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Community => The ORG => Topic started by: adamb on 07 January 2012, 09:29 AM

Title: British near London meet
Post by: adamb on 07 January 2012, 09:29 AM
Welcome to 2012 British W116 owners! It's time for the inaugural Mercedes W116 meet-up somewhere near London.  We can celebrate the 40th anniversary of our favourite motors. Location to be agreed based on the whereabouts of the participants.

I propose Saturday 3rd of March. Meet in the morning at about 11 am, look at cars, share stories.

Lunch about 1-2pm. After lunch go for a drive, possibly in each others cars? After all, how often do you get to enjoy your W116 from the comfort of the rear bench?

No need to come in a W116 if you can't.

Looking forward to your responses.
Title: Re: British near London meet
Post by: calvin streeting on 07 January 2012, 10:51 AM
Should be good for me :)

bigest Q is where?
Title: Re: British near London meet
Post by: Type17 on 07 January 2012, 11:58 AM
Wow, I'd love to make that, but it's a 3.5 hour ferry trip and about 300 miles...  :(


...so be sure and take loads of pictures!  8)
Title: Re: British near London meet
Post by: gavin116 on 07 January 2012, 12:46 PM
Hi Adam

Sounds great, suits better than late January when we were originally planning as I would have probably come in the Audi not the Benz. (Although I do not mind meeting with you and Calvin late this January in addition to the "London meet".)  That date seems fine to me, but I do need to be back home by 5pm as I have the theatre that night with a couple of friends.

I was thinking what better place to have our first meet than at the Mercedes Benz Brooklands Centre in Wheybridge.  We could also take a look at the cars on display in the museum (only been once, and never saw a W116, but there were a few R107's, and quite a few other pre and post W116 cars), and we could perhaps get the museum curator to come and look at our cars too!

We could also contact the Mercedes Benz Club UK (I am a member: good benefits for car part discounts and also insurance discount, so worth while being a member, not to mention the monthly gazette etc.) to promote the date, and see just how many W116's we can muster?

Regards

Gavin
Title: Re: British near London meet
Post by: bronzy935 on 07 January 2012, 03:00 PM
Yes I'm available: January or March.
Mercedes World at Brooklands is good for me.
1979 450 SEL # 7074
Title: Re: British near London meet
Post by: littlefin on 07 January 2012, 04:28 PM
Sounds like a great idea. Brooklands is good for me too. My W116 is currently 'under the knife' but hopefully will be driveable again by March. I can always come in something else if needs be, although I don't usually get the older cars out during the winter months due to road salt etc.
The 'old' cars at Brooklands generally belong to Mercedes Benz Club members and are rotated periodically. I don't know what's there at the moment, I haven't been there since a MB Club event in June 2011. There's always plenty of good stuff to see though!
Title: Re: British near London meet
Post by: adamb on 07 January 2012, 06:43 PM
So, Brooklands it is. I was thinking Duxford myself but we can do that the next time. January is now proving difficult for me so have a great meet-up if it goes ahead. I think a W116 meeting, if we get a good showing, will be something unique in the UK. We might get some publications interested in a feature. Lets see how many responses we get and if enough then I'll do some emailing. :)

Title: Re: British near London meet
Post by: marku on 08 January 2012, 11:50 AM
Brooklands would be fine although I will not have the 116 back together by then. When I was at MB World in October I did point out the glaring omission of the 116. It didn't even feature in the display of models from the beginning to the present day. Perhaps a concerted effort could get this rectified.
Title: Re: British near London meet
Post by: littlefin on 13 January 2012, 09:11 AM
Quote from: gavin116 on 07 January 2012, 12:46 PM

We could also contact the Mercedes Benz Club UK (I am a member: good benefits for car part discounts and also insurance discount, so worth while being a member, not to mention the monthly gazette etc.) to promote the date, and see just how many W116's we can muster?


