Page 1 Volume 38 Issue 6 November - rroc

November - December 2010
Page 1
Volume 38 Issue 6
CHAIR’S RUMINATION
GREETINGS
Valerie & Lou Suter
As the calendar year 2010 draws to a close, the RROC San Diego Region closes out
a very successful year of activities and interpersonal communication. We had 80% of
our members attend at least one meet this year. This reflects well on our activities
planning effort, the marketing of monthly events and you, the members, for choosing to
participate as you have. Since we all have the ability to “vote with our attendance,” you
have given the current leadership of the Region a positive vote of confidence relative to
our activities program. For that, we thank you.
In November, we visited Deer Creek Winery in Escondido. In addition to the winery,
there was a very interesting and varied display of old automobiles, as well as other memorabilia (radios, appliances, Barbie
dolls-for the gals-, signage, etc.). We were able to taste the wines produced at the winery and ended the day with a
delightful picnic. There was a wonderful picnic area under a grove of lovely shade trees. I for one was reluctant to leave the
ambience and conversation.
We had a wonderful Christmas party in December returning to the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. We gathered in the lovely
living room with it’s warm hearth and huge Christmas tree for cocktails and conversation. The weather was so balmy that
we were able to keep the doors open to the outside. We were treated to fine food and the music of the “Bob Tutleman
Band”. Many couples took advantage of the dance floor. Tom Scheil did his usual great job of presenting trophies to the
meet hosts and winners of the perpetual trophies. A festive time was had by all.
Our annual election of officers was conducted in October/November according to our by-laws. The nominating committee
led by past Chairlady Ivonne Webb presented the following slate who were elected unanimously by the ballots returned:
Chairlady – Valerie Suter,Vice-Chairman – Robb Webb, Secretary – Al Whitley, and Treasurer – Terry Luallin.
In January, we will be visiting “The Steam Museum” and hope that many members will join us at this interesting venue. In
February, we will be attending “the Concours de Elegance” at the La Quinta Resort in the Palm Desert area. Please note
the calendar published in the newsletter. Our events will be on different weeks during the months ahead, and we don’t
want anyone to miss them.
Here’s looking forward to 2011.
November - December 2010
Happy New Year
Page 2
Valerie Suter
Volume 38 Issue 6
BOARD
The
Silver Coast News
Newsletter of the San Diego Region of the Rolls-Royce Owners’ Club
Chair - Valerie Suter
619.224.0523
valeriesuter@cox.net
Chair’s Rumination
Page 2
Vice Chair - Rob Webb
619.435.8738
rwiow@aol.com
Calendar of Events
Page 3
November 13, 2010 Meet
Page 4
Deer Park Winery and Pot Luck Picnic
Treasurer - Terry Luallin
619.222.6558
merylluallin@cox.net
Secretary - Al Whitley
619.758.9888
al@cadteacher.com
November Meet - Page 4
Page 7
Napa Valley with Pierre Lemieux
Page 8
December 12, 2010 Meet
Page 10
Annual Awards Banquet
Activities - Klaus Reichardt
760.644.7443
klausreichardt@sbcglobal.net
Awards - Tom Scheil
949.380.8568
tomscheil@hotmail.com
Judging - Bill Habeger
858-586-0779
pres1@bhgold.com
Membership - Larry Davis
619.303.3350
larrydavis@cox.net
Region Business Matters
The 59th Annual RROC Meet (Part 2)
Page 12
Technical Topix - Details, Details, Details (Part 4)
Page 16
Travelling with my Grey Poupon
Page 17
Technical Topix - Shadow Spirit Spur Checklist
Page 18
Share Your Story
Page 19
CALENDAR
December Meet - Page 10
Pre War - Rob Webb
619.435.8738
rwiow@aol.com
January 22, 2011
Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum. Vista
Public Relations - Tom Wright
858.488.4462
twright3@san.rr.com
February 27, 2011
The Desert Classic Concours d’Elegance, La Quinta
Technical - Shane Kimsey
949.235.5476
skimsey881@aol.com
March 20, 2011
Salk Institute
SCN Editor - Ted Struck
619.275.6440
scneditor@gmail.com
April 17, 2011
Rolling British Car Day
Past Chair - Dennis Eickhoff
317.422.8320
dennis@eickhoffusa.com
May 15, 2011
Mascot Competition and Picnic
Our monthly meets are often scheduled for days other than the second Sunday of the month.
Cover Photo: George Howard’s
1963 RR Silver Cloud III, SCX681
Photographer: Ted Struck
Peter Croft
El Cajon, CA 92021
Tyrone Flower
Carlsbad, CA 92008
WELCOME
NEW MEMBERS
For the Record: All trademarks are suject to the trademark rights of Rolls Royce PLC, Rolls Royce Motor Cards Ltd., an affiliate of BMW AG or Bentley Motors, Ltd., an affiliate of Volkswagen AG, including mark, model, names
logos and emblems. All are used by the RROC and the Silver Coast News under license.
Legal: The Silver Coast News is published by and for the San Diego Region of the Rolls Royce Owners’ Club, Inc., a non-profit corporationn. All information furnished is provided by the membership of the Club for use by the
members only. Articles reflect the opinions of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the Region policies, not do the editors or publishers, who assume no liability for any information contained, imply authentication or approval.
The San Diego Region and its editors seek to publish accurate materials, but neither assumes responsiblity in the event of a claim of loss or damage resulting from publication. Other regions may reproduce material, provided that
credit is given. The editor reserver the right to dit for length or quality.
Private Party Advertising Policy: Advertisements for Rolls-Royce/Bentley vehicles, want ads, parts, lost and found, or information will be published for members at no charge, typically in a business card-sized format. For car
sales include chassis number and asking price. Photos will be published free if supplied in digital JPG, TIFF or Print Quality PDF formats. Film photos will be scanned and 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, quarter-page, half-page, and full-page insertions in increments of one, three or six insertions. Please contact the SCN
Editor for additional information.
