The weird Midwest winter continues; other than a couple of snow falls and some serious cold in December, things have for the most part remained mild (shoot, most of my front yard is still green!).

Not to complain, though…this past Sunday, the 19th, some 54 cars and about 120 people participated in SLTOA’s traditional season-opening event, the Polar Bear Run (the event dates to the formation of the club in 1982 and was, in fact, the members’ first official event). When we gathered at the Schnuck’s on MO 30, the temperature was about 43 degrees with severe clear and the promise of a high of around 65. Several started the drive tops down (hey, great having cars with functioning heaters, eh?) while others put tops down when they could.

Again, an incredible turnout, easily setting the record for the Bear. We had a good turnout of Triumphs and MGs, welcomed a large contingent from the Gateway Miata Club and ones and twos of a number of other makes. They included two Fiats, two BMWs, two Mercedes-Benz, a ’73 Jensen-Healey (!), Porsche 912 and the piece de resistance, a ’66 Impala SS. Great fun!

Our thanks to the event organizers with SLTOA, the Brew Haus in Pacific (somehow they managed to get the entire crowd inside; great food, great service) and to the participants who provided additional photos. We’ll provide full coverage of the drive in the March edition of Exhaust Notes.