Category Archives: MOGSouth Club Posts

This is fall all sorts of posts related specifically to MOGSouth.

29 Nov

2024 MOGSouth (All Regions) Spring Kickoff at Amelia Island, FL (1 Mar)

As you probably knew, we, MOGSouth, participated as a Club in the Amelia Island Concours Cars and Coffee event on Saturday.  After a few years we understood the rules and were able to bend them to our advantage and create a MOGSouth annual event.  This evolved into a MOGSouth noggin, somewhere in Fernandina Beach, on Friday evening, followed by a Morgan group of 15 – 20 cars, all parked together, at the Cars and Coffee event, on Saturday Morning. 

The Hagerty purchase of the Amelia Concours ended our activities as they limited Morgan participation at the Cars and Coffee to only 5 cars.  The crews of only 5 cars were insufficient to justify the Friday Evening noggin, nor really a group of Morgans on Saturday.  So, we cancelled our participation and haven’t been back since. 

Well, this year there is a new event hosted by our publishing friends at Classic Motorcars, the Classic Motorsports Kickoff presented by Sunoco.  It is similar, but better, to the prior Cars and Coffee event but is on Friday afternoon 1 March, 1 PM until 5 PM.  (The Friday afternoon timing eliminates the ‘crack of dawn’ rendezvous and should reduce the end of event traffic.)  This is perfect allowing us to resume our annual noggin Friday evening, at the Surf Restaurant, South Fletcher Ave, Fernandina Beach, at 6PM. (Noggin will start at 6PM and go until ??)  

We have expressed our willingness to participate in this new event, and they have agreed, without any limitations!!  The new event will be held just north of the Ritz Carlton hotel on A1A, Main Beach Park. 

All Morgans who register will be accepted.  (FYI,  there is a registration fee of 45$ per car.)  There are no fees for spectators.  They have also created a special Editor’s Choice Award for their favorite Morgan, and promised us that if we arrive together, we will have a designated Morgan parking area.  So, the Saturday Amelia Cars and Caffeine event has been eliminated from the MOGSouth Schedule, and we have inserted the Classic Motorsports Kickoff on Friday afternoon. 

The Friday noggin will be at the Surf Restaurant at 3199 S Fletcher Ave, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034, following the Kickoff.  (6 PM – 9PM)  So that being said, mark your calendars for the Classic Motorsports Kickoff presented by Sunoco, and register for the event at the following link.  https://www.motorsportreg.com/events/2024-classic-motorsports-amelia-island-kickoff-main-beach-park-168974

Some details about this event are provided below, however more details will be forthcoming but if you have questions feel free to contact me at Series1@cfl.rr.com

Cheers, Mark

WHEN:  Friday, March 1, 2024 1pm-5pm

WHERE:  Main Beach Park, Amelia Island, FL

ENTRY FEE: FREE for spectators Show Vehicle Registration Fee: $45

CAPACITY: Limited to 150 pre-registered cars.

About this event

We’re kicking off the Amelia weekend in style with the Classic Motorsports Amelia Island Kickoff presented by Sunoco! Our plan is to fill the green space of Main Beach Park, just a few miles north of the Ritz-Carlton, with awesome cars and great people. Along the way, we’ll send some of the classic car world’s biggest celebrities through the field awarding prizes to their favorite cars.

Spectator entry is free — just walk right in, with no registration required.

Vehicle entry price is $45, and all cars must pre-register online. No registrations will be accepted at the show gate.

View full event details, schedule, map and more at AmeliaKickoff.com

Event requirements

All entries must be accepted by our selection committee. To submit your vehicle for acceptance, register for the event. All new registrations will automatically be waitlisted until evaluated and approved or rejected by the committee. Your card will not be charged unless your vehicle is accepted. Upload a photo and details of your car during registration to improve your chances of being selected. 

Does this mean we won’t accept common cars? Not at all–we’ve actually made this change in order to increase the diversity of the cars at our show, as we want  to showcase the broadest range of vehicles possible.

What cars are we looking for? We’re looking for classic sports and luxury cars, muscle cars, newer exotics, classic 4x4s, and similar vehicles. 

Entrants must arrive between 12:30 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. for entry into the Amelia Kickoff. Vehicles will not be permitted to enter/exit the show between 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.

