Disneyland Meet – April 5thOwner: Dr. David Morrison • 1912 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost (1937)

Disneyland Meet – April 5th

VOLUME 50 ISSUE 4 APRIL 2014

Disneyland Meet – April 5th

2014 Regional OfficersChairperson Pierre Lemieux 760 408-0230 Vice Chairperson Karen PerraultTreasurer Terri Mercurio Secretary Carolyn Quadt 562 598-7028

Appointed PositionsChief Judge Tom Mercurio Technical Chairperson Ronny Shaver Membership Chairperson Susana Gateau-Cumin Awards Chairperson Tom & Terri Mercurio Newsletter Editor Dori OisenHospitality Chairperson Joan Hugron Cell: (949) 439-0465Marketing/Advertising Gene TowIe Directory Editor Karen Perrault Webmaster Steve Power-Fardy Archivist Diane Cerveny Bylaws, Policies, Procedures Brad Zemcik

2014 Board of DirectorsRonny Shaver Larry Ewaska Sherry Stern Betty GreenDori Olsen Bill SundinClint Camomot Joan HugronRobert/Nancy Ratinoff

Editorial StaffEditor: Dori Olsen

Cell Phone: (424) 644-5987 dorianolsen@earthlink.net

The Spirit of Ecstasy is published monthly, approximately two weeks after the meet. Articles and notices should be received no later than the 15th of the month prior. Please Identify cars (with chassis numbers) and individuals in all photographs. Private party advertisements for Rolls-Royce/Bentley sales, wanted items, parts, lost and found, or information will be published for members at no charge. For car sales, include chassis number and asking price. Photos will be published at a nominal charge. Non-member advertising will be accepted at published rates. Display advertising is accepted, at the discretion of the Editor, for business card, 1/4, 1/2, or full page insertions in increments of three, six or twelve months. Advertisements are published as a courtesy to the membership. The Southern California Region and its Editor(s) do not assume responsibility in the event of a claim of loss or damage resulting from publication. Members are responsible for investigating any advertising claims prior to entering into an agreement with an advertiser. Please contact the Editor(s) for information or published rates. Articles reflect the opinion of the authors and do not necessarily reflect national or regional policy. The Southern California Region and its Editor(s) seek to publish accurate material but neither assumes responsibility in the event of a claim of loss or damage resulting from publication. The organization is under the control of the National RROC.

The Cover StoryBy Dr. David Morrison

Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost Chassis 1937 has never been shown in North America. Colin Laybourn in England restored the automobile over several years. It has been shown and rallied extensively by Colin over the years and has essentially won every event in which it was entered. Colin retained the car in remarkable condition and it has received a number of prestigious awards as recently as 2009. Colin has personally restored 17 Rolls-Royce automobiles over the years and I believe that at least two have been shown at Pebble Beach in the past. Three years ago I showed my 1913 Silver Ghost, 2644, in the Preservation Class at Pebble Beach. I chose never to restore the car and planned to keep it in my Silver Ghost collection until the end of time. There were only two other Silver Ghosts in the world that I would rather have in my collection than 2644; Chassis 15ED (Registration PI), a 1915 Flewitt Bodied London to Edinburgh Tourer, and 1937, this car. There was little chance that I would ever acquire either chassis. When visiting with my family Colin, out of the blue, asked if I would trade 2644 for 1937! I was extremely ambivalent about the possibility but I had lusted after 1937 for 20 years. I traded and imported the car in June of 2012 and 1937 had its North American coming out party at the 2013 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

Awards and Rallies - 1912 Silver Ghost - Chassis 1937

Won Best in Class at Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts Annual Rally Althrop in 1994Won Masters Class at Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts Annual Rally Althrop in 1995

Brooklands Trophy 1994 – RREC Annual RallyXX1V Ralle des Vendances en Champagne – Coupe d’Acca-VE 2003

Best 0verall show winner at Institute of Motor Industry 2006RR Motor Cars Goodwood Concours d’Elegance 2009

