The weekend of February the 9th and 10th was destined to be dominated by the car. And so it proved to be. First up on Saturday was the Meguiars Fun Run. From all points of the compass Auckland Mercedes-Benz Club members joined with many other car clubs to converge on Vellenoweth Green St. Heliers for an informal show and picnic. The twelve Mercedes cars at the “Green” were a great mix of old and new models, including four generations of SLs. We all enjoyed a sociable picnic under a clear blue sky and brilliant sunshine. Then for some of us it was off home to break out the car grooming gear and elbow grease to prepare for the following day.
Up at the crack of dawn on Sunday, shower and breakfast, then we’re off to Ellerslie for the Intermarque. We arrive with other club members at 8 am, managing to beat the traffic jam that eventuates at the entrance half an hour later. Proving that many hands do make light work we have the marquee, furniture, barbecue and stereo all erected and assembled by 9 am. As the display cars arrive they are parked and then re-parked according to age. Information boards are placed in front of each car and so by 9.30 we’re pretty much ready for the public opening at 10 am. The theme for the show this year is Forty Years of Fabulous so our show cars range in age from 1964 to 1973. We have a great mix of sedans, coupes and convertibles in their forties. With Bill manning the barbeque we have a second breakfast of bacon and egg sandwiches. Yum !!. The gates open to public and we have a constant stream of admirers through the display all day. With it being another brilliant Auckland day the convertibles attract more than their fair share of attention. We have our new Membership Flyers on display which we hand out to those who enquire about club membership. At lunchtime Barbeque Bill is back cranking out sausages and onions to feed the members. All afternoon cameras are clicking and admirers are admiring our fabulous marque while members come and go from our fabulous marquee. Prizegiving rolls around at 3.30pm and although we miss out on any prizes it certainly wasn’t through lack of effort. Gates close at 4.00pm and by 4.45pm we’re all packed up and ready to leave. Thanks to all those who offered their time, effort or cars to make this day the success it was.
If you haven’t been to one of these shows make sure you make the effort next year as it is a great way to socialize with your fellow members and to see some beautiful classic cars from other makes. Also be sure and check out the club website for more photos from the above two events.
