Along with Nigel Matthews I've just spent a wonderful morning as a guest of Rudi Koniczek, the world's foremost restorer of Mercedes-Benz 300 SL coupes and roadsters. At the time of our visit Rudi and his staff had more than 30 of these magnificent sports cars on the premises, all undergoing various stages of restoration. Surprisingly the workshops are located, not in Europe or California, but on an estate setting of lush green hills in Victoria, BC, on Vancouver Island. Clients come from all over the world and yet Rudi Koniczek never advertises, has no Web site, doesn't even list the business in the phone book. Indeed, Rudi won't work on a car unless he approves of the owner: prospective clients must first travel to the Island for a few days so that he can judge their character and commitment to the project. Considering that these folks are usually wealthy and sometimes famous that may seem risky but such is his reputation that they're happy to make the trip. I'll be showing you photos of the 300 SL's and Rudi's facilities in future articles; meanwhile here's a shot of the man himself who, by the way, turned out to be as charming as the cars are fascinating.