Πάμε να αγγίξουμε το νέο μας θέμα: Πώς ξεκίνησε η ιστορία και η 25-ετής καριέρα μου με τον Γραμμωτό Κώδικα [βλ.#Barcode] αλλά και με τις υπόλοιπες συναφείς τεχνολογίες της Αυτόματης Αναγνώρισης Στοιχείων [βλ.
Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC)].
Όταν διάβασα το άρθρο εκείνη την άνοιξη του 1984 [πριν λίγα χρόνια έκανε την εμφάνιση του οIBM PC], ένα μηχάνημα προσωπικού ηλεκτρονικού υπολογιστή από την κραταιά τότεInternational Business Machines, γεγονός που θα έφερνε μια τρομερή επανάσταση στον τρόπο που ζούμε [είχε προηγηθεί ο χαρισματικός Steve Jobs από το 1977] σήμερα η πλουσιότερη σε cash ReservesApple Computers, ενώ με το δέσιμο του στο άρμα του IBM PC, αρχικά με με το λειτουργικό σύστημαMS-DOSκαι αργότερα με τα περίφημαWindows,οBill Gatesκαι οι συνεργάτες του, μεσουρανούσαν στο Στερέωμα των εταιρειών κολοσσών στον χώρο της πληροφορικής για αρκετές δεκαετίες. Έτσι λοιπόν ενθουσιάστηκα [στα 34 μου χρόνια έψαχνα εναγωνίως διέξοδο απο τις φθίνουσες αντιπροσωπείες του γραφείου ‘ΑΛΚΥΩΝ-Δ.Κ. Γαλιατσάτος Ε.Π.Ε.’], και με την παρότρυνση τόσο του πατέρα Μίμη-DKG όσο και του παιδικού μου φίλου από το Δημοτικό στα Ανάβρυτα, Κυριάκου-KDG, με τον οποίο είχα συμφωνήσει την εισχώρηση κατά το 1/3 στην Ε.Π.Ε. , ξεκίνησα το ψάξιμο…
A Better said thanDone proposition✅ Γιατί; Είμασταν στην προ του Φαξ εποχή, χρησιμοποιούσαμε το TELEX, ενώ προκειμένου να βρεθεί ο πολυπόθητος νέος Οίκος για συνεργασία, ένας ήταν ο δρόμος: Καβάλα την μηχανή μουBSA Thunderboltκαι επίσκεψη στο Commercial Section, USA Embassy, όπου ξεφυλλίζοντας τα περίφημα TomCats κοινώς κάτι τεράστια σε πάχοςThomas-Catalogs, μετά από 2-3 ημερών εργασία, έφευγες με ονόματα, διευθύνσεις και Telex No., σε χειρόγραφα με δικά σου αστεράκια και υπογραμμίσεις. Έτσι βρήκα την Computer Identics, Silicon Valley, California, (τώρα με έδρα το Canton, Mass). Για καλή μας τύχη ο Vice President, ήταν ο Ελληνοαμερικανός Victor Kapsampelis 🤣. Αφού πιάσαμε επαφή μαζί του, παραγγείλαμε τα πρώτα Demo Units. Αφού ήρθαν στην Ελλάδα ένα μήνα μετά, υπέστησαν το τσεκούρωμα των Ελληνικών Τελωνείων. AnotherMission Impossibleμας είχε προκύψει. ΈπρεπεPer terra e per mareνα βρούμε Οίκο από την Ευρώπη.
Διαβάζοντας ένα Ευρωπαϊκό περιοδικό τοIndustrialReview, έπεσα πάνω σε μια αγγελία απο τη Γερμανία που διαφημιζε ταOptic Electronics, photocells & Barcodes! Το όνομα της:DATALOGIC GmbH.Βούρ κατά πάνω της…Μετά από δυο εβδομάδες λαμβάνουμε επιστολή απο την Ιταλική μητρικήDATALOGIC S.p.A.The Rest is History👍👌.
Ας κάνουμε μια προσθήκη από την Wikipedia, περί τωνBarcodes:
Μετά από την Wiki παρένθεση συνεχίζουμε την αφήγηση :
Ξεκινάμε άμεσα με την Datalogic. παραγγέλνουμε τα πρώτα decoders with pen readers, τα οποία έρχονται γρήγορα και στη μισή τιμή από τα Made in USA.
Σύντομα μας επισκέπτεται ο Τεχνικός εκπρόσωπος από τη Bologna, o εξαιρετικός συνεργάτης μας όλα τα χρόνια, νυν Vice-présidente, Dottore Guglielmo Piazzi. Ήταν η πρώιμη εποχή των συνδέσεων μέσω της σειριακής θύρας RS-232C.
Wow 😮 τι ιστορία και αυτή. Εμείς είχαμε μόνο ένα Apple IIe με 2 Χ floppy discs και ένα εξωτερικό hard-disc των εκπληκτικών 10 Megabytes 🤩 Από εκείνη την πρώτη εποχή αντιλήφθηκα 2-3 πράγματα για τη νεα business που επρόκειτο να μπούμε δυναμικά…
Ότι χρειαζόμασταν ένα βαθύ γνώστη της δουλειάς με εξειδίκευση στις επικοινωνίες μεταξύ συστημάτων, το λεγόμενο I/O [Input/Output]
Ότι πολλές φορές η όλη επιτυχία επικοινωνίας του σειριακού Decoder DP-100 with Pen Reader P30, κρεμόταν από μια τρίχα (συνδεσμολογία του αντεστραμμένου καλωδίου RS-232C)
Ότι απαιτείτο ειδικό software driver (ρουφήχτρα) το οποίο θα αναλάμβανε τον ρόλο διαχείρισης των data stream από τον αποκωδικοποιητή προς την εκάστοτε σειριακή θύρα.
Ότι αντίστοιχα απαιτείτο ειδικό software driver το οποίο θα οδηγούσε τους Dot Matrix εκτυπωτές της εποχής για να εκτυπώνουν «χράπα-χρούπα» τα άθλια Barcodes συνήθως σε αυτοκόλλητες ετικέτες. Αγωνία αν θα διαβάζονταν από τα πενάκια μας.
Με αυτά και μ’ αυτά, βρήκαμε ένα Guru, άρτι αφιχθέντα από την Αγγλία με Ph.D. σε Cybernetics, τον μεγάλο μπλα-μπλαδόρο και πολυτάλαντο Γιάννη Γ. Κοζάτσα-JGK. [Ένας ακόμα Κεφαλλονίτης στο γραφειο]…Γεγονός που επιβεβαιώθηκε από το τραγουδάκι «Ότι αρχίζει ωραία τελειώνει με πόνο» 😭
The engine bay features a shiny ✨ 3.4 Litre engine 👏The engine bay features a shiny ✨ 3.4 Litre engine 👏The engine bay features a shiny ✨ 3.4 Litre engine 👏The engine bay features a shiny ✨ 3.4 Litre engine 👏Undercarriage details Undercarriage detailsUndercarriage detailsUndercarriage detailsUndercarriage detailsWow 🤩 the front disc brake. The engine of my 1953 Jaguar Mk7 after dryicing and laser detailing plus with new spark plug wiring, looks beautiful 🤩
Part 2, the conventional Detailing: exterior, interior (carpets, headliner, woodwork, leathers).
Gallery
An example of photos which show the extent of the repairs executed for my 1953 Jaguar Mk VII.
Allow me to present my new acquisition; it’s an S-Klasse W221-056 of 2006. She came to my life by chance; as often happens with car aficionados, we do browse auction and “4-Sale” sites just to check the market trends, or to pass a pleasant evening. It was a similar situation when I stumbled upon an ad in http://www.car.gr I made a call to the sellers www.collection-cars.gr on a Wednesday afternoon and then I went to visit, checking out the car and taking it for a short test drive.
