Sunday April 18 from 1:00PM - 3:00PM
ld
timers will remember Glen Echo Park as a wonderful place to go, be it playing in the arcade, riding the bumper cars, dancing in the Spanish ball room, or romancing on the grounds. Parents know Glen Echo Park for the refurbished carousel for their kids to ride, and the wooded grounds to picnic on. However, many of us know very little about this fascinating landmark along side the Potomac River.
Originally conceived as a Chautauqua Assembly in the late 19th Century, Glen Echo Park had several incarnations. As the independent religious movement began to fade in the early 20th Century, this religious retreat was turned into an amusement park, which lasted for the better part of the 20th Century.
With the trolley line dropping off visitors right out front, Glen Echo became a popular summer destination. Though with the proliferation of television, and suburban movie theaters, as well as 1960's desegregation, small community amusement parks like Glen Echo started to be shuttered and dismantled. In the fall of 1968, Glen Echo ceased to operate as an Amusement Park. By 1971 the grounds became part of the National Park Service, where it became an artist's park, showcasing local artists working in a wide variety of mediums. Now the property has been turned over to Montgomery County and is being restored to show off its interesting history.
For our special guided tour, you will see the progress of the restoration and renovation of the park's historic buildings. From the stone tower, the only original Chautauqua era building still standing, the hand-carved and painted Dentzel carousel, to the Spanish Ballroom, and of course no one will want to miss the Yurts. As you wander the midway you will be able to imagine the sights and sounds of an amusement park. Who knows you might even hear strains of Glen Miller Music.
The cost is $7 (of which a portion will be donated to the preservation of Glen Echo park) Fill out the centerfold, and come to Glen Echo Park, if for nothing else, but to find out what a Yurt is!
Directions: From I-495/95 Capital Beltway, exit 40 on the outer loop and exit 41 east on the inner loop. Take the Clara Barton (Cabin John) Parkway east to MacArthur Boulevard/Glen Echo exit and follow signs. From downtown Washington, take Massachusetts Avenue, NW, to its end at Goldsboro Road, turn left, and continue to MacArthur Boulevard. Turn right on MacArthur Boulevard and take an immediate left onto Oxford Road where you will see our large parking lot.
Parking for Glen Echo is located in a large 200-car parking lot located just off MacArthur Boulevard at Oxford Road, across from the Glen Echo Shopping Center. From the parking lot, a well-lighted asphalt path takes you across the Minnehaha Creek Bridge and into the park.
Contact Bill Hopper at 202-363-4189 or at wwhrestoration@att.net
Though the carousel will not be open until May 1, you can always log on to the park web site and listen to some carousel music.
or
nearly a year, your officers and board of directors has been conducting a thorough review of the section's bylaws. This is the first complete review since 1996.
The board is recommending that the membership approve changes to six of the Articles of our bylaws to: 1.) mirror the club's national bylaws; 2.) eliminate confusion in the current bylaws; 3.) and, establish a formal procedures manual for the board and officers. In the centerfold of the newsletter, you will find the bylaw change package including a ballot. The pages are set up in three columns. In the first column, you will find the current bylaw wording. In the second, the proposed "new" bylaw Article with the recommended changes. And, in the third column, you will be able to read the reason(s) the board is recommending these changes.
Your ballot is on the last page. You can vote "approve" or "disapprove" on each of the recommended changes.
You must include your name, address, and member number on the ballot.
Please return your completed ballot to Greater Washington Section Secretary Tracee Glass by May 1, 2004, at the address shown.
The membership owes a great deal of thanks to the Bylaw Review Committee and, especially, to Debbie Repass for keeping us on track and for preparing the ballot package.
Calendar of Events
Greater Washington Section Events
|
|
|
New E320 CDI Introduction!
Special Invitation!
ur
friends at American Service Center have invited all Greater Washington Section members to a Salon Show at their Arlington, Virginia location for the introduction of the 2005 E320 CDI - the first new diesel powered Mercedes-Benz car in the U.S. since 1999.
The Salon event will be held on Wednesday, April 14 from 6:00 to 8:00PM. Please plan on joining us! This may be the only Salon Show introduction in the Washington area.
