LEGENDS OF THE AUTOBAHN AUGUST 24, 2018

[TerryA]

Congradulations to Jeff and Jlaa for their wins. Jeff’s cars are always in top notch condition. I know of no one that matches his enthusiasm for his cars. Jlaa appears to be picking up some of the same traits. Both cars look great in Ricardo’s pics.

A big thanks to Ricardo for his wonderful photo album. He went nuts taking all of those pics. It’s the most I have ever seen of the Legends event. It’s a nice record for us non- attendees.

Take Care Everbody

 

[gerryvz]

More photos....


The view as we pulled up to the MB Star Lounge on 17-Mile Drive.
You can see captruff in the middle of the photo, 20 yards ahead of everyone else and practically sprinting to the building to check out the goodies.



A couple of views of the new 2019 G-wagen. They basically 140-ized it .... what they did with the W126 coupe --> 140 coupe ... stuck a needle in the back of the older car and "pumped it up" Schwarzenegger style. With not optimal results....IMHO at least.



Here are various cars on display at the MB Star Lounge.



According to 600Eric, the super-yacht anchored off the Pebble Beach Golf Course is the Invictus, which is owned by wealthy SoCal developer Rick Caruso. It was built in 2013 and is 216 feet long. It can be chartered for approximately $500,000 per week, if you are so inclined.


And lastly, a few views from the field at Legends of the Autobahn. Since RicardoD documented it so well, I'm just posting a smattering of shots.

This is jlaa's car early in the morning. He had just arrived. Was great to see him again.



The "Team Stupid" compound (it's the only way to describe it) as it was being set up in the MB area. Once again, captruff and Team Stupid pwned the area.



Having the right credentials on the wrist can get you everywhere and everything.



Starting up mealtime at the Team Stupid compound. These are the first batch of Anjin sausages. About 1/3 to 1/4 of the number that were bought and brought up.



A couple of macro views of the Legends playing field.


Cheers,
Gerry

 

[HowardK]

It was a great showing. I met many of the contributors to this forum: RicardoD, Eric600, GerryVZ, jlaa and 600Eric. I received many compliments on my 036 as well as constructive criticism. Many were well meant and I believe they were trying to assist me on the next time I enter my car. I applaud jlla for his wonderful '93 500E as well as Andy Chan's pristine '91 420 SEL. I look forward to seeing everyone again.

 

[gerryvz]

Not even a stealth TFTSNBN group shot?

I think the normal TFTSNBN W126 California crew was there .... vdoubleupower, tusaubes, Bondavi, wilson, etc. I don't think any of them had green wristbands, so I don't think they showed up at the Team Stupid Compound. I didn't see Tootone, though, so I could praise him on his mad forum moderation skills.

There were around 4-5 E500Es at the event, between the event green and the car corral. Three on the event green that I remember ... Albert, jlaa and HowardK, I believe 1-2 others in the corral, and at least 1-2 kicking around Monterey.

 

[vdubpower]

you spelled my name wrong.....no worries

show was good but i liked it better last yr with more 126 cars and amg....Major Bimmer overload....I suppose audis get the big field next yr...

i only stayed a bit, had to goto quail

the blue 6.3 and the dark blue gullwing....lovely

 

[gerryvz]

you spelled my name wrong.....no worries

Oh, hey I'm super sorry about that. Pardon me. I go by my real name, it's Gerry (gerryvz) on most all forums, except those that I've been banned from for excessive trolling. But people know it's me, I don't hide anything/behind a name.

Even on BaT I go by "Unhinged Troll" which is the name that the late TFTSNBN 126 guy "cascade" (RIP) once gave me. I wear it with pride. The "unhinged" word has really come into vogue after our current President got elected, so it's even better now than it used to be !!

I don't know if folks saw the 500E that went for sale at the Bonham's auction in Monterey last weekend: https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/24811/lot/80/

15K miles, and went for $101K with buyer's premium (so, likely somewhere north of $90K).

