"Let's Talk Cars"



Saturday, April 20th – 10:00-12:00



Visit The Stable LTD. at 217 Main St. Gladstone, NJ 07934, to review the extensive inventory of classic automobiles. The cost is $10.00/person.



For those wishing to join us for lunch from 12:00-2:00 PM, we will have seating secured at Gladstone Tavern (Each Pays Their Own)



Eventbrite Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lets-talk-cars-the-stable-ltd-tickets-780527297157?aff=oddtdtcreator





HIGH GEARby John Kuhn Bleimaier



Star Ace



Years of membership in the Mercedes-Benz Club of America have provided countless adventures. Of course, rallies on scenic back roads, magnificent concours d' elegance, and stimulating tech sessions have served up memories. However, establishing a wide acquaintance with Renaissance star people has been a great boon in itself. Here is an example.



I recently visited the flagship of American transatlantic liners, the SS United States, which is docked in Philadelphia and is awaiting the implementation of a glorious restoration. I had this opportunity because I received an invitation from MBCA member Nick Starace, whom I have known for 40 years. I remember his winning a trophy at the first rallye I organized in the mid-'80s. We became well acquainted because of multiple shared interests beyond the fellowship of the Silver Star. Nick is a savant of the high seas and an expert on Diesel propulsion. These are avocations of mine as well.



Nick Starace was an officer in the SS United States back in the 1950s. This was his first berth after graduation from the US Merchant Marine Academy. Now, as an older mariner, he is active in the conservancy organization dedicated to the vessel's restoration, which still holds the blue ribbon record for the fastest crossing of the Atlantic. Nick was an engineering officer. When we visited the gallant lady at her dock in Philadelphia, Nick showed me his station next to the gigantic compression ignition power plant, way below decks. What an experience for a marine Diesel aficionado!



Of course, Nick and I drove our respective Mercedes to our rendezvous along the Delaware River. Nick has always owned red SLs, which he keeps in splendid condition to show them at the MBCA NNJS June Jamboree. Nick has just turned ninety.



One thought leads to another. Way back when I joined the Club, I met an elderly gentleman who was the original owner of an elegant 300SL gullwing. He purchased his new car at the factory in 1956 and drove it all over Europe. Then, he shipped his treasure home… in the SS United States hold while he and his wife traveled in a stateroom onboard the legendary liner. The old gullwinger has sailed to the other side of the River Styx now, but his tales of excitement behind the wheel of the first supercar live on in my memory bank. In all likelihood, Nick Starace was a young officer when the gullwing crossed the Atlantic in the hold way back then.



If you want to support the SS United States Conservancy, check out https://www.ssusc.org.



To learn more about our fellow Mercedes-Benz aficionado, Nick Starace (is this an appropriate surname or what?), read Nick's recently published memoir, White Sails Became Me.



Now you know why membership in the MBCA is an indispensable part of my life.


Spring Rallye

Saturday, May 18th, 2024



We meet at Classic Workshop, owned and operated by Jaime Kopchinski, 1620 Route 57, Hackettstown, NJ 07840, 973-953-3418, at 9:00 am.



New Jersey's newest Mercedes-Benz Shop specializes in classic Mercedes-Benz repairs and restorations. Please look at what makes Classic Workshop the one-stop source for service, repairs & restoration of your classic and newer model Mercedes-Benz.



This is not a timed rallye but a chance to explore some lovely back roads of New Jersey at your leisure. The driving time is two hours maximum.



All Mercedes Models Welcomed

9:00 am - Coffee & Donuts will be served

At 10:00 am, depart Classic Workshop.

Detailed driving maps will be provided.

You could follow the map or make your route.

Arrive at Noon at Juniper Hill Restaurant, 73 Beaver Avenue, Annandale, NJ 908-335-8905 (the restaurant is subject to change ).

** Each person will pay for their meal **



Eventbrite Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/spring-rally-may-18th-2024-tickets-853628314267?


60th Annual June Jamboree

Saturday, June 22, 2024

8:30 AM - 3:00 PM



The longest-running MBCA event



Please feel free to book and reserve your space here if you don't mind.

Please pre-register by June 15!



Eventbrite Link:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/60th-annual-june-jamboree-tickets-852848662307



This year, our June Jamboree will be held at The Hermitage / A National Historic Landmark.

The Hermitage is located at 335 North Franklin Turnpike,

Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ 07423.



More information can be found at https://thehermitage.org/

This year's event will take place on the lovely grounds of the historic Hermitage. Cars will be displayed on grass under trees throughout the park.



The pre-registration cost to enter a car is $55, including lunch for the driver; additional guest lunches are only $20, and those under 12 are free with no lunch.



