smart142 says hello!

[smart142 605]

I've been a diesel lover since the early 70's after owning a 1955 AC WD45 diesel tractor.

You begin to respect the durability, reliability,and efficiency of the diesel.

I next bought a 1983(brand new)Mazda B2200 diesel that lasted 19years.

 

My next purchase was a 1986 Toyota Landcruiser 4l diesel in 1989 that I still own and has 460,000km.

In 1997 I bought a 1982 MB SD300 Turbo diesel that I have enjoyed restoring. It was easy to recognize the quality that Mercedes puts into their products. That was when I became interested in the Mercedes Benz A class and followed the development of the smart.

 

I never beleived that the smart would be brought to North America where the big is beautiful philosophy rules. On Nov.1 2002 I was literally stopped in my tracks when I spotted a smart parked in front of the MB dealer in London. I was all over that car and even talked the manager into giving me a ride and the next day a short test drive.That convinced me so I put down a $500 deposit even though the car was not scheduled to be brought to Canada.

 

I went through two salesman and still no news of the smart coming so the dealer refunded my deposit in Jan 2004. The salesman told me that if the smart wasn't going to the USA it would never come to Canada because we're such a small market. So off I go on a trip with the boys and I get a phone call from my wife because the MB President of Canada had announced that the smart would be coming to Canada and I was put back on the list to receive the smart.

 

I placed my order for my custom car in Jun2004 and she was delivered on the 13th of Dec.2004. I am still thrilled with the smart and find it to be an engineering marvel that meets and exceeds all my needs and expectations. It is indeed a passion and her name is Gina. I now have 11,500kms on my baby and she continues to get a nightly bath. Did I mention that the smart can change your lifestyle.

 

Anyways that's my story and I'm sticking to it. Luckily I've found a few other smartaholics in London that share the passion so I know I'm not alone in the way I think. Hope to see you on the road.

Glenn.smart142.

[Bud Colby 0]

Welcome Glen, I hope to be reading a lot of your posts. Your vast knowledge of smart (Being one of the longest drivers in Canada) will be a welcome commodity here.

Bud

[MikeT 744]

Thanks for the great intro!

Your story and mine are similar, as we both had deposits down in 2002 and cancelled in January 2004, only to re-deposit shortly after the offical announcement!

It's sure great that you're here!

[spinner 0]

Hi Glenn! We've had some good times so far at the meets, I look forward to keeping it going.

I haven't been to London, Ont. in over two decades, so it's a place I would like to discover again, maybe even this year..

[smart142 605]

Hey Spinner- just let me know if you're ever heading this way(sorry I won't see you at steamwhistle). I am going to try and organize a regular meeting day in London(I guess that 's ok to say here but not over there) and I will keep you posted. I can't beleive how quick you guys are at replying to posts. My two finger typing is improving but I'm still so slow-my daughters laugh at me-oh well. Nice to see the smart community continuing.

[smart142 605]

Feeling nostalgic tonight -  I've just completed my last shift in the ER that I have worked in since 1981  - almost 25 yrs.

Tomorrow the new ER opens - Victoria Hospital in London. Today I worked 11-2300hrs in the trauma room and the last half was awful - non stop - 2 motorcycle accidents,,atv rollover, 2 bad falls,and the rest is a blurr.

It was so nice to leave that mess but also so sad because I won't be going back to that old familiar hell hole.

Anyways life goes on and I'm raising a glass to salute the ''old Vic''. Cheers!

[MikeT 744]

So is this a retirement, or are you just changing locations?

Anyway, it's a noble job, thanks.

How is the Chartreux?

[HIGHBOOST 1]

good to see you here... My smart is my first diesel and now IM hooked on the beauty of it.. LOL Good intro too!!

[42Kruiser 0]

Welcome Glenn, good to hear from you and of your appreciation for diesels. Must admit though I was jealous when I read that you can type with two fingers.

[deezle 0]

I can type with two fingers, as well...but only when I use the 'shift' key.

Good to see you're here, Glenn. Enjoyed your intro. Diesels do have a certain charm...especially now that they've quit smoking.

Brian

[mixed 1]

Hi Glenn, nice to see you here, and Burlington isn't that far from London

[smart142 605]

Thanks guys for allowing me to share! Mike T you are awesome-I didn't make it clear the other night. The ER is moving to a new site(biggest hosp. move in Canada)and I will have to continue to work as long as the body holds up.

42Kruiser-I only wished that I thought that one up-a great handle-an original!

Brian-you're so right I've been trying to get the Mb and the LandCruiser to quit,but you know smokers-they just can't.

And yes Craig ,Burlington isn't too far,but now I'll have to worry about going over 80,000 in less than 3 yrs.(and at the rate you drive it'll be 2yrs. have you bought an oil extractor?)

[smartzuuk 167]

I'll be interested in seeing your other diesel(s). Have you got the SD300 still?

[SmartieParts 12]

Still looking to trade your smart in Keith?

[smart142 605]

It was a year ago that I posted this on the MBCanada site:

''My smart has landed,it's in my garage now. I took delivery on Monday. It's well worth the wait. Brilliant engineering and everything feels just right. It's all I need and I am more than pleased. For me Santa has arrived early. I have driven through two snow days here and the smart(Gina) has calmed all my doubts. Originally I was not going to drive her in the winter but when examining her on the hoist and seeing the underside protection I knew there would be no way she would sit in the garage. Greetings to all the smarties out there and enjoy the holidays. smart142.''