If you have a really clean, older Mercedes diesel that can be put on display at ASC for the Salon, you are asked to contact Stan Rodia at the dealership at 703-284-2443. Stan would like to display the cars around the dealership. If you can help, please call!
oberta
Sheppard died on December 11, 2003. She was born in Washington, DC on March 29, 1924. Her parents were both from the Washington/Maryland area.
After graduating from Roosevelt High School, she joined the staff of the Department of Terrestrial Magnetism where she was a member of the pioneering team developing the radio proximity fuse for the Navy. She moved to the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab to continue this work and, later, on guided missile programs. In 1950, Roberta left the lab to become a homemaker and volunteer, serving at the Ashton United Methodist Church, St. John's Episcopal School in Olney, Sherwood High School in Sandy Spring, and other civic associations.
Roberta was a skilled seamstress, studied gourmet Chinese cooking, enjoyed travel (especially their many trips to England, Ireland, Wales, and Scotland), and was an avid reader. In recent years, when I would call, I would find Roberta reading the New York Times online. I'm sure it was front to back!
But that's not how most of us knew Roberta. She was married to her husband, Tom, for 53 years. They were, together, a fixture at MBCA events and served the club for many years.
Roberta was Greater Washington Section secretary in 1975-76 and vice president in 1978-79 and 1979-80. She also served as the GWS membership chair and newsletter editor. She was selected Officer of the Year for the Mid-Atlantic Region and GWS Member of the Year.
She and Tom participated in many national events and in 1978 and 1979 Roberta won the Daimler-Benz National Overall Trophy.
Roberta suffered physical restrictions in recent years and chronic pain from lifelong scoliosis, so we missed her company at our events for some time. Roberta leaves a legacy of service to all of us in the club.
In late March, near the time of her 80th birthday, there will be a memorial service to celebrate her life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the 5th Floor Nurses/ICU Nurses Fund at Montgomery General Hospital or to the Animal Humane Society of your choice.
pylon alley by Tom Newman
2003 Series Wrap Up
ard
to believe, but the 2003 season has come and gone. It truly was a year of firsts. The first time at a new lot, the first time vintage cars got a class of their own, many first time autocrossers, and my first season as your Driving Events Chair. It was an incredible season that was blessed with fun and remarkably good weather on the whole.
I'd like to take this opportunity to look back at some of the events over the past season that will help to add some background and flair to the final standings. Every position from first to last was hard fought, but the spirit of good-willed competition is one of the hallmarks of our series. There are intense rivalries, but we are all friends at the end of the day.
The Benz classes:
I asked a friend once what he thought of the Mercedes-Benz. His response was that it is a "really fast couch." This year, there were certainly no couch potatoes! Our drivers, and I emphasize drivers, do not coddle their cars, nor do they abuse them, but rather enjoy them as intended. It is an awesome spectacle to watch these cars in action.
Many spectators and participants were thrilled and anxious to see how the new vintage class rivalry between Bill Repass, Klaus Hirtes, and Steve Walters would play out. Event after event saw a nip and tuck battle that seesawed back and forth up to the final event. A first place finish for Steve would clinch the series for him. So, Klaus had to be especially on his game. He was and, in the end, the series ended in a tie. That meant that both competitors walked away with first place trophies.
The 190s saw yet another rivalry emerge between Jim Lozoskie and Tom Heacock. Trading victories with Tom to the midpoint of the season, Jim finally extended his lead to secure a first place finish. While both drivers put forth their best, they would always try to find ways to assist the other in finding the faster line. Tom Heacock deserves recognition for his assistance to other drivers over the season as well. If a car suffered, Tom jumped in to offer assistance. Jim was especially grateful when the heater core on his car failed. A cadre of drivers led by Tom helped Jim to repair the car and find his way home. There is a note of sadness to this though. Jim and Jim both lost their cars to accidents this year and are looking for replacements. It will be an adjustment to see them behind the wheel of different cars for 2004.
We give special mention to the rookie of the bunch. Bill Hopper never envisioned himself as a racer until he came out to an event as a spectator. After holding him at gunpoi... After some gentle convincing, Bill gave it a shot and has been hooked ever since. Rumor has it that Bill will be introducing a supercharged, nitrous injected Segway for 2004.