Hi Gavin

I'm also a member of the UK MB Club...if you were to volunteer to become "Model Register Captain" for the W116 (situation currently vacant) you could use the MB Club's resources to promote the event  ;)  but then it would cease to be an ORG meeting  :(
Recent MB Club forum chat was remarking on how few W116's turn up to their club events, although Club records apparently show members own 300+ W116's   :o
Title: Re: British near London meet
Post by: marku on 13 January 2012, 01:27 PM
Well I did volunteer as W116 Model Register Captain if no one else was prepared to do it (I was currently a register captain) but could not get a definitive answer so I gave  up. Certainly the previous incumbent did nothing for the model. I did feel it was indicative of the favouritism shown to certain models while those like the 116 are unfairly ignored. I do not think that the MB Club should be approached  as then it would as you say not be an W116 Org event, I do not think the Club should have a monopoly on these events and more importantly it would exclude those who are not members for one reason or another but who are simply enthusiasts for the model.
Title: Re: British near London meet
Post by: Type17 on 13 January 2012, 01:34 PM
In my local MB club, there is a (minor, light-hearted) running joke about those who own 4-door cars, versus those with the (in their owners' opinion) more desirable 2-door cars.


The 114, 123, 126 and 116 owners agree that we have the same quality and engines, and most of the handling for less than half the price simply because we have twice the doors  ;D
Title: Re: British near London meet
Post by: gavin116 on 14 January 2012, 05:37 AM
Hi Little Fin

I have never actually used the MB club for anything other than getting a small discount on parts and my motor insurance.  I do read the gazette every month though.  I have no idea what the model captain's job involves, nevertheless, I am happy that Mark has stepped up to take the position.  (Perhaps when we meet it can all be explained to me.  I do know that I need my car appraised at some stage to get an agreed value for the insurance.)  I am off this next Wednesday, so I will take a drive down to the Brooklands centre and see what can be organised/offered for our "116.org" day.  I shall let you all know.  I was rather hoping for a few more UK org members to respond, but I suppose from small beginnings...

Gavin
Title: Re: British near London meet
Post by: littlefin on 14 January 2012, 06:11 PM
Hi Marku

Sorry, I hadn't made the connection between you posting here & "over there".  ::)

It strikes me as a little odd that they didn't take up your offer to be W116 Register Captain, since you are already one, and so know what the job entails and what the responsibilites are. You are still V-Class Captain I take it?
Do you attend MBC events regularly? I only ask because a. I haven't been to many in the last few years myself and b. I find the 'management' can be a bit sniffy towards people they don't know personally sometimes. I would have thought they would have been grateful for the offer personally.
The only other candidates who showed any interest (on the MB Forum at least) were Irish members who wouldn't have been able to attend many UK mainland events. If I were you I would contact Red Mackinnon again, or better still come to RAF Hendon on Sunday 18th March - weather permitting  ;) - and speak with him face-to-face.
Title: Re: British near London meet
Post by: pal on 15 January 2012, 03:40 AM
If I'm not sent abroad to teach I will be there!
So far my calendar is clear.
Cheers
Title: Re: British near London meet
Post by: marku on 15 January 2012, 12:00 PM
The operative phrase was 'if no one else would do it'. As I was already a register captain I waited some weeks after the vacancy was posted and only did so because I thought it a great shame that no one in the club was prepared to stand up for the 116. My offer was accepted on the basis that it would probably fall to me by default. The MB Club is an impressive organization with many people who work hard to make it so but it does have a tendency to bias toward some models and against others which ranges from indifference to outright predjudice. After some weeks nothing had been resolved and so as I took this to be verging on official indifference I withdrew my offer in protest and the vacancy is still unfilled.

My point in posting all this was that nothing was to be gained by making the meeting 'official'. There is no point of contact with the club for the 116, it would exclude some and probably deter others. We have a great facility in 116.org with encouragement and technical help that is global, something that the club cannot begin to offer. Better to keep it informal and see how it grows.
Title: Re: British near London meet
Post by: littlefin on 17 January 2012, 05:45 PM
Sorry marku, I didn't mean to get you all worked up. I know from my own experience that dealing with bureaucracy can get very frustrating. I am hoping that the 40th Anniversary of the W116 in 2012 will prompt some interest from the Classic Car establishment/press and consequently from the wider public (including MB Club members). I am sure all members of the ORG (old and new) would agree that it deserves more recognition than it currently gets.

