Co-hosted by MBCA, the BMW Car Club of America and the Porsche Club of America, this one-day MBCA national special event brings enthusiasts, owners, and aficionados of distinctive German cars together to view three of the finest marques in the world. The event will feature separate club concours judging sites and combined corral parking areas.

Building on two very successful years and now in only its third year, Legends of the Autobahn has become one of the “must see” attractions of the world-renowned Monterey Classic Car Week. Rancho Cañada Golf Club—just a few miles from the beautiful Pacific coastline and the breathtaking Pebble Beach—provides a stunning backdrop to view German vehicles of all ages. In addition to mingling among these precision cars, there will be food, displays, club booths, and a Spaten Biergarten. Early word has it that a special display of Gullwings will be featured this year, along with other special classic Mercedes-Benz.

For those interested in entering the Concours in one of six judged classes for 1992 and older vehicles, a $60 entry fee will apply. For those wishing to display only in the corral (any vintage), a $30 entry fee will apply. A gourmet buffet lunch and event polo shirts are optional. The discounted “early bird” registration deadline is August 1, and all registration closes on August 10.

Registration begins on March 1. To register, go to www.motorsportreg.com. Scroll down to “August 17” then to “Legends of the Autobahn—MBCA” (not BMWCCA or PCA). Your registration will go directly to MBCA. If you don’t want to enter your car (but why wouldn’t you?!), please stop by to view some of Germany’s best vehicles. There is no admission gate fee.

Here in Central Virginia we are planning more technical sessions, driving events and socials than every before. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you would like to get involved.

Have a safe and enjoyable holiday with your friends and family.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Over the past couple years my Mercedes-Benz count went up to three, now back down to two. Professional duties have kept me from spending as much time with my 350SL as I’d like, but here’s to reversing that trend. Earlier in the fall, several board and section members and I drove the back roads of Albemarle and Nelson counties, checking out the foliage and trying to stay out of UVA football game traffic.

We enjoyed a relaxed wine tasting at DelFosse Vineyards and Winery that allowed us plenty of time to catch up on life and Mercedes-Benz experiences. Don and June Kunar were especially happy to show off their “free, $10,000” 500SEL that was gleaming in new paint. I was impressed that I was able to at least get my E320 washed!

Next month, please join your section for a reunion at our Annual Gala Sunday Brunch, this year being held at the Boar’s Head Inn in Charlottesville. We hope to see members from neighboring sections as well; everybody is welcome. It’s great to be back and I look forward to seeing you at the Gala!

Justin Sarafin
MBCA CVA | President

PS: The December 2011 MBCA Central Virginia Section Newsletter is out; you will receive it anytime.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Effective January 1, 2012 MBCA membership dues will increase as follows:

U.S. Canadian & Int’l

Membership Dues

• 1 Year Was $45 Will Be $49; International was $55 Will Be $59
• 2 Years Was $87 Will Be $95; International was $107 Will Be $115
• 3 Years Was $127 Will Be $139; International was $157 Will Be $169

5 Reasons for the 2012 Dues Increase

1. It has been 12 years since MBCA last raised its dues
2. 2012 dues represent an increase of less than 9% over 2011
3. MBCA has been able to avoid a dues increase for more than a decade but increasing operating expenses
makes it virtually impossible to avoid a modest increase today
4. The list of MBCA member benefits and discounts has markedly expanded in the last two years. Please see the 2/3 page advertorial in the January/February issue of The Star® magazine for details or visit www.mbca.org/member-benefits for a complete list of benefits
5. We want to ensure that MBCA can continue to meet its promise/value proposition: To be an enduring and sustainable Mercedes-Benz enthusiast organization known for nurturing and inspiring the Mercedes-Benz experience

Special Incentives for MBCA Members, Effective NOW!

Members who RENEW their membership BEFORE 12/31/11 will receive:

• 3 additional months of membership FREE when they renew for 3 years PLUS pay the (current) 2011 rate ($127 U.S. or $157 Canadian/Int’l)
• 2 additional months of membership FREE when they renew for 2 years PLUS pay (current) 2011 rate ($87 U.S. or $107 Canadian/Int’l)

Members who RENEW their membership beginning 1/1/12 or AFTER will receive:

• 3 additional months of membership FREE when they renew for 3 years (at the 2012 rate)
• 2 additional months of membership FREE when they renew for 2 years (at the 2012 rate)

• (1) First Prize: $51,100 – enough to buy a 2012 ML;
• (1) Second Prize: $10,000;
• (1) Third Prize: $5,000 or
• (5) Fourth Prizes: $1,000.