29 Nov

2024 MOGSouth (All Regions) Spring Noggin, 1 March, Fernandina Beach, FL

The new Classic Motorsports event at occur at Main Beach Park, (Just North of the Ritz Carlton Hotel on A1A.) Amelia Island, Friday 1 March, 1PM – 5 PM. MOGSouth will have their annual Spring Noggin right after this event (1 March 6Pm ??), at the Surf Restaurant, 3199 S. Fletcher Ave, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034. Watch this space for more details but do mark your calendars and we will see you in Amelia Island on 1 March.

Cheers, Mark

17 Nov

David Mikell Chiles – Nov 15, 2023

David Mikell Chiles – Nov 15, 2023

Another member of what I’d call the first generation of MOGSouth stalwarts has left us for more peaceful vistas.  David Chiles of Jamestown, NC, age 80, passed away on November 15, 2023 surrounded by his loving family.  

David Chiles at MOGSouth Holiday Party 2016

David and Sarah were long standing members of MOGSouth.  They were selected as Mother Courage Award recipients in 2003, some twenty years ago.  They instrumental in so many MOGSouth club events, holiday parties, rallies and drives throughout the scenic blue ridge and other wonderful places in the Carolinas, it would be impossible to list them all.  

David, a professional in the haberdashery business, was always impeccably dressed, that, and his eloquence was always on display.  When David talked, one would listen intently for fear of missing something earth shaking.  David loved his Morgans, both on the track and on the road.  He was successful numerous times vintage racing number 39 and his road cars were things of beauty. 

Each of his Morgan road cars were exquisitely restored, wonders to see and for me, real treasures.  I don’t know how many times I found myself drooling over his red Plus 8 which I tried to emulate with mine but fell short, way short!  David was a true friend and will be sincerely missed.  Mark

David Mikell Chiles Obituary as published online, follows. 

David Mikell Chiles

in the care of Hanes Lineberry Funeral Home

David Mikell Chiles of Jamestown, NC, age 80, passed away peacefully on November 15, 2023 surrounded by his loving family.  He had been in declining health for the past few years.  He was a member of Jamestown United Methodist Church.

The son of the late L.C. and Victoria Chiles of High Point, David was born in Knoxville, TN, and lived most of his life in High Point, NC.  Summers were spent in Little Switzerland, NC, where he served as president of the neighborhood association.

He is survived by his wife, Sarah, and two daughters, Angela Kemper (David) and Melissa Freeman (Doyle), and one sister, Dixie Burns (Dan). He loved his five grandchildren, Nick Freeman (Brittany), Brynn Freeman, Collin Kemper (Lidia), Paige Kemper, Cara Freeman; his great-grandson, Declan Freeman; and his many cousins, nephews, and nieces.

David was self-employed in the men’s apparel industry for over fifty years. He was active in the Men’s Apparel Club of the Carolinas, Inc. and served as vice president. He was known for his many friendships and loyalty to his customers and fellow colleagues throughout the southeast and beyond.

As an active member in the Triad Sports Car Club and the Morgan Sports Car Club, National and Southern groups, David loved planning weekend get-togethers in the mountains and drives along the Blue Ridge Parkway.  He enjoyed racing in the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association for many years and drove his Morgan to many victories.

Obituary of David Mikell Chiles

Funeral services will be 2:00 pm Monday, November 20, 2023 at Jamestown United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends and loved ones in the church fellowship hall immediately following the funeral service. David will be laid to rest in Floral Garden Park Cemetery in High Point prior to the funeral service.

The family would like to thank all the medical and support staff at Hospice of the Piedmont for their loving care and support.

Memorials may be directed to Hospice of the Piedmont, 1801 Westchester Drive, High Point, NC 27262.

Online condolences may be made at www.haneslineberryfhsedgefield.com.

10 Nov

Lee Oliver Gaskins, Jr.

It is really difficult for me to report that one of the most loved members of MOGSouth has passed away.  Lee Gaskins passed away on 8 November. 

Lee Gaskins was a MOGSouth member longer that I can remember and a tremendous friend.  Lee had an unmistakable sense of humor and was probably one of the most knowledgeable Morgan car enthusiasts I will ever know. 

He loved all those in the Morgan community and only his other passion, Tennis, could drag him away from a heady Morgan discussion at any one of our meets.  (The Wimbledon Championships always seemed to coincide with the annual DC MOG events (Morgan Owners Gatherings.))