Submitting Infomation to the Editor: The Silver Coast News (SCN) is published bi-monthly during the last half of the even-numbered months. Meet write-ups and meet photos should be submitted nomore than one week
after an event. Other articles and information should be submitted no later than the tenth of every month. Please check with the Editor for specific publication dates. Please submit photos (JPG, TIF at 300 dpi or higher). Please
identify any people shown in the photograph. and also the year, make and model of any car(s) shown.
November - December 2010
Page 3
Volume 38 Issue 6
NOVEMBER 13, 2010 MEET
OUR MEET WAS HELD at the recently reopened Deer Park Winery and
Automotive Museum, located on 15 acres (including three acres of vines) near
Escondido. Escondido means “hidden” in Spanish, and it is a bit hidden in northeast
San Diego County. San Diego weather was perfect, which was fortunate, as we
enjoyed a picnic lunch.
Possibly the world’s largest collection of American convertibles (120 or more) is
housed in three separate buildings. Nearly every important model made between
1946 and 1983 was represented, and many made before 1946 as well. Deer Park
also includes collections of antique radios, televisions, household appliances, bikes
(even three Indians, a Harley and a Whizzer motorbike) and Barbies. There is a
plethora of nostalgia from neon signs to Nipper, the RCA mascot “listening to his
Master’s voice”.
A 1936 Helms Bakery Truck by Twincoach, greeting guests at the museum entrance,
stirred memories for those raised in Southern California in the ‘30’s through ‘60’s,
when Helms served up to 350,000 homes. That was when bakery trucks earned
their bread! Most of us remember ice cream trucks and milk delivery, some with
stand-drive design; those remembering Helms said, “A double stack of flat wood
drawers pulled out of the back. They were filled with donuts and goodies, and oh,
that wonderful aroma”, “Mom would hang a blue H card out front if she wanted
them to stop”, and “The driver gave us change from his coin changer”.
Bill Biely said the cagey driver would come by when the boys were picking up their
papers for their paper routes. It was hard to part with 10 cents but the huge Bear
Claw was worth it. Guest Ken Ahacic said the driver would come around when
school let out and a chocolate-covered donut was five cents. Bill also remembers
the loaves of bread were up high (this was BEFORE sliced bread) and the pastries
were at kid level.
A very rare 1928 Franklin Airman Runabout with a “Spirit of St. Louis” ornament
was in the first exhibit. It was the only car Lindy would accept gratuitously after
his historic flight. A 1954 Kaiser Darrin had sliding doors like an minivan, but they
retracted into the front fenders. “Why didn’t that catch on and save us all those
door dings?” wondered guest Anita Bird. A tiny 1959 German Messerschmitt was a
surprise. Messerschmitt was forced to cease making airplanes after WW II, so they
made cars to compete directly with Volkswagen.
Also in that room was a red pushcart with a hose out the top. You literally
“pumped” your own gas. Bill Biely recalls hunting in the Mojave Desert as teenager
and seeing them at mining enclaves which had no electricity or underground tanks.
This was when Lancaster, Palmdale and Victorville were only crossroads. Now the
old hunting grounds has become Edwards Air Force Base.
NAX-66547, PBV-59612, NAK-25960
November - December 2010
Klaus and Manu Reichardt
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Volume 38 Issue 6
Members reminisced, “Remember the push buttons in the steering wheel?”, “We
had a radio like that and I listened to The Shadow”, “My grandparents, my Mom,
my Dad…had one of those”, “The Crofton was the first car made in San Diego”,
“Remember those split windshields?” and, “They don’t make them like that
anymore,” which can be taken a number of ways.
After our tour down Memory Lane we transitioned from vintage automobile to
vintage wines. Deer Park is unusual because it is detached 600 miles from its
Napa Valley winery.
San Diego County was the birthplace of wine making in California. Father
Junipero Serra and the Franciscan missionaries brought wine with them when they
began to settle Alta California. They not only brought the wine, they also brought
the grape vines and the methods from which to extract the juice from the grape.
In fact, a number of the missions and asistencias grew grape vines and made wine
at California’s missions. Someone had to make the sacramental wine!
On to the Tasting Room! We sampled Deer Park’s 2002 Sangiovese, a Merlot,
1996 Napa Valley Zinfandel, 1991 Howell Mountain Napa Valley, and a 1991
Sauvignon Blanc dessert wine.
On to the picnic! The picnic area was nicely kept and equipped. Our PMC’s were
parked in our own grassy area adjacent. Host Ted Struck had a huge array of food
to share. Instead of potluck, it was Everyone Got Lucky!
Cars were not judged, as our designated judge was absent. Ted awarded 10 prizes
anyway based on PMC mileage, with Tom Wright the winner of Most Miles at
136,000 plus. Of course, his car is a 1959 Silver Cloud I, so it’s not surprising.
A bonus was a beautiful grassy area on which to
photograph our cars. A number of members took
advantage of that.
Photos by: Klaus Reichardt, Ted Struck, Lou Suter and Al Whitley
Meet Host
Thank you, Ted, for a very nice meeting and for
arranging the perfect weather.
Members and guests attending the event included: Klaus
Reichardt & Manu Götz with guests John & Bonnie
Pedersen, 1981 RR Corniche DHC; Frank & Sana Hamad,
1989 RR Silver Spur; Sir Orville Bingley, 1999 RR Silver
Spur; Lana Zabolotnaya, 2005 Bentley Continental GT;
Howard & Jodie Arnold, 1992 RR Silver Spur; Sig & Pat
Hofland with guests Kevin & Marianne Hofland and Ed &
Margaret Vincent, 1989 RR Silver Spur; Max Altman, 1983
RR Silver Spur; Terry Luallin, 1979 RR Silver Shadow II;
Tom Wright, 1959 RR Silver Cloud I; Kevin & Hana Beatty;
George Howard & Regene Braun, 1965 RR Silver Cloud
III; Ted Struck & Al Whitley, 1997 Bentley Turbo RL; Rob &
Ivonne Webb, 1988 Bentley Mulsanne S; John Ellison, 1991
Bentley Continental DHC; Bill & Vivian Biely with guests
Alan & Anita Bird and Ken Ahacic, 1988 RR Silver Spirit;
Harry Clark & Karen Farina; and guests Larry & Lori Miller,
and Matthew & Lisa Brown.
