Just as in April, eight members attended the SDVSA General Meeting on May 14. We were missing our esteemed Chapter Coordinator, Russ Orrell, as well as our loyal Treasurer, Bob Skoog! The editor even feared, with good reason, that Jeff Perry, bearer of all newsletter copies, would not show either… Being dedicated to the cause, however, Jeff eventually arrived, allowing us once again to get 1800 NEWS sent out in a timely manner. 

     The San Diego Auto Museum Car Club Council car show on May 10 was gargantuan! In past years, between 60 and 100 cars have been displayed in the Auto Museum parking lot. This year, the Council obtained some professional help, and got the city to allow them to use of the lawns around the Hall of Champions (just to the east of the Auto Museum) for showing the cars. The result was over 225 entrants! There were no restrictions as to the age of the vehicles, and the judging was based on five vintage groups from 1900 to the present. There was only one lonely ’64 1800S representing the SDVSA, and its closest relative to that was a nice Dual-Ghia. Royce Dunn, former member of SDVSA, was there with his impeccable 1930 Graham. See page 6 for more on this event.

     Dave Hunt and his OCVC took charge of the southern California Volvo clubs participating in the 38th Annual Fallbrook Vintage Car Show on Sunday, May 25. Six classic Volvos -- two 1800Ss, two ESs, one 123 and one P1900 -- left the Nessy Burger Stand, just west of I-15 on Hwy 76, at a little past 8 am for the short drive to the Fallbrook High School Football Field. It’s a good thing we didn’t dillydally around, because some of us hadn’t pre registered, and we were the last cars admitted into this very popular show! The participants were David Hunt (’56 P1900), Brad Benson and Bob Brassard (’72 and ’73 ESs), and Goran Freske and Ted Brough, who furnished the pictures on pages 7 and 8, (’64 and ’67 1800Ss). Unfortunately, Rick Burton, with his very cool 123 Canadian could not stay. As we were parking at the east end of the track, Bob and Del Skoog paid us a short visit, and Darwin Lumley came over, too. He said that he had left ”the yellow peril” (his yellow 1800S) at home, and brought his 1940 Lincoln instead, which, we had to agree, fit in better with theme of the show. 

The Corvettes were gathered on the grass, just diagonally across the track, and we expected to see Scott Harrison in the vicinity. Scott was very active in the SDVSA a few years ago, but we have seen too little of him since he started another job – and bought his Corvette. We eventually caught up with Scott, and he informed us that, sadly, he had to sell his ’71 1800S to make more room in his garage for an ever-expanding business. He is still maintaining his membership in the SDVSA, though…way to go, Scott! And of course, no show would be complete without Royce Dunn’s Graham! 

     The 13th installment of the Largest Volvo Meet in Southern California takes place at Westside Volvo in Culver City on Saturday, June 14. We’d like to see more San Diego cars represented at this premier event! More details are found on page 3.

     We hope to see some of you on the tour of the Hubble compound on June 15. 

For this year’s Menghini Winery get together (see picture above), we will meet at our usual meeting place for events in the east county – the Standard gas station on Via Rancho Parkway, just across the street from North County Fair. Just turn the page for all the details. Join your SDVSA on Sunday, June 22! 

     The traditional participation of SDVSA in the ”Back to the ’50s” car show in La Mesa happens on Thursday, July 10. In an effort to attract more participants, we are canceling the General Meeting on the second Wednesday in July (the day before). Come out and join us in the parking lot of ”All Things Bright and British” at 8401La Mesa Blvd., for a trip along Memory Lane! The SDVSA will start arriving at a little after 5:00 P.M., to make sure we don’t obstruct any customer from doing business with our host. There are plenty of places to eat, so you don’t have to worry about going home for dinner. 

     Mr. Volvo of San Diego, Gene Bellegarde, has kindly consented to be the coordinator of the SDVSA Annual Swap Meet at Crown Point in Mission Bay, on Saturday, August 23. Reserve that date for bringing your Volvo and your stash of parts, which you can do without and trade them for parts you can’t do without! More details in July’s 1800 NEWS !