Lee was my ‘go to’ guy for Morgan history.  If I had a question, I knew where to go for the answer.  He knew far more about the hot rod Morgan Super Sports, the car that won Le Mans, than I think the factory will ever know. 

When I lived in South Carolina, Lee and I were thick as thieves, and to be honest I was more than a willing participant.  I have vivid memories of transporting unobtainable Morgan parts for Lee in the back of my SUV.  Picking them up from wherever and transporting them back to his home in South Carolina.  He asked me to do it, as he didn’t want to let Trisha know he was buying more Morgan stuff!  She thought he had enough.  I was with Lee on this . . . can you ever have enough??

Their home was dedicated to and organized around Lee’s Morgans, both this road cars and his race cars.  Always a Morgan treasure trove to visit.  Really hard to describe . . . nothing short of a Morgan Museum. 

He will be missed, a MOGSouth member and a friend.  Someone we certainly cannot replace. 

Lee’s obituary, as posted in the Spartanburg, SC Herald-Journal is below.

Lee Oliver Gaskins Jr.

Lee Oliver Gaskins, Jr, 86 of Spartanburg, SC, passed away on November 8, 2023 in Johns Creek, GA.

Lee was born in Spartanburg, SC to Sarah Cordelia Cudd Gaskins and Lee Oliver Gaskins Sr on July 6, 1937. He went to school at Spartan High School. He graduated from Clemson University He served in the Army as a Captain. He married Patricia Curry on June 10, 1961 in Columbus, GA. During his career he worked for Liberty Mutual, AMF, Michigan Mutual, Amerisure and Zurich Insurance company. Lee was a member of Morningside Baptist Church in Spartanburg, SC. Lee volunteered with Mobile Meals of Spartanburg and Habitat for Humanity.

Lee had a very dry sense of humor, loved to tell a good joke and was an animated storyteller. Lee could fix just about anything and loved to tinker in the garage with his beloved British cars. Lee was an avid tennis player.

Lee is preceded in death by his father, Lee Gaskins Sr, his mother, Sarah Cudd Gaskins, his sister, Nancy Gaskins Floyd and her husband James Wesley Floyd Jr and his sister-in-law Lark Calhoun Gaskins.

Lee is survived by his devoted wife, Trisha Gaskins, his loving children, Trey & LeAnne Gaskins, Georgia Gaskins Callis, Ken and Carolina Gaskins Ortloff, his dear siblings, Guerry and Sallie Gaskins Burnett, Dean and Judy Gaskins, David and Elizabeth Gaskins Barkley, and his eight wonderful grandchildren, Alexis Callis Willman, Katie Gaskins Smith, Anne Gaskins, Nicholas Callis, Emily Gaskins, Grace Gaskins, Ian Ortloff and Lilly Ortloff.

We will hold a celebration of life for Lee in Spartanburg, SC on Monday, November 20, 2023 from 1pm-3pm at Dean Gaskins’ Home 921 Murph Road, Pauline, SC 29374.

In lieu of flowers, donations can made to:

Mobile Meals of Spartanburg, 419 E. Main Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302

If you would like to send condolences, the address is:

Trisha Gaskins

5050 Kimball Bridge Road

Room 117

Johns Creek, GA 30005

Posted online on November 09, 2023

Published in Spartanburg Herald-Journal

23 Oct

2023 MOGSouth Southern Region Fall Noggin – (20-22 Oct) – The Lake Mirror Classic – Lakeland, FL, Report from the Field

24 Morgans were registered for this show and after a few medical emergencies, a logistical mishap and a few technical (?) anomalies, 20 Morgans were displayed on the Concours d’Elegance lawn at the Lake Mirror Classic in Lakeland Florida.  Not only that, but we also had a good many friends from other local British Car Clubs stop by to say Hi and drool, and two MOGSouth members, one without his car (a bit too far), and one who chose to bring Hot Rods to the show in stead (sacrilege?)

Morgans were selected as the featured ‘display’ marque at the show.  We were part of the Concours but not judged.  All of the good things about a Concours, without dealing with the ‘not so good’ things.  We were collocated on the lawn with the other Concours cars and right next to the show’s special exhibit, one of 12 fabulous GM Futurliners! 