Ted Struck
Written by
Vivian Biely
November - December 2010
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Volume 38 Issue 6
DEER PARK WINERY AND POT LUCK PICNIC
Just Likes were the 1953 Nash Healy convertible like Tippi Hedron drove as her
getaway car in “The Birds” and a 1953 Cadillac Eldorado convertible like President
Eisenhower rode in at his inaugural parade.
November - December 2010
Page 6
Volume 38 Issue 6
If you have a little extra time and interest, the Meet sponsors and organizers are looking for volunteers
to help produce the event. A whole variety of talents and skills will be needed and you are encouraged to
nominate yourself if you have even the slightest interest in becoming involved and meeting some new and
interesting folks. It’ll be an experience to remember. Please contact our Region’s Secretary, Al Whitley,
if you have an interest in volunteering.
CLUB GOVERNANCE
The RROC San Diego Region Board of Directors meets
approximately four times each year to discuss Club business
and to plan future Club activities.
All Club members in good standing are welcome to attend
meetings of the Board of Directors. If you wish to be noticed
of the meeting times and locations, please provide your email
address to the Club Secretary, whose contact information can
be found on page 3.
INTERESTED IN CARAVANING TO THE NATIONAL MEET - Plans for the “Tahoe Trek” (see enclosed flyer)
make promise of a truly unforgettable six days of touring, driving from Oakhurst (north of Fresno) to Lake Tahoe, just in time
to participate in the National Meet in August..
If, on the other hand, the Tahoe Trek appears to be a bit beyond the reaches of your available time and budget, have no fear:
other options are in the works. We will undoubtedly see the formulation of one or more groups who would like to travel
from San Diego and Palm Springs together at a less leisurely pace, and we’ll be sure to bring you news of those plans as they
become available. (Some of the Bentley drivers are discussing an “under the radar” 10-hour drive). Sound interesting?
Published Advertising Rates
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November - December 2010
REGION BUSINESS MATTERS
MEET COOL PEOPLE AT THE NATIONAL MEET -- From August 13-18, 2011 the Resort at Squaw
Creek will host our RROC National Meet. Since this Meet is to be held practically in our back yard, it offers
a terrific opportunity for all of our Region members to attend, and will be a perfect “excuse” to spend a week
in one of our country’s most desirable and refreshing places – beautiful Lake Tahoe.
Page 7
Volume 38 Issue 6
The weekend was organized by the Southern California Region’s Pierre
Lemieux, who lives in Rancho Mirage and is a Southern California wine
wholesaler for the vineyards we visited. I can’t say enough about all the
hard work that Pierre accomplished to make this such an outstanding
event. Because of Pierre’s long-term relationships with the owners of
the vineyards we visited, we were provided personalized, behind-thescenes tours, many of which were conducted by the vineyard owners
themselves.
After flying into Oakland and renting a Cadillac (we didn’t want to drive
the GT from San Diego), Marilyn and I arrived Thursday afternoon at
the El Bonita Motel in St. Helena, which was the event headquarters.
That evening we went to dinner at Bouchon (owned by Thomas Keller
who also owns the French Laundry down the street) in Yountville and
ran into Tony Maquet and Tom Panno of the RROC. After a great meal,
we headed back to the El Bonita Motel.
On Friday morning, about 30 participants and seven PMCs (not
everyone brought their marques) met in the parking lot to head off to
the Spottswoode Winery for a tour and lunch hosted by Lindy Novak,
daughter of the owner Mary Novak, and manager of National Marketing.
The Novaks have been farming their vineyard organically since 1985, and
have been certified by the California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF)
since 1992. Spottswoode is a relatively small vineyard, but its wines are
some of the best on the market. Their 2007 Estate Cabernet was rated
99 points by Robert Parker in the 2009 Wine Advocate. After a tour
of the winery, we were treated to a wonderful lunch prepared by Kelly
Novak another daughter of the owner. At five AM, she had prepared
a special chocolate cake for us in the shape of a Rolls Royce radiator
grille.
From Spottswoode we all headed about five miles across the valley
to Rombauer Vineyards which was launched in 1982 by former Braniff
airline pilot Koerner Rombauer. If the name Rombauer sounds
familiar it’s because Koerner’s grand-aunt, Irma Rombauer was the
renowned author of the ‘The Joy of Cooking’, one of the most published
cookbooks, having been in print continuously since 1936. After sampling
their Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Merlot, and Cabernet, we went to the
parking lot to see Koerner’s 1932 Rolls Royce that he had rolled out of
the barn for our visit. The car was not running and looked very original,
not restored at all. Ronnie Shaver was able to start it a couple of times,
but the fuel system had some problems so it would stall. He thinks it
was a 1932 20/25 Hooper Saloon.
Leaving Rombauer, we headed up the Napa Valley 20 miles to the Patz
and Hall wine tasting salon for what else, wine and hors d’oeuvres. We
were personally hosted by one of the owners, Heather Patz who told
us how the company was started, their vision, and their wines. We
were then treated to a tasting of their wines and some gourmet hors
d’oeuvres to include a lentil relish with a duck confit and demi roast
beef sandwiches. It was so delicious and filling we didn’t need dinner
that night.