In negotiations I offered to partially exchange my other MERCEDES-BENZ C200CA | W123.060. The the next morning the car was sent to my new specialist Mercedes-Benz mechanic Mr. Nikos Karlos of TEOKAR LTD. She passed the inspection with flying colors. By next week the car was in my whilst the W123.060 was transferred to theirs plus some cash.
Master Mercedes Mechanic👨🔧 Nikos KARLOS inspects the S350✅
The specs & more…
Vehicle data. Make: Mercedes-Benz, Model: S-Class, Model name: S 350 |Year of manufacture: 2005-10-20, Chassis W221.056, Vin number: WDD2210561A014703 G-box number: 717413 06 854344
The Mercedes-Benz S350 | W221 profile in Korissia, KEA
Report: In a very good condition overal.| Condition category: Recreation | Mileage (read) 93,500 km | Previous owners: 1 |First registration: 08/2006 in Greece|Engine number: 272965 30 218014 Transmission: 722906 00 414087|Automatic|Gears: 7|Drive: Rear Technical details: Body style: Saloon|Power E35 engine: Output is 272 PS (200 kW; 268 bhp) at 6000 rpm with 350 N⋅m (258 lb⋅ft) of torque at 3500 rpm.|Cubic capacity (ccm) 3,498 |Cylinders: V-6 |Doors: 4 |Steering: Left (LHD) | Front Brakes: Vented Discs|Rear Brakes: Discs|
Rear disc brake
The Last Vin document reveals quite a lot of the vehicle’s provenance, options & more … It’s the best Mercedes-Benz example I have owned 👍👌👏🔝
VIN: WDD2210561A014703
2005 MERCEDES-BENZ S 350 (221.056) General Data FIN: WDD2210561A014703 Model : S350 Engine : 272965 30 218014 Transmission : 722906 00 414087 Order Number : 0 5 535 33288 Order Location : GREECE Production Number : 5014860 Interior : LEATHER – BLACK/ANTHRACITE (201A) Paint 1 : 775U IRIDIUM SILVER – METALLIC FINISH Release Date : 2005-10-20 Delivery Date : 2005-10-20
Code Description 05N STEUERCODE WERK SINDELFINGEN/GRAZ 200A LEATHER 201A LEATHER – BLACK/ANTHRACITE 205B OWNERS MANUAL AND SERVICE RECORD – ENGLISH 220 PARKTRONIC SYSTEM (PTS) 221B SIGN COOLANT/REFUELING – ENGLISH 249 INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR MIRROR, AUTOMATICALLY DIMMING 250B MOBILO LIFE/EUROPE SERVICE PACKAGE 269B AIRBAG LABEL – GREEK/ENGLISH 275 MEMORY PACKAGE (DRIVER SEAT, STEERING COLUMN, MIRROR) 289 LEATHER STEERING WHEEL WITH TRIM INSERT 297 ELECTRIC ROLLER SUN BLINDS IN REAR DOOR LH AND RH 301 ASHTRAY PACKAGE 386 UNIVERSAL TELEPHONY PACKAGE 401 FRONT SEAT CLIMATE CONTROL 414 ELECTRIC TILT/SLIDE SUNROOF IN GLASS VERSION 427 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 7-SPEED 477 TIRE PRESSURE LOSS WARNER 481 UNDERSHIELDS 527 COMAND DVD APS WITH NAVIGATION 535L GREECE 540 ROLLER BLIND, ELECTRIC, FOR REAR WINDOW 581 AUTOMATIC CLIMATE CONTROL 5XXL EUROPE 600 HEADLAMPS – CLEANING EQUIPMENT 610 NIGHT VIEW ASSIST 615 BI-XENON HEAD LIGHT W.ACTVIE CURVE LIGHT RIGHT-DRIVE 619 CORNERING ILLUMINATION 690 EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE (MINI SPARE) 731 TRIM PIECES – WOOD BURRED WALNUT VENEER 775U IRIDIUM SILVER – METALLIC FINISH 806 YEAR OF MODIFICATION 810 PREMIUM SOUND SYSTEM HARMAN-CADRON 863 TV-TUNER DIGITAL TO ANALOG 883 POWER CLOSING SYSTEM 910 DYNAMO WITH HIGHER CAPACITY (FFO) 983 COC PAPER EURO 4 TECHNOLOGY W/O REG. CERT. PART II A21 SHIFT BY WIRE A22 NEW CONVERTER GENERATION A28 J – VALVE BODY ASSEMBLY VGS 2 (550 NM) F221 SERIES 221 FW LIMOUSINE G906 TRANSMISSION CODE VERSION 06 GA AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION K10 SOFTWARE CONTROL FOR STATIC CURVE ILLUMINATION K11 ADAPTIVE STOP LIGHT FLASHING L LEFT-HAND STEERING M272 V6-GASOLINE ENGINE M272 M35 DISPLACEMENT 3.5 LITER R44 LIGHT ALLOY WHEEL 7-SPOKE DESIGN 17″ ALL-ROUND U60 PEDESTRIAN PROTECTION – ACTIVE ENGINE HOOD U72 DVD PLAYER WITH REGIONAL CODE 2, EUROPE, JAPAN VL FRONT AXLE HALF, LEFT VR FRONT AXLE HALF, RIGHT HA REAR AXLE
Rear view of the S350 @Featuring the AMG insignia Master Mercedes Mechanic👨🔧 Nikos KARLOS inspects the S350✅Showing true mileage for the 2006 S350 at 93.500 km on 04/03/22The front RH headlamp cluster incorporates the night vision camera 🎥 An array of S-Klasse vehicles
This 2006 MERCEDES-BENZ S350 W221.056 is a unique luxury car in excellent condition with all certificates and documents. Featuring external Color Iridium Silver Metallic (775U) and Leather Seats Black/Anthracite (201A) as new. With low mileage at 93.500 kilometers, with just one past owner, full service history, always guarded in a closed garage. – Recently extended control – maintenance of the car in all systems such as: brakes, transmission, hydraulic suspension, fuel supply and cooling circuit. Impeccable operation of all car systems – wooden lining without cracks and scratches – leather interior remains in excellent condition – electric seats and head restraints – lazy and dual glove compartment under – driver and front passenger seats cooled in the summer and heated in the winter.
Copy of pages 12-13 from the owner’s ManualThe Car Vertical report Copy of the last MOT/KTEO valid until 12/05/2022.Lots of works were done by the previous owner.The various stubs from the maintenance booklet from 15.000 to 157.600 KmThe various stubs from the maintenance booklet from 15.000 to 157.600 KmVarious service and other documents of the W124.060
1995 MERCEDES-BENZ E200CA | W124.060, is a unique cabriolet car in excellent condition with all certificates and documents. Color Blue Metallic (366U) and Leather Seats Beige (265) as new. Special Sport-line package with Sport Suspension Original (3cm Lower than the simple E200), and with the Sophisticated ASD-AUTOMATIC LIMITED SLIP DIFFERENTIAL (211), rims 17” with 8-Hole Light Alloys (652), a digital external temperature display (240), with automatic bizonal air conditioning (581). Fully electrically opened roof – has the authentic Dark Blue 5010 Soft Top Fabric (744), without the slightest defect. Heated back glass with glazed window (593) Driver / Passenger Airbags (291), 4 Power Windows, Electric Mirrors, Automatic Antenna (538) With 2 additional loudspeakers in the back (812), Automatic Locking with Infrared Remote Control and Immobilizer (885) plus Antitheft / Anti Break-in System (551). Leather Steering Wheel & shift knob, and 5-API manual transmission (280), Storage Place (300), Steering Wheel Electrically Adjustable (441), Folding armrest (570), Extra Goodies: Installation of Parktonic in the Back bumper, plus the well known “Bury System” of Bluetooth mobile phone Car Kit. In excellent condition, three past owners, full service history, always guarded in a closed garage. – Recently extended control – maintenance of the car in all systems such as: brakes, transmission, hydraulic hood, fuel supply and cooling circuit. Impeccable operation of all car systems – wooden lining without cracks and scratches – leather interior remains in excellent condition – electric seats and head restraints – lazy and glove compartment under with lock – driver and front passenger seat belt brings them forward for ease of fastening.
