owners: robert and nancy ratinoff 1995 bentley mpw...

8
VOLUME 49 ISSUE 4 APRIL 2013 Owners: Robert and Nancy Ratinoff 1995 Bentley MPW Continental R Coup (BBS-52335) Winner of the 2012 Most Improved Bentley Award

Upload: others

Post on 17-Feb-2021

6 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

TRANSCRIPT

  • VOLUME 49 ISSUE 4 APRIL 2013

    Owners: Robert and Nancy Ratinoff 1995 Bentley MPW Continental R Coup (BBS-52335)Winner of the 2012 Most Improved Bentley Award

  • APRIL 2013

    40th Anniversary Concours d’Elegance Our prestigious 40th Anniversary Concours d’Elegance will be held on April 20th at Santa Anita Park. Our celebrated Concours is the premiere event of the spring. With great pleasure we have invited our fellow Rolls-Royce and Bentley enthusiasts from the San Diego, Northern California and Las Vegas 24-Karat Regions. The diverse representation of cars on display spans the entire century of Rolls-Royce and Bentley production. Magnificent Pre-War to current sleek and high-powered motor cars will be on display.

    All members are welcome to attend this spectacular event. Members wishing only to display their vehicles are more then welcome to do so. Your car does not have to be judged or even be in show condition to participate in this event. Each exhibited car will receive a goodie bag, a participation ribbon, and a limited Collector’s Edition 40th Anniversary car badge. Talented artist Michael Cerveny designed our one-of-a-kind car badge and he did an extraordinary job. Badges are limited so please be sure to register early. We are offering special pricing for people bringing an additional car, with all of the perks of the first car.

    Vehicle judging will be conducted as in the past. Exceptional traditional trophies will be presented to all 1st Place, 2nd Place, and 1st Place Touring winners. Trophies will also be given for Best of Show Pre-War and Post-War Motor Cars, and the Jim Toole Brace Award for the member bringing both the finest Pre-War or early Post-War car (before 1960) and Post-War car. We will be presenting the Winners’ Circle Senior Award for the most outstanding car in the Winners’ Circle. The Winners’ Circle is comprised of all the 1st Place winners in last year’s Concours. The Peoples’ Choice Award allows everyone to vote on their favorite car. This year we have an exciting new award which is sponsored by Past Chairwoman Karen Perrault. This outstanding trophy will be presented to the person bringing the most cars to the Concours. Particular consideration will be given to people bringing Pre-War cars. All 1st Place Concours winners and special award winners will receive a 5-gallon bucket filled with Mothers® Car Care Products. In addition, they are donating items for our goodie bags. Mothers® continues to be a generous sponsor to our club, and please support them by buying their superb products. After announcing the award winners, we will have a raffle with sensational gifts where everyone has a chance to win.

    This year, hosts Robert and Nancy Ratinoff will also be sponsoring an amusing new award. The Royal Ascot Ladies’ Day Award. Ladies’ Day is renowned as being the highlight of the British summer social and sporting season. The racetrack is transformed into a sea of color with bright outfits topped off with the most flamboyant of hats. Ladies, including children and teens, will be judged for the most outlandish, eccentric, and colorful of hats. Join the royal tradition of pageantry on your fun day out.

    Our judges will be meticulously inspecting cars for safety, authenticity, condition, and cleanliness. Judges are still needed! If you would like to be part of this gratifying experience, join a judging team and you will receive a special gift. Members with all levels of judging experience are encouraged to help. This is a great way to enjoy the day and learn more about these superb automobiles. If you are interested, please contact our Chief Judge Tom Mercurio at 661.297.2888 or Email him at [email protected] to volunteer.

    People will enjoy the Sport of Kings while they eat like a king. We have received only rave reviews about the delicious soup-to-nuts “Great American Picnic” buffet that is part of this event. Lunch will be served from noon until 2:00 p.m. Tables, umbrellas, and chairs will be set-up on the grassy infield so that we can enjoy our lavish lunch while watching exquisite thoroughbreds run swiftly past us. This year we will be providing shade tents for your comfort. People should also bring a chair to relax on while basking in the warm California sunshine during the day and to use while watching the awards presentation. So prepare your pride and joy and join us for a delightful and fun day at the races.

    CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

    April

    2013 Regional OfficersChairperszon Pierre Lemieux 760 408-0230 Vice Chairperson Steve Butler Treasurer Karen Perrault 310 519-0536 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

    2013 Board of DirectorsBenoit Gateau-Cumin Ronny Shaver Howard Green Larry Ewaska Brad Zemcik Sherry SternClint Camomot Joan HugronRobert Ratinoff

    Editorial StaffEditor: Dori Olsen

    Cell Phone: (424) 644-5987 [email protected]

    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. 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.

