2 April/May 2017

OfficersPresident Gary Dolin 941-896-6881 [email protected]

Vice President Larry Smith 727-400-1578 [email protected]

Secretary Lynn Hutchinson 727-726-6711 C 727-420-0424 [email protected]

Treasurer Paul J. Cooper 727-726-6837 C 727-644-6837 [email protected]

Past President Dan Cabrera

Newsletter Editor Linda B. Cooper 727-726-6837 C 727-798-6800 [email protected]

ChairpersonsMembership Paul J. Cooper 727-726-6837 C 727-644-6837 [email protected]

Activities Lynn Hutchinson

Photography Dave Hutchinson

Historian Lynn Hutchinson

Technical

Legal Advisor Dick Wolverton

Webmaster Dan Cabrera [email protected]

SE Regional Director Dan Cabrera 813-480-3484 [email protected]

About the NewsletterThe Tampa Bay Section, Mercedes-Benz Club of America, Inc. publishes this bi-monthly newsletter in even-numbered months. Opinions expressed are those of the authors. Express permission is hereby granted to other Sections of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America to reprint articles contained herein, without exception. Articles of general interest are solicited for inclusion in the newsletter, and should be mailed to the Editor or e-mailed to [email protected]. Copy deadline is the first day of even numbered months.

An Overview of the ClubEstablished in 1956, MBCA has more than 20,500 members in over 84 sections across the nation. These local sec-tions organize hundreds of events each year, ranging from social gatherings to specialized technical sessions. We’re a not-for-profit organization.

Join the ClubEnroll as a member of MBCA for:One Year $55Two Years $107Three Years $157Call 800-637-2360

Local ActivitiesYour dues include membership in the sec-tion of your choice. Each section publish-es a newsletter with news of its activities and its year-round calendars of events, in-cluding rallies, defensive driving courses, car shows, technical sessions, and dinner meetings. Many sections host special events. Any MBCA member may attend any section, regional, or national event.

Mercedes-BenzRoadside AssistanceCall 1-800-FOR-MERCEDES

24 hours a day.

NOTE: The night for the monthly business meeting is the FIRST MONDAY of each month (except for September and sometimes July & January when it moves up 1 week) and is open to all members. We go to a nearby restaurant for dinner after the meeting. Please join us and help us with your input.

May 20 Saturday 1:00 PM Ybor City Walking Tour Ybor City, FL

See details in LAST issueJun 5 Monday 6:30PM Business Meeting & Dinner Crown Eurocars 6001 34th Street North St Petersburg, FL

Jun 11 Sunday 1:30 PM Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition Orlando, FL

See details in THIS issueJul 10 Monday 6:30PM Business Meeting & Dinner Crown Eurocars

Important Dates

Jul 23 Sunday 1:00 PM Painting With a Twist Clearwater, FL

See details in THIS issueAug 7 Monday 6:30PM Business Meeting & Dinner Crown Eurocars

Aug 20 Sunday 3:00 PM Dinner Rumbas Bar & Grill Oldsmar, FL

See details in THIS issueSep 11 Monday 6:30PM Business Meeting & Dinner Crown Eurocars

Sep 23 Saturday Road Rally

See details in NEXT issue

The Tampa Bay Star 3

President’s Message

Hi All, Greetings all, it’s that time again. I have news about past and upcoming events. By the time you read this, the Tampa Water Taxi event will be history. This promises to be a big event with 40 members signed up and 12 on the waiting list. Lunch will be at the Columbia Café on the River Walk. We have eaten there before and the food was superb. See photos from this event in the next issue. This issue has photos from our tour of the Berman car col-lection with 66 members in attendance. Also in this issue are the photos and write up from our brunch at the Tampa Bay Downs. Connie & I were on a cruise and missed this event this year. They reported that it was the BEST brunch choices ever in the 10+ years we have been doing this event. Besides the usual made to order omelets & Belgian waffles, the carving station had lamb, the pasta station had huge chunks of lobster and the fish in the sea food chafing dish was sea bass! In May we will have the Historic Walk in Ybor City event. I have been on this tour, and it was most informative. Lunch will be at the original Columbia Restaurant. See details in our last issue or check out the details at the club website. June finds us at the Titanic Exhibit in Orlando. I saw a portion of this exhibit when it was in Tampa. Trust me, you will like this event. Dinner will be at O’Charley’s. We will be going to Painting With a Twist in Clearwater this July. At this event, we pick a painting to copy and instructors help us make our vision a reality. We can bring our own wine, beer, beverages and snacks. They will provide plates, cups, ice and openers. Early dinner will be at Johnny’s Italian Restaurant. Join us at Rumbas Bar and Grill for an afternoon visiting with fellow members. Details for this and the July event are in this is-sue. In September Scott Suits is putting on another road rally. These are always interesting events! October finds us at Julian Hartzog’s house for a catered dinner. This promises to be a more intimate gathering where members can socialize and get to know each other better. Julian’s house is a spectacular venue – a must see home. Michael Gulick proposed going to the Gypsy Horses in Ocala as our November event. Our Holiday Brunch will be on December 3rd at the Safety Harbor Spa. This is always a do not miss event.I look forward to seeing you all at these great events.