Given the layout of The Hermitage, we have arranged to have two delicious food truck providers at the event. Each registered guest will have a ticket redeemed for a meal & drink. For your convenience, tables and chairs will be positioned throughout the grounds.



Registrations made on the event day are not encouraged. The registration fee is $10 more per car and $10 more per lunch. So please register by June 15!

Day-of Registrations are cash or check only. You can attend the Jamboree without a car. The Hermitage does have a suggested entry fee of $10.00 per person.



Registration will begin at 8:30 AM AND WILL END AT 9:45 AM. ALL CARS MUST BE ON THE FIELD BY 9:45 AM. You must pull your car up the driveway and to the Registration Table to receive your registration packet and be given your assigned parking spot. Please place your window sign on your window along with your scoresheet if you are participating in the concours. If you do not want anyone touching your vehicle without you being there, you must remain with your car during the judging time. Judging will begin at 9:45 AM; at that time, there will be no further detailing of the vehicles allowed.



AFTER 9:45, NO CONCOUR CARS WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE FIELD FOR JUDGING. In your registration packet, there will be color-coded votes for the Popular Vote cars. Please match the color of the ballot to the color of the window sign. Votes that do not match the correct color will be discarded. All popular votes begin with a letter followed by a number.



The cars will be divided into two categories – Concours (judged by a team of judges according to MBCA guidelines) and Popular (voted on by those in attendance).

The cars in the Concours class are further broken down according to chassis. Concours vehicles need to be detailed and will be judged into four categories:



1 – Interior, Upholstery, Trunk; 2 – Glass, Lights, Rubber, Chrome, Trim; 3 – Engine Compartment; 4 – Paint, Coachwork; and points are also given for mileage and age. A 2-point deduction is required if your car is trailered to the event.



Popular Vote cars are divided into two categories (Sedan and Sport) and then further broken down by years – New – 2020 to present; Modern – 2010 – 2019; Old – 2000 – 2009; Vintage I – 1999 – 1974 (Cars 25 -49 years old); and Vintage II - Pre 1974 (Cars 50 years old and older). Our advice for the Popular Vote cars is to "give the baby a bath" and come enjoy a good time with fellow Benz enthusiasts.



Cars over 25 are also eligible for the Silver Star Preservation certificate – you can be in either Popular or Concours and have your vehicle judged for this certificate.



Weather – Given that this year's event will be on grass, let's all hope for a dry day (Rain date June 23). We are looking forward to seeing many of you at this year's event. If anyone is interested in helping to judge or to help in other ways, please email Greg at MBNNJS@Yahoo.com with the subject line: Willing to help at the June Jamboree. Thank you.



***Please note—pre-registration makes everything run more smoothly and efficiently. Entering on the day of registration causes delays for those who have pre-registered, as they have to wait to pick up their packet. The car is assigned to a category and parking space on registration day.



Please Pre-register by June 15 at the Eventbrite link to avoid delays: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/60th-annual-june-jamboree-tickets-852848662307

Concours Judges Wanted



We are excited to announce the June Jamboree on Saturday, June 22. As part of our premiere event, we are looking for volunteers interested in becoming judges to evaluate the concours cars entered in the competition. We are willing to train members to judge and assess concours cars entered in our premiere event.



Don't worry if you don't have prior experience. We are willing to train members who are interested in taking on this role. This is a unique opportunity to participate in the judging process and gain valuable insights into the world of concours cars.



If you are interested in volunteering as a judge, please let us know, and we will give you more information on the training and requirements.



Please get in touch with Tom Elder at compactkars@aol.com







Upcoming Events 2024





Saturday, April 20th – 10:00-12:00

"Let's Talk Cars"

Review the extensive inventory of classic automobiles at The Stable LTD. 217 Main St. Gladstone, NJ 07934

For those wishing to join us for lunch from 12:00-2:00 PM, we will have seating secured at Gladstone Tavern (Each Pays Their Own)

Cost $10.00 per person

Eventbrite Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lets-talk-cars-the-stable-ltd-tickets-780527297157?aff=oddtdtcreator



Saturday, May 18, 2024 @ 10:00

Spring Rallye

Meet at Classic Workshop and explore lovely NJ back roads, and meet at noon for lunch at Juniper Hill Restaurant in Annandale, NJ.

Eventbrite Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/spring-rally-may-18th-2024-tickets-853628314267?



Saturday, June 22, 2024, 9 AM-3 PM

2024 June Jamboree

The Hermitage-335 North Franklin Turnpike,

Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ 07423

Please pre-register by June 15

Eventbrite Link:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/60th-annual-june-jamboree-tickets-852848662307






Northern NJ Section | Mercedes-Benz Club of America

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NNJS-Mercedes-Benz Club of America150 Leeds CtMadison, NJ 07940