I had the very distinct privilege of meeting one of my early childhood hero's while living in Cali..
My girlfriend at the time; her Mother knew him http://juanitamillendermcdonald.blogspot.com/ and had him and his Hawaiian princess over for dinner so I could meet him..It was a highlight of my life...and I have never forgot it.. Of course he drove a Mercedes Benz, just like the one I had... 1972 280 se 4.5 http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Pines/6633/w108w109/w108w109.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_W108