Unfortunately it's all too obvious from my Forum status that I am, after all, only a relatively new convert myself!  :-[
Title: Re: British near London meet
Post by: marku on 18 January 2012, 07:33 AM
Is that how I came across? Perhaps I take it all to seriously it was not meant to be but it is a very sore point with me certain attitudes within the club. I cannot understand why the 116 should be ignored so generally in this country when it was such a major design departure and break with the past. 

Let's hope that the Brooklands meeting will be the start of the change.
Title: Re: British near London meet
Post by: gavin116 on 18 January 2012, 04:56 PM
Hi guys

I went to the Brooklands Centre this morning and had a fairly productive time of it.  There were actually very few cars in the museum, and one rather oddball!  The upshot is that Brooklands should be able to help us with an area to meet and check out one another's cars.  Together with this informal area, they could provide an informal lunch, but we will still need to cost this.  They seemed quite delighted at the prospect of hosting us on the 3rd of March.  The curator is going to be in email contact, and I will relay all to you as I get the information.  In the mean while it would be good to get an indication of numbers, cars as well as drivers, partners and kids etc.

Regards

Gavin

Crazy MB at Brooklands, new hood adornment?
(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/35071-3/photo_002.JPG) (http://gallery.w116.org/dl/35068-1/photo_002.JPG)
Title: Re: British near London meet
Post by: marku on 19 January 2012, 01:58 PM
Great news - much better to keep it informal!  Hopefully this will be the start of the rise of the 116 star. There would be two of us and one MB car not unfortunately the 450 which is now in so many bits that I am losing track.
Title: Re: British near London meet
Post by: bronzy935 on 21 January 2012, 04:44 PM
I too like the informal idea: I'll be there with my 6.9, and maybe a partner and grandson.
Title: Re: British near London meet
Post by: gavin116 on 22 January 2012, 04:45 PM
Hi All

A list to date.  I will be contacting Brooklands later this week.  Confirmation list below, please let me know any additions and or changes that I need to make.

Regards

Gavin

Delegates
(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/35575-1/Brooklands+Meet_004.jpg)
Title: Re: British near London meet
Post by: calvin streeting on 22 January 2012, 07:52 PM
I should be bringing my wife.... (She owns a 280SE but that's in storage...).. might even have a son as well
Title: Re: British near London meet
Post by: adamb on 23 January 2012, 07:16 AM
Partner might come. Not persuaded her yet. Presence of other females is likely to help convince her.
Title: Re: British near London meet
Post by: pal on 23 January 2012, 11:01 AM
So far me, my father and one of my kids... working on the others :-)
Title: Re: British near London meet
Post by: marku on 23 January 2012, 02:01 PM
In an effort to persuade Adam's partner - of the two of us coming one is definitively female.
Title: Re: British near London meet
Post by: littlefin on 26 January 2012, 12:34 PM
I'm not entirely sure yet how many of us will come. I anticipate it will be me + at least one child.
I should have a better idea nearer the time. Sorry to be so vague.
It also depends to some extent on which vehicle we come in (no rear seatbelts in my 116)...
Title: Re: British near London meet
Post by: adamb on 26 January 2012, 02:05 PM
For me defo + 1.

Title: Re: British near London meet
Post by: littlefin on 06 February 2012, 05:52 PM
Sadly, it's looking a little unlikely that I'll be able to come to the meet in my W116, British chums.

She's just gone into the bodyshop to have the sills and rear chassis legs attended to.  :)

I'm thinking of coming in my W108 instead. Will that be acceptable? It has got a 3.5L V8 after all ...

