ALAN CROSS

RO - North West MRC Pontons (W105/120/121/128/180)

I joined the Club in 1988 when I bought my 250SL Pagoda after seeking guidance from the North West Regional Organizer, Brian Beck. He urged me on to buy the car and I eventually found out that he already had a 230SL in the same colour. That was the start of my association with Mercedes-Benz. I first took on the role of North West Regional Officer around 2001 when Gordon Peck stood down as he was heavily involved with the Club’s 50th Anniversary. I have coordinated our attendance at numerous events within the region on and off ever since. Our main event has always been at Tatton Park when we traditionally had over 45 cars on display each day at the two shows staged in the year. In addition to attending car shows I have arranged special days at several local dealerships, visits to transport museums, numerous lunches at well known restaurants, and had monthly pub meets which have regularly attracted 40 or more members, some travelling quite a distance to join our friendly group. I hope to carry on looking after the region in my third term of office. I became the owner of my Ponton Cabriolet in 2007 having purchased it from Michael Lavers of Silver Arrows fame. In my first year of ownership we took it on the famous Ponton Rally to Wetzlar which was not without incident as the battery charging system gave problems. However , we did return home under our own power. Since that time it has appeared at many events in the UK and at classic events in Germany. I collected the trophy for the Longest Distance Travelled on a few occasions until I insisted they award it to someone at least from mainland Europe. Over the years I’ve made several modifications including fitting seat belts, electric power steering, alternator replacing dynamo and regulator, electric fan, electronic ignition, hazard warning system, rear fog lights, new carpets and refurbished the starter motor. During our regular visits to Techno Classica in Essen I have built up a comprehensive list of suppliers of parts for these older models and I can usually point owners in the right direction to obtain spares for these rare cars. I have also built up a reasonable library of relevant books and manuals for these models. Within the Club we do have some real experts on the mechanics of these cars who are able to offer their assistance when required.
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