Raffle tickets are $50 each; there is no purchase limit. Raffle drawing will be held on December 13, 2011 at 10:30am Eastern Time.

Call 800.637.2360 (Monday-Friday 8am-5pm Mountain Time) or visit the raffle website here and get your raffle ticket TODAY!

*Members residing in the state of Washington may not participate in the Raffle. This offer is void where prohibited by law.

MBCA – More Than a Car | We’re a Community™

Registration Details

Event Date: Sunday, January 22, 2012 (11AM – 1PM)

Please RSVP to Justin Sarafin by January 17, 2012.

Email Justin Sarafin (click here)

Or, phone Justin at: 434-260-1804

Cost per person (MBCA members and future members) is $20 for the first twenty individuals who register; subsequent reservations cost is $30 per person. So, register now and get the discount!

Payment details:

• By check made payable to: MBCA Central VA Section at the event, or mailed in advance to Justin Sarafin, 1001 Page Street
  Charlottesville, VA 22903-2328, or
• By credit card or Paypal account (RSVP via email – above – and let Justin know you would like to pay online; he’ll send you the info via email)

 About – Boar’s Head Inn (from their website):

At The Boar’s Head, hospitality comes naturally. Nestled in Virginia’s Piedmont countryside, The Boar’s Head promises world-class amenities in a setting uniquely Southern in character, charm and natural beauty.

An exceptional destination awaits, with AAA Four Diamond Award-winning dining, attentive service and first-class accommodations. Our visitors enjoy golf, tennis, bicycling, hiking, fishing and a fitness club and spa, all within the grounds of our lush 573-acre estate. Add in the many attractions of Charlottesville and picturesque surroundings, and you will find yourself transported to a new place of reflection and discovery.

Directions to the Boar’s Head Inn:

By Car
From the North
Travel Route 29 South into Charlottesville. Exit onto the Route 250 West bypass (Lynchburg, Staunton, Richmond). Travel to the third exit, Route 250 West. At the traffic light, turn left onto Route 250 West and drive for one mile. Turn left onto Ednam Drive at the third stoplight. The entrance to the resort will be on your left.

From the South
Travel Route 29 North to Charlottesville. Pass under the I-64 junction, continue for 1.5 miles and take the exit for Route 250 West. Turn left onto Route 250 West and drive for one mile. Turn left onto Ednam Drive at the fourth stoplight. The entrance to the resort will be on your left.

From the East or West
Travel I-64 to Exit 118-B (Charlottesville, Culpeper). Continue for 1.5 miles and take the exit for Route 250 West. Turn left onto Route 250 West and drive for one mile. Turn left onto Ednam Drive at the fourth stoplight. The entrance to the resort will be on your left.

Click Here for a map and directions.

Click here to download a Boar’s Head Property Map.

We look forward to seeing you at the event. And, we hope to see our new members so we can introduce you to new friends!

The Central Virginia Section of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America invites you to explore the back roads of southern Albemarle County- deep in the heart of the Monticello wine region- this November 12^th.  The event will consist of a relaxed drive through the countryside, approximately 1 ½ -2 hours, eventually ending up at Delfosse Vineyards and Winery (http://www.delfossewine.com/) for a reservation-only “vertical tasting” of 4 vintages of their award-winning Meritage.

If you have never attended one of our section events, this is an ideal, low-impact way to begin your relationship with the members of MBCA’s Central VA section.  Meet the group at the departure site to kick tires and enjoy the foliage and countryside as we make our way south, or simply meet the group directly at the vineyard around 2 pm.  You can’t miss us; we will be the ones driving Mercedes-Benzes…

There is no registration fee to participate, but the winery charges for the reservation-only vertical tasting.  Regular tastings are also available at any time.  If you would like to take part in the vertical Meritage tasting, purchasing tickets in advance is strongly recommended.  The vertical tasting is $20.00/person and is available for pre-purchase through their website (below).

Please RSVP to Justin if you would like to join us at any point on the 12^th at: jas2wa@yahoo.com.

Then order tickets for the vertical tasting from Delfosse Winery:

http://www.delfossewine.com/Admin/Shop_Show_product.php?Product_Id=298

We’ll be leaving a high noon! Depart Piedmont VA Community College’s lower parking lot (near intersection of Routes 20 and 53, just off interstate 64, Charlottesville) marked below with the arrow; maps will be provided.