 

[RicardoD]

More photos....

View attachment 80088
Cheers,
Gerry

I love this. I so want to order the "base model" GT Coupe, that picks up these vertical grill lines, in Silver with Red interior, and European delivery.

 

[Klink]

I love this. I so want to order the "base model" GT Coupe, that picks up these vertical grill lines, in Silver with Red interior, and European delivery.

If you’re buying new, Euro delivery is an absolute must.

 

[nocfn]

Funny Klink my wife and I were thinking of that very thing here once both kids graduate from college this school year. We will be free to splurge finally just for shi*s and Giggles and take the full MB experience while there....

 

[Ntrepid]

If you’re buying new, Euro delivery is an absolute must.

+1

My dad did European delivery on his W123 and every Mercedes he has every owned since (W126, W201, W124, R170, W212) except 1 (W222) he bought used from Tacoma. If you have the time, it is a lot of fun and the cost of the trip and the car is on par with just buying it from the dealership. The only consideration is that you buy it, drive it around Europe, drop it off at an agreed upon port, and then return to the US to await delivery of your "used" MB which has a lower sales tax rate.


Robert

 

[Klink]

Funny Klink my wife and I were thinking of that very thing here once both kids graduate from college this school year. We will be free to splurge finally just for shi*s and Giggles and take the full MB experience while there....

+1

My dad did European delivery on his W123 and every Mercedes he has every owned since (W126, W201, W124, R170, W212) except 1 (W222) he bought used from Tacoma. If you have the time, it is a lot of fun and the cost of the trip and the car is on par with just buying it from the dealership. The only consideration is that you buy it, drive it around Europe, drop it off at an agreed upon port, and then return to the US to await delivery of your "used" MB which has a lower sales tax rate.


Robert

It's a great experience. Few things are better than getting the full Benz delivery, plant tour, museum, etc. experience, followed by driving around "over there" in your own new Merc. Make it for at least one week. More weeks are better, if possible...

 

[RicardoD]

I will take one please. Minimally optioned. Leather and sport exhaust and red seatbelts. Wish I could get a classic darker red interior. Not a fan of black with the red inserts.

 

[gerryvz]

I was planning Yurro delivery of a C63 AMG for this summer, but with the new house purchase last fall and having to furnish and outfit it, decided to postpone to June, 2019. Having blinds and a driveway extension and such was more important than another car, for now.

NOTE: C63 AMG sedans are NOT available for Yurro Delivery, because all US-spec C-class sedan models are assembled in Alabama. However, US-spec C63 coupes and cabrios are available for Yurro Delivery because they are still made over there. All US-spec Exx AMG and other sedans and G-wagons are also eligible for Yurro Delivery.

 

[Ntrepid]

Having blinds and a driveway extension and such was more important than another car, for now.

GVZ, I think you need to lock your screen when you walk away from your computer. It seems that Laura is now making posts on your behalf. I'd set her up with her own 500EBoard account ;-)


Robert

 

[Klink]

I was planning Yurro delivery of a C63 AMG for this summer, but with the new house purchase last fall and having to furnish and outfit it, decided to postpone to June, 2019. Having blinds and a driveway extension and such was more important than another car, for now.

NOTE: C63 AMG sedans are NOT available for Yurro Delivery, because all US-spec C-class sedan models are assembled in Alabama. However, US-spec C63 coupes and cabrios are available for Yurro Delivery because they are still made over there. All US-spec Exx AMG and other sedans and G-wagons are also eligible for Yurro Delivery.

Y'all can git Alabammy delivery of that fancy furrin foor door...

 

[Peter72]

Thanks so much for the pictures and report about car week. Unlucky as I am, I was in Carmel and Monterey the week before for vacation (we had settled there in last minute being unable to go to Yosemite), I could watch as the area was getting ready for the show. What amazed me though is that Carmel is a kind of time capsule for Mercedes youngtimers, I had never seen so many R107, W126, W124, W123, R129 on the streets used as daily cars, not even here in Europe.

