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Star Torque Issue 244 Winter 2016

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Mercedes-Benz Club of NSW<br />

<strong>Star</strong> <strong>Torque</strong><br />

M -B C<br />

N R<br />

Mercedes-AMG S 63 & S 65<br />

W 113 Pagoda History & Club cars<br />

The Best or Nothing<br />

EDITION <strong>244</strong><br />

WINTER <strong>2016</strong>


About Mercedes-Benz Club of NSW<br />

Dear readers,<br />

As custodians of the Mercedes-<br />

Benz brand in NSW, our Club<br />

is a not for profit organisation<br />

run by enthusiasts for enthusiasts<br />

of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, with<br />

support from dealerships.<br />

The Mercedes-Benz Club of NSW<br />

was founded on January 29th 1972<br />

at East Linfield by a group of nine<br />

enthusiasts sharing a common<br />

interest in this wonderful marque,<br />

and was incorporated under the<br />

NSW Associations Act in 1990.<br />

The first Club event was a picnic<br />

held on a Sunday, 6th February<br />

1972. Our Club is a member of the<br />

Mercedes-Benz Club Management,<br />

established to promote and assist<br />

Mercedes-Benz Clubs globally.<br />

Today, our members and the<br />

Club have grown to include<br />

drive days, social events, tours,<br />

technical workshops, cocktail<br />

functions, dealer events and our<br />

prestige annual Concours d’Elegance<br />

in September.<br />

Our Club members are owners and<br />

admirers of all types of Mercedes-<br />

Benz vehicles, from vintage models<br />

circa 1915, through all the classic<br />

vehicles in the 1940s, 50’s and 60’s<br />

right up to today’s high performance<br />

Mercedes-AMG cars.<br />

As well as running our own NSW<br />

based events, we are involved with<br />

other Mercedes-Benz Clubs across<br />

Australia, holding exciting interstate<br />

tours and events for members.<br />

The Mercedes-Benz Club National<br />

Rally is held in a host capital city<br />

every two years, where interstate<br />

Club members gather for a week of<br />

Mercedes-Benz social, car events,<br />

tours and car displays. This year<br />

it was our turn to host it in Sydney,<br />

which turned out to be a very<br />

successful and enjoyable event.<br />

Our website mbcnsw.org.au is<br />

being upgraded to include modern<br />

Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-<br />

AMG information and events. If you<br />

own a Mercedes-AMG, please come<br />

forward and provide support for the<br />

Club with these vehicles, as we need<br />

to connect with new members with<br />

these cars through digital media.<br />

We post to facebook.com/<br />

mercedes.nswclub.<br />

Our Club is a fun, friendly,<br />

knowledgeable and entertaining<br />

place to enjoy together with your<br />

modern or classic Mercedes-Benz.<br />

We welcome new members and<br />

look forward to seeing you and our<br />

existing members throughout the<br />

year at various fun events and social<br />

functions. Please join us and enjoy.<br />

Yours sincerely<br />

Mercedes-Benz Club of NSW<br />

www.mbcnsw.org.au<br />

1


CONTENTS<br />

WINTER <strong>2016</strong><br />

21<br />

25<br />

1 About Mercedes-Benz Club of NSW<br />

4 The Presidents report<br />

6 Mercedes-Benz W113 Design<br />

7 Club Pagodas<br />

11 The Mercedes-AMG S 63 & S 65 cabriolet<br />

15 Mercedes-Benz Style<br />

17 Mercedes-Benz 1938 540 K Streamliner<br />

21 Local Hero: Spencer Martin<br />

25 National Rally <strong>2016</strong><br />

39 Mille Miglia <strong>2016</strong><br />

Mercedes-Benz Club of NSW Inc. Reg No. Y111 66-02. ABN 43 684 976 470. PO Box 100 Kenthurst NSW 2156. tel: 0449 883 633. website: www.<br />

mbcnsw.org.au / website manager: Bill Dawes webmaster@mbcnsw.org.au / facebook: facebook.com/mercedes.nswclub / email: enquiries@mbcnsw.org.au<br />

/ editor Dennis Dinse editor@mbcnsw.org.au design & pre-press A.King / print Beeprint Pty Ltd / adversing adversing@mbcnsw.org.au<br />

2


CONTENTS<br />

EDITION <strong>244</strong><br />

17<br />

39<br />

7<br />

11<br />

41 Calendar of Events<br />

43 Wollombi Club drive day<br />

45 Mercedes-Benz Concours Victoria<br />

47 Executive committee & team<br />

48 Motor Mart<br />

49 Editorial license & new members<br />

50 Conditional Registration scheme<br />

51 Membership form<br />

52 Membership fees<br />

53 <strong>Star</strong> <strong>Torque</strong> magazine<br />

Mercedes-Benz Club (NSW) Inc. is a not-for-profit organisaon & member of the Mercedes-Benz Club Management. STAR TORQUE is our Club magazine<br />

published quarterly for members, enthusiasts, local & overseas Clubs, Mercedes-Benz dealers & interested customers & associated businesses. “Mercedes-<br />

Benz” & three-pointed star in a circle authorised for use by Mercedes-Benz Club (NSW) Inc. All copyright and trademarks & tradenames are the property of<br />

their respecve owners, including sourced media from Daimler AG.<br />

Please visit www.mercedes-benz.com.au to find your nearest passenger vehicle dealership.<br />

3


The Presidents report<br />

As I write this report winter is<br />

about to start. We do not store our<br />

cars during the winter, as there are<br />

lot of great drives and social events<br />

organised by our Events and Social<br />

Committees. I would like to see as<br />

many Members as possible at these<br />

events, especially historic plated<br />

registration cars, as it is important to<br />

keep these vehicles moving.<br />

Club events are where these vehicles<br />

belong as we are the custodians of the<br />

Mercedes-Benz brand.<br />

It is with much sadness I announce<br />

the recent passing of our honourable<br />

Club secretary Ken Pitman’s father,<br />

Bill Greenville’s wife Janet and<br />

another long term member John<br />

Franks.<br />

The recent Victorian Concours was<br />

well attended by Vince Thompson,<br />

Matt Kean, Mark Hertz and others<br />

who reported that the day was well<br />

run with some very well prepared<br />

Mercedes-Benz on display.<br />

John Linders is settling in as the<br />

new leader of the Model advisers and<br />

the Club Shop, and merchandise, will<br />

now be run by Charles Mansour.<br />

Executive Committee:<br />

I would like to extend my sincere<br />

thanks to the Executive Committee<br />

for all their hard work in keeping the<br />

Club in smooth running order. At the<br />

last general meeting we had the most<br />

profitable raffle night ever, so thanks<br />

to Mike Fleming for organising this.<br />

Nick Harris, the Sydney German<br />

AutoFest (SGA) events director, will<br />

continue to provide excellent work on<br />

new functions for <strong>2016</strong>, along with a<br />

great events team.<br />

Membership:<br />

I am sure that we all know Mercedes-<br />

Benz owners who are not Club<br />

Members yet, so please join them up<br />

and let us all make them welcome.<br />

The MBCNSW is moving forward to<br />

aggressively attract new members<br />

and we thank Bill Greenville for his<br />

sterling work over the past years as<br />

the Club’s membership secretary.<br />

Jenny Fleming has taken over the<br />

Membership Secretary portfolio and<br />

she is actively making contact with<br />

our entire database of members<br />

to make sure details are correct<br />

and connect with them to be more<br />

involved in events and Club life.<br />

I am very pleased to report that our<br />

Membership is growing well and I ask<br />

all Members to make new Members<br />

feel welcome at meetings and events.<br />

With development plans in progress<br />

for the website, membership will<br />

become an automated online process<br />

this year, with the ability to pay<br />

quarterly by credit card or electronic<br />

funds transfer.<br />

The Executive Committee has<br />

revised the annual Club membership<br />

fees, as Club dues have not increased<br />

for over four years and our running<br />

costs certainly have.<br />

Printing costs along with many other<br />

essential services have increased,<br />

considerably, and now account for<br />

approximately half of a single annual<br />

membership fee. The new fee is $95<br />

per annum with a special price $25<br />

joining fee for new members.<br />

Website:<br />

The new MBCNSW website needs<br />

input from digitally savvy Mercedes-<br />

Benz owners with new cars, and<br />

in particular AMG owners, for<br />

suggesting content, ideas and ways<br />

to manage social media and modern<br />

car events. Please contact A. King to<br />

The Mercedes-Benz SSK 710 Count Trossi Roadster will be featured in the next issue of <strong>Star</strong> <strong>Torque</strong>.<br />

