Winner: 1st Place Pre-War class, Greystone Mansion Concours d’Elegance in Beverly Hills Owners: Raffi and Lauren Cohen 1936 Rolls-Royce Phantom III (3BU200) TheThe PetersenPetersen MuseumMuseum –– FebruaryFebruary 20th20th
VOLUME 52 ISSUE 2 FEBRUARY 2016 February
Tour the New Petersen Automotive Museum By Diane Cerveny
In the fall of 2014, the Petersen Automotive Museum was closed for a “Grand Transformation” and what a transformation it turned out to be! The museum was massively changed outside and stripped down to the studs on the inside for a totally new look. The Petersen just reopened in December, 2015 and this is 2016 Regional Officers our opportunity to tour the new Chairperson Karen Perrault building and exhibits. Vice Chairperson Larry Ewaska Treasurer Howard Green The new Petersen Museum was designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox Secretary Carolyn Quadt 562 598-7028 Associates, following the wishes of the Petersen. They wanted the building to inspire motion and flow and incorporate the color red, which has inspired many race cars. They settled on the building being red surrounded by ribbons Appointed Positions of stainless steel flowing around the existing structure. It has definitely made a Chief Judge Dave Dwoskin statement along Miracle Mile. Technical Chairperson Ronny Shaver Membership Chairperson Pierre Lemieux First, our group will be taking a “Highlights” tour where we will be introduced Awards Chairperson Gary Cerveny to all of the new halls and exhibits. Then we will be given an architectural tour Newsletter Editor Dori Oisen Hospitality Chairperson Joan Hugron to learn about the design, planning and execution of the new look. Our group Cell: (949) 439-0465 is honored to have Leslie Kendall – the Petersen’s well-known curator – guiding Marketing/Advertising Gene TowIe our tour. We will also be viewing the new exhibits of French Bodied Rolling Directory Editor Karen Perrault Sculptures, Bond Cars, Alternative Power Cars and the spectacular “Silver Webmaster Steve Power-Fardy Bodied” cars - there is something for everyone!! Archivist Diane Cerveny Bylaws, Policies, Procedures After our tours and some free time to explore your favorite new spots, we will be taking a short drive down Wilshire to “The Stinking Rose - The Garlic 2016 Board of Directors Restaurant” for a sumptuous lunch. We will be dining on Bagna Calda (garlic Charles Bivens Paul Dailey cloves oven-roasted in olive oil), with their excellent house rolls, Stinking Rose Fulton Haight Betty Green House Salad and a choice of entree – Forty Clove Garlic Chicken, Italian Meat Dori Olsen Bill Sundin Loaf, Neon Ravioli or Lasagna. This will be followed by their house-made Willy Hugron Ronny Shaver Kustard Ice Kream. Anne Vogel After lunch, you may revisit the Petersen if you want more time to view the exhibits. This is included in the price of the event. Editorial Staff Editor: Dori Olsen Don’t miss this special opportunity for a first chance visit to see Los Cell Phone: (424) 644-5987 Angeles’ premier automotive museum – The New Petersen. [email protected] Please reference RROC in the subject line when sending an email Date: February 20, 2016 to the editor. Do not send any material or photos that carry a copyright. It is our policy not to publish copyrighted material. Time: 9:30 a.m. – tours start at 10 a.m. Place: The Petersen Automotive Museum, 6060 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA The Spirit of Ecstasy is published monthly, approximately Diane and Gary Cerveny (818) 597-1977 two weeks after the meet. Articles and notices should be Hosts: received no later than the 15th of the month prior. Please Cost: $79.00 identify cars (with chassis numbers) and individuals in all photographs. Private party advertisements for RSVP Deadline: February 14, 2016 Rolls-Royce/Bentley sales, wanted items, parts, lost and found, or information will be published for members at no Due to the high demand to tour the new Museum, this event is limited charge. For car sales, include chassis number and asking to the first 60 members who make a reservation. Please note: we haveto price. Photos will be published at a nominal charge. Non-member advertising will be accepted at published let the museum know our attendance by FEBRUARY 14th. THIS IS A HARD rates. Display advertising is accepted, at the discretion of DEADLINE so please plan ahead to have your reservation to Howard and Betty the Editor, for business card, 1/4, 1/2, or full page insertions Green by that date so that you won’t be disappointed. in increments of three, six or twelve months. Advertisements are published as a courtesy to the membership. The Southern Directions: Going North or South on the 405 Freeway, transition to the I-10 California Region and its Editor(s) do not assume responsibility Freeway East towards Los Angeles. Exit at Fairfax Ave – Exit 7B - and turn left. in the event of a claim of loss or damage resulting from publication. Members are responsible for investigating any The Museum is 1.97 miles on your right at Wilshire Blvd. The parking structure advertising claims prior to entering into an agreement with is a right turn before Wilshire. If you need additional directions, please call an advertiser. Please contact the Editor(s) for information Diane Cerveny. or published rates. Articles reflect the opinion of the authors and do not necessarily reflect national or regional policy. The Parking: For Members driving a Rolls-Royce or Bentley automobile the Southern California Region and its Editor(s) seek to publish accurate material but neither assumes responsibility in the parking is free of charge. If you bring your “other” car, the parking charge in the event of a claim of loss or damage resulting from publication. Museum’s parking structure is $12.00. The organization is under the control of the National RROC.