Bright and early (9:15 am) on Saturday morning, we headed across the
valley again to the town of Rutherford and Frog’s Leap Vineyard and
November - December 2010
Page 8
Photos by: Marilyn Mulloy, Dan Pattee, Ivonne Webb, Rob Webb
NAPA VALLEY WITH PIERRE LEMIEUX
AN EXCEPTIONAL NAPA VALLEY WINE TOUR, hosted by
the Southern California RROC, was an extraordinary event that all the
participants will remember for a long time.
Volume 38 Issue 6
Leaving Frog’s Leap we drove a leisurely 10 miles of mountain roads to
the Cade Winery. Cade is a unique, state-of-the-art winery, awarded
LEED Gold Certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. They
produce four wines, primarily focused on Cabernet Sauvignons and a
Sauvignon Blanc. The views from the winery were beautiful and the
facility itself was new and very modern. Their 2007 Estate Cabernet
Sauvignon received a 95+ from Robert Parker and retails for a mere
$130 a bottle.
We were on our own for lunch, and a group of us ended up at the
Martini House one block off the main drag in St Helena. It is an old
mansion from the 1920s, converted into a restaurant. The restaurant
has been in operation for nine years and has won a Michelin star. On
October 5th, it was announced that the restaurant was going to be
sold to the owners of the Flemings Steakhouse and PF Chang chain of
restaurants.
Back to the hotel to freshen up and then off 10 miles to the Continuum
Estate Winery owned by the brother and sister team of Tim and Marcia
Mondavi, children of Robert Mondavi. This was a unique experience
to be hosted by Tim in his Estate Home perched atop Pritchard Hill
above Lake Hennessey. The Estate produces only one wine, named
“Continuum.” The Cabernet was served with companion cheeses
selected specifically to compliment the wine. Sitting in Tim’s home
1600 feet above Lake Hennessey, sipping one of the finest wines in the
world, and listening to one of the great winemakers describing his vision
for producing a unique wine was an experience to be cherished for a
lifetime.
SEPTEMBER 24 - 26, 2010
Winery. We were met in the parking lot by founder and vintner John
Williams whose motto is, “Times fun when you are having flies.” For
a real web experience, visit their website at FrogsLeap.com. A light
breakfast of cinnamon rolls and red coffee (a coffee cup of Frogs Leap
Zinfandel) was served while John gave us an introduction to Frogs Leap
and his passion for organic farming. We then embarked on an hour-long
tour of the vineyard and winemaking facilities. Not only is the vineyard
organic but the entire facility is solar powered. John’s presentation was
very informative and totally humorous. I haven’t laughed so much that
early in the morning in a long time, or maybe it was the red coffee.
Next we drove seven miles to the Miner Family Vineyards for a tour,
a tasting, and dinner. The Miner Vineyard is the largest solar powered
vineyard in the world. After a tour of the facilities and ageing caves, we
were treated to a tasty dinner of barbequed chicken, pulled pork, and
summer salads. What a wonderful evening shared with
friends.
Written by
At 9:45 Sunday morning we departed the El Bonita Motel
for a tour and tasting at Vineyard 29 Winery located at
2929 Hwy 29, St Helena. Originally established in 1989,
the vineyard was acquired by its present owners, Chuck
and Anne McMinn in 2000, along with the neighboring
Aida vineyard as a perfect complement to the Vineyard
29 site for expansion of the winery’s portfolio.
All of the weekend’s participants owe a very special
thanks to our terrific host, Pierre Lemieux, for all his
hard work and his incredible wine country contacts.
Thanks Pierre.
November - December 2010
Page 9
Volume 38 Issue 6
Dan Pattee and
Marilyn Mulloy
DECEMBER 12, 2010 MEET
IT WAS A SCENE straight out of “Same Time Next Year,” only Ellen Burstyn and Alan Alda were missing. Well, never mind
that our boys and girls didn’t look very different.
We arrived at the quintessentially English/Californian Rancho Santa Fe Inn, in that story book village that could have had Its
birth in the depths of the Cotswolds. Judging by the array of our magnificent cars of British heritage, a Martian could be
forgiven for thinking that he was at the “other side of the pond”. Only the incredible summerlike evening could prove that
wasn’t so.
The short but intensively winding drive from the freeways would have quickly shown up any front end steering play. It was on
my mind, as we had just had ours “done”.
Klaus Reichardt, as always, was there to greet us, not far from his much admired two-tone Corniche. Soft top well and truly
up: Wimp!
The interior of the Inn was equally that beautiful eclectic mix of understated British/Californian comfort. Cocktail Hour at
the generous hosted bar produced conversation among old and new friends that gave promise of a fine dinner and company
for the remainder of the evening. The almost unending supply of martinis explained eloquently why cocktail shakers were
standard equipment in great cars long gone but not forgotten. Some open container! Times have indeed changed.
We were not disappointed. Our table for six was a collection of old and new friends, bringing to mind a well remembered
comment I overheard at dinner during the annual meet in Toronto. “You know what”, he remarked, “all of these people have
November - December 2010
Page 10
Volume 38 Issue 6
Dinner was both ample and excellent, interspersed with the annual presentations of Club awards. Each of the sponsors of
one of our monthly meets during 2010 was presented with a small plaque in honor of their service to the club. The Tourist
Trophy, given to the member most often attending our regional meets with their Proper Motor Car, was awarded to Terry
Luallin. The Derrick Sinfield Trophy recognizes the member who participates in meets with his or her car, as well as hosting a
meet, contributing a newsletter story, sponsoring new members, and acquiring and/or restoring a car. The Sinfield Trophy was
presented to Ted Struck and Al Whitley. The Bob Barrymore Memorial Trophy recognizes a member’s dedication, leadership,
service, and contribution to the Region and to the marque, as well as the member’s restoration, preservation, and use of a
Proper Motor Car. The Bob Barrymore Trophy was presented to Klaus Reichardt, whose enthusiasm for the Club is expected
to be contagious in the coming years.