Gary

Welcome New Members!

Shawne Angelle • St PetersburgHilton Bruch • Saint PetersburgLarry Garvin • OcalaWayne Gyenizs • North PortTerence Huber • RuskinElizabeth Palmer • Wesley ChapelGary Saulson • Lakewood RanchJohn Schaefer • SarasotaDru Wilson • Seminole

Renewed MembersJim Ashworth • LutzEric Berg • LargoRhonda Bowers • BrooksvilleJoseph Colwell • Palm HarborPaul Dooley • SummerfieldLeroy Doughty • BrandonJames Dowdell • BrooksvilleJohn East • SarasotaRaymond Fox • DoverPeggy Gretchen • Wesley ChapelWerner Haasch • Palm HarborKen Hackett • SarasotaGene Heil • Treasure IslandJames Hightower • ClearwaterRoger Jester • Tarpon SpringsRobert Lewis • SebringMichael Maksym • Sun City CenterBarbara McCue • St PetersburgDouglas Meredith • St.PetersburgKenneth Olsen • Temple TerraceGeorge Orndorff • Port CharlotteNancilou Patton • HomosassaGeorge Smith • Saint PetersburgRonald Somers • ClearwaterJonathan Sones • ClearwaterTerry Stephens • GulfportKeith Wood • HernandoJames Woods • SarasotaRobert Wortner • Palm Harbor

Above are the new and renewed members fromFebruary 28 through April 27, 2017.We look forward to meeting the new members and hope to keep seeing our renewed members at many of our events. – Editor

4 April/May 2017

Name(s) __________________________________________________________

Phone _______________________ Cell Phone________________________

Email ____________________________________________________________

Address __________________________________________________________

# ______ $17/person for the tour _______________ Enclosed I will be staying for dinner Yes No

Make check payable to:Tampa Bay Section MBCA

Mail by May 19, 2017 to: Greg & Pat Watson

552 Mast DrBradenton, FL. 34208

Titantic: The Artifact Museum June 11, 2017

Details: Join us on a journey back in time to April 14, 1912. We will meet at the RMS Titantic Artifact Exhibition Museum to begin our voyage. The exhibit is a 17 gallery, 20,000 Sq. Ft. interactive museum. A guided tour led by a trained actor in period dress will accompany us on the jour-ney. We will see a full scale recreation of the grand staircase, first class cabin, verandah café and more. You can walk out on the promenade deck, feel the chill of the cold Atlantic air and gaze up at the stars.Note: Bring your own life preserver!The exhibit showcases well over 400 artifacts and historical treasures, including the second largest piece of the Titantic ever recovered. Located near Walt Disney world in Orlando, free parking is available at the museum.The group should be at the museum no later than 1:30 PM. Dinner will follow the tour at O’Charley’s Restaurant, which is about a mile from the museum. NOTE NO CAMERAS ALLOWED

Directions: Put the address into your navigation system, smart phone, GPS, google maps or Mapquest for specific direc-tions from your location or visit the website for directions, www.premierexhibitions.com/exhibitions/3/3/titantic-artifact-exhibi-tion. If you are lost here is the cell number for Pat & Greg Watson 941-539-8700.

Important Info WHEN: Sunday, June 11, 2017 WHERE: Titanic The Artifact Exhibition Museum 7324 International Dr. • Orlando, FL 407-248-1166 www.premierexhibitions.com O’Charley’s Restaurant 8081 Turkey Lake Rd • Orlando, FL 407-354-0010 COST: $17.00/person for museum tour CALL: Greg & Pat Watson • 941-745-1460 [email protected] TIME: Arrive at 1:30 PM 2:00-3:30 PM museum tour 3:45 PM for dinner RESERVE BY: May 19th

