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Club Events & News
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Next Club Event!
Lets celebrate Saab's aircraft heritage with a visit to the Museum of Flight in Seattle on January 9th, 2010.
We have arranged a group tour with group pricing. The tour will be of the Great Gallery and the Red Barn and will last around an hour. After the tour we will have lunch in the museum's Wings Cafe and after lunch it's time to explore more museum exhibits such as the Concorde and Air Force One which are parked outside in the museum's airpark. There also is a Personal Courage wing and Space exhibits to view. The museum is open from 10:00 to 5:00 and the airpark closes at 3:30.
I recommend arriving early to get started on all the sights this world class museum has to offer. Here is what you need to do to join us on the tour and to get the group pricing. When you enter the museum stop at the front desk and state that you are with the Northwest Saab Owners Club and you will be asked to pay $13.00 cash per adult for the museum admission. Please note that CASH will be required in order for us to get the group pricing. The tour will start from the front desk at 11:00. If you arrive early please return to the front desk for the tour at 11:00.
Museum of Flight
9404 East Marginal Way S.
Seattle, WA 98108-4097
Phone: 206.764.5720
http://www.museumofflight.org/
Dan Morley
Most Recent Club Event!
Our 509er once again returned to Goldendale and the Maryhill Museum for a car show on the lawn of the museum on Saturday, September 26th..This was the 5th year that our club has attended and shown cars at this event. If it wasn't a special event we would not return. The Saturday concours car show was again held on the lawn of the Maryhill Museum overlooking the Columbia Gorge.
At one point we had 7 Saabs in our area... This year there were close to 150 cars in attendance for this annual event.
Other NWSOC members arrived and conversed, but did not "show" their cars...
Several of us were a bit surprised that we did not see any Volvos represented this year. Of course, there were many, many gorgeous restored vehicles and a couple of very cool "barn finds" waiting to be restored - or not!
As is our usual NWSOC "custom" for this event, when it ended, we all drove to the Stonehenge replica a couple of miles south and posed...
All in all, another great event -- and it is well worth the drive to participate each year!
Upcoming Club Event!
Our 509er will once again return to Goldendale and the Maryhill Museum for a car show on the lawn of the museum Saturday and Sunday is the Maryhill Loops Hillclimb race for vintage cars. The dates are September 26th and 27th.This will be the 5th year that our club has attended and shown cars at this event. If it wasn't a special event we would not return. The Saturday concours car show is held on the lawn of the Maryhill Museum overlooking the Columbia Gorge. There is also an exceptional dinner Saturday afternoon outside on the museum grounds.
The recommended motel this year is Quality Inn and Suites, Goldendale, Washington. www.choicehotels.com and type Goldendale in the search box or call 509 773 5881. We also have members that camp out at the nearby state campground. See link below. IMPORTANT, motel space is limited please book now if you plan on attending.
After the dinner Saturday we will stop for a photo shoot at the Stonehenge replica. Our motel is only 4 miles from Goldendale Observatory State Park, so lets make plans on stopping and doing a bit of star gazing. Six to eight vintage Saabs are expected to enter the car show. Let me know if you are interested in showing your vintage Saab and we will save a spot for you and your car. Also many members with newer cars were spectators at the car show last year. Hope you can make it one or both days.
http://www.parks.wa.gov/parks/?selectedpark=Maryhill
http://www.parks.wa.gov/parks/?selectedpark=Goldendale%20Observatory
Below is from the Sovern web site:
The crisp and warm September weather is perfect for a Hillclimb on the Columbia River when SOVREN holds one of the finest vintage hillclimb events of the nation at Goldendale, WA. This event, the Maryhill Loops Hillclimb, is an annual event with approximately 40 pre-1970 racecars that have been restored to mint condition. This race is highlighted as it is one of the few genuine hillclimbs on one of the world’s most spectacular hills on the first paved highway constructed in Washington state almost a century ago. This course is featured in many car commercials and offers countless scenic viewing spots. Spectators will have the chance to view a variety of rare cars from the past including Porsches, Lotuses, Alfa Romeos, Corvettes, Austin Healeys and many more.
A concours car show is on the grounds of the Maryhill Museum on Saturday, and a special highlight occurs at noon when the race cars drive in to the car show in a thundering arrival. Racing will take place from 8:30a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday on the historic Maryhill Loops Road 4 miles west of the Maryhill Museum and near the Stone Henge replica . The car show on Saturday is free for spectators and tickets for the Hill Climb on Sunday may be purchased at the gate
Dan Morley
Antique Powerland car show
Saturday, August 1st, 2009
Weather was great albeit a tad warm for the event this year... Much smaller turnout of Saabs/members though. We had 4 cars: Dan Morley & his 99, Ray & Pat Kopczynski & their 96, John Collins with his 99 & "48," & Cliff Johannsen & his rally-prepped 96. Judy Berriman & Kevin Striclov showed up with their Saab too, but since it wasn't at least 25 years old, they couildn't have it in the "show" per se.
