Meet John Chi, our new Sales Manager!

Hello there Mercedes enthusiasts!

I recently joined the MBZ Parts team and I wanted to write this newsletter to introduce myself, as I'll be the new primary point of contact for your sales inquiries. I was born and raised in Southern California, mainly in the once sleepy town of Indio. I can truly say I've been involved with Mercedes-Benzes for almost all of my life as the picture above can attest to! This picture was taken at VIP Motors in Palm Springs with our 1967 250SE.

I'm married, and I have a boy from my first marriage, John. I've been involved in the automotive world since 1982. I got my start working for a now long gone local parts house sweeping the floor and stocking parts, of which I knew nothing about. One day, my parents wanted to show me a lesson because I really didn't care much about school, so one fateful summer, they had me intern for the family mechanic. Well as it turned out, day one he taught me how to rebuild an old diesel injection pump and it opened up a whole new world for me and I was hooked from there! Brakes, suspension work, wiring, fuel and brake plumbing, I couldn't get enough! I went on to write service for a race shop in Oceanside CA, worked for several parts companies and was even a WURTH USA rep for a while.

About ten years ago I left the industry to pursue careers in real estate and insurance, but after dying twice last year while in the hospital for COVID, I had a life-changing epiphany and realized I greatly disliked my chosen vocations! So after I recovered from COVID and now dealing with the post COVID nonsense, I've returned to doing what I love doing best!

I've since owned several W123s, a W124TE, a smattering of BMWs and Porsches (I promise I won't do the BMW thing again!), along with a wide variety of Chevys, Fords, early Mopars and VWs. I currently own a black 1991 W126 300SE and my toy is a 1965 W110 190c Fintail named, "Francine", both of which are daily drivers. I have done all the work on all of my vehicles including full chassis wiring, engine rebuilding, fabrication, welding and full frame off restorations etc...and it's been a wonderful source of therapy for me.

My wife Angela has been lovingly by my side and very supportive in all of my endeavors, and my dog Rosie never fails to make me laugh out loud on a daily basis.

I'm looking forward to helping you with your projects and I'm excited to be a part of keeping more of these beautiful cars on the road. 

It's not the destination, but the journey.

John Chi
Sales Manager
MBZ Parts