What a blast! Mercedes Benz Club Auckland celebrated their 50th anniversary over the weekend 24-25 July.

On the Friday night at the amazing Parnell residence of Garry and Alison Boyce the fun began. The gathering of the Benz faithful was on. Set amongst several outstanding classic cars including an immaculate Mercedes-Benz 1957 300SL and a sporty 190 SL we supped on bubbles and snacks on Trevor’s “gold” plated party pieces.

Garry gave us a walking commentary around the garage fit for an episode of Top Gear. Everything from the wooden spoon model car which lost out to the potato car in a drag race (yes, you had to be there), the stand out set of historic Ladies Mercedes Benz Posters, and the prized FIVA plaque presented to Garry and Ken Williams for their epic unsupported rally performance on the Peking to Paris Rally. They have also competed in the famed 1000 Miglia Rally in Italy with the 190SL, having a tremendous amount of fun along the way.

Garry’s knowledge of the international Concours d’Elegance routines, and stories about his auto renovation and later sale of a “missing” Gull Wing certainly spiced up the evening. Barbara and Greg Lokes were there with memories of the past, along with those travelling from far and wide. Members from past and present attending came from all over New Zealand. Richard, Stuart, Chris and Dave from Canterbury, Mike, Lorna, Jim and Gabriella from Midlands, and Merv from Manawatu – all had made a special effort to be there.

On to Saturday night. Well, if Friday was a great night there was certainly more to come. Although the weather was a little damp we all descended on the Royal NZ Yacht Squadron at Westhaven. Pearls and furs were the go for the ladies and there were some very smartly dressed men about as well. Walking in past the Americas Cup in its impressive glass box, past rows of legendary sailing cups and trophies we had our own room. Views over the city lights and the Harbour Bridge were quite enchanting. And there was a band setting up!

Trevor gave a formal greeting to all and a run down on some of the Auckland Club’s history dating back to 1976. Ken Williams, our Patron, talked about the first Club meeting 50 years ago, the amazing early history of the Auckland Club from almost buying clubrooms at Chelsea Sugar works to selling off the Club project car before costs ran out of control. He remembered a Club gymkhana on asphalt which was “a little tough” on the cars. Ken is well known for his Gold SL350, which regularly takes away the honours at the Auckland Club’s annual grass/bog/dust gymkhana. Ken remembers Michael Clarke’s Mercedes dealership being very supportive of the Club in the early days. He recounted a few stories about members present and absent, and the fun times which the Auckland Club has had over the years. Ken’s service was acknowledged after he has retired from the Auckland Club Committee after 50 years and many roles with our club and the National Club. Noeline was presented with a beautiful flower bouquet and both received gold member name badges. Well done Ken and Noeline.

After a sumptuous buffet dinner, the band cranked up. They had a few alias, starting out as the Gullwings and morphing into the G-Wagens. They were great. After a quieter start with some Neil Young classics through many 70s, 80s and 90s dance along numbers, the dance floor was never empty. The dance floor had city views framed between two pairs of Peter Blake’s (signed) red sox – we certainly rocked the sox. Peter would have had a smile I think – especially when Ross Pengelly led off an impromptu “conga” line around the tables. As one of the band quipped “I haven’t seen one of those in a long time”. The band were fun – promoted by Chris Halliday and including one of our own, Steve Bailey on guitar. A member with a hidden talent – a guitar teacher, he spiced up many songs with riffs that Led Zepplin may have taken note of – thanks Steve.

All in all, a great night that nearly went into the small hours. We also learned late in the evening that it was Jennifer’s birthday. Well, what a great way to celebrate! We sort of managed to clear everything up. Pack away the tinsel, candles, pearls and bow ties for the next celebration – not too far away we hope.

A great night, a great weekend – thanks to Trevor’s organisation and the many helpers who contributed and provided venues.

Chris Scullin (with some help from Ken West)

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