4


discuss this further at: advertising@<br />

mbcnsw.org.au<br />

<strong>Star</strong> <strong>Torque</strong>:<br />

Our <strong>Star</strong> <strong>Torque</strong> magazine is being<br />

well received as a perfect bound<br />

publication from our audience and<br />

advertisers, whom we thank for their<br />

continued support for the Club.<br />

However, Dennis Dinse and A. King<br />

are overstretched to produce this<br />

magazine every quarter and it will<br />

not continue without help from other<br />

members.<br />

We urge Club members to step up<br />

and provide content for the magazine.<br />

Stories about your car/s, experiences<br />

(good or bad) with pictures at decent<br />

resolution are needed – see <strong>Star</strong><br />

<strong>Torque</strong> Magazine section in this<br />

issue for how to do this.<br />

We URGENTLY need Club members<br />

who are able to edit and produce<br />

the magazine, with the necessary<br />

computer skills, to come forward<br />

now, as Dennis and A. King can<br />

no longer afford the time to do this<br />

due to their other heavy workload<br />

commitments.<br />

Please make contact with Dennis at<br />

editor@mbcnsw.org.au.<br />

National Clubs Rally:<br />

The National Rally <strong>2016</strong>, held<br />

recently, was one of the best National<br />

Rally’s held to date. Special thanks<br />

go to Simon Strauss and his team<br />

for their huge effort and to a job<br />

well done, as this was a world class<br />

event. I had many interstate entrants<br />

contact me about the classy and<br />

professional way it was all organised.<br />

Pebble Beach Tour August <strong>2016</strong>:<br />

Attend the world famous and world<br />

class event Pebble Beach Concours<br />

d’Elegance tour with the MBCNSW.<br />

Departing in August, this is a selfselect<br />

tour, so you can book any or all<br />

of the events with us:<br />

Vince Thompson has the trip to<br />

Pebble Beach well in hand and this is<br />

the trip of a lifetime, so if anyone else<br />

wishes to go, talk to Vince as he may<br />

still be able to fit you in.<br />

Vince Thompson - 0411 773 440, for<br />

further information.<br />

Canada Bay Club:<br />

General meetings are in the<br />

auditorium, on the first Wednesday<br />

of every month, with Tea, Coffee<br />

and food available for purchase,<br />

downstairs.<br />

The Canada Bay Club is our regular<br />

general meeting venue now, where<br />

we recently, had ex Australian F1<br />

champion Spencer Martin, give us<br />

an entertaining talk on his racing<br />

history, so please come along.<br />

Our other guest speaker last month<br />

was Ken Grindrod from the Gosford<br />

Classic Car Museum. Ken gave a<br />

detailed talk on the museum, which<br />

now has over 700 cars. They are<br />

members of our Club and I ask all<br />

Members to support this new facility.<br />

The Club has booked a Car day<br />

later this year and we are told that<br />

they will change the displays and<br />

cars regularly, which is good for the<br />

Australian Classic Car movement, as<br />

Concours and large displays can be<br />

held there<br />

Historic plate registration:<br />

We have over 180 cars on historic<br />

plate registration and we must handle<br />

the system correctly. I stress that all<br />

owners make sure they renew their<br />

Club Membership in June, otherwise<br />

the registration and insurance<br />

becomes void.<br />

Be sure to adhere to the RMS rules<br />

and I suggest you join the 60 day trail<br />

logbook scheme, which saves logging<br />

longer trips.<br />

Bill Daws will join the Registrar’s<br />

team, so we now have a total<br />

of 4 registrars with Bill Dawes,<br />

Greg Drakopoulos, Grant Karsten<br />

and myself. This will enable<br />

Club Members to have Historic<br />

Registration needs better catered for.<br />

<strong>2016</strong> – Upcoming Events:<br />

The SGA will take place at Gough<br />

Whitlam Park at the same time as<br />

we hold our annual Mercedes-Benz<br />

Club <strong>2016</strong> Concours in September, so<br />

what a great day this will be! By now<br />

you are all preparing your beautiful<br />

Mercedes-Benz’s for this year’s<br />

Concours in September, we want this<br />

one to be the best ever.<br />

This year we are combining with the<br />

Sydney German Auto Fest under the<br />

direction of Nick Harris, so we need<br />

every Mercedes-Benz in the Cub to be<br />

there especially historic plate cars,<br />

all 600’s, 300abcd, 190SL’s, 113SL’s,<br />

W111’s, Coupes and Finnies,<br />

W114/5, W108’s, R107’s, all pre-war<br />

and early 1950’s cars, plus all other<br />

Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG<br />

cars, old or new,<br />

I am bringing all of my cars this<br />

year and need help with drivers, so<br />

if you can help, please contact me.<br />

Concours Director Luke Vrettos says<br />

there is going to be a big interstate<br />

attendance this year as well. The<br />

events committee is planning events<br />

for with new drives and tech days to<br />

be enjoyed by members and guests.<br />

I ask all Members to support the<br />

Club and volunteer for duties and<br />

attend as many events and Club<br />

Meetings as you can.<br />

Ben de Boer<br />

Club President<br />

5


M -B W113 D<br />

by Daimler AG<br />

The creation of the W 113 series (from 1963 to<br />

1971) under Friedrich Geiger marked a paradigm<br />

change in SL design; not because of the Pagoda<br />

roof, but in spite of it. The break with curves and<br />

arches symbolising organic forms such as muscle strands<br />

meant SL design for the W 113 model series called for a<br />

new perspective.<br />

The result was a body with characteristic smooth surfaces,<br />

which refrained from extensive use of trim elements.<br />

Only the flared wheel arches and tyres that completely<br />

filled them conveyed a sense of power and dynamism. In<br />

the area of the rear wings, a delicate, barely perceptible<br />

shoulder echoed the tailfin era that was coming to an end.<br />

The angular end of the rear wing, in conjunction with the<br />

boot lid that followed it in silhouette, resulted in useful<br />

load compartment capacity.<br />

Owing to the low waistline and large glazed surfaces,<br />

even with the top closed the car gave the impression of<br />

lightness and airiness, making one forget the feeling of<br />

confinement which many convertibles and sports cars<br />

give their occupants.<br />

A fillet running from the headlamp unit through to<br />

the rear end, gives the compact two-seater a stretched<br />

appearance and avoids the impression of tedious twodimensionality<br />

in the side view.<br />

The front end is dominated by a radiator opening which<br />

is wider than in the previous model and integrates the<br />

Mercedes star and two flanking chrome inserts. The almost<br />

rectangular headlamp units form the outer boundary.<br />

This was the first car in SL design to display a vertical<br />

homogeneity of traditionally evolved style elements. But<br />

there were critics for whom the even wider face of the<br />

W 113 model series, though effective, was at the same<br />

time a formal exaggeration. The chrome frame on the<br />

arch bordering the top of the grille was made thicker and<br />

prominently emphasised the expressive power of the face<br />

of the SL in the W 113 series.<br />

The curvature of the bonnet with its striking powerdome<br />

contrasted with the otherwise level surface structure of<br />

the body and resulted from the installation of a vertical<br />

in-line six-cylinder engine.<br />

special feature of the W 113 series was the concave<br />

A hardtop, spontaneously dubbed “il pagoda” by the<br />

Italians – an expression which over the decades has become<br />

established as a synonym for the entire model series. The<br />

starting point for this hardtop shape came from safety<br />

pioneer Béla Barényi to create additional carrying space<br />

on the roof of a passenger car. He conducted extensive<br />

tests on saloons of various model series, but putting this<br />

idea into practice did not meet with unanimous approval.<br />

The head of development, Hans Scherenberg, regarded the<br />

Pagoda roof as a signature of the vehicle and served no<br />

functional purpose as far as driving was concerned.<br />

The design was developed under the direction of Friedrich<br />

Geiger and followed the functional trend of passenger cars<br />

of the period and the design was realised by Paul Bracq.<br />

Today the “Pagoda” is still seen as a harmonious design –<br />

as Friedrich Geiger’s original and lifelong aspiration, it is<br />

an achievement confirmed both by Werner Breitschwerdt<br />

and his successor Bruno Sacco.<br />

The design of the hardtop with concave roofline also<br />

demonstrated the increasing influence of design elements<br />

on contemporary marketing considerations. But in<br />

this respect, the Pagoda roof itself proved more or less<br />

inconsequential, since when the fabric top was in use, all<br />

arguments for and against the Pagoda roof were rendered<br />

superfluous.<br />

6


Club Pagodas<br />

1966 230 SL, Oriental Red & Cream – Bob Thomsen<br />

Here is a little trivia about the W113 and my 230 SL.<br />

The W113, commonly known as the “Pagoda”, was<br />

introduced at the Geneva Motor Show, in 1963. A total of<br />

48,912 were built, of which 19,440 were sold to the United<br />

States and production finished in 1971 when the R 107<br />

took over.<br />

The W113 SL was developed by head designer, Paul<br />

Bracq, who created its distinctive concave hard top, which<br />

inspired the name “Pagoda”. The W113 has an in line six<br />

cylinder, fuel injection engine. The bonnet, boot, doors and<br />

hard top, along with the tonneau cover, are all aluminium<br />

to reduce weight.<br />

The W113 SL’s were configured as a Coupe/Roadster,<br />

with a soft top and removable hard top, as an option. A<br />

2 plus 2 was introduced later, with a 250 SL, called the<br />

Californian Coupe, which had a fold down rear seat, instead<br />

of a soft top.<br />

The difference between the 230, 250 and 280 SLs is that<br />

the 230SL has a 4 bearing crankshaft, while the 250 and<br />

280 SL have a 7 bearing crankshaft.<br />

I found my car on the internet back in 1999. It drove<br />

very well, had log books, a very good history, was a Sydney<br />

based car and I believe I am the third owner.<br />

The car had 70,000 miles on the clock, was very straight<br />

with no visible signs of rust. The interior of the car was in<br />

good condition, but the duco was not so good. Just what I<br />

was looking for!<br />

A friend of mine, Mick Schumack, from Maroubra Auto<br />

Refinishers, could respray the car for me. So we removed<br />

the engine and the car went in for a bare metal respray.<br />

Surprisingly there was not a lot off rust to be found, only a<br />

little bit under the chrome mouldings.<br />

While the engine was on the bench, I commissioned Peter<br />

Swatch, from Auto Haus One, to rebuild the engine. The<br />

hard top was relined by Sydney Motor Trimmers and the<br />

interior of the car was given a good clean.<br />

The car still had the original rubber matting on the floor,<br />

which is only found in the 230 SL’s. All other models have<br />

carpet right through the interior. When restoring the 230<br />

SL’s, most restorers will also put carpet right throughout.<br />

The result of all this work has made my, W113, a<br />

Concours winning car. I have had great pleasure and a lot<br />

of satisfaction in taking the car to Mercedes-Benz outings<br />

and Club Concours events.<br />

1970 280 SL Roadster, Gold & Brown - Joe Kaltoum<br />

It’s like stepping into a time machine and travelling back<br />

to 1970, famous for bell-bottoms and disco.<br />

The cars of 1970 were definitely something. My 280SL<br />

Mercedes-Benz 1970 looks like a photo-shopped image,<br />

snatched out of a glossy magazine. With its golden shine<br />

and chiselled frame, not only does this model trigger a<br />

longing to revisit the past, but it remains one of the most<br />

affordable investments for me.<br />

With my “Pagoda” and the detachable hardtop roof off, I<br />

am truly ready to embrace the 1970’s life, and cruise down<br />

the streets of Sydney with no care in the world. Built in<br />

the era of the seventies, you would assume that the 280SL<br />

Mercedes-Benz would leak, rattle and squeak, but to the<br />

contrary, this car is as solid today as the day it was first<br />

driven. What a car, easy to manoeuvre and handle any<br />

corner. I have owned the car for 18 years as the second<br />

owner. The previous owner had restored this pagoda, so I<br />

take full advantage of driving this wonderful car.<br />

by Club members,<br />

A.King, D.Dinse<br />

7


Club Pagodas<br />

1964 230 SL Roadster, Blue & Navy - Mark Devadson<br />

The The iconic Pagoda has been on my watch list for<br />

decades. Partially to celebrate a significant birthday<br />

that almost coincided with the age of the car. I purchased<br />

the “230SL”, at a Shannon’s auction, a couple of years<br />

ago. I knew at the time of the purchase the car had<br />

been fitted with a 250SL engine, which had replaced the<br />

original one at some stage in its history. The car was a tidy<br />

runner that presented well, having been partially, but not<br />

comprehensively, restored.<br />

Since then, with the help from my friends at Cremorne<br />

Prestige and Koudsy Bodyworks in Artarmon, I have<br />

completed a bare metal respray, a total engine, gearbox,<br />

wheels and a wiring loom restoration. I agonised about<br />

whether to go with white walled “tyres”, but ended up<br />

staying with the more European look, black tyres. The<br />

car still has an original and working Becker radio. The<br />

car now looks and drives as if new and has a new lease of<br />

life, which hopefully, will see it on the roads in Sydney for<br />

another 50 years.<br />

1971 280 SL, Beige & Brown - Robert Harrison<br />

The original owner of this vehicle was Max Bowen,<br />

delivered by Marshalls of Parramatta on 20th July<br />

1971. Sold to Bourke in 1976, then to Aylett in 1996, on to<br />

Downie in 2005 and purchased by me in November 2012,<br />

with 58,185 miles on the clock.<br />

It has now done just less than 61,000 miles. The car is<br />

totally original and has not been restored or involved in<br />

any accidents. I have all the original service books, which<br />

are up to date, and the original tool roll. The previous<br />

owner Downie, who had the car from 2005 to 2012, had<br />

the car resprayed and fitted new soft top. There has been<br />

nothing else done to the car, apart from normal servicing.<br />

I went to Canberra for the Australian gathering of Pagoda<br />

owners, 50th anniversary, in 2013. There were 60 W113’s,<br />

from all over Australia, on display. To my surprise, I was<br />

awarded Best in Show!<br />

1963 230 SL, Cream & Cream - Frances & Tony Cole<br />

We purchased the car in 1991, after Frances had seen<br />

it for sale, in our mechanic’s display window at the<br />

front of his Bowral workshop. It was love at first sight.<br />

With approximately 28,000 miles on the clock, and in<br />

lovely condition, it has been a joy to own. Although still<br />

only showing about 32,500 miles on the clock today, it<br />

has had very few serious maintenance problems and now<br />

resides in the home garage under a dust cover, but comes<br />

out on special occasions and of course for registration.<br />

There is no doubt about it ‘She is Glamour’<br />

8


1964 230 SL Roadster, Red & Black – Peter Cole<br />

acquired my 1964 Roadster in about 1992 with a view<br />

I to owning an every-day classic car which could be fun.<br />

I have certainly enjoyed a quiet and sometimes intimate<br />

relationship – oh and travelled many miles too. That<br />

car is now an assumed member of the family and my<br />

neighbourhood seems to have taken vicarious ownership<br />

too. Approval from young surfers at the Avalon bus stop is<br />

a lovely thing.<br />

The car came as an imported “barn find” from the UK<br />

with plenty of remedial “projects” to keep me busy. I<br />

liked the robust four speed manual gearbox and it seemed<br />

to run well. After replacing the exhaust system and<br />

repairing some rust, I worked through all the linkages and<br />

running gear bearings. Simple maintenance and a good<br />

clean throughout got us onto street registration.<br />

For three years, my son and I commuted from Sydney’s<br />

northern beaches to the city centre, chatting away<br />

and being rude to each other in a true Australian show<br />

of relaxed affection. That car became symbolic of a very<br />

good time. However, he didn’t seem to want to own the car<br />

after that! I was intrigued with the car and admired the<br />

fact that a 1964 vehicle was running on fully independent<br />

suspension, power assisted disc brakes and a fuel injected<br />

petrol engine. You would be forgiven for thinking that<br />

it were a diesel fuel pump because that’s what it looks<br />

like. Anyway, the car drove well and fitted the original<br />

requirement for an everyday classic car.<br />

In its semi-retirement, the car runs on Mercedes-Benz<br />

Club plates. I have fun and go without fuss on occasional,<br />

short maintenance runs in my local area. I hope to attend<br />

more Club events in the future as my other lives allow and<br />

look forward to making the rest of you look good as I turn<br />

up in my “original” condition!<br />

1966 230 SL Roadster, White & Navy - Betty Buckley<br />

Betty purchased the car in December 1966, from Suttons<br />

Motors at Chatswood, for $9,000. The Car was used as<br />

an everyday drive, from Killara to Canley Vale, until 1980.<br />

For the next ten years the car was used every day to go to<br />

work at Terrigal Haven, where it was parked outside all day<br />

at the beach, and still no rust! In 2009 the car was retired<br />

and given a complete makeover before being handed on to<br />

her son, who has it garaged at Woolloomooloo, with several<br />

other cars in his collection. This car has clocked up a total<br />

of 123,115 Miles.<br />

1965 230 SL, White & Red - Rolf Krecklenberg<br />

am the fourth owner of this Australian delivered, 1965<br />

I 230 SL, and feel very lucky to have this vehicle as part of<br />

my collection.<br />

The interior is absolutely original with only minor<br />

external paint over sprays on some panels. A great colour<br />

combination of old English white, red interior with matching<br />

black Pagoda roof and hubcaps. With only 104,000 miles<br />

on the clock and an original patina, this has to be one of the<br />

most gorgeous examples of a W113, around.<br />

<strong>Star</strong> <strong>Torque</strong> is running a series of stories on each marque of the SL. We need members with these<br />

vehicles to write their story to us with high resolution pictures to do this. The R 107 SL is next to feature.<br />

See the instructions on the <strong>Star</strong> <strong>Torque</strong> magazine page and tell us about your SL and why you love it.<br />

9


10


T M-AMG<br />

S 63 S 65 <br />

by Daimler AG<br />

photos: Daimler AG<br />

T<br />

wo new amazing Mercedes-AMG S Classe<br />

convertible cars are now available, with the S 63<br />

and S65 Cabriolet.<br />

Carl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler invented the automobile<br />

in 1886. In so doing, they established a tradition of<br />

constant further developments and innovative new<br />

creations that continue to this day.<br />

Mercedes-Benz’s sports car and performance brand<br />

are now celebrating this 130th anniversary with the<br />

exclusive special edition Mercedes-AMG S 63 4MATIC<br />

Cabriolet “Edition 130”. Distinguished by particularly<br />

exquisite appointments, the special edition will celebrate<br />

its world premiere at the North American International<br />

Auto Show in Detroit.<br />

With the high-gloss special colour “alubeam silver” paint<br />

finish, the Bordeaux red fabric top and the matt black<br />

20-inch 10-spoke wheels with high-sheen rim flanges,<br />

the Mercedes-AMG S 63 4MATIC Cabriolet “Edition 130”<br />

presents an exclusive version of the open-top four seater.<br />

“The first automobiles from Carl Benz and Gottlieb<br />

Daimler were open vehicles. Mercedes-AMG honours<br />

this achievement of the founding fathers with this highly<br />

exclusive cabriolet, and demonstrates the developments<br />

the automobile has undergone in the last 130 years,<br />

developments which would have been inconceivable at<br />

that time”, according to Tobias Moers, Chairman of the<br />

Board of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.<br />

Limited: only 130 cars<br />

The exclusive designo nappa leather upholstery in Bengal<br />

red/black or optionally crystal grey/black as well as the<br />

trim elements in AMG carbon/piano lacquer black also<br />

underscore the special position of this limited edition, of<br />

which there are only 130 available. A badge in the middle<br />

console and an engraving on the steering wheel bezel also<br />

highlight this fact. Brake callipers painted red and floor<br />

mats with Bengal red or crystal grey edging round off the<br />

visual impression.<br />

Every customer receives a tailor-made AMG Indoor Car<br />

Cover with the embroidered lettering “Edition 130<br />

– 1 of 130” to protect this valuable vehicle from dust in<br />

the garage. Furthermore, at the handover of the keys the<br />

customer receives the Welcome Package with an Edition<br />

130 badge key ring and an aluminium box for the handing<br />

over of the vehicle’s key.<br />

The “Edition 130” celebrates its world premiere and<br />

sales release at the North American International Auto<br />

Show in Detroit. The non-binding list price in Germany<br />

is 226,457 Euros (including 19% VAT). Market launch<br />

begins in April <strong>2016</strong>.<br />

11


Aside from the expressive design of the exterior and<br />

interior, the four-seater cabriolet offers the brand’s<br />

hallmark Driving Performance. The 5.5 litre V8-biturbo<br />

engine with 430 kW (585 HP) output and 900 Nm<br />

maximum torque, the performance-oriented 4MATIC<br />

all-wheel drive, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9<br />

seconds.<br />

W<br />

ith the new S 65 Cabriolet, Mercedes-AMG is for<br />

the first time offering a performance car which<br />

combines the impressive power of the 6.0 litre<br />

V12 biturbo engine with the pleasure of open-top driving<br />

for four occupants. An output of 463 kW (630 hp), 1000<br />

newton metres of maximum torque, the sport suspension<br />

based on AIRMATIC and the exquisite appointments<br />

emphasise the exceptional status of the new flagship<br />

model in the S-Class family from Mercedes-AMG.<br />

A new dimension in open-air motoring is guaranteed<br />

by the automatic wind protection system AIRCAP, the<br />

AIRSCARF neck-level heating system, heated armrests<br />

and intelligent climate control. The three-layered acoustic<br />

fabric soft top is available in four colours, and has a<br />

very high-quality interior lining in nappa leather and<br />

DINAMICA microfibre.<br />

No other car manufacturer in the world offers such a<br />

wide portfolio of twelve-cylinder models as Mercedes-<br />

AMG: The S 65 Saloon, SL 65 Roadster, G 65 off-roader<br />

and S 65 Coupé are now joined by the new S 65 Cabriolet<br />

as a further high performance alternative for discerning<br />

automobile enthusiasts.<br />

“The customer base for our V12 biturbo engine expects<br />

the ultimate in every respect.That is why we are offering<br />

a four-seater high-performance convertible with this<br />

legendary power unit for the first time. The new S 65<br />

Cabriolet sets benchmarks for all relevant criteria: top<br />

performance, a breathtaking driving experience and<br />

exquisite appointments,” says Tobias Moers, Chairman of<br />

Mercedes-AMG GmbH.<br />

The peak output of 463 kW (630 hp) and maximum<br />

torque of 1000 newton metres make for effortlessly<br />

superior performance: The Mercedes-AMG S 65 Cabriolet<br />

sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds. The top speed<br />

is 250 km/h (electronically limited). The AMG Driver’s<br />

package includes an increase in the top speed to 300<br />

km/h (also electronically limited).<br />

Yet it is the unrivalled 12-cylinder driving experience<br />

that thrills much more than facts and figures: stylish<br />

driving comfort and effortless power delivery combine<br />

with great refinement and the unmistakable AMG V12<br />

engine sound.<br />

12


SPECIFICATIONS S 63 Cabriolet S 65 Cabriolet<br />

Number of cylinders V8 Biturbo V12 Biturbo<br />

Displacement (cc) 5461 5980<br />

Output (kW/hp at 5500 rpm) 430 (585) 463 (630)<br />

Rated torque (Nm at rpm) 900 at 2250-3750 1000 at 2300-4300<br />

Combined fuel consumption l/100 km 10.4 12<br />

Combined CO2 (g/km) <strong>244</strong> 272<br />

Efficiency class F G<br />

Acceleration 0-100 km/h (s) 3.9 4.1<br />

Top speed (km/h) limited 250 250<br />

13


My Service.<br />

Visit an authorised Mercedes-Benz dealership to experience the benefits of Genuine Service.<br />