Ο τίτλος του άρθρου μπορεί να φαντάζει σαν παράξενος, πρωτότυπος ή οποιαδήποτε άλλη σκέψη που ενδέχεται να προκαλεί στους αναγνώστες. Όμως για μένα λέει πολλά. Γιατί; Διότι μετά από τις πρόσφατες περιπέτειες της υγείας μου, βρήκα καταφύγιο, παρηγοριά και ανανεωμένη όρεξη για τη ζωή μου. Όλα ξεκίνησαν από την προηγούμενη μου ανάρτηση με τίτλο: https://byronriginos.com/2022/01/15/my-vows-for-2022/…
Fast forward στο σήμερα μας εμφανίστηκε ο κ.Parkinson με την disease του, 🦠 παρέα με τον κ. Alzheimer…
Εκτός λοιπόν από την συνεχιζόμενη ταλαιπωρία μου … και κατρακύλα με την άτιμη αυτοάνοση αρρώστια της Parkinson’s Disease, πρόσφατα μέσα μέσα από ένα πρόγραμμα προληπτικών εξετάσεων που είχε προδιαγράψει ο Διευθυντής του Νευρολογικού Τμήματος του Mediterraneo Hospital, Δρ. Στάθης Παντελής συμπεριελάμβανε και καρδιολογικό έλεγχο. Λόγω της φιλικής μας σχέσης με την οικογένεια Σιώνη [ο πατέρας Δημήτρης και ο υιός Γιώργος–αμφότεροι καταξιωμένοι επεμβατικοί καρδιοχειρουργοί]👌, αρχικά αφέθηκα στα ικανά χέρια του νεαρού Γιώργου. Μετά από ένα 24ώρο Holter η εικόνα έδειξε ότι η καρδούλα έπασχε από αρρυθμίες… Έγραψε ότι «Ο ασθενής Ρηγινός Βύρων προσήλθε την 17/1/2022 στο ιδιωτικό μου ιατρείο με αναφερόμενα προσυγκοπτικά επεισόδια από ημερών, ζάλη και εύκολη κόπωση. Από την κλινική εξέταση και το ΗΚΓ στο ιατρείο μου, διαπιστώθηκε εκτακτοσυστολική αρρυθμία, ενώ από την υπερηχοκαρδιογραφική μελέτη δεν διαπιστώθηκαν ιδιαίτερα παθολογικά ευρήματα. Τοποθετήθηκε Holter ρυθμού 24ώρου, που ανέδειξε εξαιρετικά συχνές έκτακτες κοιλιακές συστολές (μονήρεις, επεισόδια τριδυμίας καθώς και ριπές μη εμμένουσας κοιλιακής ταχυκαρδίας), για τις οποίες έγινε έναρξη β-αναστολέα και συνεστήθη έλεγχος στεφανιαίας νόσου με αξονική στεφανιογραφία. Η αξονική στεφανιογραφία ανέδειξε έντονη αθηρωμάτωση και ασβέστωση των στεφανιαίων αγγείων με διάσπαρτες έως μετρίου βαθμού στενώσεις καθώς και υπόνοια υφολικής στένωσης/ απόφραξης της δεξιάς στεφανιαίας αρτηρίας. Ο ασθενής συνεστήθη να προχωρήσει σε διενέργεια στεφανιογραφικού ελέγχου και πιθανώς διαδερμικής παρέμβασης στην ένοχη βλάβη ». Έτσι πήγαμε σε κανονική Στεφανιογραφία που έγινε την Τρίτη22/2/22 στο www.IASO.gr. Λόγω της Parkinson’s δεν έπρεπε να υποστώ σε αναισθησία. Έτσι η όλη διαδικασία [1 ώρα προετοιμασίας + 3 ωρες στεφανιογραφίας] διεξήχθη άνευ, παρά μόνο με τοπικά αναισθητικά τυπου οδοντιατρικής. Γεγονός που με άγχωσε κομμάτι παραπάνω συν με αρκετούς πόνους. Τέλος καλό – όλα καλά 👌👍. Έφυγα με τρία Stents λόγω μπλοκαρισμένων αρτηριών κατά 95%/85%/80%. Κοινώς το έμφραγμα ήταν ante portas. Ευγνώμων και προς τους δύο ιατρούς μου, παραθέτω αποστροφή του εμαιλ που ελαβα την επόμενη της επέμβάσης από τον Πατέρα Δημήτριο:
Βύρωνα καλημέρα. Περαστικά και να τα ξαναπούμε μόνο με ενα ποτήρι κρασί. Ολα καλά. Λιγη προσοχή σήμερα και αυριο στην κινητοποίηση σου γιατί μπορεί να αισθανθείς λιγη ζαλάδα. Πολλά υγρά τις επόμενες δύο ημέρες και ηρεμία χωρίς πολλά πολλά τις επόμενες δύο εβδομάδες. (Οχι ξάπλα αλλα προσεκτική κινητοποίηση). Καλή συνέχεια. Είσαι σε καλά χέρια του Γιώργου. Φιλιά. Δημήτρης Σιώνης.
I wake up every morning
believing today is going to be
better than yesterday.
Will Smith
Επειδή γαρ ανήσυχο το πνεύμα αλλά ενθυμούμενος και το σοφό ρητό ότι «…για τους άνδρες, όσο αφορά τα παιχνίδια τους, αυτά διαφέρουν σε σύγκριση με τα παιδικά τους, μόνο σε δύο παράγοντες: ότι είναι μεγαλύτερου μεγέθους και σαφώς πιο ακριβά σε τιμή». Όπως ολοι οι car aficionados, μαζί κι’ εγώ, συχνά παιρνάμε ευχάριστες στιγμές του στυλ Dreaming is Free, ψάχνοντας στο διαδίκτυο τις αγγελίες μεταχειρισμένων. Επειδή είμαι λάτρης της φίρμας του Αστεριού [a.k.a. Mercedes-Benz] λατρεύω να ψάχνω εντός και εκτός Ελλάδος σχετικες αγγελίες με προτίμηση τελευταία όπως π.χ. εδώ: S Classe W221 , ή 2005 Mercedes-Benz E 350 T 4MATIC ή και εδώ: η τύχη με έφερε ενώπιον σέ ένα αξιόλογο με λίγα χιλιόμετρα [μόλις 90.500] #S350 του 2006 🤩 που διατίθεται από την www.collectioncars.gr
Athens, 31st January 2022: or about the Ballroom of the Vampires 🧛🧛♀️🧛♂️ No. 2
1. <This is an outline for a fictional script>
I woke up today with a vivid dream in my mind. I have elaborated a little from the basic plot…
A. The Plot
i. An old retired businessman, plus amateur shipwreck diver, suffering from Parkinson’s disease is enjoying his aperitifs on an August sunset at the terrace of his French neighbor’s house and in the good company of Patrick de Guignol; his terrace features a wonderful 180 degrees uninterrupted view of the Koundouros Bay and the reef of Makriopounda where below lies Byron’s favorite shipwreck of S.S. PATRIS. A historic paddle wheeler of the 1860’s scattered around the sandy bottom at a depth of -50 meters, whilst the 1/3 fore section of the steel hull is hanging on it’s anchor chain on the outer slope of the reef at -35 meters.
