A couple of weeks ago I received a call from Mercedes Benz Club Of America asking me if I would like to show my vehicle at the Mirage in Las Vegas. I quietly listened as they explained what the event was about. The National Automobile Dealership Association (NADA) and Popular Mechanics were going to Award Mercedes Benz with their Honored Marque Award for 2004. The award is given to an auto manufacturer that has made a significant impact in the US market. Each year automobiles built by the awarded marque are placed on display at the awards luncheon for guests to view. The Chief Editor of Popular Mechanics had chosen 7 Mercedes Benz's that he felt were significant in Mercedes History. The 7 Mercedes chosen included the first Daimler Benz Auto (3 Wheeled Gas Engine), a 540 owned by the Sultan of Malaysia, a 300SL Gullwing, a 250SE Convertible, a 600 Pullman Limo, a 500E and an SL55 AMG. Mercedes Benz Classic provided 4 of the cars and the others were brought in by private owners including me.
For the next two weeks I detailed the interior, engine, wheel wells and exterior to prepare for the luncheon. Luckily Popular Mechanics had agreed to have my car shipped by Flatbed to and from the event at their expense so my efforts weren't wasted.
Sunday Morning Day of the Event:
It felt surreal being surrounded by all these old cars, all in working condition in one place. I chatted with the event coordinator about the cars trying to learn some history about them. The 540 was previously owned by the Sultan of Malaysia and was unrestored. The car in unrestored condition was worth $500,000. I had the opportunity to go for a ride in both the new SL55 (Breathtaking how fast it is) and the 540!! Graceful is a good description for the 540, seats are very springy, almost like a mattress and the ride was very smooth. The engine roared as the driver double clutched through the gears, very cool experience.
Back to reality.
Arriving back at the entrance I was asked to drive my vehicle in. Signs were placed near each vehicle with brief vehicle history. My wife and I were invited to attend the luncheon which was really cool and unexpected. The awards ceremony was uneventful although I did get several comments on the car from various car enthusiasts. I did meet one person at the event that was completely unexpected........Carol Shelby!
Overall a great experience and I felt very lucky to have the opportunity.
Here are some pictures from the event.
For the next two weeks I detailed the interior, engine, wheel wells and exterior to prepare for the luncheon. Luckily Popular Mechanics had agreed to have my car shipped by Flatbed to and from the event at their expense so my efforts weren't wasted.
Sunday Morning Day of the Event:
It felt surreal being surrounded by all these old cars, all in working condition in one place. I chatted with the event coordinator about the cars trying to learn some history about them. The 540 was previously owned by the Sultan of Malaysia and was unrestored. The car in unrestored condition was worth $500,000. I had the opportunity to go for a ride in both the new SL55 (Breathtaking how fast it is) and the 540!! Graceful is a good description for the 540, seats are very springy, almost like a mattress and the ride was very smooth. The engine roared as the driver double clutched through the gears, very cool experience.
Back to reality.
Arriving back at the entrance I was asked to drive my vehicle in. Signs were placed near each vehicle with brief vehicle history. My wife and I were invited to attend the luncheon which was really cool and unexpected. The awards ceremony was uneventful although I did get several comments on the car from various car enthusiasts. I did meet one person at the event that was completely unexpected........Carol Shelby!
Overall a great experience and I felt very lucky to have the opportunity.
Here are some pictures from the event.