One of the truly unique cars in our series is the 190E 2.3-16V. There are fewer and fewer of these performance-oriented cars on the road. It is my opinion that none are piloted as well as Bill Stewart. To take an 18-year old car and humble other drivers with state-of-the-art technology is a remarkable achievement. Bill left no doubt as to whom best deserves top honors. Judy Roth also competes in the 16V class and continues to improve. As she grows more accustomed to the car, and develops her skills, Bill had best be on his toes.
As a general rule, a couple that competes against each other is not a good mix. It is especially volatile if they use the same car! Ted Joseph and Denise Dersin competed this season in Ted's CLK with Ted taking top honors. It started friendly enough, but ended with Ted sweating as Denise stayed on his heels the entire season. She even squeaked by him to earn a victory. While we discourage sabotage, Ted was seen loading cement into the trunk prior to Denise's runs for the last few events. 2004 will be especially interesting.
Never let it be said that autocross is "a man's game." The ladies in our midst are just as competitive. Deborah Hirtes once again dominated her class to take first place. Janet McFarland and Debbie Repass rounded out the field and made life interesting for Deborah on more than one occasion. All three of the ladies made their male counterparts more than a little nervous as their times encroached and on occasion eclipsed the "faster drivers."
Bruce Roth piloted his SLK 55 to a first place finish by capturing a number of Mercedes Fastest Times of the Day (FTD). Bruce is a competitor and a driver. He does have one disappointment though. He needs more competition! So, all of you with AMG cars, come out and play. An AMG rivalry would be a sight to behold and would send Porsches scattering for the bushes.
John Robinson is in the same boat as Bruce. He needs competition. Make no mistake, John does deserve his first place finish. I would also have to recognize John as one of our most improved drivers over the series.
Non-Benz Cars:
What are all these "ferign" cars doing at a Mercedes event? Simple answer - competition. The Mercedes Star is recognized as a symbol of excellence. One of the finest cars (our membership would say "the" finest car) produced in the world. What better format to prove it? While the non-Benz cars are not scored against the Benzes, every attention is paid to the times scored.
From Audis to Subarus to Morgans, they all come to play. Bill and Angie Brochu flexed their muscles in their BMW and secured first place finishes for each.
They say that "it's the quiet ones you have to watch". This is especially true of Andrew Danforth. Most thought that his season consisted of watching Dana Argiro continuously out run him in his own car. The problem is that while this is true, Andrew kept creeping up in the standings. When it was all over, Andrew had secured second place overall.
The third place trophy went to Tom Newman (that would be me) after a tough fought season... with his father (who captured fourth). It's a good thing he doesn't still live at home because the basement is extremely cold at night.
One of the most hotly contested honors in autocross is the FTD. Gonz alo Puig managed to secure five fastest times of the day over the course of the season earning him fifth place overall.
The ladies cannot be ignored. Many of them out ran, out paced and flat blew many of our competitors so far into the weeds that they weren't seen until the next event. Angie Brochu took top honors, but Dana Argiro made life especially tricky for her and that earned Dana a second place finish. Barrie Gochman is a rookie to autocross and missed a second place finish by a scant one point. 2004 should see all of these ladies mixing it up and I think there will be a number of surprises.
Why do we autocross? Dr. Panoz (of American LeMans Series fame) said it best. "I got into racing because I thought it was fun. More than that though, I didn't want to be that guy who always talked about how 'I threw the winning pass in high school'. Racing affords me the opportunity to once again be an athlete, to push my boundaries and to feel really alive." That's why I think most of us autocross.
he
2003 Autocross Series was an incredible success and the events have become very popular. So much so that we were on occasion strained to keep pace. In light of this, we've made some changes for 2004 that will, hopefully, make life easier for everyone.
The following changes were agreed upon by the Autocross Committee:
- Increased the maximum limit of cars to 55. Otherwise, it becomes unmanageable and we run out of time when fall comes with shorter daylight hours.