Also saw this beauty in the street...

 

[gerryvz]

GVZ, I think you need to lock your screen when you walk away from your computer. It seems that Laura is now making posts on your behalf. I'd set her up with her own 500EBoard account ;-)


Robert

Oh, she has an account here.....

 

[vdubpower]

i saw that car at bohnams . its quite nice, atleast just looking at it.... and yeah it went for 90 plus premium whatever they charge

as for my SN, i think ive had since the vwvortex days so i just left it as is....i dont know about all the this forum and other forum issues...dont care....honestly..i just like Mercedes

--faiz

 

[Stevester 500E]

Does anyone know which year Legends will celebrate the 35th year for the W124 chassis?
Trying to do the math....

Wikipedia states:
W124 is the Mercedes-Benz internal chassis-designation for the 1984/85 to 1995/96 version of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, as well as the first generation to be officially referred to as E-Class.

 

[gerryvz]

The 124 was officially introduced in 1985.

GSXR edit: The 124 was officially introduced in USA as a 1986 model year, but was available in Europe earlier.

 

[Stevester 500E]

so we are talking35th anniversary in 2020?

 

[gerryvz]

Does anyone know which year Legends will celebrate the 35th year for the W124 chassis?
Trying to do the math....

The 124 was officially introduced in 1985.

so we are talking35th anniversary in 2020?

That question would probably be best to ask the organizers of the "Legends of the Autobahn" event, not this forum. I'm not totally sure that any of our regular members (yes, even including The Honch) have the dictatorial power to specify what the focus for future Legends events should be.

I believe the chief organizer of the Legends event is Allen Stephens. If I remember correctly, his email is: allen.c.stephens@gmail.com

I recommend you contact Allen directly and check with him. He's a friendly and very upright guy, a friend of mine for nearly 20 years, and I'm sure would welcome the contact and respond appropriately.

 

[600Eric]

LOL I just found this picture on my phone from last weekend. For anyone that has seen our group in Monterey and has ever wondered why we need so many "support vehicles" this picture pretty much says it all:



Let's see here...

Beer - Check, Snacks - Check, Detailing Products - Check, Spare Transmission - Check???

 

[RicardoD]

I came for the cars, I will return for the sausages (and free Japanese beer)

 

[Maui]

It looks like everyone had a great time. I have to make it back one of these years. Maybe next year.

 

[Stevester 500E]

2020 might be the year to go, we shall see.

per GSXR: The 124 was officially introduced in USA as a 1986 model year, but was available in Europe earlier....

So if the tribute/anniversary happens, it might be 2021. I hope it is in 2021.

I e-mailed Allen Stephens a couple of questions, see below for my questions and Allen's answer.

It looks like everyone had a great time. I have to make it back one of these years. Maybe next year.

 

[captruff]

LOL I just found this picture on my phone from last weekend. For anyone that has seen our group in Monterey and has ever wondered why we need so many "support vehicles" this picture pretty much says it all:

View attachment 80176

Let's see here...

Beer - Check, Snacks - Check, Detailing Products - Check, Spare Transmission - Check???

The manual transmission will go to Leistung Autohaus for full tear down and rebuild including the case being tumbled and then returned next year to the owner on the field at Legends. This will save the customer shipping! Smarter not harder!

Jeff

 

[captruff]

Every year I remind myself to take more pictures of the cars when I go the Legends or similar car shows, however I tend to return home with very few pictures. It might have to do with me prepping the cars, getting the hospitality suite set up, and or being available to the judges, but fortunately a few people like David Ricardo actually take the time to capture the event with their cameras. Here are a few of my favorites for the show:

early morning placement of my restoration 190E 2.3-16, Class 7: Modified Mercedes This car did place first in Class 7

same car getting the third degree by the judges

additional scrutiny

Albert's 500E on the field

Kip's 6.3 is beautiful

My 1985 190E 2.3-16 was trailered to the event and was 3 hours behind schedule which meant it barely made it on to the field on time. The team got her wiped down for judging in record time.