FEBRUARY 2016 2016 February 6 Tech Meet Host: Ronny Shaver 20 The Petersen Museum and Vault Host: Diane Cerveny March 5 Tech Meet Chairlady’s Corner Host: Ronny Shaver Dear fellow Rolls-Royce and Bentley lovers: April I hope that you all enjoyed your very busy holiday season 2 Tech Meet and now that the New Year is in full swing, you are settling Host: Ronny Shaver down to a normal pace, whatever that normal pace might be for you. My pace has been travel, travel, travel and the photo above was taken in Norway. 16 Board Meeting
I am extremely pleased with our new Board of Directors Hosts: Paul and Evvie Dailey for 2016 and I would like you all to meet them. To make sure that you will be able to recognize them at upcoming events, I have made sure that the entire board has a royal blue name badge. So if you see that name badge, remember that May person is one of the 2016 Board of Directors and they want 7 Tech Meet to know how you think we are doing. If you have an idea for an upcoming event, let one of us know. We would love to hear Host: Ronny Shaver from you. 14 43rd Concours d’Elegance at Santa Anita Park I thank all of you that came to our January Luau. I Host: Nancy Ratinoff know you were pleased with the lovely Polynesian dancer and the food was excellent. I was so pleased to have so many of 23 – 30 Show Me Missouri Tour the award winners attend and receive their trophies. There were very special trophies for the event hosts and remember, Host: Mid America Region if you volunteer to help host an event in 2016 you may receive a nice trophy this time next year. We had a fabulous time and for those who weren’t able to attend, we missed you. June This month we have an invitation to visit the newly remodeled Petersen Museum. February 20th will be the day 4 Tech Meet we walk across the threshold and see what is new at the Host: Ronny Shaver Petersen. I am excited, and I hope that you are too. We currently don’t have any events scheduled for March or April 12 San Marino Motor Classic but remember, May 14th is our annual Concours d’Elegance. This will be our 43rd concours in a row. This is something that Hosts: Dennis and Liz Kneir no other region can claim and we are very proud of this fact. So we would like to have each and every member of our region come and show off their PMC. Please remember that you do not have to have a Pebble Beach Masterpiece and your chances July for winning a trophy are better than you might think. So bring your project car, your “not quite done restoration”, or 9 Tech Meet whatever Rolls-Royce or Bentley, no matter its condition, to Host: Ronny Shaver the Santa Anita Racetrack and put it on display. Remember, it does not have to be judged. Many of the winning cars are 31 – August 4 RROC 65th National Meet featured on the cover of The Spirit of Ecstasy throughout the year and I would really like to see yours be one of them. And while you’re there, you might want to become a member of one of the judging teams. It’s fun and a great way to learn more August about our beautiful PMCs. 6 Tech Meet Just a reminder: if you haven’t paid your RROC dues for Host: Ronny Shaver 2016, you may want to do so soon. Members who don’t renew will be deleted from the mailing list and won’t receive future TBA Board Meeting issues of the newsletter. We really want to keep all of our wonderful members so if you haven’t renewed, please take a moment to do so now.
