To start with, we have to apologize a little for July’s 1800 NEWS. By coincidence, both the editor and publisher were on vacation the week prior to the publishing date. In the scramble, we completely missed the ”Schedule of Events” page, with all the club personnel data, really one of the most important pages of any newsletter.

     Judging by the number of people who turned up at the Back to the ’50s Car Show in La Mesa on Thursday, July 10, no one made the mistake of going to the Auto Museum the night before! Thirteen Volvo enthusiasts attended in a ’64 and a ’67 1800S, one ’72 1800E, two ‘’72 ESs, one ’73 ES, one ’64 120 wagon, one S70, and the ”virtual” Volvos were a ’66 1800S and a ’58 445. Most of the cars from the SDVSA are shown at the top of this page, and in the press coverage starting on page 7. Through a combined effort, using the tailgate of Richard Hunt’s 120 wagon, we even managed to get the newsletters assembled -- and mailed out -- before darkness fell over La Mesa. We passed out information about us, and some newsletters to interested passers-by, but we signed up no new members. Hopefully, the interested parties will contact us eventually. We want to thank Bud Hartwell for again reserving the parking area in front of ”All Things Bright and British”, making it possible for all our Volvos to be displayed together. 

     The 12th Annual Automobile Heritage Day took place in National City on Sunday, August 3. This year, Bob Brassard, with his ’73 ES, and the ”temporary editor”, with his ’64 S, took part in the festivities. The car show entrance applications mailed to the SDVSA, and distributed at the General Meetings, turned out to be complimentary passes, which allowed us to enter the car show gratis! About 200 cars assembled at Kimball Park, located just east of National City Blvd., behind the Civic Center. It is a beautiful venue with all show cars parked on well-kept grass, and plenty on big eucalyptus for much welcomed shade. Lunch was a bargain, too -- $5 for a reasonably sized hamburger with lettuce and tomatoes and condiments, baked beans, potato salad and a soda! Although a DJ kept the entertainment going, no obnoxious recorded, and sometimes live, music, made this show very pleasant and relaxing. We were talking to one of the organizers of the show, a man that has 

been bitten by the Volvo bug BIG time – having owned and raced 27 Volvos so far! What do you think of that, Sven Olafsbrorsson! He said that we have an opportunity to make Volvo the featured marque of the 14th Annual Automobile Heritage Day – in 2004. Sounds like a worthwhile activity to work on for our club. More of that later! A write-up with some great picture by Bob of this pleasantly surprising event starts on page 9.

     The SDVSA has held at least one Swap Meet a year ever since the club was founded by Bud Hartwell and Cyndi Andrews 23 year ago. Most have been at various locations in Mission Bay. Don’t forget, this year’s edition of the SDVSA Annual Swap Meet at Crown Point in Mission Bay, on Saturday, August 23! Just turn the page for all the details. Mr. Volvo of San Diego, Gene Bellegarde, is coordinator of this SDVSA Classic, and it promises to be another great event. Sven will be there, yah!

     Also in August, the National VSA/VCOA West Coast Meet takes place on Friday 15 through Sunday 17 in Olympia, WA. It is about an 18 to 22 hour easy drive from San Diego on I-5 all the way. If you decided on attending, you’ll probably find this reminder in your mailbox when you get back!

     The San Diego Auto Museum Car Club Council had their most recent monthly meeting on July 3. Our representative, Richard Pattee, informs us that the current board members were re-nominated and elected for the fiscal year. The museum also has a variety of donated cars for sale, more or less restored, and you can check them out on their web site http:/www.sdautomuseum.org. Their new restoration facility in National City is now open for business, and the SDVSA will tour the establishment on Saturday, September 20. This tour, usually led by Art Bishop, director of the Auto Museum, and owner of a pristine Volvo 262 Bertone Coupe, is always interesting to collectors and restorers of classic cars.

     The Chrysler Classic Speed Festival at the Naval Air Station on Coronado is coming up on Sunday, October 12. Don’t miss this one!! Bud Harwell has to order Car Club Corral Passes for us, so let him know as soon as possible if you plan to go. Call Bud to reserve a free pass at (619)588-2180.