This 190E 2.3-16 was awarded Best of Marque Mercedes-Benz and Best of Show 2018 Legends of the Autobahn

600Eric's son relaxing, these air loungers looks comfortable but they are pretty useless so save your money. I have three available free.

snacks on the field, little did I know one of our new team members Andy is an Executive Chef! Quite skilled.

Jeff

 

[vdubpower]

that 6.3 is super

i know i saw it at my mechanics garage recently in santa ana if im not mistaken

 

[gerryvz]

It was a super treat driving most of the way up the coast with Kip in the 6.3, but the company/conversation was even better!!

 

[gerryvz]

Looks like Jeff Wong is famous!!

Half page photo in this month’s issue of Sports Car Market !!

 

[TerryA]

Jeff deserves another ‘WELL DONE’



Gerry,

Are you going to create a PDF of the article for the record?

 

[gerryvz]

Jeff deserves another ‘WELL DONE’



Gerry,

Are you going to create a PDF of the article for the record?

I wasn’t planning to because it’s not E500E related.

 

[W201fan]

Hi, I was just browsing the internet looking for pictures from the 2019 Legends of the Autobahn when I found this website and Ricardo's wonderful pictures from the 2018 Legends of the Autobahn. It turns out that Ricardo took some wonderful pictures of my 1991 DB904 W201 that was fortunate to have won the W201 class at that event. Thank you so much Ricardo for your great pictures! BTW Ricardo, you have a beautiful C126. Captruff (Jeff)'s best of show win was also well deserved. I think he has one of the nicest W201 16 valves on the planet. I think his car was about a point ahead of mine according to the judges. I also admire his hard work and dedication he puts into his MB's. It clearly shows. I also have the grey/orange version of the Leistung shirt and I love it. I had an absolute blast at Legends last year. I also loved the Gullwing and the the green W123 station wagon. I also loved Captruff's 1996 W124 station wagon that was another great time capsule. The cars and the weather were spectacular and all of the MB people, Allen, Ann-Marie, Jeff, etc., could not have been any nicer.
Hi to Klink too. My car was also fortunate to also win it's show class at Starfest last year as well. I had a blast there as well. Klink, Donna, Mason and the gang could not have been any nicer. It's quite a facility. Please say "hi" to Donna for me Klink. 2018 was an amazing year for my W201. I enjoyed every minute of it, most especially meeting so may wonderful people and seeing so may wonderful MBs from around the country.

 

[TerryA]

Every year I remind myself to take more pictures of the cars when I go the Legends or similar car shows, however I tend to return home with very few pictures. It might have to do with me prepping the cars, getting the hospitality suite set up, and or being available to the judges, but fortunately a few people like David Ricardo actually take the time to capture the event with their cameras. Here are a few of my favorites for the show:

early morning placement of my restoration 190E 2.3-16, Class 7: Modified Mercedes This car did place first in Class 7

same car getting the third degree by the judges

additional scrutiny

Albert's 500E on the field

Kip's 6.3 is beautiful

My 1985 190E 2.3-16 was trailered to the event and was 3 hours behind schedule which meant it barely made it on to the field on time. The team got her wiped down for judging in record time.

This 190E 2.3-16 was awarded Best of Marque Mercedes-Benz and Best of Show 2018 Legends of the Autobahn

600Eric's son relaxing, these air loungers looks comfortable but they are pretty useless so save your money. I have three available free.

snacks on the field, little did I know one of our new team members Andy is an Executive Chef! Quite skilled.

Jeff

What happened to Jeff’s pics?

 

[gerryvz]

They were probably linked to an external site and then removed or the site denied access to them. Hopefully he can re upload them.