  • RROC-SOCAL.COMRROC-SOCAL.COM6

    2013

    Willy HugronChairman’s Corner

    April8-13 RROC National Meet San Antonio, Texas

    30 40th Concours d’Elegance $75* Hosts: Robert and Nancy Ratinoff $45** * for car and driver ** for each additional adult

    May19 Nixon Presidential Library & Museum $30 Hosts: Lou and Diana Oddo

    June8 Board Meeting Hosts: Benoit and Susana Gateau-Cumin

    9 San Marino Classic $50* Host: Aaron Weiss $25** This is a non RROC-sponsored event *to exhibit ** admission per person

    23 USS Iowa Tour Host: Larry Ewaska

    July27 Mullin Museum Hosts: Mike and Rosemary Tobin

    September14 Board Meeting

    October 20 Fox Hunt Hosts: Howard and Betty Green & Sherry Stern

    November9 Board Meeting

    APRIL 2013

    RROC-SOCAL.COMRROC-SOCAL.COM6

    2013

    Willy HugronChairman’s Corner It has been an exciting month so far for me as a car enthusiast. Bentley just released its long awaited new Flying Spur that goes from 0-60 in 4.3 seconds. I think the design is a big improvement over the previous model. But to me, the most exciting car that I have seen in years is the new Rolls-Royce Wraith! It has a stunning design that is youthful but elegant. A big car weighing in at over 5000 pounds, it is the quickest Rolls-Royce ever built, going 0-60 in just 4.4 seconds. Now if they only came with a 20 year payment plan!

    In the UK, their club is called the Rolls-Royce Enthusiast Club and Bentley owners have the Bentley Drivers Club. What is the difference from our Rolls-Royce Owners Club? Well as a member of the BDC I can tell you those members drive their cars to everything. In the UK you see the same when the RREC gets together. But when our club has its monthly events, we seem to drive our daily driver and not our PMCs. I think this is a big missed opportunity to promote the marques of Rolls-Royce and Bentley but also our club. So next time you are planning to attend one of our many wonderful events, get that PMC on the road! There is nothing like seeing 20-30 Rolls-Royces and Bentleys all together to make your heart go pitter patter. I hope to see all of you at our upcoming 40th anniversary Concours. This is our biggest event of the year and not to be missed. I would especially like to give a special thanks to Dorian Olsen for putting together every month a well laid out and informative newsletter which is the heart and soul of our club. Dorian, WE ALL THANK YOU!Happy Motoring Pierre Lemieux

  • How Do I Ready My Car For the Santa Anita Concours? Congratulations! You’ve entered your car in a Concours event! So now what? How do you get it ready? What should be fixed? What are the judges going to look at? So many questions! The best way to learn about what a car is judged for is to attend a judging seminar or training session. These training sessions are designed to educate people about the judging process and teach basic Concours protocol. If you missed the last seminar, then the second best way is to get a judging sheet and judge your own car.

    This month we have included a sample judging sheet so everyone can see what will be inspected and where points can be deducted. Every car starts with 100 points and will have points deducted for any items listed that have flaws or are incorrect. Don’t worry if you are not sure what is correct or don’t understand some of the listed items. Go down the list and inspect your car in the various areas and do the best you can. A 100 point car should look showroom new. After inspecting the car you can address the items that you found flaws with if you like, or just have fun and enjoy the event. The Concours events are great for enjoying people and cars alike.

    See you there!

    Ronny

    Vintage Rolls-Royce Discovered in Lake

    (Reprinted from the Rhynesfield Star Free-Press)

    A vintage Rolls-Royce was recently discovered in a lake in Northern California by local teenagers. The authorities were notified and sent in a dive team. Rhynesfield chief of police Doyle Conn, in a press interview, stated that the Rolls-Royce, believed to be a 1901 model, is in remarkable condition and that the local authorities are attempting to ascertain the vehicle ownership and how it came to be in the lake. Chief Conn stated that the local historical society, with the assistance of the county dive team, will be conducting underwater tours until July, at which point the vehicle will be recovered and displayed at the local fire station.

    (Continued on Back Cover)

    The Cover Story

    Robert and Nancy Ratinoff are the owners of the 1995 Bentley Continental R Coupe (BBS-52335) that is featured on the cover.