DATE: November 12, 2011

TIME: 12:00 pm noon depart PVCC parking lot at routes 64 & 20

Our Driving Route Directions

1. Left out of parking lot, right at light on Route 20 South.  Immediate left onto Route 53 East toward Palmyra.
2. Pass beneath Monticello stone bridge; continue past Simeon church and Jefferson Vineyard; right onto 795.
3. Stay straight onto 627 (Carters Mountain Road) passing Trump Winery.
4. At stop sign, left onto Route 20 South toward Scottsville.
5. At Keene crossroad, right and then another immediate right (past veterinarian clinic) onto 712 (Plank Road).
6. Follow approximately 15 miles to stop sign; straight across Route 29 toward Batesville.
7. Left on 635 (Craigs Store Road).
8. Left onto Route 151 South.
9. Left onto Route 6 East.
   1. If you are feeling adventurous, and don’t mind smooth but unpaved country roads, follow this alternate route, otherwise stay on Route 6 and go to step # 10.

i.      Left onto 810.

ii.      Left at the stop sign.

iii.      Left onto 634.

iv.      Left onto 616.

1. Left onto Route 29 North.
2. Left onto 616 toward DelFosse Winery (last .8 mile is unpaved but smooth).
3. Arrive at 500 DelFosse Winery Lane, Faber, VA.

If you have never attended one of our section events, this is an ideal, low-impact way to begin your relationship with the members of MBCA’s Central VA section.  Meet the group at the departure site to kick tires and enjoy the foliage and countryside as we make our way south, or simply meet the group directly at the vineyard around 2 pm.  You can’t miss us; we will be the ones driving Mercedes-Benz automobiles!

Time: 12:00 noon, depart Piedmont VA Community College’s lower parking lot (near intersection of Routes 20 and 53, just off interstate 64, Charlottesville – see map below for area); maps will be provided.

There is no registration fee to participate, but the winery charges for the reservation-only vertical tasting.  Regular tastings are also available at any time.  If you would like to take part in the vertical Meritage tasting, purchasing tickets in advance is strongly recommended.  The vertical tasting is $20.00/person and is available for pre-purchase through their website (below).

Please RSVP to Justin if you would like to join us at any point on the November 12^th event; email Justin Sarafin. 

Then order tickets for the vertical tasting from Delfosse Winery HERE! 

Election of Club officers and directors is fast approaching. And, the opportunity is open to you as a member of our club.

Join us on Thursday, October 13, 2011 at 7:00PM for a section conference call to discuss section planning, management and the upcoming elections. All members are invited to join the conference call. How?

To participate in the section conference call, please contact us here using our contact form or call Greg Magnus at 804-723-9160.

Those elected will take office in November, 2011. It is now time for you to get involved; meet dozens of fellow enthusiasts, plan events and enjoy learning more about your Mercedes-Benz. It’s simple – to qualify, you need to be a current section member and have a desire to serve the club and its members while having fun doing so!

Current Officers

• President: Therese Dodge
• Vice President: Robyn Tyer
• Secretary: Gary Tyer
• Treasurer: Richard Schwartz
• Board of Directors (four positions available) – Justin Sarafin (Current Past President)

Volunteers

• Membership Chair – Sean O’Grady
• Historian – Open position
• Newsletter Editor & Web Master – Greg Magnus

The current officers have served on the board in some capacity for several years, and all of us can assure you it can be a very rewarding experience.

The number and quality of Club events as well as our long-term success is determined by our volunteer members. We will all benefit from new faces and fresh ideas to move our Club forward. Please consider serving our section and benefit from the people you’ll meet and the knowledge you’ll gain. Also, please consider contacting other members that you thing might be interested.

The deadline for nominations is October 20, 2011.

Submit your nominations here using our contact form or call Greg Magnus at 804-723-9160.

Your consideration of serving is appreciated.

Officer Nominations Received to Date:

• President – Justin Sarafin
• Vice President – open
• Treasurer – Richard Schwartz
• Secretary – open
  

I am contacting each of you to let you know about the Ginter Park Fall Festival that will be held on 8 October 2011.  Our church, Ginter Park United Methodist Church, is having its festival (vendors, food, crafts, etc.) on that Saturday, and I am trying to round up a good selection of classic cars, motorcycles, hot rods, and sports cars to display at the event.  I am hoping that each of you will consider entering one of your vehicles, or at least, spread the word about the event.  I have attached a flyer for the show to this e-mail. [Please note the flyer info sent by Chris is provided below.]

8 OCTOBER 2011 | 9AM to 3PM
1010 West Laburnum Avenue (Ginter Park United Methodist Church), Richmond
All Makes of Special Interest Cars and Motorcycles are Welcome!

$3.00 Donation for advance registration, $5.00 on the day of the show

Contact Info:

Ginter Park United Methodist Church
1010 West Laburnum Avenue
Richmond, VA 23237
Questions: (804) 355-2081

More info at the Ginter Park Fall Festival website here.