I think 2016 will be a great year for all of us and I hope September you think the same. Keep driving those beautiful PMCs and be safe and careful. 3 Tech Meet Host: Ronny Shaver Thanks for being a member of RROC So Cal!
Karen
RROC-SOCAL.COM FEBRUARY 2016 on July 24, 1972 and the car was retained by his widow Cheryl The Cover Story Holdridge Reventlow Post. For some years the magnificent car By Raffi and Lauren Cohen was exhibited in the Briggs Cunningham Museum in Costa Mesa, California.
Cheryl Post listed the car for sale in the September 1994 issue of the RROC magazine The Flying Lady as follows:
Close coupled; ebony black with beige leather and whipcord; commissioned by Countess Barbara Hutton Reventlow; 1 of 6 built [Note: this is not true – the car is of a unique design]; well maintained; exhibited at Briggs Cunningham Museum.
Raffi and Lauren’s elegant Rolls-Royce Phantom III, Thrupp & Maberly, Chassis Number 3BU200, with its distinguished lineage, won first place in the Pre-War class at the prestigious Greystone Mansion Concours d’Elegance in Beverly Hills.
Rolls-Royce Phantom III, Thrupp & Maberly, Chassis No. 3BU200
3BU200 came off test at the Derby factory on March 4, 1937. It was fitted with engine Y98D and with steering at the low F rake. It was set up for use in Europe and the UK, mostly for town work and occasional touring. Non-standard items were a 17¾ inch steering wheel, headlamps dipping vertically and a dummy hub at the rear for carriage of the spare wheel. The bonnet was fitted with louvres angled at 15½°. The chassis cost £1,526 (approximately $2,763.00), a 20% discount on the standard price of £1,900.
The chassis had been ordered on December 8, 1936 by Rootes Ltd. It was delivered to coachbuilder Thrupp & Maberly, which was owned by Rootes, from the Rolls-Royce London depot at Lillie Hall. Thrupp & Maberly built a saloon with division on the chassis, to their drawing SLF.1242 and body number 6620. It was finished in maroon cellulose. The car was very similar in design to 3AZ96, Thrupp & Maberly drawing SLF.1159/C.
On May 7, 1937 3BU200, registered DXV300, was delivered to its first owner, the distinguished Woolworth heiress Barbara Woolworth Hutton, who was at the time Countess Haugwitz- Hardenberg-Reventlow. It was delivered to Winfield, the home that she had built at Regents Park, London W2. This building is now the official residence of the United States Ambassador.
The Countess’ husband, Count Curt Ludwig Heinrich Eberhard Georg von Haugwitz-Hardenberg-Reventlow was from Denmark, and the couple maintained a home in Denmark at Brahetrolleborg Castle. It was the Count that owned 3AZ96, the car that was very similar in design to 3BU200.
3BU200 was pictured in the prominent London social magazine The Tatler on June 23, 1937. Barbara Hutton was the heiress to her grandfather Frank Winfield Woolworth’s immense fortune. She married the Count in 1935, the year that she divorced her first husband, Prince Alexis Mdivani. Hutton and the Count separated in July 1939 and divorced in March 1941. She also previously owned Rolls-Royce Phantom II, 33WJ, a Weymann of Paris coupé, whose first owner was writer Ernest Hemingway.
The Countess retained the car in Paris from 1954 until July 1957. During that time she married the handsome actor Cary Grant (1942 – 1945), Prince Igor Troubetskoy (1947 – 1951), Porfiro Rubirosa (1953 – 1954), and Baron Gottfried von Cramm.