Personally I'm hoping the danger of snow will have passed by then.
I suppose a go on the handling circuit is out of the question?
Title: Re: British near London meet
Post by: gavin116 on 07 February 2012, 01:59 AM
Hi LittleFin

It will be sad not to see the 280, but I think we would be all happy to see the 108.  I have never seen the 3.5, 4.5 and 6.3 in the flesh before, so it will be interesting indeed.  I emailed the head of the MB World Brooklands yesterday to seek confirmation for the 3rd of March.  I hope he will get back to me soon.

See you all soon

Regards

Gavin

P.S. In general to all interested in the Brookland's meet, are there any updates to make to the list? What colour is your car, the amount of people etc.
Title: Re: British near London meet
Post by: gavin116 on 09 February 2012, 02:15 AM
Hi All

I have just heard back from MB World - Brooklands, and the following can be made available.  As I have requested an informal approach, they will cordon off an area in the parking lot where we can 'display' our cars,  from say about 11am, and leave about 3pm.  They have suggested that if we want to go with the informal approach, then we can lunch at their cafe.  What do you guys think about this proposal?

Alternatively, we could hire a small conference facility and we could have a catered lunch, but at a price.

Please let me know what you think about this proposal?

Regards

Gavin

Menu at the 1886 Café
(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/35531-1/Cafe+1886+Menu_Jan+2012.jpg)
Title: Re: British near London meet
Post by: littlefin on 09 February 2012, 04:51 AM
My vote would definitely be for the low-key approach. I shudder to think what they would charge for 'conference catering' for so few of us. The food in their cafe is perfectly acceptable, nice actually (although from memory the portion sizes are not particularly generous).  :(

The 1886 Cafe is pretty large - plenty of tables - so it shouldn't be a problem to accommodate us. Even on busy days like when the MB Club is having a big meet, there isn't a huge problem getting tables. That said it can be quite busy there at weekends. Do you have any idea on numbers yet Gavin? I spoke with my family about the meet the other day and they all seemed quite keen - so we may all turn up = that's 6 of us!

Regards, Phil
Title: Re: British near London meet
Post by: marku on 09 February 2012, 02:03 PM
Yes the cafe is OK if a bit basic. I would have thought that it really gets busy at weekends I have only been midweek and there was plenty of people about. The private room is upstairs and I have no idea what the charge would be but how much extra could they charge to carry the food upstairs? Would rather tend to break up people in the cafe but whatever the majority wants is fine.

We will be coming in our Mercedes Viano Ambiente ( a much unfairly maligned vehicle which is another cause I champion) because the 450's engine will still be in several boxes for some time yet.
Title: Re: British near London meet
Post by: gavin116 on 09 February 2012, 02:45 PM
Hi Guys

Thanks for the feedback.  I hope more of you will confirm numbers etc.  So for now, we can go with the low key approach, and I will ask if they can reserve some seating in the 1886 cafe for our group.  Our numbers seem to be swelling, which makes me happy.  If there is much more interest in a private room, I shall enquire about prices, then we could have an alternative (bearing in mind time is marching on and we would need to hire a room soon if it were to become a reality).

Till later

Gavin

P.S. I will update this list as we go, so do look back from time to time.

People, numbers and cars AND possible polo shirt
(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/35614-1/Brooklands+Meet_001.jpg)
Title: Re: British near London meet
Post by: adamb on 10 February 2012, 05:48 AM
Hi Gavin,

Great work on arranging the venue and providing the menu etc. Overall, I'd prefer if we kept this pretty informal. We'll aim to get there about 11. Hopefully everybody will get there by 12. It's just a great opportunities for people who share a passion - a rare one at that - to say hi to each other and get to feel like they are not the only crazy goons in the country. :) Also many people are coming with kids so I'm looking forward to a lively get together - certainly more lively than when just a bunch of sober middle aged men meet typically.  ;D

Cheers
Adam
Title: Re: British near London meet
Post by: marku on 10 February 2012, 02:55 PM
Hi Gavin

Pleased to see you have listed the Viano but for any one interested ( I am seriously at risk of becoming a bore on this subject) and continuing to champion the Viano's corner it should read W6398. The 8 differentiates it from the Vito and puts it in the passenger car range.

Many thanks for your efforts at MB World. Are we likely to make this an annual or perhaps bi-annual event? I hope so.