A schematic rendering of the S.S. PATRIS shipwreck.The view from KATEBATH 4
A.1 The Invention
ii. During such an idyllic set and storytelling of expeditions of the past, a revelation strikes the Oldimer’s mind of Byron, the hero and protagonist of this story…
iii. It’s about an invention by which a modified strong search light-or telescope, can penetrate into the depths of the seas exceeding 200 meters of depth and from a surface distance ranging from 1 to 10 Kilometers depending on the prevailing weather conditions and the focal length of the attached iPhone.
iv. During as the discussion heats-up, the Frenchman, with experience as a former Vice President of Global Business Partners, proposes to his guest emeritus to immediately form an Elderly Wise Men Task Force [1] aiming to exploit such a formidable idea.
Photos of my diving days of S.S. PATRIS
2. The profile of BYRON aka BYRON66 or “Sbobyr the Laborer”
Through successful IP tracing, it has been revealed that a 72-year Byron66 is a talented multi tasked old-timer from Kifissia, Athens, Greece, who recently has officially moved residence to KATEBATH, Koundouros, Kéa, Cyclades, GreeceThrough successful IP tracing, it has been revealed that a 72-year Byron66 is a talented multi tasked old-timer from Kifissia, Athens, Greece, who recently has officially moved residence to KATEBATH, Koundouros, Kéa, Cyclades, Greece
When he participated in the formidable Kea Dive Expedition which occurred in June 1998 at his second hometown, he was a young adult aged 46. The bitter experience of losing his father in November 4th, 1974, a successful businessman representing for many years on an exclusive basis the formidable U.S. conglomerate of General Electric Corp.; the difficulties encountered by his mother to survive after becoming a widow, plus a failed first marriage in 1975, scarred the psyche of the young adult. Although he excelled in school and became a talented CEO of a pioneering Automatic Identification Company in Greece, he also pursued various of his beloved hobbies. Such as sailing ⛵️, Classic Cars Collecting, water-skiing, Diving & Underwater photography, and rich social activities often including a good cause 🙏😇🤩
H #Mercedes_Benz_GLK300.Winks 😉 at usH #Mercedes_Benz_GLK300 ready for the epic event of the #XXII_RMCHThe new relatives Koko from Sinderfingen area where Stars ✨ are made, and Kiki, the younger frauline from Stuttgart 👏I admit it; I am infected by this incurable disease! 🙂Ready for the PHILPA “Antiques & Flowers” spring 2010 event in Kifissia The “Hegemony of Samos” flagMy sweatheart Marisa, poses during a Classic Car Rally in Marathon. Pitsa Iliades at Vathy, Samos ca. 1930The Joker Clubman 5,80 ready to launch in Koundouros, Kea.Route 66 on KatevatiAboard “BYRON” myself and good friend Yiorgo Galazidis ca. 1966Emmanuel Riginos ca. 1940’sThe Runner is used exclusively in Kea“S/Y Sunny” offered to us many sunny days, sailing both on the Aegian and Ionian Seas. Co-owner Spilio looks back as the obedient autopilot “Sklavos” (the slave) maintains us on course. “S/Y Sunny” a Coala 50 feet cetch built by the Italian Cantieri Navali di Costaguta.Yiorgo & Byron riding “Triumphantly” in Athens, summer of 1972Byron is working on the front brakes of GPH662C!Us: the students of Klaus Dive School in Kea Beach ca. 1980.“MORUDA II” was often used a ski boat. Here Byron slaloming, water-ski being a childhood learned sea sport.The Drive Toward a Cure for Parkinson’s Disease, is a California based NGO, with whom we plan to organize during 2022, a Classic Cars event.” A selection of items depicting some of Byron’s interests and hobbies
3. Few other Key Players
An Italian Engineer [Luciano] who had worked for many years with a High Tech multinational company and had served time managing its subsidiary in Kobe, Japan at the period of the great earthquake. He often revisits Japan and maintains close contacts with his old colleagues. In addition, his son aged 44, is the owner-manager of a successful web development company based in Bologna.
A Greek-American [Spyros] who was the founder of a specialist IT company in Athens, an ex IBM associate with many connections in the High-Tech sector inside and outside of Greece.
In addition, one of his close friends, resident of Washington D.C., with a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, now retired, was developing specialized s/w and managing the final tests of launched Communications Satellites before becoming operational.
The Technical Diver and multi-talented close friend, Dimitris Galon.
Dimitris was born in Istanbul, Turkey, in 1958. He lived for many years in Athens, Greece, and since 1984 he lives permanently in the Federal Republic of Germany. He studied historic and comparative Musicology, Informatics, Philosophy, Byzantinology and Ethnology at the Universities of Cologne, Düsseldorf and Hamburg. He worked in the Ethnographic Museum and the City University of Hamburg, and since 1994 is the editor of the international publishing house, Sikorski. At the same time he deals with various issues of the marine history of the Eastern Mediterranean region. His articles have been published in the Greek magazines Efoplistis, Naftiki Epitheorisi, Greek Diver and Aiginea, in the German magazine Zenith and also in the Greek news portal www.protagon.gr.
Dimitris lives and works in Hamburg, Germany, and is member of the German Historisches Marinearchiv.
The report from a fortune teller or e-astrology website below, reveals some truths about me.
It so happens that my Parkinson’s Disease is deteriorating rapidly, with much frequent falls due to increasing instability, to the tune of one or more per day. Hence my well-being becomes an easy to understand statistic. I.e. one of these days I’m going to get hurt, either to the magnitude of becoming hospitalized from a broken hip bone, or worse to hurt my head so much or strongly, that I may become a vegetable or at the worst case scénario, to depart from this vain world of #pandemic or #covid19.
Let’s get to the point …
The first vow or resolution which I made for 2022, involved the desire to support in any way possible, a non-profit.org for fund raising and other involvements having to do with Parkinson’s Disease. In case that it would combine one of my favorite hobby, ie. #ClassicCarEvents, such would be quite rewarding to me🙏
It all started by browsing on the #Vimeo application, when I discovered the AlexDavidies of DF Media episodes #conversationsforacause. Inspired by these videos I made a Showcase with several of Alex’s videos; it is there that I discovered the www.drivetowardacure.org web.
An aerial view of #KATEBATH 4, our Kéa Island house
It has been a ‘peculiar’ summer to say the least. I was lucky enough to have moved to our Kéa Island home since the 10th March ‘21 until the first days of September i.e.for a full 6 months period, with only two weekly interims for getting the Moderna Vaccination 💉 touching bases with my Neurologist, plus one more for participating to the #Sisoe Classics & Supercars Drive in early June. A most befitting clip would be the immortal performance of Summertime by Janis Joplin:
A most befitting clip would be the immortal performance of Summertime by Janis Joplin
Lying on the hot sand, sunbathing in a deserted beach is a favorite exercise Photo by Philip Warp on Pexels.com
On the other, dark side of the summertime comes this:
This summer has been a thriller for me, minly due to the deterioration of my Parkinson’s Disease 🦠 situation.