Your servicing will be conducted by factory-trained technicians, who are constantly trained to keep<br />

abreast of product developments, are equipped with sophisticated diagnostic tools and only use<br />

Mercedes-Benz Genuine Parts, to keep your Mercedes-Benz in optimal condition. We look<br />

forward to welcoming you to a Mercedes-Benz Genuine Service experience.<br />

* Mercedes-Benz received the highest numerical score among luxury autos in the J.D. Power<br />

2015 Australia Customer Service Index Study, based on a total of 453 luxury car owners<br />

who had their vehicle serviced at an authorized dealer or service center, and were surveyed<br />

between August-October 2015. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.


M -B S<br />

by Daimler AG<br />

T<br />

he product world of<br />

Mercedes-Benz Style<br />

transfers the brand’s<br />

sensual-pure design and high<br />

standards of luxury, aesthetics and<br />

technological innovation to other<br />

areas of life.<br />

The world premiere on the Côte<br />

d’Azur: The luxury motor yacht<br />

“Arrow460–Granturismo” designed<br />

by Mercedes-Benz Style has embarked<br />

on its maiden voyage off the coast of<br />

Nice, France.<br />

The first example of this new yacht<br />

model is named “Mercedes”, and true<br />

to the tradition of the name, it founds<br />

a completely new boat concept. The<br />

14-metre long, 706 kW (960 hp)<br />

“Silver Arrow of the Seas” combines<br />

the performance of Mercedes-Benz<br />

sports cars with unique innovations<br />

from the boat industry.<br />

The yacht has classic automobile<br />

proportions that bring the<br />

hallmark Mercedes design idiom<br />

of sensual purity onto the water in<br />

a highly emotional and dynamic<br />

form. The yacht also combines the<br />

advantages of an open boat with<br />

those of a hull cabin cruiser in unique<br />

fashion. The crossover design offers<br />

the ultimate in variability, with a boat<br />

that is equally suitable for day trips<br />

and overnight stays on board.<br />

Mercedes-Benz Style also makes<br />

the modern luxury for which<br />

the brand is known tangible beyond<br />

the world of the automobile. Since<br />

2010, Mercedes-Benz designers<br />

working with selected partners have<br />

been developing exclusive products,<br />

which have transported the high<br />

quality standards and unmistakable<br />

design philosophy of sensual purity<br />

into other mobility and lifestyle<br />

areas. As in vehicle development,<br />

they are guided by their passion for<br />

uniqueness.<br />

“In developing the new motor yacht,<br />

we have transferred our expertise<br />

to the marine industry,<br />

creating something never<br />

seen before in the process.<br />

The ‘Silver Arrow of the<br />

Seas’ stands for modern<br />

luxury, avant-garde style<br />

and comfortable elegance.<br />

The yacht embodies<br />

the Mercedes-Benz’s<br />

progressive, dynamic design<br />

philosophy of sensual purity<br />

on the water.<br />

Or, to put it another way, it is<br />

hot and cool in one, and stands<br />

for emotion and intelligence,” said<br />

Gorden Wagener, Vice President<br />

Design Daimler AG. “Together<br />

with Silver Arrow Marine we have<br />

managed to develop a totally new<br />

boat concept. By virtue of maximum<br />

variability, the yacht combines the<br />

advantages of an open boat with the<br />

generous interior and privacy of a<br />

cabin cruiser. It weds charismatic<br />

design with perfect functionality,<br />

much in the same way as is familiar<br />

from our road vehicles. As such,<br />

the ‘Arrow460–Granturismo’ is sure<br />

to cause a stir on the seas and at<br />

marinas throughout the world in the<br />

coming years.”<br />

Silver Arrow Marine Chairman Ron<br />

Gibbs said: “Almost everything about<br />

Arrow460-Granturismo is unique,<br />

from its concept to the smallest<br />

bespoke detail.<br />

It is a motor yacht with a personality<br />

that truly embraces life, combining<br />

the best marine engineering with the<br />

inspired innovations and elegance<br />

that the world associates with the<br />

Mercedes-Benz name. By merging<br />

marine and automotive worlds, with<br />

their respective design language,<br />

technologies and ideas, we have<br />

created a new standard of motor<br />

yacht, unlike all others.”<br />

15


The “Arrow460–Granturismo”<br />

can accommodate up to 10<br />

people. The large side windows are<br />

retractable, and the windscreen<br />

can be raised. This means that<br />

passengers can sit comfortably<br />

in the interior while enjoying an<br />

all-round view and the feeling of<br />

sitting in the open. Tables and<br />

beds are extendable, and therefore<br />

available as and when required.<br />

Superior comfort is assured by<br />

a luxurious bathroom unit and<br />

separate dressing room.<br />

As standard the yacht is<br />

equipped with every feature an<br />

owner might wish for. Apart from<br />

an air conditioning system and a<br />

high-quality audio system, it has<br />

a “wine-cellar” and an ice-making<br />

machine.<br />

Mercedes-Benz<br />

Style’s<br />

innovative aspirations also<br />

embrace the choice of materials.<br />

Wood serves to line the entire<br />

interior, rather than using this<br />

material as a conventional floor<br />

covering. As a result of this threedimensional<br />

application of wood,<br />

the fine grain of the eucalyptus<br />

follows the overarching forms of<br />

the interior lining, underscoring<br />

the overall flow of the interior.<br />

The floor covering takes the<br />

form of an industrial, sustainable<br />

composite material featuring<br />

a specific flowing décor and a<br />

harmonious colour combination<br />

The glazing is unique in<br />

two respects: the luminous<br />

transmittance can be controlled<br />

electronically, along the same<br />

lines as the Mercedes-Benz Magic<br />

Sky technology; at the same time,<br />

the silver-shimmering glazing<br />

blends apparently seamlessly<br />

into the overall profile, as on the<br />

Mercedes-Benz concept vehicles<br />

F015 and Concept IAA. This avantgarde<br />

appearance underscores<br />

the sculptural and innovative<br />

character of the Arrow460-<br />

Granturismo.<br />

The exterior design boasts clear<br />

contours and smooth surfaces.<br />

In a dynamic and sophisticated<br />

way, the muscular, extended hull<br />

accentuates the sensual purity of<br />

the design. With its long foredeck,<br />

a flowing, arched roofline and<br />

a slightly descending rear, the<br />

yacht has classic automobile<br />

proportions.<br />

The sides of the hull are<br />

structured with a feature line<br />

descending gently towards the<br />

stern. The concave and convex<br />

interaction along the entire flank<br />

creates a highly sculptural hull<br />

that conveys both dynamism and<br />

serenity.<br />

The overall composition is<br />

accentuated by elegantly styled yet<br />

functional details. Great attention<br />

has been paid to the handrails,<br />

for example, which are perfectly<br />

integrated into the roofline.<br />

Arrow460-Granturismo<br />

Specification<br />

Total length 14.14 metres<br />

Hull length 13.85 metres<br />

Draught 0.93 metres<br />

Maximum boat width 3.97 metres<br />

Maximum displacement 13.58 tonnes<br />

Fuel tank capacity<br />

1200 litres<br />

Water tank capacity 500 litres<br />

Drive system 2 Yanmar 6LY3-ETP diesel<br />

engines, each rated at 353 kW (480 hp)<br />

Cruising speed 28 to 30 knots (in calm seas)<br />

Top speed 40+ knots (with light load)<br />

Design category Class B<br />

16


Mercedes-Benz 1938 540 K Streamliner<br />

by Daimler AG<br />

Mercedes-Benz Classic showcased the 540<br />

K Streamliner at the 2014 Pebble Beach<br />

Concours d’Elégance. Following extensive<br />

restoration and reconstruction, this<br />

extraordinary vehicle dating from 1938, celebrated its<br />

international public premiere on the west coast of America.<br />

“The 540 K Streamliner represents the embodiment<br />

of perfection in its purest form”, says Michael Bock,<br />

Head of Mercedes-Benz Classic and Customer Center.<br />

“The integrity of its overall design as well as numerous<br />

technical details do not only epitomise the innovative<br />

power of the Mercedes-Benz brand but also its expertise<br />

in the development of one-off vehicles to meet the very<br />

highest expectations in terms of design, comfort and<br />

customer benefit.”<br />

This exceptional vehicle was built with a powerful<br />

supercharged engine for high-speed, long distance<br />

motoring. Thanks to its lightweight aluminium bodyshell<br />

developed in the wind tunnel, the 540 K Streamliner is an<br />

object lesson in efficiency for its size class. In addition to its<br />

lightweight construction and sophisticated aerodynamics,<br />

it is the car’s outstanding exterior and interior design,<br />

elegant appointments and spaciousness that make the 540<br />

K Streamliner such a very special vehicle.<br />

As part of a complex and time-consuming project,<br />

Mercedes-Benz Classic restored and rebuilt the<br />

vehicle to its original condition, using only the technical<br />

skills, methods and materials of the period from which<br />

the vehicle originates. The result is a spectacular, oneof-a-kind<br />

vehicle, as it was in 1938: a herald of the<br />

future, combining innovative 1930’s vehicle design with<br />

exceptional efficiency and a sophisticated, sleek aesthetic<br />

appeal.<br />

The history:<br />

Built in the first half of 1938 and delivered in June 1938 to<br />

tyre manufacturer Dunlop.<br />

Employed for the testing of high-performance tyres for<br />

particularly fast and heavy vehicles.<br />

Adopted into the collection of the Mercedes-Benz Museum<br />

during the 1950s.<br />

2011: <strong>Star</strong>ting signal given for full restoration to original<br />

