Lode Star Fest 2004 has been hectic schedule for Ruth and myself. First we had to make an 'emergency stop' in Charlotte, NC, to celebrate Ruth's mother's 90th birthday, then fly to Wausau, WI, to get the 600 coupe for a drive to St. Louis. The drive went well and we arrived Wednesday late afternoon ready for the activities.
Thursday: The Hunter facilities turned out to be absolutely grand. A cafeteria for breakfast, classroom for the tech sessions, two lifts to inspect cars and make minor repairs. The evening was highlighted by Paul Bracq's slide presentation. I couldn't resist bidding on Paul's painting of a 300SEL 6.3, 450SEL 6.9 and a Grand 600, up to the point that I got it. My rich wife Ruth wrote the check.
Friday: We started at the Hunter facility again, toured their grand Car Museum, had a group photo taken, visited their restoration shop - more beautiful cars to see including a 600 SWB and 600 LWB. Then we were off to the (unfinished) Kemp Museum - and more 'Grand' Mercedes cars. A rally tour through the wine country brought us past old German settlement areas - the little school and gravestones told us of their faith in God, scripture verses for generations to read in later years. The dinner at a local winery concluded with the second slide presentation of Paul Bracq, with some of his designs for the Grand 600, 230-250-280 SL Pagoda, and cars designed for BMW, Peugeot, Renault. He also showed some of his sculpture work as an artist. His wife is an accomplishedartist in her own rite - she even painted a portrait of the BMW 507 designeer, Carl Goetz, presented to him on his 95th birthday - and he is still living!
Saturday: A 45 mile ride to the Kelly farm, a get-together, concours d'elegance, lunch, presentation of rewards. Then, the drive back!
Special Note:
Difficulties of the M-100 cars were:
A set of points that needed to be regapped on the trip out; a near-failure of a Vee-Belt, and the replacement of a set of rear brake pads. No other failures in driving to and from St. Louis. No wonder, the Lord guided us, and we are thankful.
Enjoy the photos, and we hope to see you next year in Charleston, SC, for Lode Star Fest 2005, hosted by Axel Reinert with trud southern hospitality and a touch of German food consultation by Felix Theide. Lode Star Fest 2006 is scheduled to take place at the brand new Mercedes Classic Center in California.