Factory choice for best overall car.Many local awards too numerous to mention – in other words, I can’t remember

1937 successfully completed the following Rallies

Scottish Tour FIVA Rally 1996Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts Club Scottish Tour 1997

RREC French Tour 1998RREC Jordan Tour 1999

Welsh Rally 20-Ghost Club in 199920 Ghost / Silver Ghost Association Scottish l00yr Silver Ghost Tour 2007

APRIL 2014

Southern California Region

Celebrating 60 Years

RROC-SOCAL.COM

2014

Chairman’s Corner

April5 Disneyland Meet Hosts: Chris and Summer Contes $80

12 Technical Meet Host: Ronny Shaver

13-17 The RROC 2014 Spring Tour in San Diego

May3 Technical Meet Host: Ronny Shaver

10 Board Meeting Hosts: Benoit and Susana Gateau-Cumin

17 Riverside International Auto Museum Host: Pierre Lemieux

24-25 The Scottish Games at the Orange County Fairgrounds This is a non RROC-sponsored event

June7 Technical Meet Host: Ronny Shaver

July7/28-8/2 RROC National Meet

August13-17 Pebble Beach Concours d’ Elegance This is a non RROC-sponsored event

September5 Big Bear Weekend

OctoberTBA Fox Hunt

APRIL 2014

Well, in the next few months there are so many RROC events planned I have told all my friends “Don’t bother me. I am BUSY!”

In April we have two great events going on. The first one is an INCREDIBLE behind-the- scenes tour of Disneyland. All of the time and detail that Chris and Summer Contes have put into this event will make it almost impossible to duplicate so this may be your only chance to see things at Disneyland that NO ONE ever sees. There is also the opportunity to purchase tickets to Disneyland at a much reduced price, enjoy a tapas and cocktail event and see the Wonderful World of Color evening show. Please note that Disneyland tickets at the reduced price must be purchased by April 3rd. Space is limited so don’t hesitate.

I am really excited about going on my first “RROC Spring Tour” in just a couple of weeks in April. This tour, I believe, is sold out with over 100 members in attendance, many from our region. I have friends coming from the east coast who will be riding in my car and we are looking forward to seeing all of the Rolls-Royce and Bentley motor cars on the road. The tour looks well organized with a lot of fun events planned over four days so good times will be had by all.

In May I am hosting a fun day in the Inland Empire at an “under the radar” museum that I bet you have never heard of. It houses some truly exceptional cars that you will not see anywhere else. Read more about that in this month’s newsletter!

We have so many great events planned this year with a lot of variety to appeal to all of you.

Hope to see you soon and happy motoring! Pierre Lemieux

DISNEYLANDEVENT INFORMATION

AND DIRECTIONS ON PAGE 4

RROC DISNEYLAND EVENT

The day is almost here!!!! On April 5th, Chris and Summer Contes are hosting the RROC So Cal Spring Meet at Disneyland. The festivities begin at 8:00 a.m. with check-in, our coffee social with pastries and the review of our PMCs in their special parking area. From 9:30 a.m. until noon we will have announcements and the Disneyland and Disney Legend Cast presentations, complete with an opportunity for you to ask those questions that you have always wanted someone to answer. We have a special guest keynote speaker Bob Gurr who is one of Walt Disney’s original, personally appointed Imagineers and is a celebrated Disney Legend with his name permanently honored on Main Street. Bob will share with us inspiring and entertaining stories of what it took to create the Happiest Place on Earth. Bob calls the RROC family and he served as the 1980 So Cal Chairman.