Titantic: The Artifact Museum & Dinner


Name(s) __________________________________________________________

Phone _______________________ Cell Phone________________________

Email ____________________________________________________________

Address __________________________________________________________

# ______ $35/person for painting _______________ Enclosed I will be staying for dinner Yes No

Make check payable to:Tampa Bay Section MBCA

Mail by July 16, 2017 to: Lynn & Dave Hutchinson

2104 Flamingo Place Safety Harbor, FL 34695

Painting With a Twist & Dinner July 23, 2017

Details: Our July event will be a lot of fun. Painting with a Twist is a painting event that, even those who have never painted before, will enjoy. You will take home your painting at the end of the class. Hopefully you will be so proud of the result that you will find a place to hang it in your home. This is Fun Art not Fine Art. Bring your own wine, beer or other drinks and snacks. They furnish all art supplies, instructor(s), protective aprons, glasses, ice, plates and openers. The room capacity is 32 people painting. If we get a great response, we might be able to add a few more painters in another room.After the tour we will adjourn to Johnny’s Italian Restaurant at 3:30 PM for dinner. The restaurant is located at 2907 State Road 590 and has plenty of parking spaces.

Directions: Put the address into your navigation system, smart phone, GPS, google maps or Mapquest for specific direc-tions from your location. Here is Lynn’s cell phone number should you have a problem on the way 727-420-0424.

Important Info WHEN: Sunday, July 23, 2017 WHERE: Painting With a Twist 1570 N. McMullen-Booth Rd. Clearwater, FL • 727-877-2736 paintingwithatwist.com/clearwater Johnny’s Italian Restaurant 2907 State Road 590 • Clearwater, FL 727-797-2940 COST: $35.00/person for painting CALL: Lynn & Dave Hutchinson • 727-726-6711 [email protected] TIME: 12:45 - 3:00 PM - for painting 3:30 PM for dinner

RESERVE BY: July 16th

Painting With a Twist & Dinner

6 April/May 2017

Above: Our hosts Ben & Len BermanBelow: Len with his 1976 450 SL

Berman Car Collection & DinnerVenice, FLFebruary 22, 2017By Ben Berman

O on February 26th sunny skies and moderate temperatures greeted over 60 members of the Tampa Bay Section who gathered for a tour of

the garage housing the cars owned by members Len and Ben Berman. The building was specially constructed to house 19 of the automobiles owned by the two brothers, both members of the Section. The collection of cars have no apparent theme other than the fact that they appeal to their owners, but each car has a story associated with it. For example, the old-est car – a 1947 Oldsmobile model 78 sedan – has been restored to duplicate the car owned by the Bermans’ grandmother when they were children (see the letter reprinted below containing another Tampa Bay Section member’s reminiscence of 1940s Oldsmobiles sparked by this car). Also included is Ben Berman’s first new car, a 1972 Buick LeSabre Custom convertible, now show-ing 204,000 miles on the odometer, and Len Berman’s first new Mercedes Benz, a 1976 450 SL roadster. Four additional Daimler Benz cars are housed in the garage, two of them Mars Red 2007 550 SL roadsters, which are the only identical cars the brothers have ever purchased. They were ordered from the same dealer on the same day but delivered two weeks apart. Then there is a 2006 CLS 55 AMG, a low production model unknown even to many MB enthusiasts. Although a number of manu-facturers are represented, a preference for Daimler Benz cars is indicated by the presence of five Mercedes Benz models. Many of the cars were purchased as collector cars from locations around the country. Len’s 1961 Pontiac Bonneville convertible and 1966 Lincoln Continental coupe were bought in California and driven, untested and unfamiliar to their new owner, cross-country to their new home in the east. The newest car, a 2016 Rolls Royce Dawn convertible, was purchased based only on pictures and telephone conversations with a dealership in Chi-cago. After a tour of the garage and a short history of each car on display, we adjourned to a local restaurant for an early dinner and more discussion of cars owned past and present by Section members.

Most photos at this event taken by Dave Hutchinson.


Dear Ben and Len, A note of thanks and appreciation for the Berman Car Collection Tour. Unfortunately a family engagement meant that we could not attend the dinner at Robbi’s which we assume was every bit as enjoyable as the car show. Which brings up the issue of the ’41 Oldsmobile. When I was a child, 4 years old, my mother purchased a ’41 Oldsmobile sedan with a radio. It was promptly exchanged for a blue Oldsmobile without a radio and with hydramatic. My mother, being 5”1”, probably had difficulty shifting the car and, at her close friend’s insistence, traded for the automatic transmis-sion. The result was a mother, two daughters and a son who as children, sang a lot. The next family car was a ’47 Olds, green, 4 door, standard sedan (not a “fastback” like yours!), automatic transmission and NO RADIO! We continued to sing. My father had an accident with it. The car was repaired and we con-tinued to sing. My older sister, just learning to drive, let it roll down a hill, backwards (a great story for another day), the frame was straightened, and we continued to sing. My mother had an accident, her rear door caved in, the car was fixed and we continued to sing. The car was sold before my twin sister and I could have at it. I still remember a photo of the car, on a country road, with my sisters and I sitting on the hood with snow piled up on both sides, higher than the car itself. Wisconsin winter!!Anyway – thank youScott (and Colleen) Lowry