 

Now I have driven over 28,000kms and I consider 2005 to be the ''year of the smart!''

In Jan I was able to buy an assortment of mods from a guy in Hamilton that abandoned his smart and I've continued to add to that throughout the year.

The MB/smart cruise in on 15May in Oakville started me on the road to many a ''smart'' event. They included the Steam Whistle Brewery in Toronto 12Jun, Micro North in Barrie 25Jun, MB Club Canada in Mannheim 10Jul, Woodward Dream Cruise in Detroit 20Aug, and of course the smart cruise Niagara 2Oct.

 

I also attended over a dozen car shows in London and went to Burlington a few times.

[smart142 605]

I rambled on and filled a whole page,go figure,and still didn't list everything.

Anyways,- I would like to thank everyone at Clubsmartcar for the great site and all the work you put into it! THANK YOU!!! I've had a fun year!

I would like to end with a quote from deezle:

''Everyone who has ever sat in one MUST realize that it is a marvel,a gem,a revolution,

a dream, a lifestyle, a philosophy, a planet-saver, a sport, a savings account, a sculpture,

and above all, a ticket into an exclusive car club. Musn't they??!!''

[Cait 0]

I've had mine for a year too!!! Its truly great! And i'm no less enthusiastic and pleased with it than i was on day 1! if anything, I like it more

There ahve been lots of events that ou've gone too! and I"ve had the privelege to see you on a number of occasions! Lets keep the spirits high going into the new year!

WOO!!

[DCS 0]

First off, glad to see that it's been over a year since you've started enjoying your smart! I've read a lot of your posts, and I'm glad to see you here!

Secondly, was having the "emergency" in the backgrouond of Gina on purposeful statement, or just an interesting coincidence?

Thanks, and congrats!

[smart142 605]

That's where I work when I'm not playing with the smart.

[Diesel Dave 11]

"Emergency" was the situation for Glenn when the smart came to Canada.

[smart142 605]

Another year has gone by and the love affair has not stopped

Poor gina has now clocked over 64,000 trouble free kms.

 

The year started off with the free Pink Panther passes and then in Feb I joined a large group that went to CIAS in Toronto on a very cold day, even got to see a four four..Through the winter the London smarties would get together once a month at different pubs- Rockwaters, Robinson Hall, The Beanery(St.T.) and Jack Astors.

 

The warm weather saw us meet up at Port Stanley to enjoy Mackies and Shaws.We were also treated by smart in May to a DaVinci scavenger hunt in Toronto.The weather was terrific and the food and smarties were awesome

.I even got to shake the hand of the president of MB Canada

June brought even more excitement with the Niagara cruise and picnic. Had an absolute blast and will never forget the drive through the short hills with Ryan,Mike, and Iain.

 

The next week I attended Micro North with Rich and Ben. Got to go for a ride in a Citroen2CV and a military Trabant - PRICELESS.

.I travelled as far as Chicago to take in the National micro show and on my return went to Ottawa to join the relay.

 

Had way too much fun meeting the Quebec smarties and getting a police escort through Ottawa to the 401 and then again in Toronto. It was a once in a lifetime experience!!! Thanks Garry!!!

 

Had a days rest and then ''the group'' took in the Woodward Cruise and had a BBQ at my place the next day.

 

Guess you could say that I tried to go to every event possible. That would include Wortley cruise nights, Mapleview in Burlington, Firkin in TO, Port Dover, Kitchener, St Jacobs, Husky Supercruise, End of Summer Cruise, Long Point, High Park in TO......

 

I also added a few mods to Gina- Zenon headlights,painted front spoiler,side skirts,sprayer mod,passenger control window mod,ignition free window mod,blindy dual exhaust,rear side leds,oil pan heater,winters on pulse alloys...

 

For others I have done the Euro turn signal mod,passenger window control mod, cruise control,lights,mudflaps,skirts,swapped panels,installed armrests,fog lights,rear valances,air scoops, and oil pan heaters....

 

Oh, and I was elected to the BOD as the Membership director and help mod the intro section

Next year I'm going to slow down a little...

 

 It was great seeing everyone last year.- Thanks for the great memories!!

 

[MikeT 744]

Hey, congrats! Great face shot!

I had almost forgotten that old thread at the former forum we hung at: Poll: "When Will Mike T Get His smart?" It seemed that EVERYBODY got theirs before I did......

My 2 year anniversary is coming up in ~3 weeks....

[ProgFrog 0]

Congrats smart142! It's great to have people as friendly and helpful as you in the community! I wish you and your Gina another fun filled year!

[Duck 16]

I was thinking about this the other day - "Isn't Glenn coming up on his 2 year anniversary?". You're probably the kindest person I've ever met, and it's been a blast getting to know you over the last little while, all the way from that first day at Steamwhistle when you talked me into "going for it". :)The shirt is awesome, too! That's such a great gift, shows a lot of thought. They nailed the font, and that little icon of the car is perfect!!Hope to see ya soon,-Iain

[Diesel Dave 11]

Nice jacket Glenn and the car is even the right colour too.