A short 6-month account of our life experiences in Kea of 2021
1. March 2021
We arrived on March 10th via F/B Macedon. But allow me to retract a bit. Five days earlier I was fortunate to be referred by my high school buddy Yanis Zirinis, to a Zimbabwean lady, Ms. Sabina Mutnhima, with the intention of hiring her as my companion, assistant, caregiver, maid and cook to say the least. The interview was successful and all of a sudden Sabina entered my life. After settling in I started to teach her all about the house details, encouraging her to keep a scrapbook. I often compare the house as a sailing ⛵️ boat with all its complexities BUT without having to worry about dragging anchors 🤩…
On that month I experienced my first nasty fall. As the weather conditions were ‘wintery’ we had the central heating system on. One early morning around 06:30 🕡 I woke up feeling a bit chilly. Apparently the boiler furnace had stopped during the night. Hence I ventured outside using the back door, leading via a steep and narrow stairway to the boiler room. A managed to restart the furnace but on my ascent back, at he end of the hand railing, all of a sudden I lost my balance and summersaulted on the ground on the side of the stairway, sliding down uncontrollably among the various thorns of springtime…
Sabina could not hear me, nor did I have my iPHONE 📱 or my iWatch 🤬. Aside from the fact that I wasn’t seriously hurt, I couldn’t extract myself from he awkward position I was in. After a lot of effort I finally managed to get up. Just realized that one of my slippers had fallen aside into the rich vegetation of Spring. I just left it there and limped back inside the house and eventually dropped exhausted into my bed…
2. April
April is the cruellest month, breeding Lilacs out of the dead land, mixing Memory and desire, stirring Dull roots with spring rain. Winter kept us warm, covering Earth in forgetful snow, feeding A little life with dried tubers.
That April in #Kea was a bit cruel. We had rain 🌧, cool temperatures, and lots of chores to take care of. One of these being the recommissioning of the pool. Due to the #Covid19Lockdown imposed from November 2020 up to February 2021, we could not visit our property since we left last September. At that time I was forced to leave 1/3 of the pool water 💧 with the intention to empty it at a later month into the cistern. Hence the water left untreated for six months, was murky, full of debris and algae…A task which I couldn’t undertake by myself even with Sabina’s assistance. Enter Batsi [a local Albanian worker I have been using for several years].
Batsi Selfo Kuka undertakes to empty and clean the pool.
Μια σύντομη καταγραφή του χειμωνιάτικου τοπίου της Τζιάς
Part III. Since I became the next keeper of this lovely 1960 Mercedes-Benz R121.020 |190SL [a.k.a. Suzy Love ❤️], during November of 2018, I have gradually embarked on a multi step restoration process. For my Car Guys & Gals friends 👫 I post here the stories as they unfold in her current timeline. For the introductory post of this historic vehicle click here: https://byronriginos.com/2018/12/06/my-dancing
The #190SL is ready to depart the workshop of #MercedesBenzClassic of Papapanagiotou Bros.
So from here on, we commence the story of Part III.
After several telephone calls with my chief mechanic Nikos, to ensure that the car would be ready, being already in Kea island at our summer home, I asked my pal Spilios to accompany me in the early ferry to Lavrion and then via taxi to Athens to pick up the R121, on the Thursday of 8th August 2019. We would drive the car back to Lavrion in time to catch the afternoon ferry back to Kea. Well as all good plans get a little sidetracked, upon our early morning arrival [ca. 08:30] at the shop, there were as anticipated a number of details to take care of before declaring the car fit for the road, especially with her planned venture to many islands, I had to be extra careful in my scrutinizing process, among them to ensure the safety of the car and that the new accessory of the vacuum operated Wolf horn was working properly. Time became our enemy that hot Agust morning in Athens, but we managed to push off in the early afternoon. 112
With the top down we had to venture to Kifissia, at our son DimitrisOK Market in view of a longish restocking list issued by my beloved spouse Ivi. The highlight of the photo being the Wow 🤩 expression on the face of the passerby ‼️
Wow 🤩 μόνο μη μας σκοτώνεις το επίθετο Ρηγινός ❗️🙏
Ναι ο Αλέκος ήταν ο δευτερότοκος γιος του Βασιλείου και Σταυρίτσας, ενώ ο πατέρας μας Μανώλης ήταν ο πρώτος.. . (*) Η απάντηση μου σε μήνυμα της φίλης μας Ξένιας Πετσοπούλου, που πρόσφατα της χάρισαν το περίφημο «τσαντάκι της θείας Αντιγόνης» και που αποτέλεσε αφορμή για τη συγγραφή της εξιστόρησης αυτής. Thanks 🙏 Ms. Xenia 👏.
Το τσαντάκι της Θείας Αντιγόνης, συζύγου του Θείου Αλέκου!,
Όταν επέστρεψε μετά από 15 χρόνια εμιγκρές στις ΗΠΑ, την μαύρη περίοδο του κράχ της Αμερικής, γύρω στο 1930, έφερε την αντιπροσωπίαa της #AtwaterKent [μια μεγάλη κατασκευάστρια ραδιοφώνων και ηλεκτρικών συστημάτων ανάφλεξης αυτοκινήτων], στην Ελλάδα ξεκινώντας την Ελληνική Ραδιοφωνική Εταιρεία Α.Ε.
Μια από τις πρώτες διαφημιστικές καταχωρήσεις του πατέρα μας: Πιστός για χρόνια συνεργάτης της Πειραιώτικης διαφημιστικής οικογένειας Σκυλίτση-ΓΚΡΕΚΑ. Σηματοδότησε την ίδρυση της πρώτης οικογενειακής επιχείρησης των Αφών Ρηγινού, γύρω στο 1932.
Ο θείος Αλέκος στο μπροστινό φτερό, ο πατέρας μας Μανώλης στο τιμόνι και η θεία Κική (αδελφή τους) στο πίσω κάθισμα του 1929 Ford Model A Tudor με το λογότυπο της ATWATER KENT RADIO στις πόρτες 👌👍😍
Σπάνιο οικογενειακό ντοκουμέντο με την μεγάλη Billboard διαφήμιση της KENT ΡΑΔΙΟ (σε άγνωστο σημείο της Αθήνας) και με το 1929 Ford Model A Tudor παραδίπλα…
Και με τα 3 αδέλφια του να συμμετέχουν στη νεοσύστατη εταιρεία, δηλαδή εκτός από τους προαναφερθέντες, και με τους Κώστα και Γιώργο τον «Βενιαμίν», τον οποίο ο πατέρας μας είχε σπουδάσει με πτυχίο Ανώτατης Εμπορικής, τρέφοντας του παθολογική αδυναμία, η οποία εξελίχθηκε καταστροφική πολλά χρόνια αργότερα…
Ο πατέρας μας Μανώλης εξω από την έκθεση της #General Electric της οδού Παπαρρηγοπούλου 9.
Αυτό που θυμάμαι έντονα ήταν οι μυρωδιές της Έκθεσης: Ένα μείγμα από των λεγόμενων ‘White Goods’ δηλαδή των ψυγείων, κουζινων , πλυντηρίων κ.ο.κ., των πλακιδίων της #Armstrong (μια ακόμα επιτυχημένη αντιπροσωπεία του Μανώλη), που αποτέλεσε την αφορμή της σύστασης – δια του τρία νέας εταιρείας «Σωτήρης Θ. Βικόπουλος & Σια Α.Ε.» – δηλ. του αδελφού της γυναίκας (Θείας Καίτης) του Γιώργου «Θείου Σώτου+του Μανώλη+του Γιώργου. Το εταιρικό δαιμόνιο του Πάτερ Φαμίλια μας, αργότερα εμπλούτισε την εταιρεία που μετακόμισε από την αρχή της οδού Αμερικής, στη νεα έκθεση, άνετη και με πρεστίζ, της Λεωφόρου Αμαλίας 21, με δυό ακόμα αντιπροσωπείας των ΗΠΑ : της #Evinrude Outboard Motors Corp. & των Luxaflex Venitian Blinds.