- Increased the cost of autocross by $5 per event - $25 for members $30 for nonmembers. The increase will cover the price rise at WSSC. Prepayment for the entire series is $145 - a $55 savings over the year! Nonmembers must join the club after their first event.
- 2003 Series participants have first right of refusal for 2004. Payment must be received by April 16, 2004. Payments should be sent to Tom Newman. See coupon in centerfold.
- A lottery drawing for any series slots not renewed by 2003 participants will be held after April 16, 2004 from all the checks received. So, newcomers still have a chance to get in for the whole year! Send your check to Tom now!
- Pre-registered drivers who do not arrive by 10:00AM will forfeit their slot, unless they notify us in advance they will be late. Those slots would then be made available to others on a first-come-first-served basis.
21st Annual Deutsche Marque Concours
TPC at Avenel - Potomac, MD
pring,
has sprung, and that means we are now in the season to show off our old and new "classic" Benzes. To regular Concours participants, that means it's time to pull off that car cover, clean, wax, Q-tip, and bring your garage queen(s) out! To our newcomers, clean your "baby" up, come out and enjoy the good weather (that has been ordered), the wonderful sights of Deutsche Marque vehicles, and, most importantly, meet other fellow car enthusiasts in our club.
Following the Deutsche Marque Concours tradition, this will be a "top only" concours that is cosponsored with our fellow Deutsche Marque car clubs - the Potomac Region of the Porsche Club of America (PCA), the National Capital Chapter of the BMW Car Club of America (BMWCCA), and, for the first time, the Potomac-Chesapeake Chapter of the Audi Club of North America (ACNA).
A Concours is a clean-car contest and car show. Vehicles are judged by their condition, appearance, and cleanliness. This event will offer two classes; Show (judged) and Display (a people's choice vote). In the strictest sense it is not really a "Show" class as it is a "top-only" event. "Top-only" is where the exterior, interior (including engine bay), and luggage compartment are judged. The undercarriage is not. The Display class is one where the general public/participants vote to determine the winner or winners.
Depending on participation, the Show class will be separated into several groups based on our national rules.
| Event Schedule: | |
| 8:30AM | Grounds open to show participants for placement onto the field. |
| 9:00AM | General admission to the public begins. |
| 10:30AM | Judging begins. Cars not in place and on the field by 11:00am will not be allowed to show. |
| 3:00pm | Scores are tallied. |
| 3:30pm | Wine and Cheese Reception |
All Awards for all clubs will be presented at the Wine and Cheese Reception.
This will be our first time at Avenel. Avenel staff will have coffee, breakfast snacks, lunch, and beverages for sale during the day.
The entry fee is $30 per car. Registration includes one Wine and Cheese Reception ticket. Additional Wine and Cheese Reception tickets are available at $10 each. There is no charge to attend the Concours as a spectator. See the form in the centerfold.
Please note: This Concours is an all day event. If you enter a car, please be prepared to stay through the awards presentation. If your vehicle places in its class and you and the vehicle have departed, the award will be given to the next runner-up. Additionally, please be mindful that cars not registered for the Concours should not be parked in the show field.
Directions to TPC at Avenel
From Baltimore:
Take 95 South to 495 West toward Silver Spring. Follow 495 toward Northern Virginia. Exit 495 at River Road, Exit 39, toward Potomac (West). Take River Road to Bradley Boulevard (3rd traffic light) and turn left. Continue straight through first 4-way stop sign (Bradley becomes Oaklyn Drive) for about mile. Turn left at 10000 Oaklyn Drive. The clubhouse driveway is marked with two stone pillars (one reads 10000 Oaklyn Drive, the other TPC Avenel). Follow the driveway all the way back to the clubhouse parking lot.
From Frederick:
Take 270 South to 495 toward Northern Virginia. Take 495 to River Road, Exit 39, toward Potomac (West). Take River Road to Bradley Boulevard (3rd traffic light) and turn left. Continue straight through first 4-way stop sign (Bradley becomes Oaklyn Drive) for about mile. Turn left at 10000 Oaklyn Drive. The clubhouse driveway is marked with two stone pillars (one reads 10000 Oaklyn Drive, the other TPC Avenel). Follow the driveway all the way back to the clubhouse parking lot.