About 4:00pm we all followed John Collins for an interesting drive back to his place in Jefferson where we again had buffalo barbecue, corn on the cob, potato salad, watermelon, ice cream, sodas & beer. If that sounds good - you're correct. Iit was! part of our "tour" back had us crossing the Willamette River on a very small, very old ferry -- that will hold 4 cars only. Dan went across first and took pictures of the rest of us making the crossing. This old & dilapidated ferry is slated to be replace within a year to the tune of $3,000,000. Your tax dollars at work! :-)
The Northwest Vintage Car and Motorcycle Museum at Antique Powerland in Brooks, Oregon (just morth of Salem) is once again having a car show during the "Great Oregon Steam-up" on Saturday August 1st. We have participated each year of this car show and had 10 Saabs in the show last year. The Steam-up is a huge antique tractor and machinery show and to be a part of it showing off a collector car is lots of fun. They have a new 3 acre grass show field built just for car shows. The car show is open to cars 25 years old and older. Showing a car gets you and a passenger into the steam-up for free. Normal admission for the steam-up is $8.00. No charge to show a car. They request that all show cars must be in place by 9:30 and remain in place until at least 3:30. If you do not have a car to show please join us anyway, just walk in, we always have extra chairs if you want to sit a spell and join us for the dinner after the show. Added bonus this year, an 18 piece big band will give a concert in the Gazebo from 2 to 4 pm. Free, however donations to the band would be greatly appreciated to help defer expenses.
Since old cars and tractors is sort of a guy thing, last year we put together a Saturday afternoon wine tour for the ladies or anyone not interested in spending all day at Antique Powerland. Several did go on this tour, but most said it was not needed and staying the day at Antique Powerland would be acceptable to all. There also is a large swap meet going on and in addition to rusty iron there also are antique and collectibles to be had.
After the days events at Antique Powerland we will have once again been invited to John Collin's place in Jefferson Oregon for a BBQ'd Buffalo picnic ---Buffalo from Emons meats in Corvallis, some Corn, some salads, some desert and all the fixings that go along with a BBQ -- A good bunch of SAAB fanatics, Good stories, great cars and a fine time to be had by all
We're asking for a $7.00 donation to Help cover costs of the BBQ and that you bring your own beverage of choice -- John will have Ice Tea, Water, Coffee, and an Cooler of Ice --SOOOO-- come out and join us------ Bring us your SAAB, your SAAB Stories, and your appetite, It should be a great time, hope to see you there...
John usually has some interesting cars at his Saab repair shop and of course there is Rod Beckner's Saab wrecking yard right next door.
2 years ago several of us went down Friday afternoon and visited the Evergreen Aviation Museum in McMinnville Oregon, home of the spruce goose. This is a recommend visit and is not far from Antique Powerland.
RSVP required for the dinner and/or the car show to Dan at blue69sonett@yahoo.com
The recommended hotel for those attending the car show at Antique Powerland is the:
Best Western Black Bear Inn
1600 Motor Ct NE
Salem, Oregon, 97301-1801
Phone: 503/581-1559
Toll Free 877-594-1110
Several scenic drive options Sunday morning for those returning to the north. 2 years ago we attempted to stop at Larch Mountain, but as we were nearing we could see that it was in thee cloulds. We then decided to visit Multnomah Falls instead. So depending on the interest and the weather we may once again try to visit Larch Mountain in Oregon, above the Columbia Gorge and where one can view Mount Hood, Mount Adams, Mount Jefferson, Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens.
Larch Mountain http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larch_Mountain
EvergreeAviationon Museum http://www.sprucegoose.org/
Antique Powerland http://www.antiquepowerland.com/index.html
Best Western motels www.bestwestern.com
Dan Morley
July 11th & 12th, Portland Historic Races PIR Portland, OR.
It was great weather, great cars, and great conversation this past weekend in Portland! We had 20+ Saabs show up and we totally FILLED the small area allotted to our club!
Cliff Johannsen brought his 100% restored Sonett race car AND his rally-prepped 96. --Parked right next to the Ankeny rally-prepped 96. LOTS of good comments from passers-by...
As normal each year, any of us could (and most did) take a 2-lap spin around the Portland Internationa Raceway as part of our club. In above picture, Bob Dorste is getting folks to sign away their life in case of an accident...
Above: Club president Dan Morley and his Saab 95 with 1961 "Trailerboat" garnered the corral award this year.
After the races on Saturday, many of us caravanned over to Atomicauto on Sandy Blvd. to see Travis Deckers' new shop and Saab sales location. Huge building still in process of being filled with cars, etc., but it's obvious Travis is getting his venture up an running well! Thanks Travis for hosting all of us afterwards!