Να σημειωθεί ότι ο κολοσσός Général Electric της Αμερικής κατά την τελευταία 15-ετιά περιέπεσε σε μεγάλες περιπέτειες: όλα τα στοιχεία με κλικ ΕΔΩ!
Αγαπητοί φίλοι, ας κάνουμε μια σύντομη παρέκκλιση σχετικά με την μεγάλη αγάπη του πατέρα μας [αλλά και του μικρού αδελφού Γιώργου], την Θάλασσα! Σε σημείο που έχει περάσει στο DNA των 4 αγοριών, Βασίλη, Νίκου, Βύρωνα & Πέτρου🎏⛵🚤⚓ Σημ.: πατώντας σε κάθε όνομα ανοίγει η προσωπική Θαλασσινή ιστορία του καθενός μας. Highly recommended❗️🙏👍✅
Η «ΣΑΜΙΟΠΟΥΛΑ»|κατα την καθέλκυση της στο Πέραμα από το ναυπηγείο Αφών Κουταλίδη. Ήταν το,πρώτο σκάφος της Οικογένειας Εμμ. Ρηγινού. Έφερε μια βενζινοκίνητη μηχανή GreymarineΤο περίφημο Chris-Craft ‘ΔΕΛΦΙΝΙ’ ένα μικρό σκάφος plywood των 16 ποδιών, το οποίο έφερε σε κιτ ο Μανώλης από τις ΗΠΑ, αρχικά εξοπλισμένο με 2Χ18 Hp Evinrudes, αργότερα με την 50 Hp [bewitched model], για να καταλήξει στη φανταστική 75Hp Selecric !!! Οι περιπέτειες με το ταχύπλοο αυτό απαιτούν ένα ολόκληρο ξεχωριστό άρθρο 😉😜🔝🔜Οι γονείς μας Μανώλης και Πίτσα Ρηγινού στο ΔΕΛΦΙΝΙ, με την 50-άρα εξωλέμβια της EvinrudeΜια διαφήμιση εποχής της Evinrude. Με την αγαπημένη μας νταντά Bébé στο Κατραμονήσι της Βούλας με το βαρκάκι μας «ΒΥΡΩΝ» & με εξωλέμβιο 18 Hp Evinrude! [Grossly overpowered, μάλλον μια από τις 2 μηχανές του ΔΕΛΦΙΝΙ, η οποία σύντομα αντικαταστάθηκε απο πιο μοντέρνα και ελαφρύτερη των 6 Hp]
Ακολουθεί μια φωτοθήκη γεμάτη απόΟικογενειακές αναμνήσεις 🥰
🙏 It has been an exciting week since the going on line of this listing (my second on www.bringatrailer.com ). The dialogues on the comments section mostly are very flattering to me, a fact which gave me enormous satisfaction 🤞😅
A profile attempt follows: On May 7, 2004, Porsche announced that the new 911 generation will come in July as a 2005 model and will have two engine variants – the Carrera 3.6 and the Carrera S 3.8. The headlamps were round again, the body more curvaceous and the interior completely new. The Porsche Communication Management (PCM) screen became standard, but the navigation module was an extra. The new Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) was standard on the S version and optional for the base 911. Pressing the “sport” button made the PASM shock absorbers firmer. While the standard wheel size of the 996 Carrera was 17″ (although typically ordered with 18″), the 997 Carrera came with 18″ wheels (front 8″ with 235/40, rear 10″ with 265/40) and the 997 Carrera S with 19″ (front 8″ with 235/35, rear 11″ with 295/30). To improve active safety, the standard Porsche Stability Management (PSM) had two new functions: pre-filling the brake mechanism ensured more spontaneous deceleration when required, and the hydraulic brake power support helped to build up full brake pressure in emergencies.
The 911 Carrera Coupé model 997.1 of 2007.
The exterior is finished in Black Metallic and features a speed-activated rear spoiler, bi-xenon headlights, #288 Headlamp washers , #271 Driver side mirror aspherical, #071 EU country version, #098 Left-hand drive version and #402 18″ Carrera wheels.
The optional 18” Carrera wheels look great, with the Brembo brake calipers nicely visible and easier to clean through the large spoke openings. Also the extra wheel centers are fitted.
Wheel centers: A Set of wheel centre caps with full- colour Porsche Crest are optionally fitted. The perfect finishing touch for the wheels of the 911!
About the 18-inch Carrera IV wheels if fitted with winter tires. This five-spoke 18-inch Carrera IV wheel will charm you instantly, just like your Porsche. These wheels impress with their functional design and sporting elegance. With winter tyres they provide better traction in colder temperatures.
The Driver’s office! Features options #249 Tiptronic transmission, 5-speed, #432 Tiptronic buttons for steering wheel, #436 Grained leather steering wheel with triangular center design, #440 Windscreen antenna, #465 Rear fog-lamp, left, #476 PSM Porsche Stability Management, #490 Sound system A.S.K., #534 Alarm 433 MHz, #555 Black seat belts, #568 Windscreen without top-tint, #571 Activated charcoal filter, #573 Automatic air conditioning, #335 Rear seat belts, #369 2-way electrical basic seat, left and #370 2-way electrical basic seat, right.The interior is trimmed in Beige leather with a matching dashboard, carpets, and door panels. Equipment includes the Power Seat Package as well as a Dynacom stereo head unit with navigation, Bluetooth, and a backup sensor with a beeper coming alive upon engaging reverse.
The three-spoke sport steering wheel frames a central 8k-rpm tachometer, a 200-mph speedometer, and gauges for coolant temperature, fuel level, oil pressure, and oil temperature. The digital odometer has only 45k miles.
The engine was serviced in June 2020.
The 3.6-liter flat-six features VarioCam Plus variable valve timing and was rated for 325 horsepower from the factory. Power is routed to the rear wheels through a five-speed automatic (Tiptronic) transaxle.
Η Κοκό [aka 1997 Mercedes-Benz E200CA Cabriolet Typ. W124.0] και η Κικίτσα [aka 2007 Porsche 911 Carrera Coupé Typ. 997.1]
Thesaga of an Earth-angel crossing my life at the height of the #COVID19
As recited by Byron66 😉👌🏁🇬🇷
Η ιστορία που θα σας πω είναι 100% αυθεντική! Στο εύλογο ερώτημα αν υπάρχουν Άγγελοι επι της Γης, ειδικότερα την εποχή του #COVID19 & την πρόσφατη απώλεια του Racing Legend Sir Sterling Moss, OBE, η απάντηση μου είναι : ΝΑΙ ❗️✅
Όμως ας πάρουμε τα πράγματα από την αρχή όπου εμπλέκονται 4 φίλοι, με χρονολογική σειρα:
Ο Σπήλιος με ένα τηλεφώνημα και σύσταση του…
Ο Αλέξανδρος (aka ο γιατρόςτων Jaguars)
Ο Αλέκος, εκλεκτός φίλος και βαθυστόχαστος συλλέκτης Ιστορικών Οχημάτων-Ι.Ο.
Ο Ηλίας, στο σπάνιο ρόλο του Earth-Angel 🙏😇
Ένα απόγευμα στα μέσα του Μαρτίου 2020 που βρίσκομαι στον αγαπημένο μου χώρο του Γκαράζ μου [aka www.3cg.gr ] χτυπά το κινητό μου. Βλέπω από την αναγνώριση κλήσης το όνομα του Αλεξάνδρου, με τον οποίο έχω να μιλήσω τουλάχιστον 2-3 χρόνια.
«Έλα βρε Αλέξανδρε, τι κάνεις, χρόνια και ζαμάνια έχουμε να τα πούμε!»
