Ponton cabriolet gathering in CA

Just an FYI for anyone who might want to attend. No cost for the showing at the MB dealer, Autobahn Motors. Scott said he could get a few more in for the luncheon too, but he needs to know soon.

Len

I have planned a special event. Below is the text of the invitation. All
Mercedes lovers are invited, and it is "Bring your own Ponton". We will
have a special parking area for all types of pontons at the lunch venue.
Please forward this message to any Bay Area (or travelling) Ponton
Cabriolet Owners.

I do want to get as many Ponton Cabriolets to attend as possible, as we
will have two great photo opportunities, so this could be an historic event!

(At this point the record for Ponton Cabriolets in one photo that I've seen
is two. We plan to smash that one... we will have a professional
photographer present.)

scott

"Ponton Cabriolet Reunion"

April 19, 2003 (Easter Saturday)

10:00AM - Autobahn Motors,
700 Island Parkway Belmont, CA
Take the Ralston Exit East, make the First Left and follow signs to Autobahn
Telephone: 650-MERCEDES

The Bay Area is fortunate to be home to a large number of rare and
distinctive models of Mercedes Benz, among them the 220S and 220SE "Ponton"
Cabriolets designed and built in the Fifties.

The 220S and 220SE Cabriolets are among the last of the hand built
Mercedes. They were made at the same time as the famous Adenauers,
Gullwings and the 190SL, and have been pampered by their owners for up to
50 years now.

Only 3,290 of these very special cars were made from 1956 until 1960, and
even less survive. When new, these elegant cars were shipped all over the
world to find their fate, but many found their way to sunny, prosperous
California and we have quite a few beautiful examples right here in the Bay
Area.

"Ponton" is the name applied to a body style started in 1953 by
Mercedes-Benz, and continued through 1962. Pontons are also called
"roundies", or "bowlers" in different countries, due to the distinctive
body style of the sedans.

We plan a reunion for the rare Cabriolets from this time period. This may
be the largest group of Ponton Cabriolets ever assembled since factory
days, and we're lucky to have them right here in the Bay Area.

The 220S/SE Cabriolet may be considered the queen of the Pontons, and while
it appears to be another style altogether, it retains almost exactly the
same features from the window sills down, but its raked windshield and low
slung style make it appear perhaps more Rolls Royce in nature than
Mercedes-Benz.

The Ponton cabriolets cost $7,700 in 1958, equivalent to a Cadillac
Eldorado Biarritz, which was the most luxurious car America had to offer at
the time.

The Ponton Cabriolet Reunion will begin at 10AM with a photo opportunity at
Autobahn Motors

Join the group of Cabriolet owners for the photos, and then a convoy for
lunch and more photos at the nearby Menlo Circus Club, 190 Park Lane,
Atherton.

You might not have noticed this model on the street before, but we expect
at least a dozen examples at the reunion! Join us.
More information on these cars is available at www.mbzponton.org

Cost: $50 per car, includes one lunch, a photo of the group, and a goodie bag.
$30 each additional person, includes lunch. Please RSVP by April 1

*** This event can be rained out !!! If this happens, bring photos of
your car to the lunch.***

For more information:
Scott Gordon 650-321-9929

"Ponton Cabriolet Reunion"

April 19, 2003 (Easter Saturday)



Yes I want to Attend!

I will bring my Cabriolet ________ @$50

Additional People ___________ @$30

Total Enclosed ___________

Send to :

Scott Gordon
1305 Valparaiso Ave
Menlo Park, CA 94025