Come 9:30 pm or so, dancing was in full swing in all senses of the word. Many of the seventy- year-old ladies could have been,
and looked as though they were in their teens!
Upon leaving around 9.30pm or so after a truly grand night out, we could not help but notice John Ellison’s most exquisite
Bentley Continental parked in the drive. I wasn’t quite sure of the year, but it was in the style of a landaulette, and was fairly
new. I just couldn’t, figure out how the forward part of the roof was hidden and stored.
Thanks to meet hosts Valerie and Lou Suter for a thoroughly delightful and memorable evening.
Members attending the event included
Lou & Valerie Suter, 1988 RR Silver
Spur; Harry Clark & Karen Farina;
Klaus Reichardt, 1981 RR Corniche
DHC; Will & Joyce Bartfield, 2000
Bentley Arnage; Bob Nost & Mark
Christiansen, 2005 Bentley Arnage
R; George Howard & Regene Braun,
1965 RR Silver Cloud III; Larry Davis
& Joan Bowes, Bentley Continental
GT; Lana Zabolotnaya, 2005 Bentley
Continental GT; Frank Hamad, 1989
RR Silver Spur; Sig & Pat Hoffland,
1989 RR Silver Spur; Robert & Lori
Risberg, 1996 Bentley Azure; Arthur
Hammons & Virginia Foster, 2006 RR
Phantom; Rob & Ivonne Webb, 1988
Bentley Mulsanne S; Tom & Renee
Scheil, 1968 RR Silver Shadow; Bill &
Vivian Biely, 1997 RR Silver Spur; John
Ellison, Jr, 2000 Bentley Continental
SC; Terry & Meryl Luallin, 1979 RR
Silver Shadow II; Dan Pattee & Marilyn
Mulloy, 2004 Bentley Continental
GTC; David & Sally Monahan, 1986
RR Silver Spirit; Tyrone & Liz Flower;
and Chuck & Gloria Eller, 1975 RR
Corniche DHC. Guests included
Jerry Hall
& Lydia
Written by
Raynoha,
Gerard &
Marlene
Lelievre,
Wayne &
Lorna Pannell,
Victor &
Cristull
Hasson and
Michael Lynch
& Cheri
Will Bartsfield
Briccio.
November - December 2010
Page 11
Volume 38 Issue 6
ANNUAL AWARDS BANQUET
almost nothing at all in common, from all walks of life, just except that they share a passion for these particular machines. That
makes no sense at all.” He was right, --- and wrong.
THE 59TH ANNUAL RROC MEET
SWEET AS MAPLE SYRUP
PART 2 OF 2
DAWN PATROL -- THURSDAY, July 22,
6:30.- 8:45 am. For Dawn Patrol to the Dunlap
Observatory, I was invited to ride in Martin Weatherall
and Sharon MacDonald’s comfortable, onyx 1997
Brooklands saloon EBV-59428, driving by picturesque
farms in lush country roads that led us to the University
of Toronto Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics,
located on a mountain in a native forest and colorful
grounds. The David Dunlap Observatory has the largest
telescope in Canada, with a 74-inch reflector. Paul
Mortfield, a space scientist who has lectured at the
NASA Kennedy Space Centre among other places, gave
a talk about the sun and projected awesome telescopic
photo-views of the sun and the galaxies and made us feel
good about the distance between the earth and the sun,
especially at times when the sun has its eruptions and
parts of it could fry the earth in an instant.
9:15 am to 5:00 pm. Tour to the Art Gallery of Ontario
(“AGO”) in Toronto.
The Art Gallery of Ontario is one of the largest art
museums in North America. I was looking forward to
getting acquainted with early Canadian Art. Our visit
to AGO was a very rewarding experience both for the
art collection as well as the harmonious architecture,
including the additions designed by Frank Gehry. First
our tour guide conducted us to the original part of the
museum, to a neo-classic style square court with a glass
roof, surrounded by stone arches where a serpentine
sculptural, maple stairwell is the focal point. It was
interesting to hear that when Frank Gehry was a little
boy his mother used to bring him into this Museum.
Apparently those arches made an impression on him,
resulting in the ribbon like cantilevered stair well that
rhymes with the curves of the arches. Besides this, he
designed another staircase in the rear addition. In both
cases, the proportions of the risers to the treads are
perfect, and all this crafted of maple with a satin like finish
without varnish. Walking up and down these stairs is a
pleasure because they are easy on your feet and legs, and
one feels like the wood “springs” slightly with each step
one takes. In the building façade upper level is the long
glass fronted gallery in the shape of the ribs of an upside
down hull of a gigantic wooden ship. The impression
of walking in this gallery’s gentle, almost imperceptible
ramp is like one is gliding in the air. The views from here
towards Dundas Street, as well as the sight from the
rear addition towards Queen Street show charming old
Victorian neighborhoods.
Visiting AGO is a double treat: functional, pleasant
architecture, and the joy of viewing a few samples of the
79,000 works of art in its fabulous collections dating
from 100 A.D. to the present. We walked thru galleries
of European masters as well as Contemporary art. Then
we slowed down to glance at works by the Inuit and First
Nations, visited the Canadian collection that documents
November - December 2010
Page 12
Dunlap Observatory
Art Gallery of Ontario
William Kennedy’s 1911 Silver Ghost, 1521
Volume 38 Issue 6
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Temple
I asked Peter Neilson, our RROC host, if the Toronto
Eaton Shopping Center Gallery, our next destination,
was within walking distance because I wanted to stay
at the AGO to take another look at the Canadian art
of the early 20th century. He said it was a bit more
than a mile and drew a map. Sandy Matsen decided to
stay with me, as she wanted to visit the World’s largest
collection of works of British sculptor Henry Moore.