condition at Mercedes-Benz Classic.<br />

The vehicle:<br />

Chassis and engine of the Mercedes-Benz 540 K.<br />

Streamlined aluminium body – an absolute one-off.<br />

Designed strictly in accordance with the understanding<br />

of aerodynamics at the time of its creation; flowing lines,<br />

low silhouette, minimal surface interruptions; panelled<br />

underbody.<br />

17


Technical data:<br />

Cylinders:<br />

8/in-line<br />

Displacement: 5401 cc<br />

Output:<br />

Top speed:<br />

85 kW (115 hp),<br />

with supercharger<br />

132 kW (180 hp)<br />

Drag coefficient: 0.36<br />

185 km/h<br />

The longer transmission ratio<br />

identified on the rear axle, at i =<br />

2.90 (rather than i = 3.08, as for the<br />

standard-production 540 K models)<br />

prevents the engine from over revving<br />

at the higher top speeds made possible<br />

by the optimised aerodynamics.<br />

On the trail of evidence:<br />

The chassis frame tells the story:<br />

traces of aluminium provide clues<br />

about the bodywork, residual colour<br />

about the silver paintwork, drill<br />

holes about the attachment of the full<br />

underbody panelling, indications of<br />

wear about the testing programme at<br />

Dunlop.<br />

Thorough research in the archives<br />

produced some important findings:<br />

following comparison with the entry<br />

in the commission book, the numbers<br />

found on the frame confirmed the<br />

vehicle’s authenticity. Further<br />

documents revealed the use of silverbronze<br />

paintwork, grey interior<br />

appointments and walnut wood trim.<br />

An important basis for the restoration<br />

was provided by the photos, quotation<br />

drawings and - the biggest find of all -<br />

a historical description of the surface<br />

of the outer shell. This drawing,<br />

produced in February 1938, includes<br />

certain important details that were<br />

found on the original frame.<br />

restoration & reconstruction:<br />

Time frame: early 2012 to mid-2014<br />

(approx. two and a half years).<br />

Restoration and reconstruction<br />

to the original condition using<br />

contemporary craft skills, methods<br />

and materials.<br />

The original line drawing of 1938 was<br />

transposed in meticulous detail to a<br />

3D surface model, using sophisticated<br />

CAD design techniques, to provide<br />

the basis for production drawings,<br />

auxiliary tools and templates.<br />

Extreme precision in the preparation<br />

and implementation of every detail<br />

and each stage of the work.<br />

Original components were preserved<br />

and re-used - and still show the marks<br />

of time.<br />

Careful craftsmanship was involved<br />

at every stage. Rebuilding the body<br />

18


shell alone involved more than 4,800<br />

hours of work – the sort of effort<br />

and expense that simply cannot<br />

be compared with a conventional<br />

restoration.<br />

Reconstruction of the underbody<br />

panelling with the help of<br />

aerodynamic experts from Mercedes-<br />

Benz passenger car development.<br />

Repair of engine and transmission,<br />

and subsequent testing of components,<br />

on the output dynamometer of the<br />

engine development department in<br />

Untertürkheim.<br />

19


Leading the field in a Brabham in the Tasman series at Warwick Farm<br />

S<br />

pencer Martin was the guest of honour at our<br />

April general meeting. He is an Australian F1<br />

championship winning racing driver. His career<br />

was highlighted by two Australian Drivers’ Championship<br />

victories, in 1966 and 1967.<br />

Spencer became hooked on racing when he was a<br />

teenager, watching drivers racing at Mount Druitt, in New<br />

South Wales. “I used to watch the drivers going around and<br />

thought that I was as good as they were,” he explained, “So<br />

I built a car myself and eventually got on the race track.”<br />

“I had my first race in 1960, at the Gnoo Blas circuit, in<br />

Orange. It was a little car that I built myself but it did over<br />

100 miles an hour and it was very successful. We had a lot<br />

of fun in that car.”<br />

A mechanic by trade, Spencer moved up through the ranks<br />

with his contacts in the trade, racing a PRAD sports car and<br />

a very successful Holden 48-215 touring car.<br />

Spencer Martin was one of Australia’s great open-wheel<br />

racers. The big turning point in his racing career came<br />

when he was offered a Holden to drive. “I think the turning<br />

point was at Catalina Park at Katoomba,” said Martin.<br />

“Norm Beechy and Bob Jane came up with their Holdens<br />

and I beat Norm around there. He was driving for Scuderia<br />

Veloce, which was David McKay’s team, who was so<br />

shocked that I beat Norm, that he put in a ten pound protest<br />

and had the motor checked out. After finding it was legal,<br />

David McKay offered Spencer a drive with his Scuderia<br />

First car & first race at Orange in 1960<br />

Driving a Holden EH in 1963 at Bathurst on 3 wheels<br />

20<br />

Front row: Spencer, Graham Hill Jim Clark & Jackie Stewart at 1967 NZ Grand Prix


L H: S M<br />

Ferrari 250LM at a dangerous turn on the Longford Track Tasman cup in 1965<br />

by S.Marn & A.King<br />

Veloce team in the 1963 Armstrong 500, co-driving with<br />

Brian Muir. “He then invited me to drive his Formula One<br />

Brabham in 1964. It was a pretty big step going from a<br />

Holden into a Formula One car!”<br />

“David gave me the biggest break of my career, as far as<br />

motor racing went.” Spencer says. “David bought a new<br />

Brabham in 1965 and then brought Graham Hill, the world<br />

champion, out to race in the Tasman Series.<br />

Graham Hill and Spencer with the BT4 Brabham at Warwick Farm 1964<br />

Spencer in the Brabham BT11A at Bathurst 1964<br />

Graham Hill drove this car, winning its very first race the<br />

New Zealand Grand Prix at Pukekohe. As I had put the car<br />

together and was Graham’s mechanic, it was a very proud<br />

moment for me.”<br />

Spencer became a part of Scuderia Veloce as a mechanic<br />

and driver. He raced the team’s Repco Brabham BT11A,<br />

as well as a Ferrari 250LM sports car, winning the 1965 Six<br />

Hour at Caversham with McKay as co-driver. He also placed<br />

third in the Italian car in the Australian Tourist Trophy in<br />

both 1965 and 1966.<br />

Spencer left the team in mid 1966, after a top ten<br />

championship finish in the 1966 Tasman Series and found<br />

employment with Bob Jane’s racing team.<br />

The next two years were two of the most successful of his<br />

career. “I had a falling out with David, who could be difficult<br />

sometimes, so I left him to drive with Bob Jane. I drove for<br />

him in 1966 and 1967, winning the Gold <strong>Star</strong> Championship<br />

in both years.”<br />

“In 1979, David was driving the Ferrari at Sandown in a<br />

demonstration run, where he crashed when an oil line came<br />

21<br />

Spencer drifting the Brabham BT11A at Warwick Farm


This signed very rare picture is of particular interest to racing<br />

fans as it is the 1955 Mercedes-Benz F1 team, who included:<br />

Director Uhlenhaut, J.M.Fangio, P.Taruffi, Stirling Moss, Karl<br />

Kling and team manager Rennleiter Neubauer.<br />

off. I sent a telegram to him, saying that I hoped he was<br />

alright, and we made up. We both went overseas to a few<br />

Grand Prix’s together and he sold me a quarter share in the<br />

Ferrari 250LM.”<br />

In 1984 we raced at Laguna Seca where there were five<br />

other 250LMs and we finished in front of all of them.”<br />

“I drove Historic racers overseas for the next 10 years for<br />

Kerry Manolas,” said Martin.<br />

“We had a lot of success: As the photos show, we won at<br />

the Nürburgring, Magny Cours, Monaco, Silverstone and at<br />

Laguna Seca - where we won the Phil Hill award for the best<br />

presented and driven car at the meeting. This was the first<br />

time anyone outside the USA had won this trophy and they<br />

were not happy - but had no other option to let us have the<br />

trophy as the car was in Concours condition.<br />

In addition to the Ferrari 250LM, I have raced a Ferrari 250<br />

Pontoon Testarossa, a Ferrari 196S, 375MM plus Ferrari,<br />

250 SWB Ferraris, 250 TDF (Tour De France) Ferrari, a 300<br />

S Maserati, an Alpha T33 and the ex-Stirling Moss C-Type<br />

Jaguar, (where Stirling came second at Le Mans) plus many<br />

other cars with Kerry.”<br />

Spencer drove Porsches well into the 2000’s with Warwick<br />

Miller, whose cars included a 2.8L Porsche RSR, a 906 Le<br />

Mans car and a 2.7L Carrera.<br />

Ferrari 196 C First place at Magny Cours<br />

Ferrari 196 C First place at Nürburgring with trophies & team mates<br />

22<br />

Ferrari 196 C winner of Phil Hill award at Laguna Seca


Historic racing at Laguna Seca in the 250LM - now worth US$18M<br />

“In 1997 it was a great privilege to race Kerry Minolas’s<br />

Jaguar C type (ex Moss) on the famous circuit at Monaco for<br />

the Historic Racing Series with 26 other cars. It was the<br />

best historic race meeting I have been to with Prince Albert,<br />

Princess Stephanie and Sir Stirling Moss giving out the<br />

awards, where we won our class in this event.” said Spencer.<br />

Spencer at full pace in a Porsche 906 at Eastern Creek raceway<br />

Driving the ex-Moss Jaguar C type in the Historic Racing series at Monaco<br />

“Going through the famous tunnel where so many other<br />

great grand Prix drivers have gone, moved me to recall<br />

all this racing history, especially with the Jaguar engine<br />

screaming off the walls to remind me!” he said.<br />

Another great historic racing event was the Colorado<br />

Grand, which Kerry had entered his Ferrari 250 SWB<br />

(short wheel base). The car was a factory racer, which came<br />

third overall at Le Mans and first in the GT class.<br />

It was called a Factory hot rod, having the very special 250<br />

TR engine (320 hp), thinner chassis tubes, all aluminium<br />

body, perspex windows combining to make a very fast and<br />

enjoyable car to drive.<br />

The Colorado Grand was run by the Colorado State Patrol<br />

where we were told that they would turn a blind eye to<br />

speed, but if we did something silly we were on our own. The<br />

event was 1,000km with sixty cars across Colorado and the<br />

Rockies, with the proceeds going to Patrol Officers families,<br />

killed in the line of duty. It was a terrific event combining<br />

high speed driving and a lot of social activity.<br />

“In 1994, I met Alan Webber and his son Mark at Amaroo<br />

where my son Mathew raced Mark in Formula Fords<br />

together. We formed a strong friendship which still lasts<br />

today and Mark came to live at our house, when he came to<br />

23<br />

The glorious Ferrari 250 GT SWB in the Colorado Grand Rally in 1997


Spencer Martin winning cars:<br />

48-215 Holden1963<br />

Brabham BT11A 1965<br />

Ferrari 250LM 1965<br />

Sydney to take a job as an advanced driving instructor.<br />

I have kept in constant touch with him during his career,<br />

ending up going to Le Mans with him and the Mercedes-<br />

Benz team in 1999 with the CLR.<br />

This CLR is the car that famously took off at over 300kmh<br />

doing a full loop-the-loop before landing on its wheels the<br />

right way up! The mechanics put another CLR together,<br />

where this happened to Mark AGAIN in that car 2 days later!<br />

In 2013, Mark invited my son and I to go to his penultimate<br />

race in F1, at Austin, Texas. He flew us first class to<br />

L.A., where we stayed for<br />

a week to get over jet lag<br />

in a great hotel. We were<br />

then flown in a private jet<br />

to Austin, for the F1 race,<br />

with the best seats in the<br />

house and he would not let<br />

us pay for anything. Many<br />

thanks Mark for being<br />

such a great friend and<br />

great racing driver.<br />

Spencer was asked to<br />

drive a Brabham Alpha<br />

Romeo at the 2006 Tasman<br />

revival for Paul Moxham.<br />

Mark and Spencer in the F1 Red Bull car<br />

Ferrari 196 C multiple winner Spencer Martin & Kerry Minolas & 1994 at Laguna Seca<br />