From Virginia
Cross over the American Legion Bridge (Potomac River) via 495 North into Maryland. Exit 495 at River Road, Exit 39, toward Potomac (West). Take River Road to Bradley Boulevard (4th traffic light) and turn left. Continue straight through first 4-way stop sign (Bradley becomes Oaklyn Drive) for about mile. Turn left at 10000 Oaklyn Drive. The clubhouse driveway is marked with two stone pillars (one reads 10000 Oaklyn Drive, the other TPC Avenel). Follow the driveway all the way back to the clubhouse parking lot.
From Washington, D.C.
Take Massachusetts Avenue toward Maryland until it ends at Goldsboro Road. Turn right onto Goldsboro. Turn left onto River Road (1st traffic light). Take River Road over 495 to Bradley Boulevard (4th traffic light after crossing 495) and turn left. Continue straight through first 4-way stop sign (Bradley becomes Oaklyn Drive) for about mile. Turn left at 10000 Oaklyn Drive. The clubhouse driveway is marked with two stone pillars (one reads 10000 Oaklyn Drive, the other TPC Avenel). Follow the driveway all the way back to the clubhouse parking lot.
The Devil is in the Details - Part 3
By Bill Shaw
he
first two installments discussed what equipment to buy, and how to properly wash and wax your car (a copy of theses articles can be found on our web site if you missed them). This last article will cover how to detail your car.
Detailing
VINYL: Vinyl seats, dashes and door panels are constantly subjected to UV, dirt and abrasion. Caring for vinyl is as simple as using a soft cloth and wiping the area with a vinyl dressing. There are a number of these products on the market and most wax companies make their own formulas. Some of the better vinyl dressings are Turtle Wax's Formula 2001, Refresh by 3M, and Lexol Vinylex. These are specially formulated to resist UV degradation and leave behind a low gloss sheen that will not be blinding when the sun is out. And just as we recommend against the use of silicone on paint, the same warning applies to vinyl as well. Silicone can literally dry out the vinyl and facilitate "out-gassing," the byproduct of which is a nasty thin layer of film that appears on the inside of your windshield.
LEATHER: It really is amazing how well the leather in our cars holds up - especially the seats. Wide temperature variances, sweat, drinks and friction constantly bombard them all year around. As a result, leather needs to be cleaned and conditioned regularly. In this regard, try to think of it in the same context as your own skin: If the oils are not replenished, the leather will eventually dry out and crack. Therefore, treating the leather should be part of your standard cleaning regimen. The first step is to use a pH-balanced cleaner with warm water and a soft cloth. A quality leather conditioner should then follow this treatment. Lexol makes excellent products specifically made for leather and can be found at better automotive specialty retailers. It's the only conditioner Curry's uses.
GLASS: Over-the-counter automotive glass cleaners do not leave behind a film and resist streaking - unlike some household window cleaners. One alternative to a household window cleaner is windshield washer fluid. But the best products are those made especially for automobiles. Glass Cleaner by 3M and Invisible Glass are two excellent and readily available products. Begin by washing your hands to remove any contaminants/oils. Then, using a 100% cotton cloth, wipe the exterior glass in horizontal direction and the interior glass in a vertical motion. When inspecting your handiwork, if a vertical streak is noticeable, for example, you know it's inside the car.
CHROME: For those cars with chrome, the best way to keep it looking new is by simply washing your car as described previously (being especially careful that your wash mitt is free of moon dust, plum pits and gravel). We do not recommend using chrome polish regularly since it is by definition an abrasive. Every time you polish chrome, you are essentially removing a microscopic layer that can only be replaced by re-chroming (unlike painted surfaces which can be waxed). Therefore it is particularly important to use the "least aggressive approach" first too when working on chromed parts. To remove black marks from the exhaust, for instance, try using Castrol Super Clean, WD-40, CRC or Bug and Tar Remover first before using a chrome/metal polish and avoid the temptation to use a cloth wrapped around a Popsicle stick to expedite the process. finally, apply a coat of wax afterwards to all chrome pieces to further protect them from the elements.