In July, 1957 the then Baroness von Cramm gave the car to her son by the Count, Lance Reventlow, a race car driver who took the car to the United States. Born in 1936, he died in a plane crash
FEBRUARY 2016 From the 2015 Concours [email protected] Tel: (818) 710-8131 Tom Announcing WInner Fax: (818) 710-8130
THOMAS H. WARDEN Attorney At Law
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Concours Toast
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104 DAYS UNTIL THE CONCOURS
Leading the Parade
Coming Through the Gate James Costa Ernest Johnson Laguna Beach Newport Beach Susan Winton Keith Fraser Los Angeles Pasadena Robert McElroy Anaheim
FEBRUARY 2016 5 come from overseas and there is always a risk we might not receive The 43rd Annual Concours them on time. Typically, the Concours host arranges for the trophies d’Elegance - May 14, 2016 but the Awards Chairperson may assist or take over the function. Planning and Executing the Concours Judging is a critical component of the Concours. The Chief Judge By Dori Olsen generally solicits volunteer judges beginning in January or February and must ensure that there are enough judges to judge 14 classes This will be our 43rd annual Concours d’Elegance and the Rolls- of PMCs with three judges per team. Each team has a team captain Royce Owners’ Club, Southern California Region has never missed who is an experienced judge and acts as mentor for the other team a year. We are the only region in the nation that can make that claim. judges. In assigning judges to judging teams, the Chief Judge needs For those of you who have attended the Concours in the past, it to be sure that there is no conflict of interest between the judge and probably seems that it is a well-oiled machine that goes off without his own PMC. There is generally a judging seminar conducted a a hitch. Nothing could be further from the truth. The purpose of this month or two prior to the Concours that is conducted by the Chief article is to let the membership know what is really involved with Judge and the Technical Chairman. Dave Dwoskin is the Chief putting on this one day event. Judge this year. If you are interested in judging you can contact him at [email protected] The first and most important part is establishing a date and securing the venue. We have used Santa Anita Park and Racetrack And of course, the Concours must be promoted; how else will in recent years because their field layout is excellent for our purposes. anyone know about it and when it will be held. Newsletter articles In determining the date, it is necessary to take into consideration are written over the course of several months, encouraging members when Easter falls, the anticipated weather, competing events that to participate. Email blasts are sent periodically to remind members may impact participation and other events scheduled at Santa Anita about the Concours. Members are highly encouraged to get their on the desired date. At the time the contract is executed, we must reservations in promptly. also guarantee a certain number of attendees. The final count must be given to Santa Anita approximately two weeks before the event. And now the culmination of months of planning – the big day An unlimited number of attendees can be added but the original arrives! guaranteed count can only be reduced by 10% - otherwise the club will be charged. A deposit is required at the time that the contract is On the day before the Concours, the Chief Judge and members submitted and RROC National must be contacted for a Certificate of who are assisting go to Santa Anita to plan the layout of the car Liability. classes and hang sponsor signs. They measure the amount of space needed for each class based on the attendance sheet and put up the Once the date has been established, the venue, field layout and stanchions that separate each class. The class signs are actually luncheon menu are discussed with the Santa Anita representative. put up the morning of the Concours. Any equipment needed for Santa Anita has changed ownership and management five times the next day can be taken to Santa Anita the preceding day and since we have been having our Concours there, so many times stored. The host and Chief Judge generally bring four truckloads of we need to start at the beginning again with our representative. supplies. Working with the Chief Judge, the current host must review Arrangements are made for all required amenities and field equipment and discuss the current car classes. The host needs to contact Santa that include the tables and chairs, umbrellas, tablecloths, PA system, Anita so they can prepare the proper car class signs. The judges’ tent racing forms, podium with riser, signs for the car classes, admission is not owned by the club and it needs to be ordered a year in advance. and free parking tickets. The shade tents where members sit during It is delivered and assembled the day before the Concours. the awards presentation are owned by the club and are stored by members. A group photo and naming of a race after the club