THE major event of the year is coming up this summer: "SOC09"
It is the national Saab Owners Convention -- to be held @ Copper Mountain resort in Colorado during August. Yes -- It is uncommon for the SOCs to be held in or west of the Rockies! The SOC09 official site is available to peruse. Reservations for the event itself are now open[!] from their web site.NWSOC is putting together a formal "caravan" of SAABs to attend the event this year.
We have already had a great deal of interest in joining/participating and having FUN! This will be a "leisurely" trip that has all caravan-participants meeting in Bend, OR on Sunday evening, August 9th for the 1st overnight (or on Monday morning at a designated location TBD) -- finishing on Thursday afternoon in Copper Mountain for the Fri.-Sat.-Sun. Saab convention. Everyone will be "on their own" for route & time-frame to return home.
Two maps are provided here to show our planned route. (Right-click & save to your PC to see full-size view.)
Map-1
Map-2
Lunch stops are planned. "Side trips" are probably planned as we get closer -- such as "Speed Week" happening at Bonneville Salt Flats near Wendover, UT. Also Moab & Arches National Monument are also on the caravan route.
Club President Dan Morley has made the reservations for 10 rooms as per the itinerary below. All nights are at Super 8. Confirmation will take several business days. As soon as we get confirmation we will do another group email with the revised itinerary and request folks let us know who may be interested. Rates vary by location but are in the $68-$75 range +10-12% tax. We can help facilate pairing up single same sex travelers wishing to share a room. Cancellations also vary by location and range from 2 weeks to 24 hours. If we do not get all 10 rooms the cost will be the next best available rate. A list of guests is required at each motel in advance. the NWSOC club debit-card is to hold rooms only and guests will pay each night. No other discounts apply to group rates. I asked for half the rooms with one bed and half with 2 beds, all are non smoking.
Current stops are as follows:
NWSOC Caravan to SOC09
Motel reservations are now being made (rooms being "held" via Club debit card.). We will all pay for rooms individually upon arrival each night if staying in motels. At this time, we do hope to be able to get together for dinners & breakfast to line out upcoming days' itinerary, etc.
Also, at this time, everyone will be on their own for the return trip home. Maybe later we will look into a "caravan" back. Some folks may wish to attend the 5-day "Tour The Rockies" event for 5 days immediately following the convention.
Sunday night, August 9th -- all meet in Bend, OR from wherever we are coming in from...
· Group breakfast NLT 8:00am
· Leave Bend NLT 9:00am!
· Stop for lunch in Lakeview, OR (~175 miles)
· Dinner in Winnemucca, NV (~212 miles)
Monday night, August 10th -- in Winnemucca, NV:
· Group breakfast NLT 8:00am
· Leave Winnemucca NLT 9:00am!
· Stop for lunch in Wells, NV (~175 miles)
· Head toward Salt Lake City via Wendover, UT -- Some folks may wish to head to Speedweek @ Bonneville for a few hours at this point.
· Others may wish to continue on to dinner in Salt Lake City, UT (~185 miles)
Tuesday night, August 11th -- in Salt Lake City:
· Group breakfast NLT 8:00am
· Leave Salt Lake City NLT 9:00am!
· Stop for lunch in Green River, UT (~183 miles)
· Head south to Moab, Arches Nat'l Park, and end up in Grand Junction, CO (~150 miles)
Wednesday night, August 12th -- in Grand Junction, CO:
· Group breakfast NLT 8:00am
· Leave Grand Junction, CO NLT 9:00am!
· Drive final leg to SOC09 @ Copper Mountain, CO (~170 miles)
· Check in, wash cars, and start having fun!
Thursday night, August 13th -- at Copper Mountain, CO & SOC09
If you are serious in joining & partcipating, contact Ray Kopczynski to get your rooms reserved with the group.
ANNUAL MEETING and Picnic!
Saturday, May 30th, Poulsbo, WA11:00am to 3:00pm
We had a great[!] meeting this past Saturday and Ingvar Carlsons' place just outside of Poulsbo, WA. 25+ Saabs showed up with their drivers & owners, etc.
MUCH good convrsation followed amongst NWSOC people and others there.
After the morning doings, we held our annual meeting. After handing out copies to all interested folks, we approved the by-laws revisions and then had Treasurer's report. We're doing fine, but do need to maintain members and engage new ones where possible.
Nominations for club board members were then solicited. (No one new stepped up to the plate.) The club's current board was then re-elected for another year. As per the new by-laws. nominations for club officers came from the elected boardf members. As with the board, your current officers all retained their positions.
Then it was on to the raffle the club held -- LOTS of goodies were given away!
All in all, another great club picnic -- this year combined with our annual meeting.
Ray Kopczynski - VP
Results and pictures from theFebruary 15th, 2009 “Swedish Car Cruise-In!" .