TIRES: Some of our customers don't like us to put anything on their tires. While others do not think the job is complete unless a tire dressing has been applied. If you are in the latter camp, there are a plethora of products on the market that can make your tires shine. Some are sprayed on like ArmorAll (and this is the ONLY place on/in the entire car that we recommend using it), Black Again or Back to Black. Others are gel-like substances and applied with a foam applicator like Meguiar's Endurance. While a little more expensive, we prefer using gel products since they look better in our opinion, last longer and are easier to control since there's no chance of over spray on the rims.
EXTERIOR TRIM: Exterior vinyl/plastic/painted metal trim pieces, particularly those in black, will fade over time because of damage caused by UV rays, the use of strong detergents, or neglect. The same products mentioned as tire dressings can also be used on trim pieces to protect and/or restore them. As with tires, gel or thicker liquids hold up better than the "thinner" fluids. We also apply dressing to windshield wiper arms, the air vent shroud and window gaskets. If there is an unsightly white discoloration on your vinyl trim, it's probably dried wax. To remove it, we suggest that you work the dressing into the trim piece using a nylon toothbrush. One tip to help prevent this happening in the future is to apply the dressing before you wax.
CARPETS: If after thoroughly vacuuming the carpeted areas, including the trunk, you still find some heavily soiled areas, it's best to try to identify the contaminant first before trying to remove it. Whereas household carpet cleaning products like Resolve are very effective at getting rid of the worst kinds of dirt like clay, grime, al-Qaida, the Board of Directors at Enron, etc., they are not as helpful at removing grease or oil. In these cases, using a strong detergent like Simple Green, Castrol Super Clean or a citrus-based product like XENIT Citrus Cleaner/Remover is probably better suited to tackle these obstacles. Make sure you identify an inconspicuous area to color-test the solvent first before using it. Working with a small scrub brush, gently work the cleaner into the affected area and repeat as necessary. Don't use a lot of muscle here - let the cleaner do the work to loosen the soiled area.
CLEANING ENGINES: There are as many opinions about which techniques, methods and solvents to use when cleaning/detailing the engine compartment as there are lamb chop sideburns at an Elvis convention. Some of the information is useful, and some is not. We do not, for instance, advocate warming the engine first to loosen/soften the oily/greasy areas. There is an engineering/chemistry principle known as capillary action where liquids are drawn into areas when adhesive forces exceed cohesive forces. In layman's terms, water can be "sucked" into unwanted parts of the engine (particularly as it cools). So we let the degreasers do the work (Foamy Engine Bright, Simple Green and Castrol Super Clean to name a few) and thus minimize the time spent "watering down" the engine. Regardless if you use a pressure system or a hose to rinse the engine off, it's important to first protect sensitive engine components like the distributor, rotor, carburetor, air filter/cleaner, coil and other electrical connections. One way to do this is to place tin foil over nonelectrical parts and plastic baggies over electrical areas, and then secure them with a rubber band before applying the solvent. We also use stiff-bristle, wooden handle brushes to help the degreasers do their job before hosing it off. Some customers prefer a dressing on the hoses and plastic pieces within the engine compartment. Meguiar's and 3M make rubber treatment sprays, or you can use something as readily available as WD-40 which doesn't have a "wet" look and, therefore, won't attract dirt. A word of warning about spraying dressing in the area compartment - keep it away from the pulleys and belts for obvious reasons.
We hope that these cleaning tips have been helpful. If you have any comments or questions, please post them in the Forum at
www.CurrysAuto.com
so others can benefit from the exchange of information. If you have any ideas for a future article, please send them in an email to bill@currysauto.com.
bviously
it is the responsibility of every driver to operate his or her motor vehicle in a safe manner. I agree that folks who drive negligently should be civilly liable for the damages that they cause when an accident results. Clearly the state has a valid interest in establishing specific rules for the operation of automobiles on the public roads. In order to regulate transportation it is imperative that we all agree to stop at red lights, to drive on the right side of the road and to use appropriate lights and signals. The regulatory statutes that control our automotive behavior are a logical extension of the morality that governs all our social intercourse.