How nice it was to glance again at the galleries. Among
these, there was one with small paintings attached to
four large panels about eight feet high by four feet wide,
each one showing eleven pictures of the most powerful
and endearing scenes of Canadian lakes and wilderness,
some of them depicting storms and wind. These are oil
sketches of the members of “The Group of Seven.” By
1920 most of these young men who had been working
as art illustrators in publishing houses in the midst of the
hustle and bustle of the booming city of Toronto, banded
together in a desire to develop a new style of Canadian
art that did not reflect the European traditions. This
brings to mind a parallel development in California where
the trends of the Plein Air movement and the desire to
depict the ruggedness of the coast, mountains and desert
created a distinctive style. The Group of Seven’s paintings
made a profound impression on me.
We looked at the imposing Victorian brownstone,
Toronto City Hall as Sandy and I walked on Queen Street
to the Eaton Centre galleria, where we joined our group
to return to our hotel in Markham.
6:30 to 10:30 pm - CN Tower 360, Derby Bentley Society
Dinner
Atop the 1,151 foot tower, savoring superb food and
wine, while observing the wide and extensive 100 mile
panorama over Toronto and Lake Ontario, turning 360
degrees in 72 minutes was an unusual occasion which
became very special because we were sitting in a booth
November - December 2010
Page 13
Volume 38 Issue 6
JULY 19 - 24, 2010
the development of the nation’s art heritage since preConfederation. Walked by the Thomson Collection
of Ship Models, then returned downstairs to view the
Thomson enviable medieval and renaissance European
collection consisting of miniatures of many Christian
religious objects made of silver and gold, encrusted with
precious stones, rock crystal and quartz hand cut objects,
cloisonné, etc. Of all these, the ones that captivated
us the most were the ivory triptychs, to the point that
when I was admiring one, and I looked up, I noticed John
Campi’s eyes fixed in the exquisitely carved crucifix. He
remarked about the artistry of such delicate sculpture.
He said that he really appreciated such work because he
learned to carve ivory when he went to dental school!
Dentists’ great dexterity and ability to form castings
makes them great restorers of vintage cars! After this
tour we remained in the museum and went to Frank‘s for
lunch. This restaurant exhibits Frank Stella’s work. The
food was delicious nouvelle Canadian Cuisine and the
service was superb. The AGO’s synergy was evident.
THE 59TH ANNUAL RROC MEET
SWEET AS MAPLE SYRUP
PART 2 OF 2
for four, enjoying the company of another famous member
of RROC, Mermie Karger, our dear long time friend and
her husband Colin Hughes.
Greg Millard outgoing chairman of the Derby Bentley
Society arranged this dinner. He welcomed us and
introduced the incoming chairman, Michael Coup. Greg
makes us proud because he is a Toronto native who
lives in San Diego. He is past editor of “On The Road”
Newsletter, winner of the McFarlane Trophy two years
ago. Greg and his lovely wife Marge are valuable active
members of San Diego Region.
FRIDAY July 23rd. 6:30 to 9 am – Dawn Patrol breakfast
run to the “Old Country Inn”
It was an honor and a pleasure to be invited by no less
than the Co-Chairman of the Meet, Henry Popp, in his
quiet and lovely 1952 Mark VI saloon B296PV. We rode
with another famous RROC man Simon White, co-chair
of the Inter Regional Kissamee, Florida 2010 Winter Meet.
The Old Country Inn is in the historic German town of
Unionville. We rode on peaceful roads thru rolling hills and
cornfields in the rain. B296PV’s roof drains are in perfect
condition, there were no leaks even when we drove in
a torrential rain and a fierce cloudburst. We know from
experience: our first Bentley was a Mark VI, and when we
first acquired it we discovered its sun roof had clogged
drains!
Unionville has a real German character. The breakfast was
delicious and abundant, and it was nice to travel in the
company of distinguished, generous leaders of RROC.
9:15 am to 4:30 pm - Hindu Temple Tour, and the
McMichael Gallery.
The visit to the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Temple
gave us new insights. The architecture is fascinating!
Using premium Italian Carrara marble, the finest Turkish
limestone and Indian pink stone, the Mandir was handcarved into 24,000 pieces by skilled craftsmen in India and
assembled in place like a carefully fitted puzzle without
mortar, on concrete footings and foundations prepared in
advance. The interior is replete with luminescent white
pinnacles and glittering marble pillars. Vedic heritage
and traditions have been encompassed in this place of
worship that introduces India’s heritage to Canada. Deities
and motifs spring from the walls, ceilings and windows,
representing the faith and beliefs of a culture that dates
back over 10,000 years.
From here we went to Villaggio Ristorante for lunch,
then to the village of Kleinburg to visit the McMichael
Art Collection. Surrounded by 100 acres of forest is a
pioneer style log cabin built in 1951 by Michael and Signe
McMichael. They named it Tapawingo, “place of joy” as
a retreat to keep their Canadian Art Collection with a
specific focus on Tom Thomson, the Group of Seven, and
their contemporaries. As their collection grew, interest
from the public grew and they kept adding galleries to their
November - December 2010
Page 14
Ivonne Webb (center) with Marilyn and George Morita
Gil Fuquay and Rob Webb
Volume 38 Issue 6
In 1965 the McMichaels transferred ownership of their
home, property and their collection of 194 paintings to
the province of Ontario. Since then the gallery has been
enlarged to house other generous donations of Canadian
art, and has grown to more than 5,000 art works. This
gallery enjoys perfect synergy, and it is no wonder this is
recognized as the spiritual home of the Group of Seven.
After being introduced to the work of these artists at
the AGO, coming to the McMichaels was a treat. It was
interesting to find out that talented women artists like
Emily Carr were not allowed to participate in the shows
organized by the men, so they organized their own shows.
Their depictions of nature as well as portraiture are
amazing.
SATURDAY July 24 – Concours and Judging Day.