The buffet lunch begins at noon in the Cinderella ballroom where we will enjoy a delicious assortment of foods as only the chefs of Disneyland can prepare them. Chris and Summer have also arranged for special pricing on Theme Park tickets at a group rate. GROUP RATE PARK TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED BY APRIL 3RD. Following is the day’s schedule and general information:

The Day’s Schedule:

8:00 a.m – 9:30 a.m. Check In//Coffee Social and Pastries with PMCs9:30 a.m. – Noon Disneyland and Disney Legend Cast Presentations and Q & ANoon – 1:00 p.m. Buffet Luncheon in the Cinderella Ballroom1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Free Time or Departures4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Tapas and Cocktail Reception (Optional) 9:45 p.m. World of Color Show at Disney California Adventure (Optional) General Information:

· Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park opens at 9 a.m. on the event day. · Members will not be able to get discounted RROC event ticket prices on the day of the event. · Members and their families with Park admission will be free to come and go from the Parks all day on the day of the event. · Attendees’ vehicles may remain in the reserved parking area throughout the day, but cannot remain there overnight. Valet accommodations for our PMCs will be available for members spending the night at the resort hotels. · Optional tapas & cocktail reception pricing is $51 per person and includes premium viewing reservation for the World of Color show, but it is important to note that this event requires admission to Disneyland California Adventure to attend. · Attendees may buy a Twilight one-park admission ($55) to attend the cocktail reception – this is the lowest ticket price available. · There will be a no-host full bar in our ballroom. · The ballroom and our parking area adjoin the Disneyland Hotel. Members are encouraged to call Chris Contes at (714) 493-5999 or email him directly for details or information at Christopher.contes@disney.com and he will be happy to help.

APRIL 2014

Dis

neyl

and

Dri

ve

Driving Directions On Disneyland Resort Site:Follow Resort Sign Boards to Downtown Disney; Stay to the right when Disneyland Drive splits--Do not follow signs to Theme Parks Parking.Turn Right on Magic Way, and make the SECOND left into Disneyland Hotel.Follow RROC event signage onto the ramp up to the rooftop parking, or ask the parking attendant. There will be RROC-specific directional signage.

Fantasy Tower

Adventure Tow

er

Downtown Disney District

ESPN Zone

RainforestCafe M

onor

ail

Stat

ion

Downtown Disney District Parking Lot

DL Hotel Self-Park Lot

DL Hotel Self-Park Lot

Mickey & Friends Parking Structure

Wal

nut

Stre

et

Magic Way

Event Parking Map and Directions

Har

bor

Blvd

Katella Ave

5

Dis

neyl

and

Conv

enti

onCe

nter

Spec

ial E

vent

Roof

top

Park

ing

From North: Exit Disneyland Drive

From South: Exit Harbor Blvd

AMC Theatres

Lego

N

Physical Event Address (for Navigation Systems):

1150 W. Magic WayAnaheim, Ca. 92802(714) 778-6600

Upon arrival, please park your PMC with the rest of the cars in our group at the south end of the lot, and check in at the registration table.

Hotel Valet & Taxi Only

Park

Disney CaliforniaAdventure Park

RROC PARK TICKETS: Note: Park tickets must be purchased by April 3rdhttp://www.disneyconventionear.com/GDRD14A

The Spirit of EcstasyCelebrating 50 Years

5

Amongst all the outstanding examples of strength in the air, we found several great street vehicles including some classic Lincolns, Packards and Cadillacs similar to those we have seen in other great private collections. However, there were some we have not seen in a long time, and one was a spectacular Helms Bakery Truck. Many of the RROC members remembered about their younger years when they had the rare opportunity, if allowed by their parents, to pick out their favorite pastry delight.

We asked one of the docents if these gleaming planes can fly and we were told they were all operational and in fact, some of these will be participating in the “Planes of Fame Air Show” scheduled for May 3rd and 4th at the Chino Air Show.

After our great experience at the Lyon Air Museum, we got back into our PMCs and drove a couple of blocks to our second stop, the Crevier Classic Car Storage Facility. Yes a storage facility, but it didn’t seem like a storage facility at all. What a fabulous facility, with a stunning meeting area and a spectacular bar, surrounded by some of the most beautiful classic vehicles. Some of these vehicles were on display or could be purchased. This is a place where automobile aficionados come together and share their love of these fine machines. Although Rolls-Royce and Bentley were not the predominate theme, there were quite a few Woodies, nearly every year of T-Birds and Corvettes, and so much more, including an adorable 1918 Chevrolet Racer.