“I hadn’t driven an open wheeler for over 40 years<br />

and I didn’t know if I could get up to speed,” said<br />

Spencer at 68. My first test session at Eastern<br />

Creek where I went out on the track and spun on<br />

the second corner. On returning to the pits, I asked<br />

if the tyres were new and was told they were eight<br />

years old, to warm me up! With a new set, the car<br />

and the driver settled into a cracking pace.<br />

ended up in second place, being narrowly beaten<br />

I by half a car length by John Smith in a Lotus 49,<br />

which had an extra 100 horse power than us!<br />

This was my farewell race and I still enjoy the<br />

wonderful world of racing cars and the people who<br />

supported me during my career.” Spencer says.<br />

Mark in FULL FLIGHT in the CLR Spencer farewell race in 2006<br />

24


National Rally <strong>2016</strong><br />

by Club reporters<br />

Photo s: C.Rankin<br />

G.Timothy<br />

Introduction<br />

The Mercedes-Benz Clubs of Australia, National Rallies,<br />

are a tradition that had its official start in 1976. Held<br />

every two years and rotated from state to state, NSW has<br />

the privilege and responsibility to put on the rally every<br />

10 years and <strong>2016</strong> was the 40th anniversary.<br />

Sometime early in 2013 Vince Thompson, then Club<br />

President, received a call from Barry Bow (past Club<br />

President, and Silver <strong>Star</strong> winner) asking him “What<br />

have you done about the <strong>2016</strong> Rally?” Vince responded<br />

saying he hadn’t even been to the 2014 rally yet! But<br />

nonetheless, Vince and Barry made a time to catch up<br />

and Barry provided a rundown on what was needed; the<br />

main points being: get a committee, appoint a President,<br />

appoint a Treasurer and get a venue!<br />

And so preparations began for the <strong>2016</strong> Rally which<br />

was held from Friday March 11 to Monday March 14,<br />

based at the Novotel, Brighton Le Sands. The feedback<br />

we had from all attendees was tremendous, paying back<br />

handsomely the time and effort expended by NSW Club<br />

members, over nearly 3 years. Here’s a small sample:<br />

“ ....Just wanted to say a big thank you for all the hard<br />

work you and the team put into this year’s rally. It really<br />

paid off! ... felt it went like clockwork.”<br />

“..... would like to take this opportunity to say thanks for<br />

all your effort and hospitality in Sydney. We had a great<br />

time and as usual Sydney did an exceptional professional<br />

job in flying the flag. I hope we can stay in touch and would<br />

value your input in assisting in our rally in 2020....”<br />

“(Lothar Freischlade, German Consul General) ....I indeed<br />

enjoyed very much being with you last Friday and sharing<br />

a wonderful event with the Mercedes Benz Clubs.....”<br />

The people<br />

total of 267 people registered for the Rally and the<br />

events. Numbers included:<br />

A<br />

Victoria 38 Queensland 33<br />

South Australia 24 Western Australia 6<br />

ACT 10 NSW 109<br />

New Zealand 8 USA 2<br />

Sponsors 27 Policians 5<br />

Others 5<br />

There were some non-attendance due to illness, but we<br />

were in the fortunate position of being able to refund<br />

monies not spent to all those members.<br />

Event attendance numbers closely matched our budget<br />

estimates but because the event was city based, most NSW<br />

members did not stay in-house. As a result, the room<br />

numbers totalled 68 rather than our estimated 103.<br />

We were especially pleased that our US and NZ based<br />

friends made the journey. Vince had promoted<br />

the Rally at the Stuttgart based Club President’s meeting<br />

and there was some dialogue with the UK Club (who had<br />

25


26


27


National Rally <strong>2016</strong><br />

Best in Show 300D limousine<br />

1957 300 SL Roadster<br />

Kens 220 SEb<br />

representation some years ago). It was exciting to have<br />

members from overseas join us and this is an area worth<br />

putting more effort into, in the future.<br />

We had actively promoted the event by visiting and<br />

presenting to “nearby” clubs: QLD - Vince, VIC -<br />

Vince and Simon, ACT - Vince and Simon and working<br />

with all sister Club’s magazine editors, each of whom<br />

kindly published material and updates, letting their<br />

members know about the Rally.<br />

Adding to the imprimatur of the Rally was the<br />

involvement of local politicians and our sponsors:<br />

Official opening:<br />

Lothar Freischlader, German Consul General<br />

Dennis Meehan, Mercedes-Benz Australia Pacific<br />

Philip Tarrant, Oldtimer Centre<br />

Kiama:<br />

Dennis Meehan, Mercedes-Benz Australia Pacific<br />

Cruise & dinner:<br />

Ray Williams MP, NSW Parliamentary Secretary<br />

Dennis Meehan, Mercedes-Benz Australia Pacific<br />

Philip Tarrant, Oldtimer Centre<br />

Sam Movizio, Currans & AutoSalon<br />

Peter Prentice, Meguiar’s<br />

Bowral:<br />

Jai Rowell MP, Member for Wollondilly<br />

Larry Whipper, Wingecarribee Shire Mayor<br />

Richard Simons, Oldtimer Centre. Also worthy of note<br />

was local press and radio interest with at least two live<br />

radio interviews and two newspaper articles.<br />

The cars<br />

Our fellow members did not let us down with the quality<br />

of cars brought from interstate despite the long<br />

distance. Even two of our “calendar cars”, Ken Edward’s<br />

1964 220SEb and Ray Lodder’s 1957 300SL Roadster<br />

attended the Rally. At Kiama, we had 81 cars lined up<br />

around the rugby field with the ocean as a backdrop.<br />

Claus and Wendy Gronau brought their beautiful blue<br />

1960 300D limousine, which after detailed scrutiny by an<br />

international judging panel was later awarded “Best in<br />

Show”!<br />

28


Simon Strauss & Vince welcome rallygoers<br />

Club President Ben de Boer<br />

Simon’s 190 SL<br />

Novotel Cocktail party in full swing<br />

Our elegant Club members enjoying cocktails<br />

The Rally Events<br />

Registration & Cocktail party - Evian Delfabbro<br />

“Members of the Australian Mercedes-Benz clubs meet<br />

Carrie Bradshaw’s legacy.”<br />

BBasement three of the Novotel at Brighton Beach<br />

on Friday afternoon, March 11, looked more like a<br />

preview at a Shannon’s Mercedes-Benz focussed<br />

auction, than a regular car-park. It was the first<br />

day of the <strong>2016</strong> National Rally and there were an amazing<br />

array of vehicles on display.<br />

Rally goers were initially greeted by Eros Lazzaro and<br />

his effervescent wife Maria, in the hotel foyer, where they<br />

picked up their Rally Kit before making their way with<br />

their precious metal down to our exclusive parking level.<br />

The 1957 300SL Roadster (W198) convertible, parked in<br />

the porte-cochere of the hotel, was a show stopper and<br />

having heard that Ray and Sue Lodder drove her up from<br />

Melbourne, elevated all three to hero status. Also in the<br />

driveway were the Harris’ 1979 350SL (107) and Simon<br />

Strauss’ ever eye-catching 1962 190SL (W121) were<br />

comfortably displayed inside the foyer.<br />

The Presidents from each of the attending states took<br />

the opportunity to have a formal meeting between<br />

registration and the welcome party. Complimentary<br />

drinks were provided in the nautical themed lounge, as<br />

guests stretched their legs and waited for some Bay View<br />

rooms to be made available.<br />

The welcome cocktail party commenced at five thirty and<br />

within twenty minutes, over 190 people from around<br />

Australia, New Zealand and the US were reminiscing,<br />

reconnecting and enjoying refreshments. Old and new<br />

members, Presidents, Committee-holders, Sponsors<br />

and friends of the Club were trading travel tales… and<br />

Sydney’s traffic woes did not go unnoticed. Barry and<br />

Isabelle Dibley, who have attended every Rally, took to<br />

some seats and showed off their magnificent collection of<br />

Rally grille-badges and photos from the past events.<br />

Vince Thompson welcomed everyone and reminded<br />

us all of the effort that goes into organising one of<br />

these Rallies. He introduced Ben de Boer, MBCNSW<br />

President, to the say a few words. Simon Strauss, the Rally<br />

President, thanked the great turn out of attendees with<br />

29


National Rally <strong>2016</strong><br />

Lothar Freischlader opens the Rally<br />

Scenic pit stop<br />

Jim Kofinas & his wife<br />

300 SL Roadster against Kiama Beach<br />

their machines. Simon welcomed Lothar Freischlader,<br />

the Consul General of Germany to the stage, who spoke<br />

very highly of the Mercedes-Benz badge and its country of<br />

origin, of course. Lothar opened the <strong>2016</strong> National Rally<br />

by cutting the official Rally ribbon.<br />

never ending selection of tasty canapes were passed<br />

A around with bartenders and waiting staff busy<br />

preparing afternoon aperitifs and the drink of choice was<br />

the Cosmopolitan!<br />

It was an interesting role trying to determine if guests<br />

would prefer King prawn with avocado stack or crab cake<br />

with a Yamba prawn for an entree? Or which café would<br />

welcome a set classic Mercedes-Benz vehicles lining<br />

their grounds? Or where the awards dinner following the<br />

Concours should be held this year? But with long standing<br />

Club Members, their partners and their cars, all these first<br />

world problems became easy to solve. The <strong>2016</strong> National<br />

Rally Cocktail Party was one of these instances, so thank<br />

you for attending and making it worth our time.<br />

Finally, I would like to thank Jonathan, Andrea and<br />

Casey from the Novotel who worked tirelessly to<br />

accommodate our Rally and guests needs.<br />

Kiama, Saturday March 12, <strong>2016</strong> - Wendy Gronau<br />

How does one plan and organise a run with special<br />

Mercedes-Benz from Sydney to Kiama?<br />

Like a recipe, you have to make decisions about what you<br />

have to do. It takes careful planning to decide the correct<br />

ingredients, such as the time allocated for the mixture,<br />

when to start and for how long. So the chef, namely<br />

John Assarapin and his jolly band of helpers, began the<br />

procedure.<br />

At 8.30am, the fleet of fabulous Mercedes-Benz departed<br />

the Novotel Hotel Brighton Le Sands, to begin John’s well<br />

planned recipe. It had taken many hours to make this<br />

run perfect over two years of test runs and he must have<br />

felt proud watching it all come to fruition, with a perfect<br />

temperature of 28 degrees. He had created a master event<br />

and everyone congratulated him and his crew for a day to<br />

remember.<br />

We drove down the Grand parade, passing Botany<br />

Bay on our left glistening in the sun, and with three<br />

pages of easy to read instructions, the route led us through<br />

to the southern suburbs and on to the Royal National park<br />

(one of the first declared in the world). It was a fantastic<br />

30


Amazing line up of 81 Mercedes-Benz at Kiama Oval<br />

Lunch at the Pavilion<br />

run through scrublands, past southern beaches, round<br />

lots of bends until we reached Bald Head with spectacular<br />

vistas of the south coast of Wollongong and beyond.<br />

Soon we headed down the escarpment and were driving<br />

over the unique Sea Cliff Bridge, past more oh-so inviting<br />

beaches beckoning us to stop for a look and then onwards<br />

towards Kiama. We joined on the M1 freeway, giving us<br />

a chance to put our foot down (a little!). It didn’t take long<br />

before we were veering off left, into the quaint town of<br />

Kiama. Lots of people were enjoying the great jazz music<br />

of the Kiama Jazz Festival, as we drove past.<br />

Driving into the showground we were marshalled by<br />

Club volunteers into position around the oval. What<br />

a sight to behold: 81 Mercedes of all ages, models and<br />

colours. As it had become extremely hot and humid,<br />

everyone soon headed towards The Pavilion for morning<br />

tea and air conditioning.<br />

Everyone soon introduced themselves over a cuppa,<br />

meeting others for the first time and catching up with<br />

old friends from other states. Some groups went off to the<br />

town to discover the many attractions mentioned in the<br />

Rally Program. From 12.30 until 2:00pm, an excellent<br />

lunch was provided, where small groups discussed plans<br />

for the afternoon. Of the many attractions, there were<br />

museums, galleries, the rolling green hills, golden sandy<br />

beaches, the famous Kiama Blow-hole on the headland and<br />

the Crooked River winery.<br />

Claus and I decided to depart via the most direct<br />

route back to the Novotel as our car does not have air<br />

conditioning.<br />

We were soon home and relaxing in our wonderful<br />

Hotel room overlooking Botany Bay and the Mascot<br />

airport runway: “Ah the serenity”. Many thanks John<br />

Assarapin and the team of willing helpers for this very<br />

special day.<br />

Rocks tour, Sunday March 13, <strong>2016</strong><br />

Simon Strauss<br />

The 90 minute walking tour of the Sydney Rocks district<br />

provided an unexpected highlight for most people.<br />

Made extra special by the quality of the guides, the insights<br />

given to the first English settlement on Australian shores<br />

were eye-opening. The history hiding in the narrow lanes<br />

and behind the old terraces came to life in the hands of<br />

these professionals and everyone enjoyed themselves.<br />

31


National Rally <strong>2016</strong><br />

Secrets of the Sudney Opera House<br />

All aboard<br />

Drinks on deck<br />

<strong>Star</strong>ship Sydney<br />

Opera House tour, Sunday March 13, <strong>2016</strong> –<br />

Simon Strauss<br />

The Sydney Opera House is simply a marvel and icon.<br />

The tour provided access to various parts of the<br />

building that you would have to attend many functions to<br />

see otherwise. It seemed a little strange to have our guide<br />

speaking with a South American accent, but he imparted<br />

the information to all effectively. This was a “must do”<br />

for visitors to Sydney and the tour hit the mark very well.<br />

Farewell Rally Dinner aboard MV <strong>Star</strong>ship<br />

Sydney - Evian Delfabbro<br />

It was a quintessential early autumn evening. The sun<br />

was retiring and casting a golden hue from the west,<br />

down along the Parramatta River and spilling into Port<br />

Jackson.<br />

A glamorous crowd made their way to King Street Wharf,<br />

dock number Five and dressed to the nines on Sunday<br />

evening, March 13, <strong>2016</strong>. Some couples wore tuxedoes<br />

and gowns, others came in fun cocktail dresses and suits.<br />

All Rally-goers sparkled and soaked up the spectacular<br />

views from the balconies and decks of the MV <strong>Star</strong>ship<br />

Sydney, catching up with old friends from previous rallies<br />

and new connections.<br />

Pre-dinner drinks and appetisers were served from<br />

the upper lounge as we passed a new and very shiny<br />

Barangaroo development, quite contrasting against the<br />

humble, almost miniature sandstone cottages of the<br />

historic Rocks precinct we had frequented just hours<br />

earlier. We headed East underneath the great engineering<br />

triumph, the Sydney harbour bridge, which united a city<br />

through the Great Depression.<br />

Paul Sun and his band the Swinging Good Time, took<br />

to the stage as guests took their seats in the large dining<br />

room on the first deck. Set with twenty-five tables, the<br />

dining deck was anything but a mess - decorated with<br />

white and black linen, white and black feathered centrepieces<br />

and large Mercedes-Benz logos hanging from the<br />

ceiling and walls. In time, a colourful montage of images<br />

from earlier events including Rally attendees and brilliant<br />

Mercedes-Benz models on show would come to life on<br />

elevated screens.<br />

Welcome speeches commenced with a familiar MC<br />

for the night, Vince Thompson. It was a pleasure to<br />

welcome Ray Williams, MP and Parliamentary Secretary<br />

to the NSW Premier on board, who gave an entertaining<br />

welcome on behalf of the State and was considered<br />

enough to leave politics aside for the night to embrace the<br />

spirit of the event, being a uniting of local, interstate and<br />

international Mercedes-Benz devotees.<br />

Rally president Simon Strauss thanked everyone and<br />

32


Distinguished Club Presidents & guests<br />

Vince & Simon compère the evening<br />

Club members added elegance & glamour<br />

Music & dancing<br />

Luxury dining on Sydney harbour<br />

our Club President Ben de Boer said a few words. Dennis<br />

Meehan, of Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific, gave an<br />

entertaining speech about the badge and the Mercedes-<br />

AMG brand. The crowd applauded when he announced<br />

his company would sponsor the National Rally in 2018.<br />

Before too long, an alternate entrée was served of<br />

either twice cooked Bangalow pork belly with apple<br />

and celeriac salad or king prawn, avocado and tomato<br />

stack. Main course for the evening was either fillet of<br />

Barramundi with spinach, asparagus and pearl barley or<br />

rare beef tenderloin with potato galette and a merlot jus.<br />

Between meals, guests breathed in Sydney with City,<br />

waterfront and Harbour beaches on display. A Sydneycentric<br />

trivia competition was open to all. To finish the<br />

night off, tiramisu with macerated cherries and almond<br />

biscotti or banana and date pudding, butter-scotch sauce<br />

with hazelnut ice-cream satisfied the sweet tooth.<br />

Despite being a full day with Rocks and Opera House<br />

tours conducted earlier by the guests, our crowd took<br />

to the dance floor as the band knocked out some classic<br />

tunes from the 70s and 80s!<br />

With the King Street Wharf approaching, this signalled<br />

the end of the evening and the <strong>2016</strong> NSW Rally team were<br />

only too proud to hand a ribbon over to Brian Billing,<br />

President of MBCVIC, and Richard Jackson, President of<br />

the MBCACT, who will be hosting the 2018 Rally in it’s<br />

42nd year. A glimpse into the Victorian event was given<br />

on the night, with drives along the Great Ocean Road and<br />

through the Mornington Peninsula in mind. Sounds like a<br />

grand tourer’s dream.<br />

Congratulations to Wendy and Claus Gronau who<br />

were awarded with “Best in Show” for their 1960 300D<br />

limousine, displayed the previous day at the Kiama<br />

Oval. Claus tells us the secret to happiness is having a<br />

wonderful wife that loves him, their car and doesn’t mind<br />

polishing the chrome either.<br />

South Australia won the “Attendance Award” for best<br />

represented state (proportional basis), taking the mantle<br />

away from the ACT, a trophy accepted with glee by Georg<br />

Eigen, SA President and a brilliant effort considering the<br />

distances they travelled.<br />

Congratulations also go to quiz first place getters<br />

“WANZ” (table 12) and runners up “Dining Dozen”<br />

(table 5) who completed the difficult questions to win an<br />

array of wine, books, DVDs, CDs, chocolates and a Debbie<br />

Thompson hand crafted quilt for their efforts. Lucky door<br />

prize winners took home boxed bottles of Möet & Chandon<br />

and car cleaning gift packs, courtesy of another regular<br />

and greatly appreciated sponsor, Meguiar’s.<br />

Catherine Marshall recently described Sydney as “..a<br />

33


National Rally <strong>2016</strong><br />

A great evening with Sydney at its best<br />

Some of the MBCNSW Rally team members<br />

Don Bradman Oval at Bowral: Pagoda display<br />

A terrific turnout of cars for the Rally<br />

girl who shamelessly rejoices in her own startling beauty -<br />

that shimmering harbour and those imposing sites!” Two<br />

hundred and one rally goers got to experience what all<br />

the fuss is about and I am honoured to have presented my<br />

home city for you to enjoy, in all her splendour.<br />

Bowral, Monday 14th March <strong>2016</strong>- Luke Vrettos<br />

Leaving directly from home it felt like a Sunday morning<br />

drive as I had to arrive at the Don Bradman Oval and<br />

Museum in Bowral NSW, well before our Rally-goers<br />

and fellow members to meet up with Geoff Hosey, Vince<br />

Thompson and Bill Dawes to check arrangements were in<br />

place, ready to corral the cars as they arrived.<br />

A quick pit stop along the way at Pheasants Nest service<br />

centre for a coffee and muffin with no other Mercedes-Benz<br />

in sight, yet. On leaving, fellow member Peter Nazarenko,<br />

pulled up next to me in the car park and we headed off<br />

towards Bowral. The weather looked pretty average but<br />

hoped it would improve later, which thankfully, it did.<br />

Arriving at Bradman Oval I found some early birds had<br />

beaten me there, so I got busy getting ready for a lot of<br />

cars to turn up. As the car park could only hold so many<br />

cars it was a case of first in best dressed although plenty of<br />

street parking was available nearby for the balance.<br />

From 10:00am onwards more cars started arriving.<br />

Bill Dawes and I guided the cars to their positions.<br />

We chose the right hand side of the parking area for the<br />

more unusual vehicles including the beautiful red 300SL,<br />

Pagoda’s, Fintails, a Pontoon, a 300D and other great cars,<br />

including Big Jim’s 560SEC.<br />

Morning tea and coffee was served and the social part<br />

of the event kicked off. To officially open the event, the<br />

Mayor of Bowral, Larry Whipper and local member for<br />

Wollondilly, Jai Rowell MP, both welcomed members. By<br />

this stage the weather was improving.<br />

With the sun shining, our cricket game got underway<br />

and was enjoyed by all who had a go. Players of<br />

note included our local MP, Jai Rowell (who didn’t want<br />

to leave!) and our big hitting US base baller, ring-in, Steve<br />

Dierks. Elsewhere there was more socialising, car gazing<br />

and a walk through the museum as lunch approached.<br />

With the buffet lunch over, cricket and chatting with our<br />

interstate and overseas visitors continued and some locals<br />

dropped in to see us. The Museum organisers, staff and<br />

34


Most models of Mercedes-Benz were at Bowral<br />

After lunch, rallygoers enjoyed the Cricket<br />

Vince addresses our guests<br />

An honour to play on the Bradman Oval<br />

Individual trophies of each Rally entrants car and names!<br />

caterers made it a memorable and enjoyable day as well<br />

as all the Rally attendees. But, like all good things, it had<br />

to come to an end just as the weather was changing with<br />

dark clouds and rain imminent.<br />

My thanks to fellow club members who were involved<br />

and supported not only our Bowral day but the entire<br />

event. It was a great team effort and we can be proud<br />

to have hosted a great Rally with so many attendees and<br />

seeing great photos of these events on the Club Facebook<br />

page.<br />

Rally kit - Eros Lazzaro<br />

The Rally kit was modelled on tradition, practicality<br />

and value. The kit ultimately consisted of: “Hero”<br />

item, Rally program, grille badge, calendar, Continental<br />

cap, pen, windscreen sun visor, water, sun screen,<br />

Mercedes-Benz museum lanyard, name badge & tickets,<br />

Sydney city map, Kiama bag of tourism brochures, latest<br />

club magazine and a discount voucher.<br />

Hero Item - Vince Thompson, Simon Strauss, Ben<br />

de Boer<br />

Part of the registration process included members<br />

providing the details of their car. From this database<br />

a list of 76 Hero items was derived including the names<br />

of the Rally entrants and their nominated vehicle. From<br />

there, Ben searched the web for suitable quality pictures<br />

of each car and this data was shared with Trophyland who<br />

generated line art of each vehicle and finished art for each<br />

of the items.<br />

After multiple artwork checks and the production of a<br />

sample, then further rounds of artwork, the finished items<br />

were produced and delivered.<br />

glass trophy of 100 x 60 x 60mm with each Rally<br />

A entrant’s car and name etched into it along with the<br />

Rally logo was individually produced. The reaction of<br />

each Rally entrant when they realised that they had their<br />

own car etched into a glass trophy was superb!<br />

Program - Lionel Smith<br />

Every event the size of the National Rally requires<br />

a program designed to provide all the important<br />

information that participants need to be made aware<br />

of, particularly in regard to the events that have been<br />

included in the Rally activities.<br />

The cover was designed to give a feeling of expectation of a<br />

35


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National Rally <strong>2016</strong><br />