First I would like to thanks those who helped make this event possible and those who I was able to coerce into helping during the show. Also would like to thank the Saab sponsors, Scanwest Auto Sports and R&H Garage. Also McCann Motors for the new 9-3 Aero X-wheel drive that was on display. Also the good folks at the XXX Drive-in who not only were gracious hosts but also donated some gifts.
Here are the peoples choice award winners which all received a nice wall plaque plus the gifts noted:
1st place Saab: Kaylan Morley and her 1997 9000 Aero. $50 gift certificate from Scanwest and unique Saab grill emblem paper weight from R& H Garage.
2nd place Saab: Arron Eldredge and his C900 convertible. $35 gift certificate and key chain from Scanwest.
3rd place Saab: Dan Morley and his 1972 95 and 1961 Trailorboat camp trailer. XXX hamburger.
Oldest Saab award went to Ingvar Carlson and his 1960 93. Car care kit from XXX Drive-in.
Longest distance drive went to Tom Holt and his 9000 Aero who drove in from WallaWalla. T-shirt from XXX Drive-in.
Rough count was 50 Saabs and 100 Volvos. We increased the number of Saabs in attendance this year by about 1/3, way to go! More Volvos as well but not the increase in numbers that we saw.
Thanks to Mark Jeter for the nicely done 9 minute video which catches the spirit of the event:
Also some pictures from Dan Comden:
Dan Morley
February 15th, 2009 “Swedish Car Cruise-In”.
Volvo and Saab Clubs will meet for the 3rd annual “Swedish Car Cruise-In” at the 1930 original Pacific Northwest XXX Root Beer Drive-in at Issaquah, Washington, for President’s Day weekend on Sunday 11 to 3 pm.
Volvo and Saab Clubs will meet again for a fun day and the “People’s Choice” awards for the “Best Swedish Iron” for both Volvo and Saab cars showing that day. The first years attendance was 38 Volvos and 26 Saabs, last year saw 70 Volvos and 27 Saabs. Come on folks let's get some more Saabs out there this year! Invite your Saab friends to bring their cars!
This year’s meet will be larger so please arrive early for parking again just east of the XXX Drive-In restaurant in the Virginia - Mason Hospital Parking lot before 11:00 AM. Last year’s 2008 car show winners may show, but not be eligible for 2009 awards. Open to all Swedish cars, lets try to get more Saabs than Volvos this year!
Directions:
I-90 east to the Front Street Exit 17 toward E Lake Sammamish Parkway SE.
Take the Front Street ramp toward City Center, stay straight to go onto Front St N.
Turn left onto NE Dogwood St.
Turn left onto NE Gilman Blvd. 98 NE Gilman Blvd.
XXX phone # 425 392 1266. This is one of the 2 reamaining XXX Drive-ins left in the world. No rain on this date for the last 3 years.
For an interesting history of this drive-in.
Menu and car shows schedule
Dan Morley
Sunday October 19th 509er
Sunday October 19 proved to be a great day weather wise for our club's annual "509er" trip to Eastern Washington and fall foliage tour. We had 21 for lunch at Ellensburg's Red Horse Diner for lunch before heading off to Whiskey Dick Mountain and a tour of the Wild Horse Wind Farm.
The real scale of these wind turbines is hard to visualize -- until you get close!
For more info on the wind farm: Wild Horse Wind Farm
Dan Morley.
The Wild Horse Wind Farm Renewable Energy Center is the destination of this year's509er tour. The wind farm is perched on a ridge top between Ellensburg and the Columbia River. After lunch at the Red Horse Diner in Ellensburg, we will drive up to the Renewable Energy Center on the ridge top for a renewable energy presentation by PSE and a wind turbine tour, along with a NWSOC meeting. From the visitors center, on a clear day you can see from the Cascade Crest to Moses Lake. Oh, yeah it can be windy (imagine that...) so bring a coat. And the darn road up to the visitors center kind of winds around a bit; speed limit 20 mph (Kaylan, this applies to you too :) ).
We will meet at Ellensburg's Red Horse Diner at 11 am for lunch beforeproceeding the last 18 miles to the wind farm. The Red Horse Diner has auto-themed decorations from old gas stations, including the old Flying A stations (which used a red Pegasus horse for their logo).
Those folks coming from the west on I-90 can meet up in North Bend at McDonalds between 9:00 and 9:30 and caravan across the pass to the Red Horse Diner. We will we leaving at 9:30.
Directions to McDonalds:
North Bend, I-90 Exit 31 (North Bend exit),
Enter roundabout (new this spring), go under interstate,
Turn right at first light, Mcd's is on the right
Directions to Red Horse Diner:
take I-90 to Exit 106
Head towards town on University Way (past Dairy Queen) The Red Horse Diner is on the right just past the overpass.
Red Horse Diner
1518 W University Way
Ellensburg
925-1956
We'll be gathering there at 11 am, Sunday Oct 19th.