Mark
Title: Re: British near London meet
Post by: SteamWorks on 23 February 2012, 05:39 PM
Hi Gavin,

I'm expecting a call forward for work in the next 10 days or so but I'm going to gamble and say that I will be there at Brooklands with my 450 SEL and possibly plus one in the way of passengers.. who may in fact be female...

If my call forward is before the meet I will be sure to let you know but for now me plus one.

And my thanks for organising this event - greatly appreciated.

Regards to all,

Terry
Title: Re: British near London meet
Post by: littlefin on 26 February 2012, 03:20 PM
Hi Gavin

Any last minute instructions re the 3rd March?

Are you planning to arrive early to establish a beachead (put towels on sunloungers etc)?

Let me know if you need any moral support?

Phil

 
Title: Re: British near London meet
Post by: pimpedmerc on 27 February 2012, 12:13 PM
Hello All

I joined your site a few years ago,but only really ever had a bit of a nose around!
Looked back the other day and see you are having a bit of a gathering and may like to tag along if thats ok?
Always promised myself that i would go to Brooklands one day,what better way than with a load of W116's!
The most W116's ive seen together were in my garden when i bought a couple for spares!
The only thing is mine's not exacty what you would call standard,i trust you are all open minded to a little modification!
This would be its first long (100mile) journey since i put it back on the road the end of last year after 10 years hiding in the
garage,and as such has no interior at this time.If i can sort the rear seats and belts out then my wife and daughter may come too.
If this post works!?! Then i may try to add some pictures in the gallery at some time.

Best regards to you all,Martin
Title: Re: British near London meet
Post by: littlefin on 27 February 2012, 02:48 PM
Speaking personally, I'd say we're probably fairly broadminded here as far as mods are concerned

However, you should be aware that MB Brooklands is the epicentre of Mercedes Benz culture in the UK, so you may get a few raised eyebrows if your car no longer looks like it came out of a Mercedes factory  ;)
Title: Re: British near London meet
Post by: gavin116 on 27 February 2012, 03:09 PM
Terry and Martin

You guys are more than welcome, the more the merrier!  If Johnny hasn't sold his 450 on, it would be great to see him too.

Till Saturday!
Title: Re: British near London meet
Post by: adamb on 28 February 2012, 04:53 PM
Hi Martin,

Welcome, we are a broad church and all variations on the W116 theme (and more) are welcome. It would be great to meet you. Squeeze as many people as you can into your car and we will see you there.

Cheers,
Adam
Title: Re: British near London meet
Post by: SteamWorks on 29 February 2012, 06:45 AM
And what happens... I got my call forward...

Sorry Gavin, will try and make the next meet.  Hope you all have a great day!

Terry
Title: Re: British near London meet
Post by: pimpedmerc on 02 March 2012, 05:52 PM
Well,just about found time to fit the rear seats and belts so looks like I will make it!
So long a the weather is ok my wife and daughter will come too.
If its raining they want to stay home! I will still come so long it not bucketing it down.
The tanks full and I've got my AA card!
Fingers crossed
Martin

Title: Re: British near London meet
Post by: Type17 on 02 March 2012, 05:55 PM
Don't forget your cameras for all those across the seas and oceans!

Have a great time  :)
Title: Re: British near London meet
Post by: gavin116 on 03 March 2012, 12:58 PM
What a great success.  Just off to the theatre now, some teaser photos:

The 116 family
(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/36828-1/116MeetMarch2012+3.jpg)

All in a row
(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/36832-1/116MeetMarch2012+4.jpg)

Pal tries to drive away in Mrs White
(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/36820-1/116MeetMarch2012+1.jpg)

Grandson drives grandpa?
(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/36824-1/116MeetMarch2012+2.jpg)

Will post more photos of the event soon.  I think everyone had a fab day, I did!

Regards

Gavin
Title: Re: British near London meet
Post by: littlefin on 03 March 2012, 01:51 PM
Some might prefer this view...

