I just returned from a 400 mile journey to Carlisle, Pennsylvania where "ST1" was featured at the Carlisle Import Festival. This is one of the largest gatherings of import cars in the US and "ST1" was given a special indoor display for four entire days! I was quite impressed by the hospitality of the organizers as I had driven 'ST1" and needed rides to and from the event.

What was a suprise to me were the number of people who came to look at the car. Many, many folks had read about it and came to Carlisle just to see the car that had inspired them many years ago. Several folks thanked me personally for restoring the car and for bringing it to the US. I must say the experience was quite overwhelming. It was reaffirming to know that there are many folks out there who still hold Sir Roger Moore, "The Saint" TV series, and "ST1" dearly. 

Also on display were several of the Disney "Herbie" movie cars and these attracted quite a number of young people. I am sending several photos from the event separately so as not to fill your inbox.

Best Regards,

Bill Krzastek

Hello to all. I know that this is old news to some of you but I am finally getting around to posting photos of "ST 1" arriving in the US. It was safely delivered to Waynesboro, Virginia in it's shipping container on September 21. It literally was the largest Corgi "Saint's Volvo" you've ever seen! Enclosed are photos of it in it's "box" and after I cleaned it up and detailed the trunk er.. boot. The original trunk mat and side boards all cleaned up beautifully. Even the original Minilite spare wheel is back where it belongs. The car was at my home for only three days when it left for Anaheim, California to take part in Volvo U.S.'s unveiling of their new C70 Coupe/Convertible at the California International Auto Show. Some cars have all the fun....

Best Regards,

      Bill

Here is the latest update on "ST 1", the 1967 Volvo 1800S: on June 17, I went to the UK and finally had a chance to see the car in person. The purpose of the visit was to be interviewed for the articles being prepared for the London Sunday Times and Classic& Sportscar Magazine by motoring journalist, Giles Chapman, on this most famous car. (Link to the article in Sunday Times)

 

   I also got to finally meet Tony Davey and John Best who have been restoring the car and keeping me in pictures of the progress. On Saturday, we took "ST 1" to a Church fait, which is a fundraiser for St. Nickolas's Church in Rattlesden. We used the car to raffle off a chance to ride in "The Saint's car". It was a very popular exhibit! Please see photo titled Winner1 to see her get her ride! By the way, I won a bottle of Sherry at the Fait! (I also bought a Saint paperback at the book stand titled 'The Saint Sees it Through' which was rather appropriate considering the size of this project....

 

   On Sunday, "ST 1" was scheduled to be an attraction at the Rowley Mile Horserace Track in Newmarket. This was another "Saintly" endeavor as this was a fund raiser for the Arthur Rank Hospice and the British Heart Fund. It was a great time with displays of both classic and new cars. "ST 1" was incredibly popular even among children which really surprised me. The most popular pose was among adults with their arm stretched towards the green logbook with Roger Moore's signature while shouting to someone "It's the real one!" This went on all day. Tony and I sat nearby and watched. Quite amusing. By the way, The Mini folks were there and posted some photos on their website:  http://www.mfu.org.uk/row2005.htm   This happened to be the hottest day in four decades (lucky us). It was in the low 90's. See photos of Tony Rowley and Stilts to see the car at this fundraiser.

  ......Bill Krzastek