Speed in itself is morally neutral. There is nothing inherently wrong with driving slowly or rapidly. Circumstances determine the rectitude of going any particular speed in any particular place. Driving 65 miles per hour through a school zone at 8:00AM on a weekday would be wrong. Driving 25 miles per hour on the interstate in the absence of traffic, on a bright shiny day, would also be wrong. Traffic laws that prohibit either of the foregoing types of behavior are logical, fair and consequently valid.
However, much of the regulation of vehicular speed represents nothing more than a form of revenue collection. Speed limits on major highways and on rural byways are often established at unrealistically low levels with the obvious purpose of raising money for the municipal coffers. This is a serious problem.
There is nothing wrong with taxing a free people in order to finance the costs of democratic governance. We all pay income and property taxes that are a part of the social contract. We also pay user fees when we visit national parks, mail letters or apply for a passport. We pay the government and in return we receive services and protection. However, it is morally wrong for the government to impose a tax by exacting a penalty.
I, for one, would be perfectly happy to pay a supplemental tax or a user fee for the privilege of driving my well maintained vehicle at the speeds for which it was designed. Just like paying a toll for a bridge or a tunnel, paying a fee for speeding would represent a legitimate means of financing the maintenance of the highway system. Prosecution of speeders in order to exact fines is, however, clearly immoral.
It is wrong to castigate citizens for engaging in an activity that is completely innocent in nature. When you pay a fine for a speeding ticket you are not paying a tax or a user fee. You are being called before the tribunal of justice in order to be punished for an alleged violation of the law. The speeder is unceremoniously apprehended by the constabulary. His progress down the road is arrested. He is embarrassed in the glare of a spotlight. He is treated as a malefactor. In municipal court the speeder is tried along with criminals accused of assault, of theft, of public lewdness. If found "guilty" of the spurious infraction of speeding, a driver is forced to pay a stiff fine and have points assessed to his license which will increase his insurance costs and can ultimately lead to the forfeiture of the right to drive. This state of affairs is intolerable!
As members of an automobile club I believe we should be actively lobbying for the repeal of speed limits, as such, on highways and rural roads. Persons possessed of high performance automobiles which are maintained in sound condition should be given the opportunity to pay a reasonable user fee in order to drive their cars on the open road at the speeds for which they were designed. Payers of the user fee should be issued special license plates after their competence in high performance driving has been duly tested and certified. This will encourage the proper maintenance of safe vehicles; promote the acquisition of driving skills; and cause the state to keep the highways in good repair. From a societal perspective... a win, win, win!
Until the unjust speeding laws are repealed I, for one will never pay a speeding ticket through the mail without requesting a trial. By requesting a trial the accused is forcing the prosecution to prove its case. In most jurisdictions the state cannot get a conviction unless it can prove that the radar device or the arresting officer's speedometer has been recently calibrated. Cases are dismissed if the local gendarmes don't have current certifications of their equipment. I have had a speeding ticket dismissed when the arresting officer was unavailable on the day of trial. I have also accepted plea bargains on the day of trial that resulted in my pleading guilty to a "no-points" offense such as disregarding a traffic sign. It has always been worth my while to fight a speeding ticket.
Perhaps most importantly, if each and every driving enthusiast requests a trial when he or she receives a summons for speeding, the system will cease to be a cash cow for municipalities. Even if you are found guilty at a trial, the government's cost of prosecution invariably exceeds the fine levied. The time of the judge, the prosecutor, the court clerk and the arresting officer is so well remunerated that the local authorities take a financial bath in red ink unless the speeder rolls over and plays dead by sending in his check through the mail.
If we all resist injustice... we will win!
| John Kuhn Bleimaier |
230SL 1966: White/red MB Tex, black soft top, white hard top. 54k miles. Auto, A/C, perfect in and out. $24,900 obo. Call Joe at 410-788-1551.
250C 1971 Special!: Gloucester High School in Gloucester, Virginia has a 1971 250C for sale! This is a donated car. Proceeds from the car's sale will fund projects, supplies, and tools in the school's auto department. Blue/blue. Minor to no rust. Dent in hood. The car has 66.6k miles shown. Actual mileage is unknown. For more info and pricing, call Robert Healy at the school at 804-693-2526 or email him at <rhealy@gc.k12.va.us>.