(http://i1144.photobucket.com/albums/o494/230phil/IMG_0202.jpg)

Good meeting you all today!  8)
Title: Re: British near London meet
Post by: KenM on 03 March 2012, 06:38 PM
Hey well done fellers, looks like you had a great day for it after all. So who got the fastest lap time?
Title: Re: British near London meet
Post by: calvin streeting on 03 March 2012, 07:33 PM
Dont know about fast laps but Adam showed us a really interesting technique to get around a rounder bout in a 6.9...  :)
Title: Re: British near London meet
Post by: nathan on 03 March 2012, 08:16 PM
that is a great effort. look forward to more pics. hope you all had a top day
Title: Re: British near London meet
Post by: adamb on 04 March 2012, 12:20 PM
It was very nice to meet all you.

Gavin - thank you for proposing the great venue and the sweat shirts!
Title: Re: British near London meet
Post by: gavin116 on 04 March 2012, 01:28 PM
London calling...

Our day got off to a somewhat lukewarm start, the weather turning a little miserable: rainy and cold.  Phil managed to beat me to the post, by a car's length as we arrived at Brooklands on Saturday morning.  Having found our spot, we backed into the parking spaces, and headed indoors to warmer climes, and find breakfast.  That done, other members started to trickle in slowly, and our numbers swelled.  Soon, we were a full quorum, with everyone getting on well, some 22 people if my math is to be relied upon.

116 family
(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/36828-1/116MeetMarch2012+3.jpg)

And then there were five...
(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/36832-1/116MeetMarch2012+4.jpg)

Taking a peek at the business end
(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/36856-1/116+Day+March+2012+low+res+27.jpg)

Having met each other and our cars, it was time to inspect the displays at Brooklands, there was a fair amount to see and do.  We decided to group together for lunch at 1:30.

What started the ball rolling
(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/36868-1/116+Day+March+2012+low+res+33.jpg)

The old...
(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/36879-1/116+Day+March+2012+low+res+35.jpg)

...and the new
(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/36930-1/116+Day+March+2012+low+res+31_001.jpg)

A display by the Silver Arrows putting MB's latest AMGs through their paces
(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/36934-1/116+Day+March+2012+low+res+32_001.jpg)

There was even time to drive grandpapa
(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/36824-1/116MeetMarch2012+2.jpg)

Martin's power-plant transplant overseen by the ruler-of-the-roost, Morgan
(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/36922-1/116+Day+March+2012+low+res+14_001.jpg)

By a combination of cajoling and elbowing, we managed to join a couple of tables together, and then ate in relays.  Once fed and watered, we decided to visit the cars again as the weather had bucked up some.  So by introduction:

Phil
By the sounds and looks of things, he really likes classic Benzes.  He owns a range of S-Classes, starting with a fintail which his daughter Annabelle (hope I got your spelling right?) tells me is a 230 model finished in cream.  His youngest daughter also seems to have the bug, and like her elder sister enthuses about daddy's cars.  Then there is this gorgeous W108 280 3.5, forerunner to the 116, finished in metallic red with black upholstery.  The car oozes charm, and is a real head-turner, several passersby (I have to admit) were gawking at this stately lady.  The tidy interior includes factory air-con, a period Becker radio and column shifter auto box, and on the exterior, double bumpers and that 3.5 badge in a larger font.

It will be really nice to have the 116 280 on the scene, and hopefully it'll be ready for a our next meet, where we can meet his wife, and two boys.

(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/36950-3/Unknown.jpeg) (http://gallery.w116.org/v/show_room/Brooklands+116+day/Unknown.jpeg/)
For best 116 predecessor at meeting. ;)

Phil's W108.057
(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/36883-1/116+Day+March+2012+low+res+38.jpg)


Calvin
Calvin and his wife 'dressed up for the day' compared to the rest of us, and were accompanied by his kids, perhaps young adults is more appropriate.  Calvin has been a classic Benz driver for many years, prior to Dr Black, so sorry couldn't resist, or should I say Henrietta, he drove a 123 till it couldn't any more.

