Member Spotlight - Dale Garber

Dale, 79, is originally from Virginia.  He is married to Janice, has two children and grand kids.  Dale graduated with an MBA from the University of Virginia.  He approaches life with a good sense of humor and “respect” for people.  He gets a lot of joy and laughter from his family and friends, and comedians older than himself.

Dale works very hard at being retired.  His first job was being a Road Salesman for Honest Charley Speed Shop.  Then, he spent the next 60 years in the marketing and product development of performance parts in the automotive industry.  According to Dale, he is “literally a life-long gear head.”  Before he could drive, Dale built his first ride, a '56 Chevy.  That Chevy soon traded its 6 cylinder for a Chevy 327, with a 4 speed.

His free time is spent with his family.  Dale also has an interest in race cars, hot rods, and anything mechanical.  Dale’s favorite place in the World is Maui, primarily due to the weather and the people. 

Dale has previously owned several different Mercedes: 1972 350SL, 1985 380SL, 1983 380SEC, and a 1975 450SL.  He currently owns a 1985 SL, which he considers “very special.”  His 1985 380SL is documented with 40,000 miles and a complete history.  It was owned by only one family until Dale purchased it 2 years ago.  This 380SL has all original paint, chrome, glass, interior, engine bay, and trunk.

Thus far the car has won the following awards: 

• 107 Class, Top-down Car Show and Concourse, 5/4/24 
• Best in Class, R107, Star Summit Concourse Royal, 10/05/24
• Silver Star Preservation Certificate and Medallion, 10/04/24

Dale drives his Mercedes every day, weather permitting, and will continue to do so.  If he could own any model/year Mercedes, it is his current Mercedes.

His mom’s homemade beef vegetable soup is his favorite dish.  He enjoys reading books by James Cameron, or anything on the Revolutionary/Civil wars.  As far as music, he enjoys listening to 1970’s Disco.  NASCAR is his favorite TV show.  If he had to choose a favorite animal, horses would win out. 

Dale would like to write a novel on the wackiness of life.  In conclusion, he would like to be remembered as “A Good Man!”