The Lake Mirror Classic Concours and Car Show is really 4 car shows in one.  First, there is the Concours d’Elegance, with its ‘by invitation only’ examples of automotive art, second is the highly attended ‘Hot Rod Rendezvous’, an amazing collection or resto-mods and hot rods, third is the ‘Open Car Show’ which has taken over all streets of Lakeland with some 400 cars, and forth we have the action out on the water in Lake Mirror itself, with 6 finely polished Mahogany masterpieces and a half-dozen Amphicars.  There is something for everyone at this show!  That, and the weather was absolutely superb.  Low 80s, almost no humidity, a slight breeze and nary a cloud in the sky.  Absolutely superb!!

Photo Courtesy of Mike Palfreyman

The Morgan entrants, with others attending the Concours, were entertained at the Friday evening VIP reception, complete with disc jockey, dancing and live music, free drinks and heavy hors d’oeuvres.  We all got catered lunches on Saturday and a lovely high ball glass with both the Morgan logo and the Lake Mirror Classic logo, as a souvenir.  Very nicely done! 

Photo Courtesy of Mike Palfreyman

Later after the car show, on Saturday evening, we had a MOGSouth group dinner at a highly rated restaurant.  We had a private room for the Morgan folks, and dedicated staff to address all of our needs.  We mostly all walked from the hotel as it was just a few blocks away, something less than a half mile.  Some illustrious types hijacked the hotels golf cart, and some (like me) took a private car.

Then a good number of Morgans (five I think) participated in the Sunday SCCA sanctioned rally.  The rally was a bit of a ‘treasure hunt’ sort of rally combined with a time-speed-distance sort of thing.  Some questions referenced older trivia, so the younger folks were challenged, and some clues were answered on small signs with small(er) lettering, ‘what did that sign say . . . Tiger Lilley Hot Tubs??,’ letting those with better eyes succeed, but all in all, good fun. 

A truly tremendous weekend for the South Region of MOGSouth.  A great turn out of fabulous Morgans, perfect weather and as always, an amazing group of people!!  We are thoroughly exhausted but ready to do it again!!  

Some comments from the membership.

  • ‘MOGSouth event – It was nice to see everyone and their Morgans. The show was great too with many exquisite vehicles.’
  • ‘Lake Mirror – Thanks for organizing a really wonderful weekend!’
  • ‘MOGSouth Lake Mirror Event – What a memorable Morgan weekend – a well-organized event’
  • ‘Lake Mirror – I thoroughly enjoyed getting together with all the MOG South/Gator folks.  Til the next time.’
  • ‘MOGSouth / Lake Mirror – What a great weekend for our Morgan group.  Superbly organized. And the comradery makes Morgan ownership so much better. BTW, whoever picked the dinner location for last night (21 Oct) should get five stars.’

Cheers, Rick and Mark

03 Oct

2023 MOGSouth Southern Region Fall Noggin (20-22 Oct) Lakeland, FL – VIP Reception – Friday 20 Oct – RSVP

Just to be sure things work according to plan. Everyone needs to RSVP for the VIP Reception so they will be on the list and be admitted. Each car owner should have received the invitation via email and they need to click the ‘RSVP’ button.  If there are issues, let me know!!

Cheers, Mark

03 Oct

2023 MOGSouth Southern Region Fall Noggin (20-22 Oct) Lakeland, FL – VIP Reception – Friday 20 Oct

Those bringing Morgans for Display as part of the Lake Mirror Classic Concours are invited (and their guests) to the the Lake Mirror Classic VIP Reception taking place Friday evening, October 20th from 6-9PM at the Magnolia Building overlooking Lake Mirror and France Langford Promenade.

Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, drinks, etc. Dress is business casual. Live music inside or step outside onto the deck to enjoy all the fun happening below at the Hot Rod Rendezvous. And, a special appearance of the GM Futurliner.

Special guests include the Lake Mirror Classic founder, Ford Heacock III, and the 2023 Grand Marshall, Bill Warner (founder and long time chairman of the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, racer. photo journalist and a legend in our hobby.)

28 Sep

2023 MOGSouth Southern Region Holiday Party (6-7 Dec) Ft Lauderdale, FL – Details

This is how the we think the event will come together!!  This Holiday Party will be a bit different from those in the past.  It is really only a one-day event.  Well, a single overnight.  And, that one day (overnight) is a Wednesday, December 6th, 2023.  FYI, a good number of folks indicated that a weekday was preferable to a weekend.  They had other things to do on the weekend!!  So, we are planning this one, in the middle of the week!! 