We were then treated to our box lunch. Now I don’t know about you but a box lunch is not something you usually salivate over (or as Sue says: “makes your socks go up and down”). However, when we opened our box we were very surprised by all of the culinary delights inside. I had a roast beef sandwich which was about an inch thick of delightful beef with all the trimmings. Then there were some homemade potato chips, a delicate pasta salad, fresh fruit compote, and one of the best homemade cookies any of us had had in a long time. We were all delightfully surprised.

Thanks and appreciation to our hosts Steve and Sue Butler for this great event.

APRIL 2014

Lyon Air MuseumBy Steve Butler

It was a surprisingly warm February morning when RROC members started cruising into the parking lot just next to the John Wayne Airport that houses the spectacular General Lyon Air Museum. We met in the front of this fabulous museum where our hosts Susan and Steve Butler greeted us with fresh muffins, coffee and juice. A nutritional boost was just what the members needed since some came from Northridge, Palos Verdes, and Santa Barbara County.

Then it was time to enter the massive aircraft hanger/auditorium that houses the fabulous Lyon collection of spectacular airplanes, unique military vehicles, some stunning classic autos and some extremely rare antique motorcycles. As you take in this outstanding collection, you find yourself standing in the shadow of a beautifully restored unique Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress nicknamed “Fuddy Duddy”. We found ourselves standing just outside the belly of this spectacular beast learning that this specific plane was used as a VIP transport at the end of WWII, as this exact plane carried President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The docents at this fine facility are more than happy to tell you about these fantastic pieces of equipment with great pride and deep emotion. This plane has been featured in the Steve McQueen movie “The War Lover” and in the movie “Tora, Tora, Tora”.

Another outstanding flying masterpiece was the Douglas DC-3. This flying marvel was not only comfortable and reliable, but has been credited with making air transportation profitable and making American Airlines a household name. We then found out that at a very young age, one of our members lied about her age and became a “Stewardess” (not the politically correct flight attendant) with American Airlines on a similar plane from 1953 to 1958. She had wonderful memories of her years in the skies when flying was strictly first class.

Southern California Region

Celebrating 60 Years

Hosts Sue And Steve Butler

A beautifully preserved specimen A tribute to the mighty 8th Air Force

Boeing B-17G Fortress

RROC-SOCAL.COM6

For Sale: 2007 Bentley Arnage T by RROC Member Bob Pazen

Satin white paint with black leather interior, iron wood walnut trim. This car has always been garaged and is a wonderful car. I am selling it because I drive 13 blocks to my office to see patients, and unless I am really late, I really do not need 500 horsepower with twin Mitsubishi turbos to get there, and at 76 years of age I need something less powerful (so says my wife Wendy).The engine is a 6.75 liter Rolls-Royce V-8, 0 to 60 in 5.2 and top speed 182 mph. Other than going to the office, the mileage has been put on at freeway speeds going between Ventura and Palm Springs (180 miles) twice a month. The mileage is 57,268 and the chassis number is RBT57268. The car is being sold and can be seen at 111 Vintage Cars, Palm Springs, CA. Please call Bob

Arzano at (760) 774-6111.

The car has been expertly maintained by Michael Gabriel, Classic Motor Cars, Oxnard, CA (805) 240-2666

Asking $79,000 OBO

APRIL 2014

The Spirit of EcstasyCelebrating 50 Years

Riverside International Automotive Museum

Come join the RROC So Cal in the Inland Empire on May 17th for a wonderful day of automotive history that I bet you didn’t know even existed. During the first part of our morning we will be joining other car enthusiasts for “Cars and Cappuccino” in Riverside. This weekly event brings all types of cars and their owners together and the restaurant where it is hosted serves complimentary pastries and coffee (they also sell espresso and cappuccino). Next we will be visiting the Riverside International Automotive Museum that is just a few blocks away. This “under the radar” museum is the only museum in the world that is preserving the rich racing history of the Riverside Raceway. The Riverside Raceway was one of the greatest racetracks in the U.S. and is possibly the most important road course ever built. The museum has an extensive race car collection but it also has the largest collections of stock production Maseratis in the country. Along with many other great cars, the museum is also home to the most important 427 Cobra in the world.