    The Continental R was one of the fastest and most expensive cars Bentley had ever produced at the time. This distinguished car, “The Prince of Darkness”, is affectionately known to Robert and Nancy as Prince. It is cloaked in all black with traces of crimson coachlines and the headrests are embroidered with the legendary winged Bentley “B”. Every inch of the interior is swathed in renowned Connolly black leather. This car makes a striking statement in its appearance with its laser-cut stainless steel matrix grille that hints at the Marque’s lineage. The magnificent blend of elegance, speed, and styling is reminiscent of the Bentley Continentals from the 1950s. This motor car has won multiple 1st Place Concours awards, the Jim Toole Brace Award twice, and Best of Show in 2004. In 2012, this car was honored to win the Most Improved Bentley award.

    Tidbits

    In response to a request for information in a prior Tidbits, member Bill Clarke has graciously responded with both car storage information and a recommendation for a pin-striper. Bill has stored several cars for many years at The Auto Inn in Palm Springs and has been pleased with their service and also their prices. They haven’t had a price increase since 2008. For further information, please contact The Auto Inn at (888) AUTO INN (288-6466). Their address is 68351 Perez Rd., Cathedral City, CA 92234.

    Bill also recommends Scotty Harvill for pin-striping. Scotty can be reached at (760) 831-5874. Tom Mercurio is looking for judges for the Concours d’Elegance on April 20th. Give Tom a call at (661) 510-3834 if you’re interested. The RROC So Cal Directory CD will be included in the May newsletter. Be sure to watch for it.

    Steve Power-Fardy snapped this picture of a new Rolls-Royce Phantom in the parking lot of the Home Depot in Hawthorne, CA. It is an interesting juxtaposition because many of our members are also into “DIY” (do it yourself).

    APRIL 2013

    Robert ManuwalWoodland Hills

    Jack SandmeierLong Beach

    Frank CoxeOrange

    Sandy HansenFillmore

  • (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2)

    Hosts: Robert and Nancy Ratinoff (818) 907-0226 Date: April 20, 2013Time: Cars can begin arriving at 8:30 a.m. Deadline to enter is 10:00 a.m. NO EXCEPTIONS

    Location: Santa Anita Park 285 W. Huntington Drive (Gate 6) Arcadia, CA 91007 (just east of Pasadena)

    Cost: $75.00 for each car and 1 person (includes a goodie bag, participation ribbon, commemorative car badge, gift, and lunch.) $65.00 for each additional car and 1 person (includes all of the above.) $45.00 for each additional adult (includes gift and lunch.) $28.00 (For teens 13-17; includes lunch.) $18.00 (For children 4-12; includes lunch.)

    Deadline: April 16, 2013 Directions:

    From the west: The 134 will become the I-210 Freeway East. Proceed on the I-210 Freeway East. Exit at the Santa Anita Ave. off ramp and turn right. Proceed to Huntington Drive and turn right. Bear right at the “Y” onto Colorado Place and enter Gate 6 on the left.

    From the east: Take the San Bernardino Freeway (I-10) west to the I-210 Freeway West. Exit at the Santa Anita Ave. off ramp and turn left. Proceed to Huntington Drive and turn right. Bear right at the “Y” onto Colorado Place and enter Gate 6 on the left.

    -REMEMBER: All cars must be equipped with a working fire extinguisher!

    Royal Ascot Ladies’ Day Award

    Royal Ascot Ladies’ Day is renowned as being the highlight of the British summer social and sporting season. This day is a celebration of the aristocratic origins of the Ascot Racecourse, with an opulent display of wealth, sophistication and glamour. It has evolved into an unofficial fashion contest, with ladies competing for the finest of hats. The racetrack is transformed into a sea of color with bright outfits topped off with the most flamboyant of hats, ranging from the bizarre to the beautiful. The more outrageous and wild the better.

    This year, hosts Robert and Nancy Ratinoff are sponsoring an amusing

    APRIL 2013

    949.283.0863yourcarourdriver.com

    Properly Licensed, Bonded & Workers Compensation Insured.

    YOU drInkIng and drIvIngd.U.I. & up to $20,000

    Suspended License for up to 24 monthsLoss of Job

    vs.YOUr Car OUr drIvEr$120 for 3 hrs. (Most days)

    $200 for 5 hrs. (Saturday after 5pm)

    gIft CardS avaILaBLE

    We will drive you to and from in your car, and safeguard it while you enjoy your event.