wonderful weekend for<br />

Mercedes-Benz owners<br />

and was a great piece<br />

of teamwork. This<br />

photo was taken on the<br />

Sea Cliff Bridge, where<br />

our Day 2, Kiama drive<br />

was scheduled and<br />

Mark Hertz’s classic<br />

W108 is featured. With<br />

the expertise of Corey<br />

Rankin, club member<br />

and<br />

professional<br />

photographer<br />

and<br />

design input of Sakura<br />

Sky Media, the cover<br />

was born.<br />

Sponsors<br />

Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific were our major<br />

sponsor with a very valuable and generous $10,000.<br />

Oldtimers Centre was significant cash sponsor of the<br />

Rally which we greatly appreciate.<br />

Our trusty club supporters Currans/AutoSalon (Sam<br />

Movizio), Meguiar’s (Peter Prentice) and West <strong>Star</strong> Autos<br />

(Joe Simons) chipped in with products or sponsored items<br />

and John Assarapin and Geoff Hosey made personal<br />

donations. Lesley Strauss conducted a Rocks tour.<br />

Thank you all.<br />

Calendar - Mike Fleming<br />

Mike produced an 18 month calendar of spectacular<br />

Mercedes-Benz Club cars from around Australia. A<br />

picture of a fantastic 1954 green 300S cabriolet in the<br />

Mercedes-Benz museum features on the cover and it runs<br />

from July <strong>2016</strong> to the end of 2017, so it is current.<br />

The Rally calendar was included in the show bag for<br />

all participants, as a collectible souvenir of their time in<br />

Sydney. Rally calendars are available at Club meetings for<br />

$10, or please contact mike.fleming@mbcnsw.org.au to<br />

order one now for $10 plus postage.<br />

MERCEDES-BENZ CLUBS OF AUSTRALIA<br />

NATIONAL RALLY <strong>2016</strong><br />

Precise Workmanship. Genuine Quality.<br />

Authorised Autobody Repairers.<br />

Artarmon<br />

LSR Auto Body<br />

41 Hotham Parade, Artarmon 2064<br />

Tel: 02 9439 8366<br />

Email: staff@lsrautobody.com.au<br />

www.mblsrautobody.com.au<br />

Parramatta<br />

Parramatta Smash Repairs<br />

607 Church Steet, North Parramatta 2151<br />

Tel: 02 9630 7200<br />

Email: parrasr@bigpond.net.au<br />

www.parramattasmashrepairs.com.au<br />

Alexandria<br />

Perfect Auto Body Pty Ltd<br />

22 O’Riordan Street, Alexandria 2015<br />

Tel: 02 9699 3000<br />

Email: reception@perfectautobody.com.au<br />

www.mbperfectautobody.com.au<br />

Caringbah<br />

Miranda Auto Body<br />

64 Captain Cook Drive, Caringbah 2229<br />

Tel: 02 9525 8673<br />

Email: admin@mirandaautobody.com.au<br />

www.mirandaautobody.com.au<br />

Five Dock<br />

Pat Coles Autobody<br />

129 Parramatta Road, Five Dock 2046<br />

Tel: 02 9745 4444<br />

Email: chris@patcolesautobody.com<br />

www.mbpatcoles.com.au<br />

37


Susie Wolfe & Ellen Lohr in a 300SL<br />

F<br />

rom the SSK to the 300 SL – Mercedes-Benz Classic will be represented<br />

at this year’s Mille Miglia with ten of its own vehicles. Taking place from<br />

19 to 22 May <strong>2016</strong>, the event is run over a thousand miles from Brescia<br />

to Rome and back.<br />

Mercedes-Benz Classic is for the fi rst time entering an all-ladies team.<br />

Racing driver and new brand ambassador of “She’s Mercedes” Susie Wolff will be<br />

sharing the cockpit of a 300 SL with Ellen Lohr. A second premiere is in store for a<br />

racing version of the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL. A roadster of this model took part in<br />

the then road race in 1956 and will once again this year – exactly 60 years later at the<br />

start for the Mille Miglia. With their participation in the Mille Miglia, the ladies team of<br />

Wolff/Lohr will recall the successful history of Mercedes-Benz female racing drivers,<br />

which dates back to the 1920s.<br />

For example, Ernes Merck in her Mercedes-Benz S finished second behind Rudolf<br />

Caracciola in the international Klausen Race of 1927, while Ewy Rosqvist with Ursula<br />

Wirth was victorious in, among others, the 1962 Touring Grand Prix of Argentina.<br />

38


M M <strong>2016</strong><br />

by Daimler AG<br />

T<br />

he Mercedes-Benz 190 SL is making its debut in<br />

this year’s Mille Miglia regularity race. It was only in<br />

2015 that automotive historians provided defi nitive<br />

proof that the compact roadster was at the start for<br />

the legendary road race in 1956.<br />

This makes it an original participating vehicle in the Mille Miglia,<br />

which is a requirement that must be met by a vehicle model<br />

before it becomes eligible to take part in this high-profile regularity<br />

event. Alongside the vehicle entered by Mercedes-Benz Classic,<br />

a racing version of the elegant sports car and four other, privately<br />

owned 190 SLs will be there at the start.<br />

Mercedes-Benz’s factory team also includes six 300 SLs (W<br />

198), a 220 a (W 180) and a 180 D (W 120). A total of over 30<br />

Mercedes-Benz classic cars will participate in this year’s running<br />

of the regularity race.<br />

The route for the Mille Miglia covers 1600 kilometres from<br />

Brescia to Rome and back. The programme begins with the<br />

technical inspection in Brescia on 17 May (Tuesday). The<br />

fi rst stage, on 19 May (Thursday), takes the contestants from<br />

Brescia via Sirmione, Ferrara and Ravenna to Rimini. On 20<br />

May (Friday), the race continues through San Marino back to<br />

the Adriatic coast and across the Apennines to Rome. The<br />

following Saturday (21 May) sees the challenging stage via<br />

Viterbo, Florence, Bologna and Modena to Parma. The fourth<br />

and fi nal stage, on 22 May (Sunday), will take the participants<br />

from Parma via Cremona, Monza and Bergamo back to Brescia.<br />

The fi eld for the Mille Miglia <strong>2016</strong> is made up of 665 vehicles<br />