After our tour of the museum, we will venture off to downtown Riverside for a spectacular lunch at the historic Mission Inn. For over a century, world leaders and Hollywood stars have chosen The Mission Inn Hotel and Spa in Riverside as a place of refuge and renewal. Originally built as a two-story adobe guesthouse in 1876, the Inn has become the crown jewel of inland Southern California, occupying an entire city block.

This will be a fun filled afternoon that you don’t want to miss.

William EchtGarden Grove

David EvansSanta Ana

Alan KaitzUpland

Andrew NiemanEncino

Lyon Air Museum Collection

Part of the Collection

PMCs at the Lyon Air Museum

(Lyon Air Museum - Continued from page 5)

Gary OaklandHidden Hills

7APRIL 2014

Tech News

To Buy or Not to BuyBy Ronny Shaver, Technical Chairman

Many of my clients contact me and tell me about great deals they have found searching the internet. Many of these clients are excited and ask me to “take a look” at the postings and give my opinion. Since we live in a “bargain searching” competitive shop-ping culture, the excitement of getting a “great deal” can often over-power “common sense” instincts. I myself have been caught up in the excitement of buying a different car and have overlooked and ignored details which after purchase have led to unexpected ad-ditional costs and remorse over my purchase.

I am at this moment advising a client about a certain car he is excited about that is posted on an online forum. I have told him re-peatedly to walk away from this one but he still keeps coming back because it is “so much cheaper” than all the others he has seen. Big Red Flag!

When the client first contacted me, I took a few moments and checked out the posting, which had plenty of photos of a car in Florida (across the country!). The photos included shots of the car with some scantily clad ladies in the car along with some photos of the interior, exterior and engine compartment. The text for the ad stated the car was mechanically sound and had passed a state-required inspection. It also stated that the interior was in great con-dition, the car had been repainted and the air conditioning worked great. All good things, right? Well, maybe.

After reading the advertisement, I looked at the photos care-fully, one by one, and discovered tell-tale signs of “possible” misrep-resentation of the car. One of the photos had a shot of the dash from the driver’s angle and it had a portable electric fan mounted in the middle of the dash. Hmmm. Didn’t the ad say the air condition-ing worked great? Some other photos showed different angles of the interior which had cheap covers over the lower seat cushions front and back. Wouldn’t someone selling a car that had an interior in “great condition” want to display the cushions also? Most of the photos of the exterior were taken from a distance except a few and to be honest, the distance photos made the paint job look fairly decent, but the three that weren’t told a different tale. The close up of the front of the car showed serious “orange-peel” or what can also be described as a rough pitted look in the paint. Another shot of one of the opened rear doors showed that the entire door jamb had been painted including all of the hardware and rubber seals; not what I would call a proper paint job. And finally, one shot was an angle shot of the front of the car that showed deep scratches and nicks in the fender. What about the other angles of the car not shown?

Another interesting point is that the posting had a “buy now” price and no posted bids. That would tell me that no other buyers were interested at this point because perhaps the price is too high for this particular car. The seller also offered a “limited warranty” which would be a great thing if he were local to the buyer, but weak when offered from across the country from a private seller. The seller also stated that he had other offers. Dubious.

Now just to be fair, the car is posted at a much lower price than others and one would expect flaws in the car. The point I am trying to make is that if one were able to walk around the car in person, perception of what a “great deal” this car is may be slightly or drasti-cally different. Add to that a quick road test around the block to feel how the car rides, runs and sounds and another perception adjust-ment could occur. I know of no better way to assess a potential purchase than to meet the car face-to-face and take a drive. One final important point: the prospective buyer is the bottom-line on what is acceptable to him. It is impossible for a professional like me to make that particular judgment call. I can only point out what I see and give my opinion.