Directions to the Wind Farm:
Continue on University Way through Ellensburg and another 17 miles or so up to the top of the ridge...
University Way becomes Vantage Highway.
The Renewable Energy Center is on the left, a mile or 3 up the hill.
Wild Horse Windfarm
25901 Vantage Highway
Check http://www.pse.com for more info.
Th-th-that's all Fokes!
Dan Morley
2008 "Steam-up" & Buffalo Barbecue
Saturday, August 2nd, NWSOC had a get-together near Brooks, OR (just north of Salem) for our clubs' 2nd gig at the annual Powerland "Steam-up."
Great weather after the clouds cleared off - light breeze, lots of people, and lots of Saabs!
Photo courtesy of John Collins
Your club vice-president Ray Kopczynski & president Dan Morley are shown presenting a $250 club-donation to the Powerland folks to help them with their building fund for a car museum already being constructed on the grounds.
While the car show was going on, a few of the ladies left and toured a couple of the wineries in the area - while en route to the buffalo barbecue to be held later that afternoon at John Collin's Saab shop/home in Jefferson, OR.
At the end of the show, 7 of us did a road-trip "caravan" of about 50 miles from Powerland through Brooks, Mt. Angel, Silverton, Stayton, Scio, and ending at Jefferson around 5:45pm.
Most of our group also then went next door to Rod Beckner's Saab place and walked around the wrecking yard that holds many-many(!) Saabs -- from vintage to new. Some folks found parts they couldn't live without!
We finished the event with a group photo -- 25 Saab folks enjoying a good day!
Photo courtesy of John Collins
2008 Baxter Historic Races at Portland International Raceway
Saturday-Sunday, July 12 & 13 was fabulous weather, good company, beautiful Saabs (old & new) - and great conversations all day -- and into the evening at Bob Dorstes' home in Scapoose. This is turning into a very nice annual gig for the club!
While the weather was on the warm side (It's July!), it was even hotter on the tarmac where two vintage Saabs were racing throughout the day. Paul Perry from SoCal was up for his annual trek-racing and Alisa Cook was there in her light blue Sonett. This years event focus was "Women in Racing," so she was a natural!
Sunday, had Gary Small with a Turbo-X Sport Combi, Dan Morely, the 2 Andy's, Bob Powell with the NG900 vert, and Richard Hansen with his 99. Your club president won Saturday's "corral-judging" for his gorgeous 99.
We had a total of 19 Saabs in our "corral" at one point. One of the best showings we've had in several years! Kudos to Bob Dorste for managing the process by which we all acquired the discounted tickets.
Dinner at 6872' - Crystal Mountain
Crystal Mountain is once again offering the sunset dinners on the summit. Our club last did a sunset dinner on August 19th 2006 and everyone wanted to return the next year.In 2007 the Summit House restaurant was remodeled and no sunset dinners were offered.
They have returned this summer, but at a substantial price increase. The cost in 2006 was $59.00 including tax and tip. This year the dinners are $79.00 PLUS tax and tip. the dinners this year include desert, where the 2006 dinners desert was extra. Both costs include the chair lift rides. The restaurant is at 6,872' altitude and requires 2 chair lift rides to reach the summit.
Do to the price increase the club is not planning on making a club or dinner event this year, but we felt that some members would like to be informed and may chose to do the dinner on their own. It also is noted that some may chose to have dinner with other club members. So we are recommending that anyone interested in attend a sunset dinner with the possibility that other NWSOC members may be present, make their reservations for the Saturday August 16th 8:00 seating. Once you have made your reservations with the mountain if you email our club president Dan Morley, he will put the folks together that have made reservations. Once again this is a recommended dinner, but not hosted by us.
Details can be found at Crystal Mountain or call 360 663 3098 or 360 663 3003. Space is limited.
Annual Meeting at LeMay Auto Museum in Spanaway, WA
Overcast and humid weather greeted the NWSOC attendees for the 2008 annual meeting. 20-25 folks showed up driving newer Saabs to 2-stroke Saabs. Even a member driving (ahem) a Porsche arrived...
Many great raffle/door prizes were given away and I believe no one went away hungry -- due to all of the goodies brought to share. Several folks took tours around the museum grounds in an old Ford Model-T and others stayed after the general meeting to take a formal museum tour.
All current NWSOC officers agreed to extend their tours... Pat Kopczynski of Albany, OR was nominated for and accepted position as an incoming board member -- and Secretary of NWSOC. We are still actively looking for another board member.
Maryhill Museum & Car Show
For 2008, the event was changed from the normal last weekend in Sept., to Fathers' Day weekend - June 14th & 15. Regardless, there was still a mighty Swedish contingent represented again! Their total car participation was down about a third (Date change? Gas prices?), but the weather was fantastic!
