to all our new members. We hope to meet you soon at one of our upcoming events. Please feel free to contact any of the Board Officers (listed on the front page of this Newsletter) with any questions, comments, or concerns.

We are always looking for volunteers to help out with ideas, plan- ning, and coordinating events.

If you would like to feature your Mercedes- Benz vehicle(s) in this Newsletter with an interesting story or photo, please submit in

digital format via e-mail to us at

(Michaeldenise1212@gmail.com) We would love to get to know you and your

Mercedes-Benz driving passion. Ask us how to obtain a FREE name tag to wear at

all of our events

Offering a 10% percent discount on parts

and labor for MBCA Members

Identify the make, model and year of this automobile and

win a free name tag. First correct answer sent to the

editor will receive a name badge. If you have a name badge

you will receive a beverage of your choice at next event you

attend. No repeat winners.

FOR SALE & WANT ADS:

Personal classified ads (Sale or Wanted) are FREE exclusively for MBCA members. No commercial or business sales allowed in the classified ad section.

Business advertising is available at competitive rates. Please contact the Treasurer for latest ad rates. E-Mail Steve Ross inewsx@sbcglobal.net if you want to place a personal ad in the “for sale” section. Please

contact Steve every month to continue to run the AD

STARBULLETIN Augus 2016 Pa 11

FOR SALE:

Change of Address Phone # or e-mail

If you have a change-of-address to send to the club please go to www.mbca.org, click on MEMBERSHIP, then click on ADDRESS CHANGE and fill in the form. As an alternative, you can call 1-800-637-2360 and talk

to anyone at the MBCA National Business Office.

WELCOME!!

1984 500 SEC Mercedes Benz Euro Version (Grey Market) Black w/Tan Leather Interior Excellent Condition – Owner Very Clean and has always been garaged & covered. Cur- rent Mileage 071358 & very well maintained. Comfortable and a great car for traveling. Fast and handles extremely well. $15,000 - Contact Bud Hartwell @ 619-588-2180

2nd.

Page 12 August 2016 STAR BULLETI

5475 Car Country Drive

Carlsbad, CA 92008

(760) 438-4454

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)

Attention Advertisers: Any changes?

E-Mail Steve at inewsx@sbcglobal.net to send a file.

Mention this ad and make an appoint-

ment in June for the following prices:

107 Chassis tops: German $945

Sonnendeck canvas top $895 One day turnaround!!

OCEAN BEACH

BOAT &AUTO

UPHOLSTERY

SINCE 1947

DAVID

SKOGLUND

4838 Voltaire Street San Diego, CA

92107 (619) 223-9797

FOR SALE 1986 560 SEC Carat (RARE), Excellent condition, all Carat options stored, mechanically sound,

white /burgundy int. Paint and interior excellent, $12,000 located Vegas. Call Rob< 702/260-0264

Phone (619) 327-0200 Fax (619) 327-0237 1(800) 841-1014

MOTOR WORKS, INC. Automotive Machine Shop

European Engine Specialists

www.motorworkspromach.com

1625 Coolidge Ave. National City, CA 91950

For the finest in German engine machinework

Star Bulletin 16151 Fruitvale RD Valley Center CA 92082

MBCA San Diego Section

http://sandiego.mbca.org

Presidents' Message

August is upon up already. For most car aficionados, it’s a very busy

month with events all over America’s Finest City. The pilgrimage up to

Monterey is always a club favorite. A few members will be showing their

pride and joy at the Legends of the Autobahn event, while others look on

and enjoy all of the fun events during what I call “Car Freak Week”. Vin-

tage racing, numerous judged (and non-judged) shows, no less than five

different classic car auctions and lastly dinners with your buddies from the

Mercedes Club. If you can’t join us at this event, we have plenty more

planned for the months ahead. Vintage Racing at Coronado, Wine tasting

in Temecula just to name a few. Last but certainly not least, thank you to

all of the members that joined us on the “Great American Rallye” held in

July

Thank you for the support

Michael Cooper

PRSRT STD

U.S.

POSTAG

E PAID

SAN DIEGO,

CA PERMIT

No. 960

NO MEETING IN AUGUST at MERCEDES- BENZ OF ESCONDIDO

Located at 1101 W 9th Ave, Escondido CA 92029

Please Note: The board has occasionally cancelled meetings when there is a small amount of business that can be considered adequately

by telephone or e-mail. If you are considering joining us for a board meeting, you might want to call a board member first to be sure the

meeting will take place as scheduled.