My recommendation for this client was to rethink his budget on this venture and look for a more costly but potentially higher quality car that would not empty his wallet in order to make the car

drivable and presentable. Buying a car cheaper with some needed mechanical and cosmetic issues with the goal of “fixing it up” can be fun so long as a logical assessment of the financial aspects of correcting the present condition of the car and the final value of the car are approached correctly. If someone wants to buy a car that “they have always wanted” I always recommend that they buy the best “example” in their budget rather than the best “deal” they can find with hopes of “fixing it up.”

I have many clients who have purchased cars online and bought great deals and good cars so it is possible. Sometimes luck plays a part, but in my opinion “common sense” and attention to small details is a better approach to success.

Thank you for the questions and keep them coming. Please send your questions to Ronny at ronnyshaver@ronnysgarage.com.

Happy Motoring!

Ronny

EST. 1989

800 423-5525 calcarcover.com

Premium Car Covers for Bentley&Rolls-Royce

USE CODE "RROC" WHEN PLACING AN ORDER

PREMIUM, USA MADE, CUSTOM FIT CAR, TRUCK AND MOTORCYCLE COVERS

Rolls Royce 0214_Layout 1 3/4/14 3:56 PM Page 1

WANTED: GARAGE!!!18’ pampered Cloud yearns for her own personal garage space.

Hollywood – Hancock Park – Burbank – West Hollywood – Beverly Hills areas preferred.

contact Sherry Sterncell: 310-991-0799

sherrstern@aol.com

Thank you!

RROC-SOCAL.COM8 APRIL 2014

The 60 Year History of the Southern California Region of the RROC and Past Chairpersons

The Southern California Region was named the Western Region when it was founded in 1954 by Bill Anderson, Fred Buess, Bill Casthe, Bruce Fagan, Phil Hill, Dan Post and Jim Talmadge. The name was changed in 1957 to the West Coast Region and again in 1962 to the Southern California Region.

We want to honor and acknowledge our past Chairpersons over the past 60 years:

1994 Ed Gehringer1995 Kathy Decker 1996 Diane Cerveny/Gary Cerveny1997 Rick Carron 1998 Thomas Warden1999 John Decker2000 Lou Oddo2001 Robert Ratinoff2002 - 2003 Charles Bivens 2004 Robert Ratinoff2005 Diane Cerveny2006 Tom Mercurio2007 Lou Oddo2008 - 2009 Carol Deeter 2010 Jeff Deeter2011 Karen Perrault2012 Willy Hugron2013 - 2014 Pierre Lemieux

Southern California Region

Celebrating 60 Years

1954 – 1956 Bruce Fagan1957 Bill Anderson 1958 Ben Potts/Bruce Fagan 1959 Tom Hamilton/Fred Wilkinson 1960 Bill Casthe 1961 Preston Locke/Gerry Baxter 1962 Gerry Baxter 1963 – 1964 Muriel Shopwin 1965 Muriel Shopwin/Gerry Baxter1966 Gerry Baxter1967 Jeanne Estridge1968 Dick Smith1969 Alan Blum1970 Alan Blum/George Shoan1971 George Shoan/Allan Tweddle1972 Allan Tweddle/Richard Parker1973 Richard Parker/Kent Berge1974 Kent Berge1975 Donald Schoenfeld1976 Alan Blum1977 Alvin Myers1978 John Milchick1979 Dick Philippi1980 Robert Gurr1981 John Foster1982 Charles La Rocco 1983 Alan Caldwell, M.D.1984 Daryl Butcher1985 Mitchell Pullman1986 Barnet Bornstein1987 John Foster1988 Newton E. Deiter1989 James S. Casteel, M.D.1990 Alfred Bremer1991 Bob Simon1992 Eddy Bridges1993 John Decker

9APRIL 2014

RROC-SOCAL.COM10

The Spirit of EcstasyCelebrating 50 Years

APRIL 2014

February Breakfast Meet and RallyBy Karen Perrault

Our quarterly breakfast meets and rallies are really gaining in popularity! Bill and Michelle Cronkhite hosted approximately 22 members at the So Cal Region Breakfast Meet and Rally on Saturday, February 15th. We began the day by enjoying breakfast at Dish restaurant in La Canada (www.dishbreakfastlunchanddinner.com) where the Cronkhites have been dining for years. Dish restaurant features hand crafted classic American food such as a white omelet with spinach and eggs Florentine with oven baked ham. The great aroma of apple wood-

smoked bacon greets you as you walk in the door. The owners welcomed us and arranged a long table for us in the bar area where we enjoyed great conversation and delicious food accompanied by several varieties of mimosas.