from 40 countries. Of those, 70 already took part in the Mille<br />

Miglia in the days in which it was a road race.<br />

Owing to its unique concentration of outstanding historical<br />

vehicles, the Mille Miglia is regarded by classic enthusiasts as<br />

a very special museum on wheels. Yet, as the race progresses<br />

through Italy, the culture of sporting mobility will also be carried<br />

forward into the future, because the 1000-mile event will also<br />

play host to the Mercedes-Benz Mille Miglia Challenge, which<br />

will take place ahead of the regularity race.<br />

The Challenge will be contested by various SL generations,<br />

numerous Mercedes-AMG and AMG vehicles, as well as other<br />

historically especially valuable models from the brand history of<br />

Mercedes-Benz.<br />

39


Mercedes-Benz SSK (W 06, 1928)<br />

Of the six-cylinder supercharged sports cars of the<br />

Mercedes-Benz S-Series, the SSK (W 06) was the most<br />

exclusive and fascinating model. The model designation<br />

stood for Super-Sport-Kurz (Super Sport Short) and<br />

featured a shorter wheelbase alongside its particular<br />

sportiness.<br />

In the summer of 1928, works driver Rudolf Caracciola<br />

won the Gabelbach Race at the first attempt as well as<br />

the races at Schauinsland and Mont Ventoux with the<br />

brand-new SSK.<br />

In 1930 and 1931, the SSK took him to victory in the<br />

European Hill-Climb Championship. The weight-reduced<br />

and further modified 1931 version, also known as the<br />

SSKL (Super-Sport-Kurz-Leicht - Super Sport Short Light),<br />

likewise achieved spectacular successes.<br />

Among the most important of these was the victory in<br />

the legendary thousand-mile “Mille Miglia” race. In<br />

April 1931, Rudolf Caracciola was the first non-Italian to<br />

win this demanding road race from Brescia to Rome and<br />

back in an SSKL.<br />

Technical data of the standard Mercedes-Benz SSK<br />

Produced: 1928-1930<br />

Cylinders: 6/in-line<br />

Displacement: 7065 cc<br />

Output: 125 kW (170 hp)<br />

with supercharger 165 kW (225 hp)<br />

Top speed: 192 km/h<br />

Mille Miglia race result<br />

The Women’s Cup was won by Silvia Marini and Saskia<br />

Stoeckkelmann in a Riley 12/4 Sprite from 1936 with<br />

the professional German drivers, Susie Wolfe and Ellen<br />

Lohr coming third in their Mercedes-Benz 300 SL.<br />

40


Calendar of Events<br />

Saturday 18 June <strong>2016</strong><br />

Charity Drive<br />

Mul-club fundraising day for Westmead Children’s<br />

Hospital.<br />

Locaon: Luddenham Raceway<br />

821- 849 Luddenham Rd, Luddenham, 2745<br />

Contact: Vince Thompson 0411 773 440<br />

Saturday 25 June <strong>2016</strong><br />

Track Day<br />

Goa fast Merc?! Enjoy your car on this great<br />

circuit. Beginners welcome and instructors<br />

will supervise this shared event with Porsche.<br />

Locaon: Sydney Motorsport Park, Amaroo<br />

Sth circuit, Ferrers Road, Eastern Creek, 2766.<br />

Contact: Nick Harris 0408 228 305<br />

events@mbcnsw.org.au<br />

Sunday 26 June <strong>2016</strong><br />

Historic house visit<br />

Breakfast at Cafe Saligna in the Cumberland<br />

State Forest, then a visit to Rouse Hill House<br />

and Farm. On to Richmond Club for a buffet<br />

lunch. Members can join or depart from any<br />

of the 3 locaons.<br />

Time: Breakfast 8:30am. Rouse Hill House<br />

11.00am. Richmond Lunch 1.00pm.<br />

Locaon: Cafe Saligna 95 Castle Hill Rd, West<br />

Pennant Hills, 2126. Rouse Hill House 356<br />

Annangrove Rd, Rouse Hill, 2155.<br />

Richmond Club Cnr of East Market Street and<br />

Francis Street, 2753.<br />

Contact: Mark Hertz 0410 679 268<br />

events@mbcnsw.org.au<br />

Wednesday 6 July <strong>2016</strong><br />

MBCNSW General Meeting<br />

Members are asked to support the Club, enjoy<br />

car related stories & chat aerwards.<br />

Time: 8.00pm<br />

Locaon: Auditorium at Canada Bay Club,<br />

4 William St, Five Dock, 2046<br />

secretary@mbcnsw.org.au<br />

Sun 10th July <strong>2016</strong><br />

190SL Restoration Unveiling - Sam Sofi<br />

Given Sam’s investment in this vehicle over 4<br />

years, we can expect to see THE benchmark of<br />

what a 190SL looked like fresh off the showroom<br />

floor. Tom Hanson from Mercedes-Benz<br />

Classic Center USA will aend and $10 dona-<br />

on to charity is required to cover breakfast.<br />

Time: 08:30am to noon.<br />

Locaon: Badgery’s Creek. Details will be provided<br />

to those that RSVP.<br />

Contact: Simon Strauss 0409 369 699<br />

scstrauss@optusnet.com.au<br />

Sat 16th July <strong>2016</strong><br />

MBCNSW Shed Tours<br />

FOUR Amazing Car Collecons in Sheds tour.<br />

Lunch at Dural Country Club. By strict invita-<br />

on only. Members only to RSVP Vince.<br />

Time: 9:00am departure.<br />

Meeng Point: McDonald’s Round Corner<br />

Dural. Corner of Old Northern Rd & New Line<br />

Rd, Dural.<br />

Contact: Vince Thompson 0411 773 440<br />

events@mbcnsw.org.au<br />

Sun 24th July <strong>2016</strong><br />

Sunday Morning Scenic Drive & High<br />

Tea at the Hydro Majestic Hotel.<br />

Travel to Medlow Bath to the Hydro Majesc<br />

for the most exquisite high tea in the mountains.<br />

High Tea will be at 12:00pm with 60<br />

places only - please contact John Assarapin<br />

ASAP to book.<br />

Time: 9.00 am for departure at 9.30 am from<br />

Eastern Creek McDonalds westbound. Drive<br />

Via Richmond, Bells Line road.<br />

Locaon: Hydro Majesc Hotel, Medlow Bath.<br />

Meeng Point: Tourist Info Centre, Hawkesbury<br />

Valley Way, Richmond.<br />

Contact: Mark Hertz 0410 679 268<br />

John Assarapin phone 0418 785 815 a 5pm<br />

events@mbcnsw.org.au<br />

Sat 30th July <strong>2016</strong> Car Day Spa at Auto<br />

Salon d’Elegance.<br />

Let Sam Movizio and his experts show you<br />

how to get your Mercedes-Benz up to show<br />

winning condion with a ‘hands on’ workshop<br />

Lunch provided. RSVP by 23rd July.<br />

Time: 12.00pm.<br />

Locaon: Auto Salon d’Elegance, 32 Percy st,<br />

Auburn.<br />

Contact: Mark Hertz 0410 679 268<br />

events@mbcnsw.org.au<br />

Wed 3rd August <strong>2016</strong><br />

MBCNSW General Meeting<br />

Members are asked to support the Club, enjoy<br />

car related stories & chat aerwards.<br />

Time: 8.00pm<br />

Locaon: Auditorium at Canada Bay Club,<br />

4 William St, Five Dock, 2046<br />

secretary@mbcnsw.org.au<br />

Sun 14th August <strong>2016</strong><br />

Shannons Eastern Creek Classic<br />

Premier show day for all car clubs in NSW.<br />

Bring lunch and have a drive down memory<br />

lane as you look over 1,600 classic and vintage<br />

cars. Spaces are limited and ckets must be<br />

purchased in advance from the Club Treasurer<br />

to display your car. Enter from 8.00 am as<br />

Cars Must be in place by 9.00 am<br />

Time: 9am - 5pm.<br />

Locaon: Sydney Motor Sport Park - Eastern<br />

Creek. Meeng Point: At Eastern Creek Flyer<br />

treasurer@mbcnsw.org.au<br />

Sun 28th August <strong>2016</strong><br />

Sunday Scenic Drive: Choo Choo<br />

Bridge Run<br />

Departure 9.00am. Travel together past all<br />

the historic railway bridges of the steam era<br />

through the Southern Highlands. Lunch at<br />

Tahmoor Inn arerwards.<br />

Time: 9am - 3pm.<br />

Locaon: Meet at McDonalds Hume Hway Casula<br />

at 8.30am<br />

Contact: Luke Vreos 0413 957 895<br />

events@mbcnsw.org.au<br />

Fri 2nd September <strong>2016</strong><br />

MBCNSW vs Porsche Club NSW<br />

Bale of the Bowls. Come and defend the<br />

honour of the club against the Porshe team,<br />

help us win back the trophy for <strong>2016</strong>. **<br />

BOOKING essenal **<br />

Time: 7.30pm for 8:00pm start.<br />

Locaon: Manhaan Super Bowl 549 Gardeners<br />

Road Mascot 93172577.<br />

Contact: Mark Hertz phone 0410 679 268 or<br />

Nick Harris 0408 228 305<br />

events@mbcnsw.org.au<br />

Sat 10th September <strong>2016</strong><br />

Tech Day at The Oldtimer Centre<br />

Come and join us for a great day at the<br />

Oldmer Centre, see behind the scenes of<br />

how cars are valued and prepared for sale.<br />

Have your car valued there. Parking onsite.<br />

Time: 1.30pm.<br />

Locaon: Oldmer Centre, 101-103 Old Illawarra<br />

Road, Marrickville.<br />

Contact: Mark Hertz 0410 679 268<br />

events@mbcnsw.org.au<br />

Sat 17th September <strong>2016</strong><br />

MBCNSW Cocktail Party<br />

The party venue is being decided so see website<br />

for details. BOOKING is essenal - NO<br />

ckets at door Smart dress only, no denim or<br />

jeans.<br />

Time: To be advised.<br />

Locaon: To be advised.<br />

Contact: Evian Delfabbro<br />

social@mbcnsw.org.au<br />

Sun 25th September <strong>2016</strong><br />

MBCNSW Concours d’elegance & SGA<br />

Enter your Mercedes-Benz in the combined<br />

MBCNSW Concours and Sydney German<br />

Autofest Display Day. Show n Shoine available<br />

and ALL cars for judging MUST be in place by<br />

9:00am.<br />

Time: From 8.00am to 5.00pm<br />

Locaon: Gough Whitlam Park, Bayview Ave<br />

Earlwood Sydney NSW.<br />

Contact: Luke Vreos 0413 957 895<br />

concours@mbcnsw.org.au<br />

Wednesday 6 October <strong>2016</strong><br />

MBCNSW General Meeting<br />

Members are asked to support the Club, enjoy<br />

car related stories & chat aerwards.<br />

Time: 8.00pm<br />

Locaon: Auditorium at Canada Bay Club,<br />

4 William St, Five Dock, 2046<br />

secretary@mbcnsw.org.au<br />

41


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Thousands of Windscreens and glasses<br />

Also Rear Glasses Late Models<br />

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All autoglass parts supplied and installed.<br />

Presige and restoration model specialists<br />

(Since 1964)<br />

RALPH MOORE AUTO GLASS P/L<br />

6 JOHN STREET<br />

MASCOT N.S.W. 2020<br />

Phone; (02) 9667 1933<br />

(02) 9669 1628<br />

Fax; (02) 9669 6605<br />

ISD Code (61-2)<br />

email: autoglass@bigpond.com<br />

www.ralphmoore.citysearch.com.au<br />

42


Wollombi Club drive day<br />

by J Assarapin<br />

photos: J Assarapin<br />

& Mulla Villa<br />

On a lovely Sydney Autumn<br />

day, about twenty members<br />

of the Club assembled<br />

in Thornleigh for the<br />

scenic drive for Lunch in Wollombi.<br />

Mercedes-Benz of various models<br />

were in attendance, Eros In his 1968<br />

280 SL and John Assarapin bringing<br />

the 114 Coupe out for a run after<br />

recent upgrades.<br />

Greg and Annette Vains were in<br />

a 450 SLC and James and Sigrid<br />

brought their W126 560 SEC, now<br />

running Borbet wheels.<br />

This was a new drive to a new<br />

destination called Mulla Villa and<br />

Nick Harris and Ben de Boer joined us<br />

at the destination, making for a good<br />

turnout.<br />

Wollombi is a historic town on the<br />

Great North Road, originally<br />

built as an alternate to the Putty road<br />

in the 1840s up to the Hunter region<br />

and beyond. Since the construction<br />

of the Pacific Highway and then later<br />

the motorway, the road, now named<br />

the Old North Road has become a<br />

more scenic way to get to the Hunter<br />

region. This was our route and a<br />

few of us took a slight detour to take<br />

in the old Pacific Highway instead<br />

of staying on the motor way. The<br />

pace was leisurely as we took in the<br />

warm Autumn sun and peaceful rural<br />

scenery.<br />

Lunch was at historic Mulla Villa,<br />

which is a house originally built<br />

by convicts as a base station for the<br />

road construction. The house has<br />

a number of interesting historical<br />

features including a cellar that shows<br />

where the convicts were chained up<br />

and a room where Aboriginal women<br />

and children could be protected from<br />

harm when necessary. These rooms<br />

can still be toured, and I understand<br />

the group was able to take a tour after<br />

lunch, although I left before this.<br />

The new owners of Mulla Villa are<br />

trying to attract more Car Clubs to<br />

do the scenic drive and then lunch at<br />

the house. They provide a set menu<br />

at a reasonable price, although the<br />

highlight for me was dessert!<br />

To accompany the food we had<br />

entertainment from Michael Parsons<br />

and Bill Scott on the Piano accordion<br />

and drums. The house has a nice<br />

outdoor area where the Club sat<br />

together and their staff went out of<br />

their way to make lunch a casual and<br />

very comfortable affair.<br />

The destination was very close to<br />

the old town which still has original<br />

sandstone buildings. Some club<br />

members were planning to have a<br />

look at the town after lunch as it was<br />

only a five minute drive away.<br />

The actual drive was well worth it.<br />

The weather could not have been<br />

better and there were a great range<br />

of cars from the sixties up to current<br />

models. It was a good day for me to<br />

get out my 250SE cabriolet and see<br />

it pass over the lucky 77,777 for the<br />

3rd time. Drivers did need their wits<br />

about them, as this road is popular<br />

with motorbike enthusiasts who<br />

seem to lack a basic understanding<br />

of physics and think it a good idea to<br />

cut in front of 1.8 ton Mercedes with<br />

1960s brakes.<br />

Nevertheless the twisty roads<br />

made for a great drive and<br />

everyone I spoke to at the lunch<br />

seemed to enjoy it. Mulla Villa may<br />

be on the Club calendar again sooner<br />

rather than later.<br />

43


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www.hamiltonfunerals.com.au<br />

My annual pilgrimage to the Victorian Club’s,<br />

“All European Day” generated enough<br />

interest for Club members Mark Hertz, and<br />

his partner Maria, to meet me in Albury on<br />

Friday evening. Geoff Hosey met us in Melbourne, on<br />

Saturday morning, and Bill & Linda Daws and Matthew &<br />

Anissa Kean, met us at the Show on Sunday morning, at<br />

the splendid Flemington Racecourse.<br />

Cocktail Party:<br />

Thanks to some valuable networking amongst our<br />

members, we all ended up in a smart Hotel near the<br />

racecourse, which was only a short taxi drive to the venue<br />

of the Cocktail Party, on the Saturday evening.<br />

We were warmly greeted by Victorian Club President,<br />

Brian Billing, and reminded by him, and several other<br />

members during the course of the evening, of what a<br />

great job the NSW Club had accomplished with the recent<br />

National Rally. I responded that we had really enjoyed<br />

putting the rally together and enjoyed their company<br />

even more at the various events. We spoke about the<br />

2018 Rally, which will be a great driving experience,<br />

particularly the pre Rally tour into the goldfields!<br />

Concours:<br />

Having driven nearly 1,000 k’s to be there, Mark was<br />

up early Sunday morning polishing his prized W108,<br />

before filling our vehicles with his suitcases and setting<br />

off for the show. We non judging Mercedes owners, took<br />

a very pleasant breakfast together before checking out<br />

and sauntering down to the racecourse, before meeting<br />

up with the Waggarians.<br />

Matt was busy clicking away with his camera and we<br />

stopped and chatted about the magnitude of the show<br />

(possibly 2000 vehicles) and the strength of the support<br />

from the dealer, six Mercedes AMG vehicles and a huge<br />

stand handing out free water and key rings, well done<br />

Victoria!<br />

There were some magnificent other marques there but<br />

to be truthful I rarely get out of the Mercedes compound<br />

at these shows, too busy meeting old friends and chatting<br />

to new ones. I had a long chat to member Barry Smith,<br />

what an eclectic collection he has. I spent a fair while<br />

looking at the drop top SEC and getting the rundown from<br />

its proud owner.<br />

A little after 1.00pm I said my goodbyes and by 2.30pm<br />

I was on the road to Albury. Mark was waiting to pick up<br />

his runner’s up trophy and long distance award, as Bill<br />

and Linda were also winging their way home.


Mercedes-Benz Concours Victoria<br />

by V Thompson<br />

45


46<br />

Contact Simon Foster at:<br />

The Toymaker<br />

Ph: (02) 9938 5153<br />

Email: thetoymaker@aapt.net.au<br />

Address: 1/16 Sydnenham Rd Brookvale NSW, 2100


Executive committee & team<br />

President<br />

Ben de Boer (EC)<br />

0418 471 637<br />

president@mbcnsw.org.au<br />

Vice President<br />

John Assarapin (EC)<br />

0418 785 815<br />

Vice President & Editor<br />

Dennis Dinse (EC)<br />

0417 477 060<br />

editor@mbcnsw.org.au<br />

Secretary<br />

Ken Pitman (EC)<br />

0457 521 015<br />

secretary@mbcnsw.org.au<br />

Treasurer<br />

George Timothy (EC)<br />

treasurer@mbcnsw.org.au<br />

Membership Secretary<br />

Jenny Fleming<br />

0418 968 324<br />

membership@mbcnsw.org.au<br />

Adversing Manager<br />

A.King<br />

adversing@mbcnsw.org.au<br />

Website Manager<br />

Bill Dawes<br />

0419 431 531<br />

webmaster@mbnsw.org.au<br />

Exceve Member<br />

Mike Fleming (EC)<br />

9894 4504<br />

mike.fleming@mbcnsw.org.au<br />

Execuve Member<br />

Vince Thompson (EC)<br />

0411 773 440<br />

thompson007@hotmail.com.au<br />

Execuve Member<br />

Simon Strauss (EC)<br />

scstrauss@optusnet.com.au<br />

Public Officer<br />

Lionel Smith<br />

9654 9607<br />

Auditor<br />

Paul Nelson<br />

9629 3241<br />

The Execuve posions of the Club<br />

are elected by the common vote of<br />

the members at the Annual General<br />

Meeng, held on the first Wednesday of<br />

November each year, unless adversed<br />

otherwise.<br />

The Execuve members are elected<br />

to control and manage the affairs of<br />

the Club. The Public Officer and the<br />

Auditor are appointed by the Execuve.<br />

The responsibilies for each of the Club<br />

Execuves, and those of both the Public<br />

Officer and the Auditor, can be found in<br />

the Club Constuon.<br />

Any quesons you might have for any<br />

posion not listed on this page should<br />

be directed to an Execuve member<br />

who shall pass the queson on to the<br />

appropriate person.<br />

Mercedes-Benz<br />

Club of NSW<br />

est. 1972<br />

Events Director<br />

Mark Hertz<br />

0410 679 268<br />

events@mbcnsw.org.au<br />

Social Director<br />

Evian Delfabbro<br />

social@mbcnsw.org.au<br />

SGA Director<br />

Nick Harris<br />

0408 228 305<br />

Condional Registraon Scheme<br />

Registrars<br />

Ben de Boer Grant Karsten<br />

9894 0661 8845 4905<br />

0418 471 637 0418 457 997<br />

Model Advisor Director<br />

Ben de Boer (EC)<br />

9894 0661 & 0418 471 637<br />

Librarian<br />

Dennis Dinse (EC)<br />

0417 477 060<br />

library@mbcnsw.org<br />

New Members Liaison Officer<br />

Harry Hanzen<br />

0429 797 825<br />

Concours Director<br />

Luke Vreos<br />

0414 079 458<br />

concours@mbcnsw.org.au<br />

Club Shop<br />

Charles Mansour<br />

0420 371 <strong>244</strong><br />

charlesmansour48@hotmail.com<br />

Raffle Coordinators<br />

Mike Fleming & Ray Wheeler<br />

mike.fleming@mbcnsw.org.au<br />

47


Motor Mart<br />

1977 Mercedes-Benz Model: 280 SE W 116<br />

Price: $12,500.00<br />

Colour: Astral Silver/bamboo colour interior<br />

Type: Saloon 4 Door<br />

Reg: 38804-H (non transferable)<br />

Distance: 101,000 Kms<br />

Mul-award winner at MBCNSW and ACT Concours<br />

d’Elegance, this W 116 280 SE is in excellent condion<br />

inside and out. All books, manuals, original toolkit and<br />

first aid kit included. Serviced by West-<strong>Star</strong> Autos. A well<br />

known, ideal Club car and the smartest Mercedes-Benz<br />

280 SE on the market today.<br />

Phone Paul Fail: 0425 203 660 or pfmercfan7@gmail.com<br />

MBCNSW members can list their vehicle or parts here free of charge.<br />

Non-members $25 payable to the MBCNSW treasurer prior to lisng<br />

BEE<br />

sure your print job<br />

is the best it can be<br />

BEE Printmail<br />

Specialists in printing and mailing<br />

club magazines and newsletters<br />

Offset Printing<br />

Digital Printing<br />

Design<br />

Prepress<br />

Mailing<br />

Distribution<br />

Eco-friendly Technology<br />

49 Herbert Street<br />

Artarmon NSW 2064<br />

9437 6917<br />

beeprint@printd.com.au<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

• <br />

• <br />

• <br />

• <br />

• <br />

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<br />

48


Editorial license & new members<br />

Well as our President stated earlier, the colder weather is certainly<br />

rolling in on us all. Welcome to the winter edition of <strong>Star</strong> <strong>Torque</strong> and<br />

may I extend a warm welcome to all our new Club members.<br />

As you have more than likely already read we have focused on yet another<br />

Classic model in this issue of the magazine, the W113 “Pagoda” SL. I<br />

hope that we have made the owners of these particular vehicles proud, by<br />

providing a little bit of information about them and their wonderful cars.<br />

As the owner of a R107, I know that I was very happy to see my car pictured<br />