After enjoying such delightful aesthetical encounters the
days before, the crescendo could not stop there. Thank
goodness, the day we all have been looking forward is
here. The stage is the lovely Milne Park, resembling a
gentle amphitheatre. Trees are the backdrop, the actors
are all poised, being admired. All the tender loving care
given by their directors is palpable, but people have to
restrain from leaving finger prints on such master pieces
of the automotive world! Judges are absorbed in their
jobs, some inspect the parts they have been assigned again
and again. Some crawl under the car two and three times
to make sure of what they see. The proud owners are
giddy, wondering what the judges will find. The actors
are splendid, the people are beautiful. Pictures are being
taken, taken everywhere. Our prayers being answered: no
precipitation! People are happy, there is joy in our hearts,
feast for our eyes and good food to sustain us. Waiting,
waiting… the waiting is over, results of the judging are being
announced. Some caregivers have been preparing for this
for months, some for years. If we could not obtain the
coveted prize now, there will be another chance next year.
We watch the parade of prize winners: what elegance, what
sights, how fortunate we are to be here! The Concours is
over, big raindrops fall all over, and we rush to take cover.
Gratitude arises for blessings
received, for the generous Canadian
hosts who organized this wonderful
Meet, a week of non stop delightful
activities is coming to an end. This
evening, at the Rolls-Royce Motor
Cars sponsored reception and the
Gala Awards Banquet, we will close
one more page of the history of
RROC so dear to us all!
Hoping to see you at the next
Meet or Tour, stay well, and drive
safely.
Written by
Ivonne Ortiz Webb
Ivonne & Rob Webb and Sue & Phil Brooks
November - December 2010
Page 15
Volume 38 Issue 6
JULY 19 - 24, 2010
home. But as larger crowds appeared on their doorstep
each weekend they began to investigate ways to make the
collection permanently accessible to the public.
DETAILS, DETAILS, DETAILS
PART 4 OF 4
TECHNICAL TOPIX
AND NOW TO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
The engine compartment, well, it’s a dirty, sometimes
messy job. I would leave this job for an afternoon when
you really have nothing else to do! (Yeah, right!) But it is
oh-so-cool when you or someone else opens the bonnet
and the engine and its parts look almost new.
This is not everyone’s cup of tea, but worth it if you
choose to tackle it. It gets you familiar with your engine
layout and parts. Again, survey to see where you want to
start. Get a bucket with hot soapy water and some old
rags that can get dirty and then be discarded. I usually
wipe down all surfaces that I can reach with the moistened
rag, cleaning the rag often in the bucket. Don’t forget the
rain gutter of the bonnet, and if you like, the engine side
of the bonnet itself, as well. As you go along, note any
areas with a lot of oil/grime. Once I have wiped down
pretty much everything, I take another old rag and use a
degreaser in a spray bottle to get to the real oily areas
and wipe those off. Some painted parts in the engine
compartment can now also be waxed to shine. Metal
parts can be cleaned better with metal cleaners, if you
so choose. Although cleaning the engine compartment
may seem to many folks to be “crazy”, I have found
that mechanics who work on the car really notice and
appreciate that the owner takes good care of his/her car.
It might even inspire the mechanic to doing an even better
job for you themselves!
That’s about it! Remember, any and all the work you
do comes back to you in your own enjoyment and
appreciation, if not adulation of your car by others. In
addition, it may help increase your car’s resale value, should
you someday choose to part with it.
Here the short list of what was discussed: (your “Cliff notes”
version)
Exterior:
1. Survey the whole car
2. Wash car with lukewarm water. Have 2 or 3 sponges for
different applications.
3. Dry car off well.
4. Clay-clean painted outer surfaces, then apply wax.
Interior:
1. Survey all
2.Vacuum
3. Wipe all surfaces with moist microfiber rag.
4. Dry off surfaces with dry rag.
5. Treat leather surfaces with a recommended leather
conditioner
Hood (convertible top):
1. Wash down top well
2. Dry
3. Where needed, use a wet (not moist) Magic sponge in light
circular motion. Clean sponge often.
4. Dry with clean rag.
Engine Compartment:
1. Wipe all surfaces with moist old rag.
2. Use a degreaser on an old rag for oily areas.
3. Wax (if you like) painted surfaces in engine compartment
Avoid:
. Working on the car in direct sunlight.
. Getting wax on plastic parts. If it happens, wipe off right away
with a wet rag.
. Mixing cleaning rags
. Hurrying your job
Written by
[Editor’s Note:
This article is Part 4 of a
4-part article covering the
topic of cleaning, preserving
and making your PMC
presentable.]
Klaus Reichardt
November - December 2010
Page 16
Volume 38 Issue 6
RROC + GREY POUPON
November - December 2010
Page 17
Volume 38 Issue 6
SHADOW SPIRIT SPUR CHECKLIST
THE OTHER DAY I WAS ATTENDING A TECH MEET and they handed out some great information for Silver
Shadow and Spirit/Spur owners, explaining some of the common problem areas of both models. As you will see, much of the
information is the same, but each car has some trouble spots that are unique. This information is great for someone that owns
either of these two models so you know what maintenance issues are most common. This is also good for the non-technical
owner, as you will have a bit of advance knowledge for when the mechanic starts rattling off stuff. Lastly, this is great for
anyone who wants to purchase one of these cars. Listed issues apply to both cars unless otherwise noted.
Brake Problems
1. Brake Pressure Warning Lights – Common problems are low sphere pressure or low fluid level. Most spheres can be rebuilt
if they are bad at a lower cost than replacement. It is normal for the warning lights to come on after the car has not been
driven for awhile. If the lights go out immediately, the diaphragm in the sphere has most likely burst. If the lights take a long
time to go out, the gas pressure in the spheres is very low. A good test is to let the car run for 2 min., then turn the car off
and immediately turn the ignition back on and pump the brakes. At least 20 pumps are normal before the light comes back on,
fewer pumps indicates that you probably have a problem somewhere.