    - JOSEf WOJtkOW CEO

    new award, the Royal Ascot Ladies’ Day Award. Ladies, including children and teens, will be judged for the most outlandish, boldest, eccentric, and colorful of hats. Ladies, join the British tradition of pageantry and fashion on your fun day out at the races and wear your most beautiful, colorful and/or outrageous hat. For examples and to get your creative juices flowing, a quick google image search for “ascot day hats” will leave you amazed.

    LADIESThere’s a wonderful award for the winners of

    the Royal Ascot Ladies’ Day hat competition.

    The wilder The better!

  • RROC-SOCAL.COMRROC-SOCAL.COM6

    2013

    Willy HugronChairman’s Corner

    APRIL 2013

    NewsMember

    The Richard M. Nixon Library and Museum Lou and Diana Oddo are hosting a trip to the wonderful Richard M. Nixon Library on Sunday, May 19th. The library sits on 9.2 acres in Yorba Linda with beautiful gardens and 500 rose bushes in honor of President Nixon’s wife Pat who loved roses.

    The library is also the birthplace of Richard Nixon and the final resting place of our 37th president and his wife who were married for 58 years. This is the centennial of Nixon’s birth. The museum has a year long celebration with many new exhibits.

    President Nixon’s father Frank completed the house on March 12, 1912 and most of the original furniture is still in the home. The presidential helicopter that transported presidents Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon and Ford is on the site and can be toured. In the library you can see a moon rock, space suits, a reproduction of the East Room, the Presidential limousine, priceless gifts to the American people from various leaders of the world, a gift from Elvis, Tricia and Julie’s wedding gowns and so much more The cost for this event is $30.00 per person, which includes admission, a one hour docent-led tour of the library beginning at 11:00 a.m., a box lunch of your choice of a turkey, roast beef or vegetarian sandwich and drink and parking for our PMCs. The library is open until 5:00 p.m. and you are welcome to enjoy the house and grounds until closing time. This is a great opportunity for you to see history. Bring the whole family – the kids will love it! Please contact Lou Oddo at (714) 522-5909 for further information.

    Palm Springs WeekendBy Pierre Lemieux

    Well, another RROC Palm Springs weekend started off with near perfect weather. It all began Friday night, February 22nd, with the RROC Southern CA region joining the RROC San Diego region, Bentley Drivers Club and CCCA San Diego/Palm Springs region and converging at Zin Bistro for a stupendous dinner. We managed to get three PMCs parked in front of Zin Bistro - Andy Linsky’s ‘67 Silver Shadow MPW FHC, Pierre Lemieux’s ‘48 Bentley Mark VI James Young and Chuck LaRocca and Joel Cutler’s Bentley Turbo RL. The chef created a wonderful three-course menu that was paired with Patz & Hall wines. Anne Moses from Patz & Hall was in attendance and many were happy to see her and remembered her from our Napa trip a few years ago. Saturday morning was our double decker bus modernism home tour of Palm Springs. This was a fun-filled and educational two hour tour of some of the most famous homes in Palm Springs. Later that evening we were invited to a poolside party at the estate of RROC members Fred Ross and Gary Hiatt. Both of these gentlemen went above and beyond expectations and not only showcased their newly remodeled home but also Gary’s culinary arts. While strolling around the grounds, guests enjoyed exquisite food and wines provided by Miner Family Vineyards and Rombauer Winery. Not that anyone left hungry but right after the pool party we all headed to the Riviera Hotel where we all enjoyed a Mexican buffet dinner. It was nice to relax and there was plenty of time to reconnect with old friends from the various clubs and make new friends in a wonderful setting. It was a perfect way to end the day.

    For those early risers, the next morning several of us got up and headed to Frank Wenzel’s house for a tour of his garage that was stuffed with various Studebakers of all ages. Many members

    also enjoyed getting a rare look at Frank’s radio collection and other automobile memorabilia that was spread around the compound. We had a wonderful time!

    Palm Springs Highlights

  • APRIL 2013

    Ask R

    on

    ny

  • APRIL 2013

    FOR SALE1954 Bentley R Type (B89YA) is dark blue with a gray interior. It is in good driving condition and has had the

    same owner since 1972. It has always been garaged.

    Asking $25,000.

    Please contact Dr. Richard or Susan Bell in Long Beach at (562) 433-1253 for further

    information.

    Rolls-Royce Bentley Exclusive Expert Service

    By appointment only please

    Repair-Inspection-Restoration

    1111 West 1st St

    Santa Ana, CA 92703

    714-953-0896 [email protected]

    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

    (VINTAGE ROLLS-ROYCE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4)

    APRIL FOOLS!