Above: The front grill of the ‘47 Olds that prompted Scott Lowry to relate his story about the same year car owned by his family. This photo was taken by Marcia Shultz

8 April/May 2017

Tampa Bay Downs

Tampa, FLMarch 12, 2017By Lynn Hutchinson

The Club’s March event was our annual trip to Tampa Bay Downs horse rac-ing track. We don’t usually hold the

same event every year (other than our Holiday Brunch), but this is an exception. We have held this event for a number of years, and everyone always asks for it to be repeated; the turnout is always to capacity. We were only allowed 50 tickets and could not add more. This year we filled up very early and had a waiting list. The afternoon goes by quickly between eating, watching the races (winning and losing some money), eating some more and of course visiting with each other. This is a great event to move around to talk to each other. We were given 5 tables of 10, and started off with a free Mimosa. The food was different from last year. This year they added Maine lobster pieces that were heated in your choice of pastas or on your plate. My pasta was fabulous and the chef was very generous with the lobster. I liked mine so much I had to have a second helping. There were also carved prime rib and leg of lamb. The lamb was new this year. Among the hot dish-es were sea bass and, of course, a chicken dish. Another favorite was the large chilled shrimp. There were salads, plus breakfast waffles and omelets. The only change (and not for the better) was the variety of desserts…there were not as many as in years past. It was OK as I counted my second helping of lobster as my dessert!!! Our race was early in the day and we had 6 people that went down to the Winner’s Circle for their picture to be taken. They were: Rhonda Bowers, Katherine Smith, Sharon Fairchild, Norma Boots, Sandy Schwartz, and Marian Moore. I have to wait until September to book our event for 2018 and I know it will be as successful as always.

Above: Owner & Jockey with Sandy Schwartz, Katherine Smith, Rhonda Bowers, Marian Moore, Sharon Fairchild, in front of Larry Smith, Norma Boots and Paul Cooper.

On the Cover: Sharon Fairchild, Norma Boots, Katherine Smith, Sandy Schwartz, Marian Moore, and Rhonda Bow-ers. All photos of this even taken by Dave Hutchinson

Above: Rose Bennagott, Sandy Schwartz, Eleanor & Kim Vassel, Julian Hertzog and Pat Anagnostis

Left: The Lynns - Hutchinson & Gulick show their big 20 cent win on their $2.00 bet!!


Above around from the left: Lou Dughi, John & Norma Boots, Lon & Sharon Fair-child, Lois Oberlander and Krissy BaconLeft: Tim Gorske, Michael Gulick, Paul & Linda Cooper, Lynn Hutchinson, Lynn Gu-lick, Larry & Katherine Smith and Mari-anne Gorske

Above around from the left: Victoria & Norm Ross, Bob Nelson, Dan Cabrera, Elaine Lee, Michele, and Gayle MooreLeft: Michele Dion, Mary Ellen Ames standing, Michael Cooper, Rhonda Bowers, Rob Harris, Caroline Cerveny, Neal Dion and Ron Ames

Left: Rhonda Bowers cheers on her horse. I won-der did she win??

10 April/May 2017

For SaleAny member wishing to place an ad in the newsletter for au-tomobiles and/or related equipment for sale, may do so at no charge by sending a typed or printed copy to the Editor no later than the 10th of the odd number months.