in the magazine some years ago and did not hesitate to show members and<br />

friends these photos. This is the next SL to feature in <strong>Star</strong> <strong>Torque</strong> and would<br />

like members of these fine vehicles to come forward and provide us with a<br />

brief story and some high resolution pictures please.<br />

We are always looking at content for the magazine and at times have found<br />

it difficult to source. I am certain that you would like to have your car (or<br />

cars) pictured in our magazine. All you need to do is get an article together<br />

with a few good quality photos and hey presto it is that easy. Well may be<br />

not that easy, but if you would like a hand to get it happening, give me a call<br />

and I will work with you to get your story in print.<br />

Event articles. If you have attended a recent Club event, or another Car<br />

Club event that you think is worth mentioning, please let’s hear from you.<br />

You never know you could be the next Club journalist, so give it a go.<br />

At the recent National Rally, the Presidents all agreed to share technical<br />

knowledge on repairs and know how etc. This was a great idea and will<br />

benefit members who do fiddly repairs themselves. We will endeavour<br />

to filter these articles through in new issues of the magazines and tuition<br />

videos on the website. So if you have an article that may be of assistance to<br />

other like minder tinkers, of the Mercedes-Benz following, share the joy and<br />

spread your knowledge. I will also arrange for these to be distributed to the<br />

other states and across Australia.<br />

It has not always been easy to get this magazine out, but I have had some<br />

very dedicated people to support each issue. Thank you once again to each<br />

and every one of them, it has been a team effort, so well done team.<br />

This will be my last <strong>Star</strong> <strong>Torque</strong> magazine in the role of Editor, as I have a<br />

business to run and have to allocate more time to my work commitments.<br />

In particular, A.King is in the same position as me with high workload<br />

commitments, so we urgently need a graphic layout person or small layout<br />

team capable of using the InDesign software to continue this magazine - so<br />

please volunteer and contact me as soon as possible.<br />

My full support will be given to Club members wishing to take on this<br />

responsible position of Editor and other who wish to provide articles and so<br />

on, in the short term. Please contact me as soon as possible about the editor<br />

and layout positions as the future of the magazine is in question if nobody<br />

steps up to help the Club with this great publication.<br />

I hope you have enjoyed the magazine whilst I have been the editor.<br />

Dennis Dinse<br />

Editor MBCNSW<br />

editor@mbcnsw.org.au<br />

New Club Members<br />

Michael & Alaine Fletcher<br />

1993 320 CE<br />

John & Jenny Fawcett<br />

2012 SLK 350<br />

Malcolm Sullivan & Judith Pearson<br />

2012 C250<br />

Georgie Kobanov<br />

1985 280 SE, 1975 280 SE, 1980 280 E<br />

Robert & Kim Waddell<br />

1965 230 SL, 1983 380 SL, 2003 SL 500<br />

James Sterrey<br />

1976 300 D, 1978 300 D, 1983 300 TD<br />

Ken McKinnon<br />

1978 450 SLC<br />

Brian Dobbie<br />

1994 C 220E<br />

Riaan Bezuidenhout<br />

1967 250 SL, 2004 C 180K<br />

Anthony & Ashley Taylor<br />

1974 450 SLC, 1969 450 SE, 1999 E 430<br />

Jonathon Deagle<br />

2015 A 45 AMG<br />

Robert & Barbara Barrett<br />

2014 E 350, 2014 C 250<br />

Alan Bezzina & Doreen Schaepman<br />

C 200<br />

Rod Barrett<br />

1966 250 SEC<br />

Romeo & Phillipa Belcastro<br />

2013 C 63 AMG<br />

Darby Miller<br />

Ken Grindrod<br />

Gosford Classic Car Museum<br />

Harry Moustakas<br />

2012 C 350<br />

Nick Blay<br />

1983 230 E<br />

Bill Selby<br />

1988 190 E, 1966 SL 500, 2015 E 250 CDI<br />

Peter Rowe<br />

2014 CLA 250 sport<br />

Marco Scheuber<br />

1978 280 SE<br />

Suzana Kelly<br />

1998 C 180<br />

Ethan Burns<br />

1976 300 D<br />

Jonathon Rosenberg<br />

1980 280 SL<br />

Paul & Louise Diaz<br />

1974 450 SLC, 1977 450 SEL<br />

Keenen Scott<br />

1972 280 S, 1969 280 S 3.5<br />

Saleh Alalmeddine<br />

1986 560 SL, 1967 250 SL, 1967 250 SL<br />

49


Conditional Registration scheme<br />

As most members will be aware,<br />

the MBCNSW runs a Conditional<br />

Registration System with the Road &<br />

Maritime Services (RMS).<br />

The Historic Plate System introduced<br />

by the RMS allows for conditional<br />

registration of historic vehicles over<br />

30 years old to be driven within car<br />

Clubs across NSW.<br />

When your RMS registration<br />

form arrives, complete and send<br />

with a SAE to: Mr Ben de Boer,<br />

MBCNSW Registrar, 11 Empire Bay<br />

Drive, Daley’s Point, 2257. Your<br />

Membership details will be verified<br />

as current and the form will be<br />

signed, stamped and returned to you.<br />

Other registrars are Greg<br />

Drakopoulos 0407 626 64 and Grant<br />

Karsten 0418 457 997, who can also<br />

sign and stamp your declaration.<br />

Registration<br />

The RMS forms require<br />

countersigning by the Mercedes-Benz<br />

Club of NSW Inc. to verify current<br />

membership and authenticity of<br />

your vehicle. Completed forms with<br />

the pink slip and payment for your<br />

registration need to be made to RMS.<br />

Compliance<br />

The RMS requires a Certificate<br />

of Approved Operations, issued at<br />

registration to be carried at all times<br />

in the vehicle. Document your Club<br />

runs and events to prove legitimate<br />

vehicle usage under this scheme.<br />

Membership<br />

Current membership is required to<br />

comply with these RMS requirements.<br />

If your membership lapses, the<br />

conditional registration will be<br />

rescinded and/or renewal refused.<br />

Your vehicle will NOT be registered<br />

for driving on public roads and your<br />

insurances for Compulsory and/or<br />

Third party and personal use in these<br />

circumstances become VOID<br />

Club Conditions<br />

All historic plated cars<br />

must aend at least three<br />

events or meengs per<br />

calendar year, including the<br />

Concours d’Elegance.<br />

The Mercedes-Benz Club<br />

of NSW has over 120<br />

vehicles registered, with too<br />

few aending events.<br />

This contravenes the scheme<br />

as Historic plated cars must<br />

be used and displayed. Your<br />

historic plate registraon may<br />

not be be renewed if this Club<br />

requirement is not met.<br />

Mercedes-Benz Club<br />

of NSW<br />

Quality Apparel<br />

Make a statement any me of<br />

the year with these stylish jackets,<br />

shirts and cap showing you belong<br />

to the Mercedes-Benz Club of NSW.<br />

All items have the Club logo. For<br />

full range & availability please email<br />

Baseball style cap $15<br />

merchandise@mbcnsw.org.au.<br />

Polo shirt $45<br />

So shell jacket $100<br />

Parka $100<br />

50


Membership form<br />

Mercedes-Benz Club of NSW<br />

Incorporated with limited liability ABN 43 684 976 470<br />

ONLINE Membership Application & Renewal<br />

E-form go to: www.mbcnsw.org.au<br />

Membership Application & Renewal form<br />

Please send completed form<br />

with any cheques to:<br />

Membership Secretary<br />

Mercedes-Benz Club<br />

of NSW Inc.<br />

PO Box 155,<br />

St Ives, NSW, 2075.<br />

See over for fees & opons<br />

><br />

Membership details: New Member Renewal & membership number:<br />

Member:<br />

Title First name Last name<br />

Number<br />

Street address<br />

Address:<br />

Suburb/town State Postcode Country<br />

Phone:<br />

Home<br />

Mobile<br />

Additional<br />

Email:<br />

Primary<br />

Secondary<br />

Associate:<br />

Title First name Last name<br />

Relationship (optional)<br />

Occupation:<br />

Member (optional)<br />

Associate (optional)<br />

Compliance with Club constitution<br />

I/we agree to comply with all Club rules under the<br />

current constitution. I/we understand that failure to<br />

comply may lead to membership being cancelled.<br />

Member signature:<br />

Associate signature:<br />

Date:<br />

Date:<br />

/ /<br />

/ /<br />

Australian Mercedes-Benz Club discount<br />

If you hold membership of another Mercedes-Benz Club in Australia, there is no joing fee ($25.00) for the Mercedes-<br />

Benz Club of NSW, by proving this to us with a photocopy of your membership card lodged with this form.<br />

Details of your Mercedes-Benz Vehicle(s).<br />

Year Model Reg Body colour Interior colour<br />

Year Model Reg Body colour Interior colour<br />

Year Model Reg Body colour Interior colour<br />

Year Model Reg Body colour Interior colour<br />

Year Model Reg Body colour Interior colour<br />

51


Membership fees<br />

Mercedes-Benz Club of NSW<br />

Membership fee schedule<br />

The Mercedes-Benz Club of NSW has an annual membership renewal date of July 1.<br />

Club fees are based on the financial year from June 30 to July 1. Part year new<br />

memberships are calculated from the schedule of pro-rata rates shown.<br />

New membership joining fee SPECIAL PRICE $25.00 Annual membership fee: $95.00<br />

Pro rata annual membership fee schedule for new members<br />

July 1: $95.00<br />

August: $87.10<br />

September: $79.20<br />

October: $71.25<br />

November: $63.35<br />

December: $55.40<br />

January: $47.50<br />

February: $39.60<br />

March: $31.60<br />

*April: $118.75<br />

*May: $110.85<br />

*June: $102.30<br />

*New membership applicants joining in the remaining three months of the financial year (April, May,<br />

June) are required to pay to June 30 of the following financial year by the Club administration.<br />

Joining fee SPECIAL PRICE<br />

(if applicable): $25.00<br />

New membership payment schedule<br />

Pro rata membership fee:<br />

$95.00<br />

Total payable<br />

$<br />

Membership payments can be made:<br />

1. ONLINE at www.mbcnsw.org.au<br />

2. By direct deposit (EFT) to the Club account:<br />

Mercedes-Benz Club (NSW) Inc.<br />

BSB: 012 006 Account Number: 2081 54818<br />

Ref: MUST include Name & Membership<br />

Club payments<br />

number.<br />

3. At a General Club meeting to the treasurer with<br />

cash, credit card, or cheque.<br />

4. Via mail with credit card or cheque, NO cash to<br />

the address on the membership form.<br />

Payment type: Cheque Visa Mastercard EFT Cash Money order<br />

Card number: __ __ __ __ /__ __ __ __ / __ __ __ __ / __ __ __ __<br />

Expiry date: __ __ / __ __<br />

Please check this box to automatically renew your membership and you agree to allow the MBCNSW<br />

Inc to debit your credit card with the membership fee on July 1 each year until you instruct us to stop.<br />

Cardholder name: Amount payable: $ Date:<br />

Cardholder signature: OR CCV (for web payments)<br />

Please do not send cash via mail. Return this fee schedule & membership form with any payments to:<br />

Membership Secretary, Mercedes-Benz Club (NSW) Inc,<br />

PO BOX 6082, Baulkham Hills, NSW, 2153.<br />

NEW ONLINE MEMBERSHIP FORM with Secure EFT payments (and pdf forms) at:<br />

www.mbcnsw.org.au<br />

Email enquiries to: membership@mbcnsw.org.au<br />

52


<strong>Star</strong> <strong>Torque</strong> magazine<br />

Publicaon:<br />

Quarterly in March, June, September<br />

& December<br />

Editorial deadlines:<br />

5th January, 15th April, 15th July &<br />

15th October<br />

Adversing deadline:<br />

Booked and artwork supplied by 1st of<br />

month preceding publicaon<br />

Editor: Dennis Dinse<br />

Editorial Team: Shane Steele, Rena Nikola,<br />

A.King.<br />

Submissions:<br />

Arcles & contribuons welcome from all for<br />

the magazine. The MBCNSW has the right to<br />

edit & publish any submied material.<br />

Text files:<br />

Plain text only with NO images.<br />

Image files:<br />

Hi-res only above 3000 x 2000 pixels.<br />

Technical arcles:<br />

Should be reviewed by an informed source<br />

for any errors or omissions.<br />

Contribuons:<br />

All text documents to the Editor by e-mail.<br />

Images emailed OR uploaded to dropbox<br />

and the download link or folder shared.<br />

Adversements:<br />

We ask Club members to support the adver-<br />

sers who support the Club. The MBCNSW<br />

makes no warranes and accepts no liability<br />

or responsibility for any work, or subsequent<br />

claims arising from any dispute between a<br />

Club member and an adverser. Members<br />

with complaints should contact the relevant<br />

government authority.<br />

Copyright:<br />

The MBCNSW promotes knowledge,<br />

preservaon and enjoyment of Mercedes-<br />

Benz vehicles. We give other official<br />

Mercedes-Benz Clubs free access to art<br />

material in this magazine. However, please<br />

recognise that adversements and certain<br />

arcles, primarily those from commercial<br />

publicaons and other Clubs may be<br />

copyrighted. Permission to use copyrighted<br />

material rests with the user.<br />

Disclaimer:<br />

Opinions, ideas and suggesons in this<br />

publicaon are those of the author and<br />

not necessarily those of the Execuve<br />

or the Editorial Team. Due care and<br />

diligence is taken in the preparaon of<br />

this magazine. The Mercedes-Benz Club<br />

NSW Inc. (MBCNSW) is not responsible or<br />

liable for any mistake, misprint, omission<br />

or typographical error. The publisher prints<br />

adversements, but gives no warranty and<br />

makes no representaon as to the truth,<br />

the accuracy of any statement or advice<br />

contained in the text of any adversement.<br />

The MBCNSW reserves the right to refuse<br />

any adversement for any reason that it<br />

considers appropriate.<br />

<strong>Star</strong> <strong>Torque</strong> magazine circulation & demographics available upon request to advertising@mbcnsw.org.au<br />

Mercedes-Benz Club of NSW site: www.mbcnsw.org.au averages over 37,200 hits per month.<br />

53


Peter Warren Automotive Cnr Hume Highway & Todman Road, Warwick Farm 2170


Peter Warren.<br />

The dealership you trust.<br />

As a family owned business Peter Warren has been dedicated to providing the finest<br />

and best customer service since 1958. Conveniently located under the historic replica<br />

harbour bridge, our site is home to all your Mercedes-Benz needs.<br />

Why choose Peter Warren?<br />

- Our award winning sales executives pride themselves in leading customer sales.<br />

- Our passionate finance and insurance team are here to help you find the best financial<br />

solution for your lifestyle.<br />

- Be assured, our factory-trained technicians are equipped with the most up-to-date<br />

tehcnology and facilities, to assist in the servicing of your Mercedes-Benz.<br />

- Servicing a vehicle? Relax and grab a bite at our Le Pavilion Cafe lounge while you<br />

wait.<br />

With an extensive range of new, demonstrator and approved pre-owned vehicles,<br />

there’s a Mercedes-Benz here waiting for you.<br />

Come visit the dealership that knows quality.<br />

Open 7 days Tel: 02 9828 8002 website: mbpeterwarren.com.au DL5411

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