may be On the day of the event, approximately eight cars with equipment requested. and set-up people need to enter the field at 7:00 a.m. and run around like maniacs. Hopefully all of the field equipment is in place! Many So far, so good. Now the only things to worry about are trophies, times the layout is wrong and the host needs to call our representative raffle prizes, sponsor contributions (especially from Mothers®, which multiple times to change it. The goody bags are delivered to the has been extremely generous with us), items for the goody bags, check-in people at the entrance of Santa Anita. The signs are placed participation ribbons, hats for the judges, People’s Choice ballots, a on the stanchions, the trophies arranged on the tables, the buckets ballot box that needs to be constructed, car placards and information of Mothers® products are put on display, the raffle prizes arranged cards, signage and sponsor banners. Simple, right. The requests for on the tables, more sponsor signs hung, doughnuts and coffee sponsor participation usually begin going out at least nine months for the helpers and judges obtained and a gazillion miscellaneous before the Concours. Then there are many follow-up requests and things such as judging sheets on clipboards with pencils for each hopefully, thank you letters. Nancy Ratinoff, a frequent host of the judging team captain. At least 4 volunteers are needed to direct the Concours and the member who has hosted the Concours the most participants to the proper area of the field for their class. Volunteers times in our region, typically sends about 150 donation requests over are needed to check people in at the entrance, give directions and the course of the preceding months, beginning in the summer after distribute the goody bags. As many volunteers as possible are the prior year’s Concours. needed to help set up the morning of the event. The Chief Judge and his volunteers must arrive early to prepare for their participation. And Assuming the donation requests are successful, the host needs all of this must be accomplished within a very specific and limited to go to Huntington Beach to pick up the merchandise from Mothers® time frame because the horses rule at Santa Anita. No access to that they graciously donate. This includes the 5-gallon buckets with or set up of the field is allowed when the horses are on the track for product that we award to the class and special award winners and practice, so as not to scare or spook the magnificent thoroughbreds. samples for the goody bags. Then the buckets need to be assembled The host could not accomplish all of this without the help of the Chief and the goody bags need to be packed and labeled and the correct Judge and the members who so willingly volunteer. admissions tickets and other important paperwork needs to go in the bags. AND NO MATTER HOW ORGANIZED YOU THINK THINGS ARE, EVERYTHING GETS CRAZY THE MORNING OF THE EVENT. Trophies must be selected for each class, working within a prescribed budget of course and the host needs to work with a All of this hard work is well worth it so that our amazing members graphic artist to design the artwork for the trophies. Enough time can display their magnificent cars and be rewarded for their effort. must be allowed for the construction and pickup of the trophies. Our So plan on bringing your PMC and your family and friends and join trophy source is one of the busiest in California and he needs to be us at this fabulous event! called multiple times to be sure everything is on track. Our trophies
6 FEBRUARY 2016 RROC-SOCAL.COM Everything “Old” is “New” again. by Steve Power-Fardy
Way back in 2014, I wrote an article for the newsletter about the California DMV considering the issuance of vintage-style California license plates. This was great news for classic auto enthusiasts that wanted the “legacy” plate on their car instead of the new current year/ modern design plates. The three designs the DMV was looking at were the yellow plate with black letters issued from 1956 to 1962, the black plate with yellow letters issued from 1963 to 1969 and the blue plate with yellow letters issued from 1970 to 1982. If the minimum number of 7,500 pre-orders for any of the plate designs was received with a $50 deposit fee by the program cut-off date of Jan. 1, 2015, the DMV would commence production on that particular plate design. The new vehicle legacy plate with the raised “CALIFORNIA” Well, good news for anyone wanting to get a black plate with lettering. And you get a hint of the reflectorized paint with the the yellow lettering (1963-1969). Enough orders were received and camera flash. the plates are already on the street. Perhaps you have seen a few on cars zooming by you and wondered how a new 2016 black and yellow Lamborghini could get a near-matching black and yellow California license plate. Well now you know. I wanted the plates for my car because it is a 1965 Silver Cloud. And if he had been registered in California at that time, this is what my car would have looked like.