FOR SALE – Windschott CLK A209. A windscreen that came with our 2009 CLK350 (fits other models too). It’s new, in the case. Forgot to include it with the car when we traded it in. Asking $100 or best offer. Jim Dean call @ 863-386-0286FOR SALE – 2005 SLK 350 one FL owner, 35,000 miles, outstanding condition, white/stone Len Berman 941-923-7436 [email protected] SALE – 2006 MB E320 CDI, $ 15,500.00 #723 Pewter Paint and #135 Stone Perforated Leather Seat in-serts. Original 1 owner car, all service records, only 76,500 miles. Sunroof, Power Rear sunshade, Electronic trunk closer, 6-disc CD 2012 Nav. update, recent annual service completed, newer Michelins, newer brakes, easy 27MPG city/38hyw. Very good condition, MBC Tampa Bay Mem-ber Greg Watson 941-745-1460 Bradenton, FL.FOR SALE – 1969 MB 280 S 4 door sedan. The 108 chas-sis was the last of the semi-hand built models.Real chrome and real wood! Dark green exterior DB 291,factory color repainted once. Interior MB tex,parchment color. Engine: 6 cylinder in-line with twin Zenith carburetors.Transmission: MB 4 speed automatic,shift lever on transmission tunnel.Brakes: 4 wheel disc. Tires: Radial WSW. Options: Electric sunroof,H4 headlamps,power windshield washer, single-swipe wiper capability,retractor front seat belts,air conditioning (40 degree temperature drop) with rotary compressor, Becker original radio,fully operational. Kenwood AM/FM/CD with rear Yamaha speakers on parcel shelf,exterior rear-view mirror on passenger door, Addi-tional soundproofing on firewall and front floor.Amber turn signals front and rear corners give improved visibility and safety. Leather-wrapped steering wheel.Third brake light for safety. Conventional points replaced by transistor ignition for no-maintenance, long- life running.Added electric trunk lid release switch.

Mileage: 130,000 miles. Car has been in family since new. Full service history. Always garaged. Original undercoating, no rust. All sheet metal is original.All chrome is original.Body is watertight,as roof,window and door seals,trunk lid seal have been replaced when needed.All keys matching originals.Original tool kit,spares,jack etc. New Factory windshield in February 2017. Contact Ric. [email protected] for fur-ther informationFOR SALE – Longtime Mercedes enthusiast selling part of his collection:1989 MB 560 SL, 112,000 miles, in excellent condition, one of the last built of the 107 body. Always maintained by Mercedes-certified mechanics, in a beautiful color combina-tion. An absolute must see!. Asking $17,500. 1966 MB 200 Fintail, 100% original, unmolested California-Florida car, with very rare floor automatic. Some history and paperwork from day one. Asking $7,500. Call Roger at 727-242-1212 or [email protected] St. Petersburg area.FOR SALE – SLK - One of the first SLKs sold in Pinellas County. This car was ordered on the very first day that the SLK was announced. 1998 SLK 230 – Brilliant Silver with Salsa (red/black) interior. All original. Only 18,000 miles m.o.l. Recent A Service. Always Dealer serviced. Garage kept. Immaculate, great rally car. $16,500 - Call Dave Hutchinson at 727-420-0592 or 727-726-6711. Safety Harbor, FLFOR SALE – Bonnie & Dick Wolverton cars 2007 S-550, 58k miles, Options include parktronis backup camera, Iridium silver; all services at Crown. $22,000. 2003 SLK32 AMG black, 58k miles, all service Crown, new tires, 349 hp, very good condition. Great for driving events. $13,000. Less than 1,000 sold in 2003 Call Dick (H) 727-896-1995, (O) 727-823-1399 or [email protected]


Dinner at Rumbas Island Bar & Grill August 20, 2017

There is no need to mail a paymentBUT

YOU MUST let us know you are comingCall or email

Dave & Lynn Hutchinson • [email protected]

Details: From their website: Rumba is like a little slice of paradise, surrounded by lush tropical landscape. Once inside, you’ll never know you are sippin’ your Mojito at the intersection of two of the city’s busiest thoroughfares. Authentic island cuisine dominates the menu, with delicious and artfully prepared creations from their transplanted Jamaican chef’s wealth of traditional recipes. An extensive selection of bottled beers and imported rums complete the picture. Enjoy All-Day Every-Day Happy Hour with Two-for-One: Classic Margaritas, Sangrias, Island Rumba Signature Libation and Well Cocktails.Come for a relaxing afternoon, enjoy a meal and have time to visit with fellow members.

Directions: Put the address into your navigation system, smart phone, GPS, google maps or Mapquest for specific di-rections from your location. If you are lost or running late, call Linda Cooper 727-798-6800 or Lynn Hutchinson 727-420-0424

Important Info WHEN: Sunday, August 20, 2017 WHERE: Rumbas Island Bar & Grill 3687 Tampa Rd, Oldsmar, FL 34677 COST: Off the menu CALL: Dave & Lynn Hutchinson • 727 726-6711 [email protected] TIME: 3:00 PM - for dinner

RESERVE BY: August 13th

We have a preliminary reservation for only 40.

Dinner at Rumbas Island Bar & Grill

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Tampa Bay Star

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