MBCA History:
Established in 1956, MBCA has approximately 18,000 members in 85 local sections throughout the U.S. and Canada. Each region is administered by a regional director who is responsible for assisting and inspiring the sections in the region. The regional director also fosters the formation of new sections, co-ordinates regional activities and represents the constituents as a member of the national board of directors. Hundreds of events are organized by sections, from social gatherings to tech sessions, from car shows to driving events. Most sections publish a newsletter of information and events and each section has its own officers and by-laws.
Prior to 1952, only 34 Mercedes-Benz automobiles were registered in the United States, but enthusiasts were hard at work to form a club. Dr. Milton J. Allen of Summit, New Jersey, petitioned Daimler-Benz in Stuttgart for permission to use the name and trademark for this purpose in 1955. Concurrently, a group of Chicago members of the British Mercedes-Benz Club formed their own organization. Both groups established clubs and were chartered in 1956.
The Easterners were joined by a newly formed Western group, received factory sanction, adopted the name Mercedes-Benz Club of America, Inc., and grew to 500 members in 19 states by 1957. In 1959, they merged with the Midwestern group, forming a truly national club.
Although the Mercedes-Benz Club of America is a not-for-profit organization, and is not an affiliate of Mercedes-Benz USA or Daimler-Benz AG, the Club does enjoy the unique position of being sanctioned by MBUSA. Since MBCA's inception, a Mercedes-Benz representative has provided liaison in support of the club's functions, activities, and business affairs. In addition, Mercedes-Benz and Daimler-Benz have supplied generous quantities of historical and technical information and assistance. The club is very proud of this relationship and its permission to use the name and trademark of Mercedes-Benz.
The British Columbia Section, the "BC Stars":
The BC Section of the MBCA has a long history in the MB owner community in Vancouver. Prior to 1989 when the original organizers applied to the MBCA for membership, they were already an established local club of MB motorists. One of the key leaders was Milo Gach, renowned for running a very successful shop, Milo`s, still in existence, specializing in the repair and sales of exotic European cars. Milo and his customers and friends enjoyed organizing local drives and social events. They often participated as guests in larger MB events with enthusiasts from the MBCA Section based in Seattle.
Milo was the Section President for many years, and the membership locally grew to an average of about 100 members. The Vancouver-based Section enjoyed regular cross-border driving events with their The Pacific Northwest Regional MBCA counterparts from Oregon, Washington, and Vancouver Island. It became a tradition to visit each other`s Show & Shines each year. With the support of Mercedes-Benz Vancouver Group, the Club opened MB car entries to the general public and the shows became remarkably popular. Many younger owners welcomed the opportunity to show their cars and share a day of MB heritage.
Since the COVID shutdown, the Club has started to reinstitute its regular casual drives as well as more organized trips to Whistler and the Okanagan Wine country which were very successful in the past.
The recent Show & Shine partnerships with Dilawri MB dealerships have re-invigorated the Club and the broader MB community, eager to enjoy their cars with others. A strong social media presence has created a close relationship with the younger MB enthusiasts.