We will all travel to Fort Lauderdale, FL anyway we want.  Pick a good road, bring the Morgan or bring the tin top.  Your call!  We will check into the event hotel, the Marriott Maritime Hotel, Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port, 2161 Maritime Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA, 33312.  You will have to click the link: Book your group rate for Morgan MOGSouth GatorMOG or call (954) 533-7846, Ext. 1008 (Carina Tiepolt) and make your own reservation from our block booking! 

The hotel is nestled in the 25-acre Marina Bay Resort and takes its lifestyle cues from South Florida’s culture of on-the-water recreation. Soaring eight stories at the water’s edge, the boutique hotel’s distinctive architectural sail and sleek, nautically inspired facade make it an unmistakable new landmark among Marina Mile hotels.  It is conveniently located near the confluence of I-95, I-595, I-75, and Route 1, giving us great access from the North, South, and West!

We have a block of rooms reserved on a first come, first served basis.  Our group name is Morgan / GatorMOG / MOGSouth (pick one!!).  Our negotiated block booking rate is $145 per room (single or double) for the night, plus tax.  This rate includes:

  • An upgrade to a Deluxe Marina View Room with Balcony,
  • A $10 Food and Beverage credit that can be used at the Hotel Bar and/or Restaurant,
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi,
  • Complementary parking (usually $15/day), and
  • Complementary early check in on December 6th and late check out on December 7th.

The Maritime Hotel has an electric charging station and allows for overnight trailer parking for guests should anyone want to bring their vehicle by trailer.

That evening, Wednesday, we will convene at the entrance to the hotel and convoy over to the Holiday Party pub, leaving at 06:00PM.  Yes, a pub!  It’s a great location, just a couple of miles from the hotel, with the right sort of ambiance for us.  No white table clothes or fancy wine glasses this time!  We are going to the ‘Field’ Irish Pub and Eatery, 3281 Griffin Rd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312!!  https://www.thefieldfl.com/ We have a private room (the Nautical Room, I believe) that will be set just for us – with room to expand if things get rowdy!  Folks can order off the menu, eat and drink as they please.  They have great food and beer – no rubber chicken or soupy green bean casserole this year! 

After dinner, there will be a few words of MOGSouth business and then we’re done.  You’ll be free to return to the hotel, party on to live music at The Field, cruise Las Olas in your Morgan, or take a drive along Fort Lauderdale Beach!  Your call! 

On Thursday morning, feel free to take advantage of the hotel’s restaurant for breakfast or visit the excellent Lester’s Diner, 250 W State Rd 84, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315 just a mile east, down the same street.  Departure home is on your own.  However, for those who are interested, we will meet outside the hotel at 09:00am on Thursday morning for a real treat!

Special Event:

We have arranged an opportunity to tour a pretty amazing full-service classic and specialty vehicle restoration and coachbuilding business, The Creative Workshop, http://thecreativeworkshop.com/, which is only a couple of miles from the hotel, in Dania Beach.  The Creative Workshop was the subject of the recent Apple TV series, Long Road to Monterey (well worth a watch). The seven episodes of this “behind the scenes” show highlight the ups and downs of what it takes to restore incredibly rare and sought after cars – specifically, a 1966 Coach built Ferrari 330GT Speciale and a 1921 Kissel 6-45 “Gold Bug” Speedster – for some of the most spectacular car events in the world.

At Creative on Thursday morning, we will be met by the Owner, Jason Wenig, who will provide a personal tour of their unique, 80+ year-old historic building that has been fully converted into a comprehensive restoration & coachbuilding facility.  Cars restored and custom coach built by Creative have garnered numerous awards at international, national and local events – such as Pebble Beach, Amelia Island, Villa d’Este, Cavallino, Mille Miglia and many, many more.  Take a look at their website and videos – this is craftsmanship of the highest level. 

Did I mention that Creative’s General Manager, Rodney Keyzer, is a former Morgan Motor Car Dealer from South Africa?!!  This is a unique opportunity and is well worth the visit!  Visiting this facility is optional but highly recommended.  Do tell Mark or Jonathan if you plan to attend the visit so we can alert them to the number of folks to expect.  The visit and tour will take an hour or two and will be over by lunchtime after which you are again on your own to travel home.