VCOA and VSA clubs hold joint 2002 West Coast National Meet

By Jeff Perry

   During the weekend of Sept. 6-8, the roads meandering through the picturesque countryside of the Santa Ynez Valley provided course for Volvos of all years and models as enthusiasts made way to the city of Buellton for the 2002 West Coast National Meet.

   Buellton was once part of Rancho San Carlos de Jonata. About 1865, it was purchased by a native Vermonter, R.T. Buell and became known as Buell Ranch. Buell operated a horse and cattle ranch, and a diary farm, on the land until his death in 1905. He was buried where the parking lot of Pea Soup Andersen’s Hotel is now located. His body was later moved to Oak Hill Cemetery, in Ballard. In 1992 the town of Buellton became an incorporated city.

   The president of the VCOA, Lee Cordner, was the principal coordinator of this event. Volvo 1800 expert, and author of Swedish Iron, Bill Webb took responsibility for the Concours and the requisite judging. Past concours masters winner Art Banks assisted in judging masters entrants. In all over a 100 Volvos from vintage to new were displayed and judged.

   Reports from those that attended was that Volvo Cars of North America had less of a presence compared with past events. Vintage Volvo parts supplier Swedish Classics of Oxford, Maryland, was a cosponsor.