Henrietta is an amazing car, she is well used, in a lovely combination of black and parchment.  Calvin tells me this example is a very early K-jet model, and that she is his daily drive, doing at least a 60 mile round trip each day.  Not to be caught out, he revealed a jerry-can in the boot.  Seems like Henrietta's a heavy old girl to push, and once bitten, twice shy.  A look under the bonnet revealed the 350 engine, not dissimilar to Phil's 280.  Calvin showed us his unique pressure gauge that he has permanently installed to help keep the K-Jet in check.  We also saw Adam's replacement rear seat bench pad.

Calvin's wife tells me she has a 280SE in storage, waiting for Calvin's healing hands to restore her.  I gather the car is in quite a few pieces, bought as an abandoned restoration, lets hope she rides again.

(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/36950-3/Unknown.jpeg) (http://gallery.w116.org/v/show_room/Brooklands+116+day/Unknown.jpeg/)
Best daily driver at the meeting. ;)

Calvin's W116.028
(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/36895-1/116+Day+March+2012+low+res+43.jpg)


Adam
Adam made his entrance in the 6.9, both seen and heard.  What more can we tell you about the 6.9?  This example started life in Hong Kong, and by the sounds of things, has lead a life of pomp and luxury.  Adam has  driven the 6.9 for many years, and an unfortunate rear-ender started the process of what we see today.  Originally classic white, the car is now a very subtle shade of metallic black, and when the sun comes out, the purple comes to play.  The car is highly optioned, includes air-con (not one of our air-con's work! >:(), sunroof, orthopaedic seats: an earlier version, very supportive, but without the strap 'thingys' on the rear of the seat, leather and a whole lot besides.  Now that the car is newly painted and 'rust-proofed', Adam tells us he intends to enjoy it as much as he can.

(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/36950-3/Unknown.jpeg) (http://gallery.w116.org/v/show_room/Brooklands+116+day/Unknown.jpeg/)
Best restored car at the meeting. ;)

Adam's W116.036
(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/36899-1/116+Day+March+2012+low+res+45.jpg)


Pal
Like so many of the members at our meet, not only does Pal have more than one 116, he also has a stable of MB's, the family arriving in the New and Old.  Pal tells me he bought his 350SEL for beer money, it was going to be a parts car for the 6.9, as it's interior is so good.  Luckily, he was persuaded by his dad (thankfully, his father has now taken the car away from him) and some members on this forum, just what a rare beast the 350SEL is.  It seems the 350 is also highly specked, and one of it's may features includes a self levelling rear suspension.  His car is finished in diamond blue (?) with blue leather.  Pal's youngest son is specially fond of this car, and can be seen in "driving grandpapa".

Work continues at a slow pace on the 6.9, and Pal tells me that he doubts it'll be ready by our next meeting, "it will have to be on ordinary shock absorbers if that's to happen" he says unhappily.  So, I guess lucky for us, we'll be seeing the 350SEL a lot longer. 

(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/36950-3/Unknown.jpeg) (http://gallery.w116.org/v/show_room/Brooklands+116+day/Unknown.jpeg/)
Rarest 116 at the meeting. ;)

Pal's W116.029
(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/36887-1/116+Day+March+2012+low+res+39.jpg)


Martin
Martin made the trip up from Hampshire, a fair drive, in a car with little sound insulation (the car lacks door cards).  You see, Martin's car is a work in progress, and like Rome, it appears not to be built in a day.  Now, that is somewhat unfair, Martin has owned this car since he was 21.  In that time he restored the car, changing it's colour from silver to white.  And, the wheel has come a full circle, the car now sporting a lustrous cloak of blue.  You see Martin is in the automotive painting trade, and the car speaks volumes.  Could that also be because beneath that bonnet lurks a 500 32valve motor?  And my, it looks so stock, MB could't have done it better!  Martin's team included our youngest enthusiast, Morgan at the tender age of two and a half.