We had at least 9 Saabs there from a Monte Carlo V4 (very rare) to Cliff Johannsens rally-prepped 96... A great time was had by all who attended -- even Frederik the Peacock who was roaming the grounds!
Afterwards, several folks made the regualr excursion to the Stonehenge replica memorial gor additional photos and chat...
Annual PICNIC at Dan Morleys in Gig Harbor!
Saturday May 31st join us for the annual picnic at the Morley's homestead. OK so I am still a bit behind on upkeep on the house, but have completed a car project or 2 and recently bought a vintage trailer to tow behind my 95, so come and check out the collection and changes. Starts at 11:00, lunch around 1:00 followed by a meeting. As usual bring your lunch and per NWSOC tradition a desert to share. We always get at least 20 cars so plan on talking about your Saab and checking out other members cars. Haven't planed a group drive or anything afterwards, but I am thinking of having a sale of used Saab parts as the shop is too full of stuff. Call for directions 253 858 1615.Heads up!
Just got the below message from Bob Dorste regarding Northwest Saab Owners Club participation in the Portland Historic Races July 12th and 13th. This is a great event and I highly recommend it. Vintage race cars on the track and in the pits to look at, lots of collector cars in the club corrals and the opportunity to take your car on a lap of the track during the racers lunch break. We usually get together for dinner Saturday night at and may be invited to Bob's "new" home which has undergone a major renovation, and his new shop. I believe that the car corrals are open to all years and models, so bring your 95 or 9-5. You can reach Bob at the email below or via snail mail.
vintagesaabs@comcast.net wrote:
Dan,
The races are July 12 - 13 this year.
Ticket packages are $45 for car + two people for both days.
All basics are same as last year.
Feature this year is women of motorsports
Ticket deadline is June 1.
I have a new mailing address:
Bob Dorste
33470 Chinook Plaza
Box 158
Scappoose, OR 97056
2008 Meeting & car show @ Maryhill Musemum ("509er")
The dates for the Maryhill car show/hill climb race have been moved from the fall this year to June 14th and 15th. Since our annual 509er has always been in the fall we are going to consider this just another event and we may have a traditional 509er in the fall. This will be the 4th year that our club has attended and shown cars at this event. If it wasn't a special event we would not return. The Saturday concours car show is held on the lawn of the Maryhill Museum overlooking the Columbia Gorge. There is also a dinner Saturday afternoon outside on the museum grounds. Last year the entree was Fillet Mignon.
The recommended motel this year is Quality Inn and Suites, Goldendale, Washington. The rates start at $76.49. www.choicehotels.com and type Goldendale in the search box or call 509 773 5881. We also have members that camp out at the nearby state campground. See link below. IMPORTANT, motel space is limited please book now if you plan on attending. Also the state park may be busier than in the past since the event is now during the summer season.
After the dinner Saturday we will stop for a photo shoot at the Stonehenge replica. Our motel is only 4 miles from Goldendale Observatory State Park, so lets make plans on stopping and doing a bit of star gazing. There may be a group drive leaving from Auburn and traveling over Chinook Pass. Please contact me if you want to join a group drive and I'll see what we can set up. Six to eight vintage Saabs are expected to enter the car show. Let me know if you are interested and we will save a spot for you and your car. Many members were spectators at the car show last year. Hope you can make it one or both days.
Maryhill Hill Climb At Goldendale Washington The warm and sunny June weather is perfect for a Hillclimb on the Columbia River when SOVREN holds one of the finest vintage hillclimb events of the nation at Goldendale, WA. This event, the Maryhill Loops Hillclimb, is an annual event with approximately 40 pre-1970 racecars that have been restored to mint condition. This race is highlighted as it is one of the few genuine hillclimbs on one of the world’s most spectacular hills on the first paved highway constructed in Washington state almost a century ago. This course is featured in many car commercials and offers countless scenic viewing spots. Spectators will have the chance to view a variety of rare cars from the past including Porsches, Lotuses, Alfa Romeos, Corvettes, Austin Healeys and many more.
A concours car show is on the grounds of the Maryhill Museum on Saturday, and a special highlight occurs at noon when the race cars drive in to the car show in a thundering arrival. Racing will take place from 8:30a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday on the historic Maryhill Loops Road 4 miles west of the Maryhill Museum and near the Stone Henge replica . The car show on Saturday is free for spectators and tickets for the Hill Climb on Sunday may be purchased at the gate.
2007 "509er" is coming up!
NWOC's Annual 509er will be September 29th and 30th. We will be returning to the Maryhill Museum again for a car show and dinner Saturday and a hill climb race on Sunday.
The recommended motel this year is Quality Inn and Suites, Goldendale, Washington. Their Internet rates start at $89.99. This is up just over $20.00 from last year. www.choicehotels.com and type Goldendale in the search box or call 509 773 5881. Be sure to select "Internet user rates" in the drop down menu in the select rate program.
