THE LATE AFTERNOON SUN made the parking lot of “All Things Bright and British” in La Mesa rather toasty the day of the “Back to the ’50s” car show.

     The first four of our Volvo Vikings to arrive took refuge in Johnny B’s tavern for hearty horns of mead and high protein sustenance. By the time they reemerged, seven great-looking Volvos occupied the teashop parking lot, almost filling it. We had two ESs, owned by Bud Hartwell and Bob and Debbie Brassard; three Ss, belonging to Russ and Debbie Orrell, Jeff Perry, and Goran Freske; a 123, owned by a customer of Richard Pattee, and Kurt Sievert’s S70.

     An officer of La Mesa’s finest reminded us in no uncertain terms that the handicapped parking space was off limits, even though the shop was closed! (CVC 22507.8, etc., etc....) So Peter Webb, along with his dad, had to seek parking for his S caddy-corner across La Mesa Blvd. 

     Gene Bellegarde and Jeff Perry also joined the crowd at Johnny B’s, and didn’t venture out until the show was over! Meanwhile, the Brassards laid claim to an outside corner table at Por Favor Mexican Resturant, affording them a comfy spot to watch the “iron” roll by.

     Nearby, we spotted a 1969 1800S, parked by the curb with a “FOR SALE” sign on it (asking price: $6,000). When the owner eventually put in an appearance, he told us the car hails from Colorado. We responded with complete information on the benefits of joining SDVSA. Another passerby told us of a 1973 ES from Hawaii for sale, and was rewarded with the same information. As the evening drew to a close, it was everyone’s sad impression that the crowds were not as large this year, and that the show cars were not as plentiful as in years past.

     Our final duty, since this gathering was in lieu of our regular general meeting, was to get July’s 1800 NEWS folded, labeled, and stamped for mailing to the membership. Despite a brisk evening breeze, the cargo deck of Bob Brassard’s ES provided adequate shelter to discharge our chapter business.

     On this occasion, we had the additional task of preparing another 25 newsletters for the members of Ernie Shack’s newly formed So. Cal VSA Chapter. As we reported in the last 1800 NEWS, we’re providing space in our pages for SCVSA-related news while Ernie gets

his new chapter on its feet. Since Doug Gagliardi has proven himself a worthy and willing editor and publisher, he’s found himself to be very much in demand!

     This “temporary”situation (which may be temporary in the same way Goran Freske was “temporary” editor for 9 years!) has the potential to evolve into a single publication that serves both clubs equally. But this is where YOU as members have a say. Please feel free to contact any of the characters in “The Box” at the bottom of the Schedule of Events page and let your feelings be known! Or join us at the next general meeting for an open discussion of the issues. The SDVSA is YOUR club, and 1800 NEWS  is YOUR newsletter!!

     As mentioned last month, there appears to be no VSA West Coast Meet scheduled for this year. Some people on the west coast plan to satisfy their Volvo appetite by attending the VCOA National Meet, to be held in Kansas City, September 16 through 18. Dave Hunt, a devoted SDVSA member, and the Orange County Volvo Club (OCVC) president, is organizing a caravan to attend (see page 4), so if you feel like joining the trek, contact Dave at (714) 555-5555.

     Another item which may have flown underneath your radar: The Dutch Volvo Club from Holland is coming to the USA to celebrate their 35th Anniversary this month, bringing with them ninety-five PVs. Their goal is to travel the length of Route 66 from Chicago, IL, to Santa Monica, CA. The Orange County Volvo Club plans to meet up with them at some point along Route 66, possibly Barstow. Contact Dave Hunt and “Get your Kicks on Route 66”!

      The next SDVSA event is the Annual Chrysler Classic Speed Festival at the NAS Coronado on October 9. SDVSA will attend as a group, so check the flyer on page 2 for instructions on where we’ll meet, getting free Car Club Corral passes from Bud Hartwell, and discounted tickets through Brad Benson. Don’t miss this exciting classic car show and a day of historic Monterey-style automobile races right in your own back yard!

     Next General Meeting: Wednesday, September 14. Pizza ’n’ Videos! Meeting starts at 6:30.