The California issued plate for my car in August 2010. Notice the painted California script text. Well, I was summoned to the DMV to come and collect my plates a few months ago. And they are not entirely the way they would Madera Concepts have been if I was picking them up over the counter in 1965. (And I swear that there was a guy there at the DMV still standing in line Automotive Woodwork Restoration from 1965.) Specialists Since 1982 You see, the plates do look like the classic plates at a glance but they are not painted in the same glossy solid black and yellow colors of those bygone years. According to a pesky California or is it a U.S. Department of Transportation law that just won’t budge, all plates REFINISHING that are now manufactured have to be painted with “reflectorized” paint. Which means in broad daylight (when I usually drive anyway) the plates look spot on. But at night, when headlights hit the plates, REVENEERING they have that “sparkly reflectory” effect of new plates and highway safety signs. REPAIR But everything else is cool. They have the raised letters in CALIFORNIA and look impressive. I suppose if you were a real stickler you could sand down the www.maderaconcepts.com plate and paint it in the era-correct non-reflective black and yellow. And I believe there are even license plate restoration companies at car swap meets that will do this for you. (They are very careful to Call 805-962-1579 stay within the law and not actually manufacture any license plates). [email protected] But, for me, I have way too many other things ahead of this on my car restore/repair/replace to-do list. It can wait. And besides, safety first. 55 - B Depot Road To find out more about getting legacy plates for your car go the DMV website. www.dmv.ca.gov And if I can’t sell you on getting some Goleta, CA 93117 legacy plates, perhaps I can interest you in getting some historical vehicle plates for your car. I never knew it was that easy to qualify for them. At this rate, I could end up being a regular customer at the DMV. FEBRUARY 2016 7
Silver Cloud Tire Sidewall Problems by Ronny Shaver, Technical Chairman
The Silver Cloud series were originally supplied with bias-ply tires and there are many people who would never fit anything but original type tires on their Silver Clouds, no matter how quickly the tires wear out or how much the cars love to follow grooves and The hubcaps were the chrome plated type and were pretty beat-up cracks on modern highways. I am not one of these people. I prefer so I proceeded to “modify” them. The first step was to take them to a the security and better road handling of radial tires. Fortunately belt sander and knock down the thick lip on the back side. for collectors these days, many options of vintage looking tires that (see below.) have radial design are available. The majority of American old car collectors also seem to prefer wide white wall tires to give their cars that old style look of earlier years.
Many of my Silver Cloud clients have had these installed on their cars and while servicing these cars I have noticed a growing number of the cars experiencing some potentially dangerous tire sidewall cutting. This condition is caused by the hubcaps fitting so tight to the wheel that the outer edge actually cuts into the tire sidewall. What As one can see, the outer edge has been sanded almost flat. happens is the radial tires will have a noticeable bulge at sidewall The next step was to take a flat file and clean the edges to remove where the tire meets the ground and the tight fitting hubcaps will flashing and sharp edges. After the edge was clean and smooth the touch the tire at this bulge and gradually wear the rubber sidewall straightening process began. I was able to bring the outer edge up away. This mostly seems to happen on some but not all brands of by using a flat surface to lay the edge on, in this case an anvil, and white-wall radials. Some have a significant additional thickness at while holding the opposite edge of the hubcap against my belt at a the white portion of the sidewall. The most recommended size of higher level than the anvil, I used a hammer with a wooden block in radial tires is 235/70 15, but I recommend the 225/75 15 tire to help the low section of the cap between the painted ring and the outside alleviate this dangerous condition. rim, then tapped slowly and patiently around the cap to lift the edge away from contacting the tire when installed. The best way to modify An important note is that the Silver Clouds came with two types the caps is to first remove the painted rings, then have a chrome of hubcaps, the stainless steel and the chrome plated mild steel plating shop strip the chrome plating, then perform the grinding/ versions. The stainless type don’t usually cause any issues since straightening process, check fit and finally have the caps re-plated. the outer edge is flat while the chrome plated ones have a rolled This set of caps was pretty beat up so my repairs were still a great edge comes right up to the tire. See photo below: improvement without going through the re-plating process. Check the next photo to see tire clearance:
After adding some silver paint to protect the bare metal on the backside the caps were re-installed.
The most obvious symptom for this condition are crooked tire valve stems. The valve stems can be pushed to the side by the hubcaps rotating on the wheel. Of course a loose hubcap can cause this also so to check, lightly bang the cap with the palm of the hand As one can see, the outer edge rolls in towards the tire to see if the cap is loose. If the cap is tight then stick a magnet on approximately 1/8” reducing the clearance significantly. Another the shiny part of the cap to see if the cap is steel; stainless caps will factor is many old hubcaps have been pried and banged over the not react to the magnet. If they are steel, remove them and look for years causing additional problems with clearance. white rubber bits accumulated on the inside edge of the cap along with a groove in the tire sidewall that matches the outer edge of I recently had a client who ordered a set of 225/75 15 wide the hubcap. Check the condition of the tire sidewall to determine if whitewall radials that I had mounted and balanced. When I installed replacement is in order. the first hubcap I, saw that there was zero clearance between the tire and the cap. The cap actually left a mark on the new tire. See Thank you for the questions and keep them coming. Please send next photo: your questions to Ronny at [email protected].