280SL 1969: White/olive MB Tex. 81k miles. Auto, A/C. Local car with window sticker and records. Recent brakes, tires, new wood. Incredible new paint, trunk, door seals. Asking $18,250. Call Jonathan at 703-217-1704 or email at butlerbrothers@earthlink.net.
280SE 4.5 1972: Grey/black. V8, IF, EI, PS, PB, A/C. Garaged. No rust. Runs great. $4850. Call John anytime at 410-392-9011.
280SE 4.5 1972: White. Stainless exhaust. General good condition. 70k miles. Garage kept. $8,500 obo. Call Joseph at 301-840-1441.
240D 1981: Grey/blue. One owner, original, magnificent. All records. A/C is cold. Orig. Becker radio works. Never damaged. Auto. Concours ready. $5,500. Call Martin at 703-528-0895.
500SEC 1986: Silver/dark blue leather. Euro model EPA/DOT cert. 67k miles. Immaculate, dealer maintained. Full service 1/04. ABS, sun roof, records. $14,500 firm. Leave message at 202-822-0993 or email <petersb@tatc.com>.
300TD 1987: 7 passenger wagon. Excellent. 2nd owner. 154k miles. Everything works. No rust or dents. Inspected. $7,450. Call Rick at 410-758-1129 or (cell) 410-212-0744.
300TE 1992: Two tone grey/light grey. Superb. Garaged. 145k miles. Fanatically maintained. Recent tires and brakes. Must see. Call Miguel at 703-645-0414.
C43 1999: Silver/black & sliver leather. Heated seat, 6CD, phone, xenon, headlight washers, rain sensing wipers, AMG rear spoiler. 48k miles. Ext. warranty. All dealer records. $30,000 obo. Call Andrew at (cell) 240-876-4729 or (w) 240-386-6073.
CLK55 2001: Silver/blue & charcoal. 18k miles. Never in snow. Barely seen rain. Garage kept. RennTech air box. 6CD. Extended warranty. $55,500. Call David at 703-250-0905.
C240 2002: Capri blue/Java leather. Sunroof. 6CD. Perfect condition. $22,900. Call Joe at 410-788-1551.
FREE!: From 1995 SL320 - folding hardtop stand, hardtop cover, windstop (behind seats). No charge! Call James Cullen at 410-435-7766.
Coco mats: Black/grey flecks. For E-Class W124 ('85-'93). Never installed. $80.
Wheel: New 16x8 500E replica wheel w/new Continental all season 205/55HR. $100. Email Rui at <rui@raponte.com>
Manuals: For 124 - Chassis & body, Vol. I, II (86-92), Electrical Troubleshooting, Technical Data, Engine/Chassis/Units starting 92, Engine 103. Maintenance (81-93) Excellent cond. $75. Call Gary at 301-365-1502.
Tires: 2 Michelin MXV4 185/65 15 off 1991 190E. About 7k miles. $75. Call Tom at 703-765-1613.
|
American Service Center
703-525-2100 EuroMotorcars 301-986-8800 Merchant's Tire & Auto 800-637-2426 RC Imports 301-762-4205 Curry's Auto Service 703-502-0400 MB Motors 703-978-4564 Potomac German Auto 800-831-7686 |
Radial Tire Co.
301-585-2740 Dent Wizard 800-336-8949 EMB Parts 703-425-5380 Wheel Worx 410-969-7301 MB Roadside Assistance 800-367-6372 Electronics Service Center 301-881-8637 |
The Metro Tri-Star is published monthly by the Greater Washington Section of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America, Inc. It is furnished to each of the approximately 1,750 Section members. Please send all materials for publication to The Metro Tri-Star, 1625 Park Overlook Drive, Reston, VA 20190. For display advertising information, contact Joe Wozney, Editor, at 703-437-7866. Explicit permission to copy or republish any article is given to all sections of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America, Inc. The articles in Metro Tri-Star are the opinions of the writers and no authentication is given or implied as to the validity of any expressed opinion.