There were close to a dozen PMCs at this meet with more Bentleys

than Rolls-Royce motor cars. After brunch, Bill led us on a driving tour of beautiful neighborhoods in La Canada/ Flintridge where we passed gorgeous mansions with spectacular brickwork and lusciously landscaped yards. There are several famous actors who live in Flintridge because it’s more private – they don’t get the tour buses of Beverly Hills driving past their homes!

People in the neighborhood were very polite and several of the locals waved and allowed our little caravan to drive on by without cutting into our parade, even though they had the right-of-way at stop signs. Of course, people who were out walking smiled and waved. Everyone loves a Rolls-Royce and Bentley parade!

The breakfast meet and rally fulfilled exactly what it was meant to do: provide a casual, relaxed, low-cost way for members to mix and mingle, chat about our cars and to get to know one another better. Bill pointed out that Descanso Gardens are right there in La Canada/Flintridge and that there is a large classic car gathering every Saturday morning at the movie theater parking lot there.

Our sincere thanks to Bill and Michelle for introducing us to this gem of a community.

In the parking area at Dish

Enjoying Breakfast

A Black Beauty

Following the leader

Rallying

The Group

Convival Group at Dish Restaurant

11APRIL 2014

Southern California Region

Celebrating 60 YearsMembers of the Month

Our Members of the Month from our February event are Dr. Jurgen von Bleich and his son Wilhelm von Bleich, both of whom attended the February Lyon Museum event. Dr. von Bleich and Wilhelm have been members of the RROC for eighteen years and have a 1986 Rolls-Royce Silver Spur and a 1998 Bentley Brooklands saloon.

They are very appreciative and honored to be recognized as members of the month for February by the RROC So Cal. Coincidentally, their birth dates are also in February. They are limited discerning collectors of great automobiles such as Rolls-Royce, Bentley and Mercedes. They enjoy frequent European travels and also collect exquisite crystal bar ware, sterling hollow ware and flatware as well as exquisite superior porcelain. They share the philosophy of Sir Winston Churchill, “I am a man (men] of simple taste, satisfied with only the best.”

What they like most about this club are foremost the members that make up this great club. The members are perhaps the finest and very approachable and all members are very willing to share their car knowledge. That makes it great! The leadership team, which is truly appreciated by both of them, is a hard working group that gives this club a very healthy reputation and the many activities are fun and informative.

The Scottish Fest Once again Scottish Fest will be held in Costa Mesa at the Orange County Fairgrounds on Memorial Day weekend, Saturday, May 24th and Sunday, May 25th. A display of British cars and British motorbikes is planned.

If you would like to display your PMC on either one or both days, please go to the website www.scottishfest.com for more information and to register. The vehicle display will be located in the same area as last year, just across from the Baja Blues restaurant, which gives easy access from the parking lot.

You will have to enter the Fairgrounds through GATE 8, which is located at the east end of Arlington Drive at the equestrian center. Let the parking attendant know that you are part of the British Car display so that they don’t charge you for parking. Once you get into the parking lot, make a right turn and head along the fence line towards the main part of the Fairgrounds. Our display area is located

just inside the fence, across from Baja Blues and the Grandstand Arena. The cars need to be in place by 9:00 a.m., because after that the fairgrounds won’t allow vehicle traffic because the display area is along the pedestrian entry route. We will be on the program both days for a Parade Lap of the main arena to kick-off the afternoon festivities. After that you could slip out the back gate rather than staying until the Games end at 5:00 p.m. The Fairgrounds do not allow cars to be driven during “pedestrian hours” unless it is to and from the arena for our Parade Lap. This means that you need to plan on staying at least until after the Parade Lap. We are hoping that members of the Marine Corps Band will be able to ride with us on our parade laps as a small thank you for their service.