Happy Motoring! Ronny
8 FEBRUARY 2016 RROC-SOCAL.COM IN MEMORIAM CHARLES VINCENT LA ROCCO May 25, 1926 – January 8, 2016
Charles (Chuck) La Rocco was born to Phillip James and Carmel Ann La Rocco in Melrose Park, IL and was raised in Bellwood, IL and the suburbs of Chicago, IL. After high school graduation he went right into the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was stationed on the USS Shields, a destroyer in the South China Sea, until it was decommissioned in 1946. He graduated from the University of Illinois in 1950.
Chuck went to work at Consultants & Designers in Chicago after college. He stayed with the same company that was subsequently bought by several other companies and that eventually became Exhibitgroup Chicago, and was finally owned by Greyhound Corporation. They designed, manufactured and installed trade show exhibits and museum exhibits and installations. In 1970 Chuck was sent to California to assist with the installation of the Jacques Cousteau Exhibit on the Queen Mary in Long Beach. This resulted in his being appointed President of Exhibitgroup, Los Angeles. He moved to California in 1971, settling in La Canada Flintridge. Chuck retired in the early 1980’s, but not for long; he then started C. V. La Rocco & Associates to service many of his long- time clients with their trade show needs. He finally retired and moved to Paso Robles in 1990 where he lived for thirteen years. One final move brought him to Palm Springs in 2004.
Chuck was pre-deceased by his wife of 21 years, Jacqueline Willis La Rocco, in 1985. He is survived by his partner of 32 years, Joel T. Cutler. They were finally able to be legally married in California three years ago. Chuck is also survived by his sister Marilyn Graunke and her husband, Norbert of Huntley, Il and their three children: niece Eileen Koonce (and her sons) grandnephews Adam and Aaron Koonce of Vista, CA; niece Sharon Graunke and nephew Eric Granuke and his partner Dawn Odoi, in Illinois.
Chuck was a great lover of automobiles. He owned many and was involved in numerous car clubs, both locally and nationally. To name a few: The Buick Club of America, Rolls-Royce Owners Club, Classic Car Club of America, Antique Auto Club of America, MG Club and Great Autos of Yesteryear.
He will be cremated and his ashes interred in the family crypt/ mausoleum at Queen of Heaven Cemetery and Mausoleums in Hillside, IL. Services and/or a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Chuck was the RROC Southern California Region Chairman in 1982 and was a member of our region for 29 years. He was the sponsor of the Jacqueline La Rocco perpetual trophy that is awarded annually to the member that drives their 6 cylinder Rolls-Royce or Bentley to the most events during the calendar year.
Our sincere condolences to Joel and to Chuck’s family. He will be terribly missed.
FEBRUARY 2016 9 Embodying the distinctive Monster colour scheme of red RROC So Cal Badges and black within the cabin, Mulliner’s capabilities and skills are showcased by the Hotspur Continental GT V8 S Beluga hide and Do you want a new look for 2016? Do you need a new badge? steering rim colour selections. Based on the Monster logo, Mulliner Here is the cost and directions on how to order a new badge. created a unique 3D laser-etched fascia panel designed exclusively for this vehicle, perfectly complementing the Piano Black finish. The Black or Red with white letters and pin back: $7.00 each Continental GT V8 S also features the Monster motto: “Always Lead, Black or Red with white letters and magnetic back: $12.00 each Never Follow™” and “Monster by Mulliner” headrest embroidery. Wood tone with pin back: $9.00 each Wood tone with magnetic back: $15.00 each While the interior boasts high quality sound and extraordinary details, the exterior exudes a stunning colour scheme and intricate Please contact Karen Perrault at (310)639-5722 or by email at flourishes. Its Onyx exterior coloured paint is highlighted with Hotspur [email protected] to order any new badges. Or you can drop a note accents including a unique body kit and radiator shell bezel. Along to Karen at 18 Outrider Road, Rolling Hills, CA 90274. Please with red brake calipers and a gloss black polished wheel, the black include what address you would like your new badge mailed to. bonnet vents are also stylized. This vehicle also includes the GT Design Seat by Mulliner. There’s even a special compartment that houses Monster’s Newest 24K gold wireless headphone—keeping Be on the Lookout! it ready for