2. Leaks – Common are the brake pump housing, caliper seals, hoses and fittings, accumulators, height control valves and rams.
3. Shadow - Brakes “hanging on” – Old brake hoses, seized calipers and g-valves are usually the issue. Reminder: Shadows have
ten critical brake hoses, and ALL should be replaced simultaneously. Average life span is usually ten years.
Suspension Problems
1. Shadow - Excessive bouncing or “porpoise” ride – weak shocks are usually the cause.
2. Shadow - Leaning Tires – Bad camber bearings make the front tires slant/tilt inward at the top leading to excessive tire wear.
3. Spirit/Spur - Harsh ride in rear – Gas spring failure. The rear struts have spheres on top that fail causing the Spirit/Spur to
bounce severely, especially when exiting a driveway onto the street.
4. Spirit/Spur - Leaks – Most common is in the rear suspension at the struts. Early struts can be rebuilt; later ones have to be
replaced. There is also a small plastic bleed line connecting the strut to the body that will seep.
5. Clunking noise – Clunk from the front suspension is worn bushings, shock grommets, and shock ball joints. Clunks when
applying the brakes are the compliance mount.
TECHNICAL TOPIX
Steering Problems
1. Leaks – Steering rack box, cooler hoses and high-pressure hose. Racks, if leaking, can be rebuilt.
Engine Problems
1. Leaks – Front engine cover and valve cover gaskets.
2. Poor performance – Faulty spark plug wires, condensers, carburetor problems, weak fuel pumps and plugged fuel filters. A
very common problem on injected cars is when the car is cold it starts easily and runs great, but when the car is warm after
sitting for a short while, it will only start after a long time cranking. Once running it will run rough for a little while and then
clear up, 90% of the time the fuel accumulator is at fault.
3. Noises – Most common are lifters and pistons. Lifters will normally make a slight tapping sound at start-up, but if they keep
tapping after the engine is warm, they need to be replaced. Brake pumps can also make the same tapping sound. Also, if the
car has been overheated badly, the pistons crack and make a very loud tapping noise.
Transmission
1. Leaks – Pan gaskets and side seals. Side seals are usually the issue if the car has not been
driven for very long periods of time.
Cooling problems
1. Leaks – Water pumps and hoses
2. Overheating – Thermostats and radiators. Early brass radiators can be cleaned and re-cored.
Later aluminum ones have to be replaced
Electrical
1. Wipers and accessories – Sometimes the wipers will stay on even when switched off, or not
work at all. This is 99% caused by the failure of one of three relays under the dash.
2. Windows – Usually the micro-switches are bad. Be sure to replace both to ensure proper
window operation. Could also be the drive coupling and or window gears. When these fail
you can hear the motor running but the window will not move. A slow running window is
usually caused by low voltage at the window. This can be fixed with a wiring modification adding
additional relays at the window.
November - December 2010
Page 18
Volume 38 Issue 6
Written by
Shane Kimsey
Frank Hamad and SED101 - 1957 RR Silver Cloud I
shop; where I, like my father could spend my days working on cars. My fondest childhood memories revolve around spending
time with my father working on his 1937 Phantom II, building parts, and hearing stories about my grandfather and his love for
cars. My dream of having my own shop started becoming a reality when I discovered how I could use my engineering skills,
knowledge, and experience with cars to help other car lovers like myself.
In early 2000, I noticed a 1957 Silver Cloud parked at my work. Owning a 1963
Bentley S3 and 78 Silver Shadow myself, I was curious to find out who the owner was.
Subsequently I met Mr. Michael Faircloth and found not only the owner of the Silver
Cloud but a great friend. One night while driving his car to work Mike experienced a
problem with his car. He had his car towed home and he discovered a transmission
problem. We then planned on pulling the transmission and rebuilding it ourselves. We
then later did a complete engine overhaul, at which time Mike discovered he needed
to replace the timing gear. Mike mentioned how a new one would cost him about
$1,300.00. I offered to have one made for him for around $50.00. While Mike was
apprehensive about giving me the gear, he did so and I had it sent overseas to a foundry
owned by my brothers to have the part made. The gear was identical to the original
and has been on Mike’s car for about six years now and has performed very well for a
long time without any problems. I have made several other parts for Mike and other
members since then, including new exhaust manifolds from cast iron and stainless steel
with beefier flanges.
There was a big uproar on the RR forum as to whether these were correct for the
car and the right formula of stainless steel. In the end the manifolds fit perfectly. I
made spin-on oil filter “adaptors”, bushings for the antenna, various bushings for the
suspension system and linkage, springs for the ashtrays and numerous other parts.
Being a owner and member myself and getting to know other Rolls Royce members I discovered that whenever members
have a problem with their cars they hesitate to take it to a mechanic due to the great expense involved. The experience
can be difficult and very costly. I started thinking that I had always dreamt of having my own work space where I can work
on cars. So why not make my dream advantageous for other Rolls Royce members? Provide members with a place where
they can bring their cars, have parts made, or just get advice on how to fix the car themselves in a cost effective manner.
With this in mind, I became eager to make this life long dream finally come true. While I never had the opportunity to have
my own shop in the past, I had collected the required tools, equipment and machinery throughout the years, in hopes of
one day achieving this dream.
My lifelong dream of having my own shop has finally become a reality. The Post 55
Written by
Hobby Shop will be open to all Rolls Royce Members. I invite you to live my dream with
me. Whether you need work done on your car, a new part made, or just advice on how
to fix small problems on your own, I invite you to visit my shop. I welcome you all to an
open house on January 15, 2011 to come see the shop.
Frank Hamad
November - December 2010
Page 19
Volume 38 Issue 6
AND
SHARE YOUR STORY
TALES ABOUT YOU YOUR PMC
MY CHILDHOOD SPARKED MY PASSION for building cars and lead to my dream of one day having my own
November - December 2010
Page 20
Volume 38 Issue 6