Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts from across the country will be gathering in Ohio this May for Gemutlichkeit 2011 – four days of fun, action, Concours, plus track and driving events. For 2011 we will be celebrating the 125th anniversary of Mercedes-Benz Automobiles and the 50th anniversary of the Western Reserve Section of MBCA. We will also have a special celebration, held at the beautiful Kingwood Center Gardens in Mansfield, Ohio where we will be honoring the SL “sport leicht” and all six SL generations, including the 190SL, 300SL, the W113 “Pagoda”, the w107 “Panzerwagen”, the R129 and more.
If you’ve never been to an MBCA National Event, Gemutlichkeit 2011 is the one to attend. Your host this year is the Western Reserve Section of MBCA, which has a reputation for dynamic events and activities that appeal to both veterans and first timers alike.
Join us on Friday, May 20th for a private reception hosted by Mansfield Motor Group, the local Mercedes-Benz dealer and sponsor of the defensive driving and autocross events. Things kick into gear on Saturday, May 21, with a very special Concours d’Elegance recognizing 125 Years of the Automobile and also featuring the Six Generations of the SL at the Kingwood Estate, followed by a welcome reception at the Richland Carousel Park. Driving events commence on Sunday, May 22 with defensive driving practice, autocross, and a Road Rallye. The evening concludes with the Concours Banquet. There will be plenty of social time to make new friends and get reacquainted with old friends.
On Monday and Tuesday, May 23 and 24, participants will have the exclusive opportunity to attend the MBCA special performance driving school, on site at the world-renowned Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Mansfield, Ohio. This is your chance to participate in time trials and acceleration runs on the track in your SL, or other favorite Mercedes-Benz model, new or old. Remember that you can register to attend just the days or events that fit your schedule and travel plans.
Never driven on a track before? No problem – our MBCA team of experienced instructors will guide you every step of the way to help you learn the course and the performance characteristics of your Mercedes-Benz. Be warned however: It is contagious! Once you try it, you’ll be looking to attend other National Driving Events.
Not ready to try the track yet? There will be plenty of exciting and interesting activities during the event for you to enjoy. We expect a great turnout of SLs and a diverse cross-section of classic, modern classic and new Mercedes-Benz models taking part in the Concours d’elegance. Compete on style, or enter for fun and sharing, as there will be both judged and display-only classes (all years and all models welcome). In addition there is the MBCA Road Rallye, covering the back roads and rolling hills of Ohio farm country. Plus many other gatherings, receptions, local tours and activities, plus time to mingle and enjoy the sites, including the Kingwood estate and gardens.
And what about that word? “Gemutlichkeit” is the name of one of the oldest MBCA National Events, with a history dating back to 1958. The name was used to describe those early events, roughly translated from German as “good times with friends”. And so it has been ever since.
Complete registration information is available here.