mobile use anytime one is away from the car. Do you like games? Do you have an eagle eye? Head Monster Noel Lee noted: “Monster is proud to collaborate with Bentley on bringing the sound and look of a Monster ride As a promotion for our fantastic 43rd annual Concours to those who want something bold and different. With our Pure d’Elegance on May 14th, a tiny black and white Happy Face will be Monster Sound system, the drive will be truly incredible and brings hidden in the March, April and May issues of The Spirit of Ecstasy. a new level of excitement to the driving experience. That’s why this It could be anywhere in the newsletter so look carefully! The first collaboration for the Continental GT V8 S is such a perfect fit. Our member each month to call or email the newsletter editor Dori Olsen Monster motto ‘Always Lead Never Follow’ has never been more with the location of the Happy Face in the newsletter will win a prize! appropriately applied than in association with this impeccably A total of three exciting prizes will be awarded! designed automobile.” Please call Dori at (424) 644-5987 and leave your name, phone Geoff Dowding, Director of Mulliner, said: “The inspiration for number and the location of the Happy Face or send an email to this Mulliner commission came from a meeting with Monster’s [email protected] Each winner will be contacted and their CEO Noel Lee at Pebble Beach in 2015, where we exchanged prize will be mailed to them. business cards. The card contained several brand details, such as the Monster-pattern design and the red, black and silver colour Good luck! scheme. It was the ideal starting point from which to create this incredible vehicle.” BENTLEY AND MONSTER DEBUT “MONSTER Mulliner – Rare by Design BY MULLINER” CONTINENTAL GT V8 S Mulliner exists to respond to the requirements of Bentley’s most FEATURING PURE MONSTER SOUND AT discerning customers. The specialist division’s Limited Editions CES 2016 IN LAS VEGAS Jan 6, 2016 reflect carefully chosen and inspirational themes. Individually • Handcrafted by Bentley’s Mulliner Division and inspired by these might have special significance for customers in specific Monster markets, but what they all share is the highest standards of Mulliner craftsmanship – taking the concept of Bentley luxury and pushing • Spectacular limited production vehicle designed to appeal to it even further. young professional athletes and musicians ABOUT MONSTER (Crewe / Las Vegas, NV, January 6 2016) Monster, high-performance For the past 35 years, Monster® has been a catalyst for innovation audio manufacturer, has teamed up with Bentley Motors’ bespoke and big ideas. Because the Music Matters is the company’s coach-building division, Mulliner, to create a stunning and uniquely slogan, bringing incredible sound to audio and music aficionados Monster-inspired “Monster by Mulliner,” which makes its debut all over the world. Most recent developments of the Beats by Dr. at CES 2016. The show-stopping Bentley Continental GT V8 S, Dre headphone line, and Monster’s own line of high performance which reflects Monster’s attitude of “Always Lead, Never Follow,” is headphones have revolutionized how young people listen to music. designed to appeal to the target market of young professionals and Monster now brings that to the driving experience as well. movers and shakers in sports and music. The “Monster by Mulliner” (Excerpted from a press release from Bentley Motors) Continental GT V8 S is a bespoke vehicle that will inspire those who want a ride with a bold look and incredible audio performance designed by Monster. 2016 Region Dues
Monster’s latest innovations in audio technology bring the As a reminder, if you wish to receive the region newsletter The power of today’s music into this Bentley’s luxurious cabin. All Spirit of Ecstasy only by electronic means, you are eligible for a genres of music, including Hip Hop, rap, EDM and Rock, will be $15.00 credit toward the cost of the first event that you attend in heard with new ears via this custom sound system not available in 2016 or a $15.00 refund. any production car in the world. A total of 16 hand selected Monster speakers, personally tuned by Head Monster Noel Lee, deliver If you wish to take advantage of this offer, please contact Karen 3,400-watt of awe-inspiring Pure Monster Sound—the company’s Perrault at (310) 639-5722 or by email to [email protected]. The signature audio profile. deadline for this request is February 15th.
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