Εντυπωσιάζεται από την προσφώνηση μου 😉 οπότε του λέω με δόση χιούμορ «Εμ τι νόμισες ότι δεν σε εχω εμφακελομένο😜»
Το πρώτο τηλεφώνημα τρεις βδομάδες πριν
από τον Γιατρό των Jaguars 📲
Κάπως έτσι ξεκινά η επανασυγκολληση μας. Μου αναφέρει περί Σπήλιου, που με συνέστησε σαν τον «Μερσεντεσάκια» της παρέας, από τον οποίο έλαβε το κινητό μου σχετικά με μια ιστορική Mercedes-Benz W111 Coupé, με πρόσθετη αναφορά ότι ανήκε στον Βασιλέα Παύλο 🤫..
Κανονίζω να περάσω αργότερα από το σπίτι/έκθεση/Garage του στην Κηφισιά, οδηγώντας την δικιά μας Mercedes W116 350 SE 👌. Μου δείχνει την W111, σε fair project κατάσταση, αναφέροντας του ότι τα γνωρίζω καλά τα μοντέλα αυτά εφόσον πριν 7 χρόνια είχα προβεί σε ένα ground-up restoration project για την Πριγκίπισσα Μιχαέλα [όλη η ιστορία του ιδιαίτερου Ι.Ο. Εδώ] : https://byronriginos.com/category/byrons-cars/m-b-250se-coupe/
Η υπέροχη Mercedes-Benz 250SE Coupé W111.024 που ανήκε στον Πρίγκιπα Μιχάηλ [aka Michele de Gréce]
Κατά την επίσκεψη του Γιατρού των Jaguar βλέπει το Simca 8 Sport του 1950 και το ερωτεύεται αμέσως. Η υπόλοιπη κουβέντα μας περιστρέφεται γύρω από ένα άγονο negotiation για την πιθανή ανταλλαγή του Simca μου με την Mercedes W111 του Βασιλέα Παύλου.
Το Simca 8 Sport Coupé του 1950, υπήρξε ο καταλύτης της ιστορίας μας 👌
Εδώ καλό θα είναι να αναφέρω την ιστορία μας με τον Αλέξανδρο. Ξεκινά πριν τα 30 χρόνια. Την εποχή εκείνη οι τρεις καλοί φίλοι, ο Θανάσης, ο Σπήλιος και εγώ αγοράσαμε δια του 3 την Jaguar Mk VII του 1950. Την απέκτησα κατά 100% 20 χρόνια πριν ενώ την έχω ακόμα, αν και χρειάζεται κάποιες μικρές βελτιώσεις…
Since I became the next keeper of this 1960 Mercedes-Benz R121.020 |190SL [a.k.a. Suzy Love ❤️], during November of 2018, I have gradually embarked on a multi step restoration process. For my Car Guys & Gals friends 👫 I post here the story as it unfolds in her timeline. For the introductory post of this historic vehicle click here: https://byronriginos.com/2018/12/06/my-dancing-with-the-best-or-nothing
I. Selecting the right partner for the mechanical jobs at hand
As an appetizer enjoy this short video 👏👌😍
Most of the suspension and engine mount rubbers needed replacement 😮
There was a positive talk within our www.3cg.gr ecosystem about the PAPAPANAGIOTOU Brothers, as being the good experts in all things Mercedes-Benz and classics in particular. Hence a visit to their establishment in Neos Kosmos was appropriate. Below some photos of our early encounters and getting to know each other (i.e. master mechanic and older brother Nikos, plus Vagias and Costas).
My SL during an early visit to PAPAPANAGIOTOU Brothers workshop Another visiting time Master mechanic Nikos PAPAPANAGIOTOU @work ✅🏁
II. Getting the jobsdone✅
After a thorough inspection of the car, a list of spare parts was made. Flash back: Since my other “ground up” restoration project several years back, involving a 1967 Mercedes-Benz 250 SE Coupè [W111.020] , I had established a good relationship with one of Germany’s well known Mercedes spare parts supplier, the firm Niemöller . Hence sourcing spares for the R121.020 was not like rediscovering a wheel. To make a long story short, up to this writing ✍️, four Purchase Orders have been placed approximately for €4,500, not to mention about another €1,000 invested for spares and services from the local Greek market. Lest I forget, the €83 for the RetroSound accessories.
The story of the Volkswagen Beetle is well known; it was designed by Ferdinand Porsche to provide cheap transport for the hard working German masses, hence the name, the “People’s Car”. For the myriad other names given to this popular car click here! Initially they were built in very small numbers before and during World War II; later the Beetle literally rose from the ashes of Volkswagen’s bombed-out Wolfsburg factory to become an instant success across Europe, Britain, America and virtually every other country in the world. The model evolved through various facelifts and numerous mechanical changes – there were more than 70,000 identifiable modifications – while it also provided a platform for other models, including military (such as the Kübelwagen and the remarkable Schwimmwagen), commercial vehicles (such as the Type 2 Bus) and sporting derivatives such as those by Karmann-Ghia. It was this constant development and attention to detail which allowed the Beetle to maintain its remarkable sales success , and as production raced past the 15,000,000 mark, the Beetle went on to be known as ‘The Best Selling’ car of all time. But this record was eventually superseded by the VW Golf.
My story
My old VW Beetle named Marlen, during College years (ca. 1972), here in Aspen, Colorado.
Readers of my Cars & More pages in this Blog may have noticed that while I was in Lake Forest College (during the early 70’s), I had obtained an old 1962 VW Beetle, into which later on had thrusted a rebuilt by-my-own-hands Porsche 356 engine in the back bay, turning the little car into a nondescript hot-rod; eventually converting the Bug into a wicked Autodynamics Deserter GTbeach-buggy that accompanied me back home to Greece after graduation on board the super-liner SS Michelangelo.
The 1962 Beetle as I first encountered her in the Corinth storage of the ‘Smile of a Child’ Org.
I guess that the notion of re-living those long gone days of innocence and thirst for an adrenaline fueled life, was in the back of my head for some time. And out of the blue, the opportunity to acquire another 1962 Beetle came sometime in the spring of 2011. In April a bunch of car aficionados had successfully formed the “Car Friends Close Group“, a small private Face Book Group of friends who share their passion and love about anything on wheels. We then organized an event with our cars showing in a private collector’s garage aiming to raise funds for ‘a good cause’ in support of the Smile of Child, a well known Greek NGO (http://www.hamogelo.gr). Since the President of the NGO is an ex colleague from the IT Business, he asked me to help him in selling some old cars that were donated few years ago to the organization. Arrangements were made for me to visit the storage area in Corinth in order to take pictures and evaluate the cars on his behalf. Lo and behold, when the gates were opened I first encountered a 1973 R107 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL and right behind a 1962 Type 113 VW Beetle (aka Käfer) in anthracite color. Having myself bought just few months ago an immaculate R107 (see The Day I met “Princes Grace” post) I had no interest for yet another one in need of restoration. But the Beetle touched my soft spot; I had to rescue this neglected but quite original and in sound condition example. I must confess that among all my classic or modern cars, the Beetle, named Marlen II, currently commands the highest emotional charge! 😉
The “just arrived” Porsche 356 engine in a box!
Rewinding on the story a parenthesis is due; the idea of re-living my College year’s of owning an early 60’s VW Beetle powered by a 356 Porsche engine, included a quest to source an appropriate unit for rebuilding and then fitting (a straight bolt on job) it to the newly acquired Beetle. Seeking such in Greece was unsuccessful; Enter in the picture a generous and noted Porsche cars collector, a Greek-American friend, Myron Vernis, who upon learning via e-mail exchanges of my quest, graciously offered to provide such a unit as a present to me! Ain’t that nice? Hence, after many arrangements done by my other close Greek car collector friend, Alex Vazeos, one September morning the 356 engine arrived at my garage in a crate, directly from Ohio, USA! I am most grateful about getting “a little help from my friends!” 🙂
Just about ready to unload the Bug on “Terra Attica” after its journey from Corinth.