If you have any questions, check out the Scottish Fest website at www.scottishfest.com. Remember that you MUST be there before 9:00 a.m. or you may not be able to enter because the vehicle entry gate is also the pedestrian entry gate.

This is a non RROC-sponsored event.

THE FILLING STATIONThe filling station’s full of bustle

And men with arms all grease and muscleWho leap about on limbs elastic

And wear bow ties of stainless plasticOn driving in, a bell is sounded,

And instantly the car’s surroundedBy men with rags and cans and hoses

And smiles drawn high beneath their noses.You sit, and while you watch and listen

The windshield starts to gleam and glistenAnd tires grow firm as air comes hissing

And water’s added if it’s missingAnd oil is checked by gauge removalAnd holding up for your approval…

The gas pump’s figures stop their whirring,The bill is paid, the motor’s purring.And bells – as if upon one tether –Of till and parting chime together.

(Thanks to Dr. John Glassco for this nostalgic remembrance. The source is believed to be Westways magazine, the publication of the Automobile Club of America.)

Kidz and Karz I’m inviting children/juniors up to age 18 who are interested to submit a story, a poem, a drawing or a photograph regarding cars for a new feature tentatively entitled Kidz and Karz. I would also like to run a photo of the child with their byline and submission. If you have a child or grandchild who would be interested, please encourage them to submit their item to the editor at dorianolsen@earthlink.net along

with their photo.

12

Rolls-Royce Bentley Exclusive Expert Service

By appointment only please

Repair-Inspection-Restoration

1111 West 1st St

Santa Ana, CA 92703

714-953-0896 ronnysgarage@gmail.com

Ronny Shaver

Beauty is more than skin deepClassic whitewall tires with the

hidden advantages of radial construction...

We offer a full range of classic 15”,16”, and 17”sizes for both classic and later model Rolls Roycesand Bentleys in any whitewall width.

• Easier steering, bothdriving and parking

• Puncture resistance • Quicker response• Increased safety• Better ride; less road

shock• Shorter emergency braking• Better wet weather traction• Better fuel economy• Better tracking; less

“wandering”• Less rolling resistance;

better fuel economy• Longer tread life

DIAMOND BACK CLASSIC RADIALS4753 Highway 90, Conway, SC 29526

888-922-1642 www.dbclassics.com

APRIL 2014

Rolls Royce/Bentley Sales, Service Specialist

c l a s s i c m o t o r s14265 OXNARD STREET, VAN NUYS, CA 91401

(818) 988-1045 • WWW.CLASSICMOTORCO.COM

I WILL PAY TOP DOLLARFOR YOUR RR OR BENTLEY

MANY SATISFIED RROC MEMBERS

Classic Motors Ad.qxd 6/25/2010 3:13 PM Page 1

ALWAYS SEEKING TO PURCHASE ROLLS-ROYCE OR BENTLEY MOTOR CARS–1 CAR OR COLLECTIONS

Rolls Royce/Bentley Sales, Service Specialist

c l a s s i c m o t o r s14265 OXNARD STREET, VAN NUYS, CA 91401

(818) 988-1045 • WWW.CLASSICMOTORCO.COM

I WILL PAY TOP DOLLARFOR YOUR RR OR BENTLEY

MANY SATISFIED RROC MEMBERS

Classic Motors Ad.qxd 6/25/2010 3:13 PM Page 1

ALWAYS SEEKING TO PURCHASE ROLLS-ROYCE OR BENTLEY MOTOR CARS–1 CAR OR COLLECTIONS

ALWAYS SEEKING TO PURCHASE

ROLLS-ROYCE OR BENTLEY MOTOR CARS –1 CAR OR

COLLECTIONS