After the dinner Saturday we will stop for a photo shoot at the Stonehenge replica. Our motel is only 4 miles from Goldendale Observatory State Park, so lets make plans on stopping and doing a bit of star gazing.
As for the races on Sunday you may find us at the top of the hill. Shuttle buses run up the course to several spectator spots. We decided last year that watching at the top was the best. There may be a group drive leaving from Auburn and traveling over Chinook Pass and stopping for lunch or dinner in Yakima. Please contact me if you want to join a group drive and I'll see what we can set up. I will be showing a car Saturday and will be heading over Friday afternoon. Several years ago a group went over Saturday morning, so if your interested in a caravan, contact me and I'll try to hook folks up. We had 6 or 7 Saabs in the cars show last year. Let me know if you are interested and we will save a spot for you and your car. Many of us were spectators at the car show, so you're welcome to come and enjoy the show and have dinner even if you are not showing a car. Hope you can make it one or both days. $15 entry fee for the show, day of show and $12.00 pre registered, see our web site for a entry form if you want to pre register. No charge to spectators at the car show. Dinner on site at Maryhill at 4:00 is $15.00
Maryhill Hill Climb at Goldendale Washington
The hot Indian summer weather is perfect for a Hillclimb on the Columbia River and SOVREN holds one of the finest hillclimb events of the nation at Goldendale Washington as the racing season ends. This event, the Maryhill Hillclimb, is an annual event with approximately 50 pre-1970 racecars that have been restored to mint condition. This race is highlighted as it is one of the few genuine hillclimbs on one of the worlds most spectacular hills. This course is featured in many car commercials and offers countless scenic viewing spots. Spectators will have the chance to view a variety of rare cars from the past including Porsches, Lotuses, Alfa Romeos, Corvettes, Austin Healeys, and many more. A concourse car show is on the grounds of the MaryHill Museum on Saturday and Racing will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets may be purchased at the gate. Adults are $8 per person, children 7 to 16 are $5, and children 6 and under are free.
For more info contact Dan Morley via email: president@nwsoc.org
or by phone: (253) 858 1615
Dan Morley
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New from your club president: Dan Morley
A great 2+ days for Saab folks! On Friday, August 3rd, as the Washington contingent was coming down from points north, I was driving up from Albany, OR. I met Dan Morley, Dennis Lin, and Kevin Striclov at McMenamin's pub/restaurant/hotel in McMinnville, OR and had a good lunch "on the roof." After lunch, we drove out the Evergreen Museum, which houses the "Spruce Goose," SR-71, etc. We saw another Saab 9000 already there and wondered if it was another member who arrived before we did. (We were running late...)
As we were wandering around, we saw Rod Beckner -- owner of the Saab wrecking yard we were going to "tour" on Saturday evening as part of the planned buffalo-barbecue at John Collins' place in Jefferson, OR.
We all had a great tour and saw many very historic planes & items. The museum closed at 5:00pm and that's when we caravanned over to Salem.
Some of us headed home, some headed to points north to stay overnight -- in anticipation of the following day's festivities in Brooks for the "Antique Powerland" gig and in Jefferson for the evening barbecue.
Saturday morning, I hooked up with John Collins & Bill Richardson to make a "mini-caravan" to Brooks. John had his 99+48, Bill had his 96, and I had my Sonett. Even had a few "honks" by cars passing us en route. We arrived just at the deadline to get in "free" for the car show. Drove down a loooong road (this place is huge!) lined with antique steam-powered machinery, dealers, swap-meet folks, etc. -- plus LOTS more farther off the main road! All the cars for show are at the back-corner of the place, and we have a great contingent representing our marque! Many, many people came by throughout the day and it was great fun to talk with them about Saabs in general. Several Saabers show up for the show -- who were unable to make it to the museum yesterday. Steam tractors were driving "around" us and several thousand people were there throughout the day!
Car show event finished by 3:30pm so several of us headed down to Jefferson. Some folks were not going to be attending the barbecue, so we all said our goodbyes and took off. I "detoured" home to pick up the pre-made buffalo barbecue for the festivities. Most folks had already gathered by the time I arrived -- including some local-area Saab folks. We had some "snacks," started the meat heating, the corn-on-the-cob cooking, and then ambled over to the wrecking yard next door. (Kind of an adrenalin-shot for most of us who like to snoop in/around old Saabs!) Rod & John were kind enough to allow us to take our time (over an hour) and even acquire some parts that were easy to remove/transport. Thanks Rod!
We then went back to John's shop, had some great buffalo-barbecue with all the trimmings, wonderful conversations, etc. As before, different folks went different ways to spend the night...
Sunday morning, some of them headed up to rendezvous outside of Portland to drive/caravan a scenic road to Larch Mtn. Turns out -- it was in the clouds, so itinerary changed to a run up to Multnomah Falls -- always a great destination there!