Closing the parenthesis, back to present, making a longish story short, after negotiating with my ex colleague for a two car deal, I was able to get yet another Greek car collector friend of mine interested in the Merc R107; hence we concluded the purchase of both cars in late October 2011. I made arrangements for both to be loaded on a car transport truck and delivered to our respective workshops in Athens. I took delivery of Marlen II on Friday afternoon 18th of November at the premises of my trusted body shop, the A & B FOR CARS in Geraka (the friendly guys who did such a nice job on the “ground-up” restoration project of 2010 for my 1967 Mercedes-Benz W111 250 SE Coupé. Click here for the related stories). The drums of anticipation jumped gear thumping faster as I heard the truck’s diesel engine maneuvering outside the body shop’s gate. I had not inspected the car carefully while in its Corinthian storage, as there was not enough room nor had I the possibility to raise the car and examine at the undercarriage for rust spots. It was sort of a “blind date” purchase and now after several months of dreaming about the little car, I was going to face the truth, good or bad…
The relevant ‘Apocalypse Now!’ video clip is here-below; Manos’ expert eye confirms that the undercarriage is original, rust-free and unmolested. “Poly Kalo!” (Very Good! was his verdict). The car has not suffered any injuries from any serious crash accident and there would be little intervention to be done in her underbelly aside from a thorough steam cleaning and wax-oiling! A pleasant surprise 🙂
Engine Number: it turned out that this is indeed the original engine!
After some more documenting pictures were taken, I left the car there and headed for home (on the way I decided to offer Marlen II as a birthday present to my beloved wife Ivi, her anniversary being on Sunday 20th November)! Full of excitement about all that was eager and thirsty to hit the web and start researching about her birth date and many other Käfer related details. Her chassis No. 4 725 111 revealed that the official model is “113, VW De Luxe Sedan”, manufactured in May 1962; in addition, the engine No. 6 766 861 means that it pumps out 34 DIN PS with a displacement of 1.2 Liter. For more details I would have to await the receipt of the official ‘Zertifikat’ applied for from the Stifung AutoMuseum Volkswagen, Schatzkammer der Marke.
On the following Saturday morning the primary task was to start the engine! Of course the 6 Volt battery was dead so I had to ‘borrow’ the one from our 1956 Citroen Traction Avant! Armed with a ‘light’ toolbox and the extracted battery plus a spray can of ether engine starter, I proceeded to A & B FOR CARS to do the honors.
VW engine key (aka key to happiness)!
The VW speedometer indicates some 80’s kilometrage…
After cleaning the battery terminals and positioning the fresh power source in its tray under the rear seat bench-(also not rusted), I removed the carb air cleaner and was ready to turn the ignition key. I asked one of the guys to assist by only squirting ether twice inside the carb barrel. Ready? Ignition: on the second cranking the air-cooled motor without much ado, spurted to life! I could not believe my eyes, ears and nose. All three senses acted in unison as a total recall to long forgotten but familiar VW Beetle sounds and smells. My new ’49-years old’ VW was purring, revving at higher idle as a cold engine should. No excessive smoke nor valve train clutter was noticed. The red indicator charging/oil pressure ‘idiot light’ on the speedometer instrument going out as it was supposed to. Good omens for an unusually warm and sunny late November Saturday morning. I was very happy indeed! 🙂 A time capsule? Who knows how long ago it was when the engine was last used? How many previous owners? Are the 81310 kilometers indicated in the odometer true and correct? Further inspection and getting to know my Marlen II would sooner or later piece together some of the puzzle pieces of her past life.
The first steam cleaning attempt of Marlen II was half done: the machine broke down! 😦
Next stop was at the cleaners! Unluckily my friendly Pakistani hot pressure water equipped car washer was not available, so I had to hunt in the neighborhood for an alternate. After several gas station stops, one had the right equipment and was willing to undertake the job. A lot of old grease and caked oil had accumulated in the rear engine and gear box area as well as in the front torsion bar suspension. While at it, his Karcher machine broke down… 😦 The job was half done and the bill was reduced. Oh well, Kumar will do it properly for me come Monday.
A more detailed picture album of the car can be viewed by clicking HERE!
Overhauling the brakes at Cabilis Performance ‘clean’ shop.
Next task was to change the vital juices: engine oil, gearbox oil, brake fluid. In addition to check on the road safety of the car in areas of steering, suspension, brakes, electrics (lights, turning indicators, horn, windshield wipers etc). These items were taken care of (the juices by Christos Economou VW Service) and the rest by Cabilis Performance, a VW specialist conveniently located only one block away from my garage! In between five new tires were fitted and the wheels dynamically balanced.
The mechanical repairs effected so far (Dec 2011) include:
Brakes overhaul (new master cylinder, wheel cylinders, linings, hoses, bleeders)
Front end (new steering damper, tie rod ends, wheel bearings cleaned & greased, new shock absorbers, travel end ‘stop’ rubbers)
Rear end (re-tuned torsion bars as the car was sitting too high, new shock absorbers, travel end ‘stop’ rubbers)
Engine (new distributor assembly, spark plugs and HT wires, valves adjusted, carb cleaned, fuel filter fitted in non-conspicuous spot, replaced gear shift lever with original one)
Electrics (headlights replaced, light bulbs checked, horn, dome light, windshield wiper motor, wiper arms, windshield washer line replaced, generator coils re-winded and new bearing fitted).
The engine bay is quite original. In this pic after replacing the distributor and overhauling the original 6Volt generator.
What is interesting to note is that the Cabilis people (father and two sons) report that the engine has not been opened and its compression test was good and even! Aside from establishing that the engine is a “matching numbers” case, this good news supports the possibility that the indicated 80k kilometers might also be true. In the mean time, the “Zertifikat” along with the confirming letter stating that “that the above engine number is that of the original engine”, came via post just the other day. Considering all the above, I am now in a dilemma about replacing the original-in good condition-engine with the more powerful Porsche 356 unit as originally planned. That issue will be resolved in the near future as the restoration project progresses during 2012…
Marlen’s II birth “Zertificat” as issued by the VW AutoMuseum
The VW Museum Letter confirming engine “matching numbers” dated 30.11.2011.
Next phase of repairs to commence in January 2012 will cover the following areas:
Body shop work (addressing the few rot spots, stripping and sanding and respraying to the original color “L 469 Anthracite”, replacing front and rear bumpers, sand blasting and respraying the wheels to the original color “L 471 Stone Beige”, replacing front & rear windshield seals, all other rubbers and seals etc).
Upholstery work (replacing seat upholstery according to the factory fitted “M 079 Upholstery leatherette” and the head liner of the original 1960-62 style in light gray nap cloth perforated type, fitting the proper carpet set as the original tan colored German square weave material, plus anything else required so that the car will be in an as much original condition as possible).
Hopefully we will not get as analytic during the preservation phase!
Preparing for implementing that exciting phase of the restoration, I have delved in appropriate VW parts sources and related info which I list below as a reference for other interested Beetle loving friends and readers:
Όταν επέστρεψε μετά από 15 χρόνια εμιγκρές στις ΗΠΑ, την μαύρη περίοδο του κράχ της Αμερικής, γύρω στο 1930, έφερε την αντιπροσωπίαa της #
The Byron E. Riginos Blog 