(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/36950-3/Unknown.jpeg) (http://gallery.w116.org/v/show_room/Brooklands+116+day/Unknown.jpeg/)
The best modified 116 at the meeting. ;)

Martin's W116.Special
(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/36903-1/116+Day+March+2012+low+res+47.jpg)


Gavin
I bought with me the all important polo shirts; now everyone can say 'been there, done that, got the T-shirt'!  It is always difficult writing about oneself, but I shall relate some of the comments.  It appears that the general consensus is that I have done very well, my car being very tidy.  Clean engine bay was also brandished about.  It was the only one with a povo cloth interior and, being one of the newest, it has a different key to everyone else's.  It also has different door lock knobs and of course a horizontal bar rear window de-mister.  Oh, and did I mention, it appears white does not show the road dirt!

We couldn't help but notice how close Mrs White's number plate is to that of Pal's SEL.  Perhaps they both started life in Yorkshire.

(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/36950-3/Unknown.jpeg) (http://gallery.w116.org/v/show_room/Brooklands+116+day/Unknown.jpeg/)
The only 116 still with a "0" to the left of the odometer at the meeting. ;)

Gavin's W116.032
(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/36891-1/116+Day+March+2012+low+res+42.jpg)

As the sun was beginning to fade, Adam decided it was now or never, and so the 'test' driving began.  It was my first time in a 6.9, and Calvin and I were whooping on the rear seat when Adam was demonstrating his power slide technique for exiting a roundabout.  IT WAS FUN! ;D  Calvin was next off the mark with his 350, giving various members a feel of what the 350 can do, and finally, I took Adam and two of Calvin's for a 'driving Miss Daisy' experience.  Adam continually assured me, you will not park the car on its roof doing a power slide unless you hit the kerb.  Despite the expert tuition, no power slide ensued, and my passengers needed pure caffeine to wake them up upon our return!  It was then time to call it a day.

The 'Great Escape'
(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/36820-1/116MeetMarch2012+1.jpg)
                                                                                                                    Hold on a minute, that's my car!

Till September when I plan our next adventure to Beaulieu - hopefully some convoy driving, perhaps spending the weekend together at Beaulieu, visiting the museum, the seaside etcetera.  I'll post details soon, and for those who couldn't make Brooklands, here's another wonderful opportunity to help celebrate the W116's official birthday in September. 

Keep 116ing!

Gavin

P.S. I think this calls for another t-shirt ;D

The 6.9 chauffeur at your service
(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/36918-1/116+Day+March+2012+low+res+13_001.jpg)

Title: Re: British near London meet
Post by: pal on 04 March 2012, 03:36 PM
Thanks all! Had a great day and so did all the family. Going to go back in my tent very soon with renewed enthusiasm :-) Very good to meet you all! Cheers - Pal.
Title: Re: British near London meet
Post by: pimpedmerc on 05 March 2012, 04:57 PM
Hi All
Made it home in one piece,if a little deaf! Karen had a splitting headache and Morgan just slept all the way!?!
May have to make a slight change to the exhaust set-up I think!
I have returned home with a renewed enthusiasm to get the car finished.
Just a matter of where to start first-sooo much to be done!
Seeing as its sat in the corner of the garage at the moment and i have all the bits i'm going to get cracking on building
my limited slip diff. After all,power is nothing if you can't get traction!! (or properly sideways)
Thanks for the T-shirt Gavin and for arranging a great day out.
Great pictures too.
It was really nice to have met with you all.
Thanks for making us feel welcome.
Martin
Title: Re: British near London meet
Post by: verteuil99 on 03 April 2012, 02:27 PM
Hey- 280 SE owner - Oxford here. On just read the email thread. Any events planned for April ?
Title: Re: British near London meet
Post by: littlefin on 12 April 2012, 06:45 PM
Quote from: verteuil99 on 03 April 2012, 02:27 PM
Hey- 280 SE owner - Oxford here. On just read the email thread. Any events planned for April ?

hi verteuil,
nothing planned for April as far as I'm aware, but I am trying to rustle up interest in the Mercedes-Benz Club event @ Brooklands on the 17th June.  Is that something you might be interested in? Are you a member of the UK M-B Club?