Pagoda SL Group
W113 Pagoda SL Group => Events => Topic started by: mdsalemi on September 30, 2025, 14:47:19
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PagodaFest went according to plan.
On Thursday afternoon, members started arriving and by early evening into our happy hour (with provided appetizers) most had arrived. New friends were made, old friends re-acquainted. Some immediate issues with some cars were identified and our member and resident technician/engineer/mechanic, Pedro Campuzano, plans were made for repairs.
Friday morning we met in our dedicated conference room for breakfast at 8 AM, and we discussed the drive. But, before that the Blount County mayor came by to welcome us all to Blount County and Eastern Tennessee, a nice touch and welcome. We went over the driving of the day, which in the morning was the Cherohala Skyway from Tellico Plains TN to Robbinsville NC. Outside or Robbinsville we stopped for our barbecue lunch at the Historic Tapoco Tavern. The weather was so nice at this point, many chose to sit outside on the patio. Also at the tavern was the Porsche 914 club. We shortly got on our way to the Tail of the Dragon, a famous stretch of Route 129 with 318 turns in 11 miles, another great drive. On these drives those without their own Pagoda were given a seat in one and many shared driving so that everyone could enjoy the experience.
Most arrived back at the hotel before 5 PM, the start of our happy hour and appetizers once again. One car needed to be towed back, but that was eventually repaired by Pedro. Dinner was at 7 PM in our conference room, and after dinner people hung out around the fire pit outside.
Saturday, breakfast was at 8 AM and tech sessions began. We started with Chuck Taylor discussing very early 230SLs, one of his passions. We moved onto Ray Hays discussing 5-speed options today, getting into good detail with his and other experiences. Chuck came back on and went through the linkage tour, eventually moving outside to look at two cars. One was pretty spot on, the other pretty out of spec but was corrected in the process that everyone could see. Finally, our guest lecturer George Murphy came and provided a presentation on caring for your aging Pagoda. At the conclusion of these presentations, lunch was served and then we went on the Foothills Parkway drive, and that was arguably more spectacular that the day before, without much challenge but rich with beauty. A new member arrived with his new to him Pagoda, not drivable because of an oil leak. Pedro got that fixed and the car drove the Foothills, along with his 11 year old son who soaked it all up!
We returned to the hotel for happy hour and appetizers followed by dinner. Again, after dinner and around the fire, friendships were made and rekindled. Hoods were open, cars repaired, parts and knowledge exchanged. Pagoda group members at their best.
We all met again on Sunday morning for breakfast at 8 AM, but shortly thereafter most began their departure, and as they say, another one in the books.
One idea discussed around the fire, was PagodaFest 2027...and a location in the west was offered. I don't want to jump the gun but we're going to try hard to make it happen. It will be spectacular!
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Well done and thanks for the reviews.... now for some pictures...
Peter
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https://xtremesportsphotography.photoreflect.com/store/Photos.aspx?e=14668354&g=0QAK054V0K&gf=false&page=0&r=1 (https://xtremesportsphotography.photoreflect.com/store/Photos.aspx?e=14668354&g=0QAK054V0K&gf=false&page=0&r=1)
This link is to one of the roadside photographers photos- there were two or three photographers on the short 11 mile route. The photos are organized by Make, but time stamp is another way to see them.
Most pagodas traveled this path from about 1:50pm onwards.
Thanks to the Organizers- it’s a lot of work and it’s much appreciated.
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Well done and thanks for the reviews.... now for some pictures...
Peter
Martijn has the most copious amount of photos of all things we did.
But here are a few.
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I am very interested in any information regarding the first two cars in picture entitled "On the Cherohala.jpg " as they appear to possibly be DB571 Rot Met, the color of my car. who are they etc...
JB
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The first car is mine, 568G Signal Red.
Second car is Bill Taylor from Cincinnati.
Third car is Mark Roter “Iconic” from Illinois.
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To all who made this event possible, thank you for such a great and fun event. This was mine and my wife's first Pagoda event. We totally enjoyed ourselves. Also, a special thanks to all the presenters, I definitely learned a few new things about our special cars.
Mark
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Looked Great! Sorry I couldn't make it. Thanks to the planners and participants for making it happen.
Mike Mizesko
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What a fantastic event! Thanks for all the photos! Loved looking at them all.
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John, the first car is mine and is indeed 571 with parchment interior. 1968 Euro 280sl and I have owned it for about 15 years. This was taken after my car received a "linkage tour" adjustment by Chuck Taylor, assisted by Pedro, and I could tell a difference in the way it idled and responded during the drive.
James (Eddie) Black
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I am always interested in any cars DB571. Mine is a Germany market 230SL with "antique yellow leather interior" Always looking for a mate
JB
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Looks like a nice meeting! ;D
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More pictures
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Hands-on linkage tour by Chuck Taylor
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Scenic view of Smoky Mountains
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Thanks for the write up Mike. Seems like it was a great event.
As I has PM’ed you previously, I was sorry not to be able to join you all (son’s wedding in Europe trumped W113 matters!) but I appreciate all the effort put in to organize this.
Definitely interested in any session presentation or notes, particularly with respect the 5-speed discussion, and hope they might make it to the members forum.
—Charles
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Thank you to everyone who helped organize this fantastic event in Knoxville. It was great to see old friends again and meet lots of new people. It was wonderful to hear your stories. Our group consists of people from so many different backgrounds. That's why I find it remarkable that so many people just click. Our common interest, the Pagoda, is just a starting point for conversation.
The weather forecast was pretty bad, but thankfully we lucked out. We had plenty of sunshine, which was perfect for riding on these winding roads in the Smoky Mountains and the Tail of the Dragon. Harry and Alex both kindly offered to let me drive in their cars. For me, that was the icing on the cake.
I was a little surprised that I was the only participant who didn't live in the US. Or maybe not. Anyway, to those who decided not to come to the US, I can only say: too bad you weren't there. You missed out on this wonderful PagodaFest.
Some of you know that I like to take pictures. I do it simply to preserve my memories. It turns out that some of you like them too. So here they are.
Just press this link: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCwvk8 (https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCwvk8)
Martijn
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Martijn,
It was very nice to meet you. You did a fantastic job taking pictures. What a great time. All the best,
Mark
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I thoroughly enjoyed my first Pagoda event and appreciated the hospitality, met so many friendly and enthusiastic owners! I also enjoyed helping getting cars back on the road and sorting out minor issues... I am a mechanic not only by trade but by the love of it. I spent my teen years working in my father's garage and learned early what exceptionally well designed and built automobiles Mercedes Benz were. I personally own a 68 230 sedan, 85 300TD and 85 500SEC, as well as the Mobil-Werks 2022 Sprinter van. I spent nearly 40 years in professional motor sports including SCCA, IMSA, Indy Car and NASCAR as a mechanic, pit crew member and designer and recently retired from racing to enjoy wrenching on the cars I first loved. While I do not have Joe Alexander's level of expertise with the brand and model I hope I can translate my race preparation and design experience to helping Pagoda owners keeping their cars performing as they should. Once again, thanks for trusting me with your cars at the show and please contact me at 847 902 6755 if I can be of help in the Charlotte NC area. I am a mobile business, I come to the car's home or roadside location if you find yourself stranded, which is rare with a Mercedes. Thanks! Pedro Campuzano