I'd like to believe, we could add this multi-day "event" to our regular calendar going forward. Time will tell!
Ray Kopczynski
The next Northwest Saab Owners Club event is a car show at Antique Powerland in Brooks Oregon (around 30 miles south of Portland), during the "Great Oregon Steam-up". This will consist of a group drive on Friday August 3rd to the Evergreen Aviation Museum in McMinville Oregon, home of the Spruce Goose. Leisurely drive after, including a small ferry boat ride across the Willamite River, past Antique Powerland to I5 and hotels and dinner Friday night. Car show Saturday August 4th at Antique Powerland during the "Great Oregon Steam-up" for cars 25 years and older. Those entering a car in the show get 2 free steam-up tickets and the car show is free entry and no preregistration required. Those driving newer cars are welcome to attend the Steam-up and visit us at the show. Saturday night will be a barbecue dinner featuring Buffalo sandwiches and salads at John Collin's place in Jefferson Oregon. John's place is next to Rod Beckner's Saab wrecking yard and we have been promised a private tour.
About the Steam-up and Antique Powerland: "Powerland presently encompasses 14 additional museums and heritage organizations operating in partnership dedicated to the preservation, restoration and demonstration of steam powered equipment, antique farm machinery and implements." This has been expanded to include electric trolleys, antique trucks and more. The Steam-up is the big event of the year to showcase all of the museums collections and including operating steam, gas and oil tractors, threshing, bailing and binding, blacksmithing, operating steam powered sawmill, tractor pulls and much more.
Flier on the Car Showcar show:
In summary:
This is a multi faceted event starting with a group drive from the Seattle/Tacoma area, visiting an aviation museum Friday afternoon, car show and lots of stuff to do and see Saturday followed by a buffalo barbecue dinner. In addition Sunday morning those of us heading north I have a short scenic drive planned to a scenic outlook near Portland. Details are still being worked out regarding lodging and I need a RSVP for those planning on the barbecue dinner Saturday night. Cost of the Saturday night dinner is $5.00 per person. Interested in the group drive? Send me an email and I will set up the meeting stops and times. Expecting to leave the Tacoma area 9 or 10ish Friday morning and can stop in Olympia or where ever as required.
Dan Morley
Phone (253 858 1615)
Saturday June 23rd is our annual meeting and will be held again at the LeMay Museum in the Parkland/Spanaway area, just south of Tacoma.
This will be an important meeting as several officer and board member positions will be open, so please try to attend and help to shape the direction the club will be headed in the coming years.
Those not familiar with the LeMay collection may want to check out their web site for details, but in a nutshell, it is the largest private vehicle collection in the world and is a very eclectic collection of cars and trucks. You will be able to see a Mesersmit 3 wheel bubble top micro car, a Tucker, a jet engine powered 32 Ford roadster and hundreds of others. http://www.lemaymuseum.org/
The grounds will be open at 10:00 and volunteers will be need to set up for the picnic and meeting tables, so feel free to arrive early and help setup or just get a good parking spot. We will be able to display our cars on the lawn outside the main museum building. If you want to sell Saab parts out of your trunk, bring them along.
Starts at 10:00 with a museum update at 12:00 followed by lunch and meeting. Tour of the museum at 2:00. Tour takes approximately 2 hours and includes viewing 400+ vehicles from the largest privately owned collection in the world Guests are welcome, but will need to pay $10.00 if they wish to tour the museum. No charge for paid up NWSOC members. We will again have the popular raffle of items donated by club supporters, and if you have an item you would like to donate please bring it along. We still have some SOC04 shirts and caps and will have these available for sale. We also have several boxes of collector auto and truck sales brochures that will be for sale. These include '57 Chevys and '57 T Birds, DKWs, Jaguar, and etc. Items not sold will be put on ebay to help support the club.
Here are the directions:
From I5 around 5 miles south of downtown Tacoma take the Puyallup/Mt. Rainier exit (Exit 127). This will put you on Highway 512, heading east toward Puyallup.
Take the Pacific Avenue exit and at the light take a right You will be heading south on Pacific Avenue to 152nd Street East/Military Road. The Military Road sign is only 5' off the ground and hard to see. Jack in the box on right corner and 76 station on left.
Take a left (east) on 152nd/Military Road, go approximately Ľ mile turn left at LeMay collection tours sign, this sign is beneath a larger "Spana-Park" Senior Center sign. Enter gate and we will be parking on the grass off to the right.
423 East 152nd Tacoma, Washington.
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Pictures Please
We are alway looking for good Saab pictures for posting on this site. If you have a picture of an NWSOC event or just an excellent picture of your car you would like to see on the site, please e-mail the picture(s) to webmaster@nwsoc.org.
Input?
Now is the time to suggest events and activities you would like to attend. The club is a member driven organization. If you have an idea you would like to share send a mail to vp@nwsoc.org or president@nwsoc.org.