Moving on, but still hanging here.

[BobB]

Some of us that will no longer throw their leg over a Valkyrie again have moved on to trikes, or Spiders, or Mazda Miatas.  But for me, I have moved on to pure class.  



That is a 1976 Mercedes-Benz 450 SL, a 2+ seater roadster that also has a hard top.  Two cars in one, roadster and coupe.  This is no sports or muscle car, putting out 180 HP from its 4.5 L (275 cu in) aluminum alloy engine.  The 1970’s regulations for emissions and millage had a profound effect.  But this grand touring car gets out and rolls.



I had admired these cars those many years ago, R107 bodied SL’s were build longer than any other Mercedes model.  When this car was built I was married under three years and had an eight month old daughter.  The SL was not only inpractical but also a financial stretch.  So here we are together only 42 years later.  



This SL’s color is Classic White with the same color hard top.  The interior as well as the soft top is Navy Blue.  It is a driver, no serious show car, has some issues but nothing that a little time and money can't fix.  I managed to resolve a top release issue just this evening for zero dollars.  



The car dropped into my lap very quickly, an interesting story that I may share later.  
I'll stay in touch on the boards, forever a VRCCer, and will always remember my Lady Val that I rode for a decade.

Now I want to wish all those headed to Inzane, a safe journey and have a great time.  Hope to see all of you next year…

[cookiedough]

those are some massive all metal bumpers sure to take out any modern plastic cars that is for sure.  And what is it with those MONSTER sized front rectangular sized fog lamps?  Shining deer at night?

[The emperor has no clothes]

Class indeed ! I too have always admired them. Best wishes in your next chapter. 

[BobB]

those are some massive all metal bumpers sure to take out any modern plastic cars that is for sure.  And what is it with those MONSTER sized front rectangular sized fog lamps?  Shining deer at night?

Those extended bumpers were mandated in 1974, to absorb a five mph collision without damage.  A 1973 450 SL would have been preferable.  They had tight fitting European bumpers, and looked much better.  All fog lamps were that size back then.  I once had a 1984 GMC Suburban that had both driving and fog lamps that size.

[DGS65]

Very nice enjoy!  I have a good friend with a very low mileage one in his garage.  Me I'm a Corvette guy but appreciate a nice classic!

[hubcapsc]

There was one of these in the parking lot where I worked until recently, I
really like funny looking little cars:



It is a Mercedes SLK, a 2000 I think...

I bought a 2002 Tacoma 4x4 for a toy after I retired, so I'm tapped out on
vehicles I don't need to have...

New vehicles have a lot going for them. They also cost a whole lot of $. Many older vehicles
(like a 450 SL) have way more class than the new ones, though 

I bet your seats are nice! 2002 truck seats are kind of like sitting on a bench.

-Mike

[Rams]

those are some massive all metal bumpers sure to take out any modern plastic cars that is for sure.  And what is it with those MONSTER sized front rectangular sized fog lamps?  Shining deer at night?

Those extended bumpers were mandated in 1974, to absorb a five mph collision without damage.  A 1973 450 SL would have been preferable.  They had tight fitting European bumpers, and looked much better.  All fog lamps were that size back then.  I once had a 1984 GMC Suburban that had both driving and fog lamps that size.

My BIL has a similar 450SL roadster to this.   Not sure of the year.   He doesn't drive it much.   He also has an XKE Jag and a 911 Porsche, all were restoration projects he did himself.    He recently got into rail Speeders like the railroad work crews use.   He's a mechanical engineer that simply can't sit back an relax.  

Nice Mercedes you have there.  Enjoy!  

Rams

[Hook#3287]

A fine piece of german engineering there.

Well, except for the US mandated bumpers.

I can see the Germans standing around after they put the first set on and going.

"This is what those stupid Americans want?"

I almost purchased the same vehicle from my stepdads buddy, just didn't happen, probably for the better, but I did dream about it.

Nice ride!!

[f6john]

I like classic Mercedes too. Be sure to share the story when you have time. Since we have such affection for ride reports, you might share your first road trip too.

[BobB]

I bet your seats are nice! 2002 truck seats are kind of like sitting on a bench.

The seats appear to have been made yesterday.  Material is soft and supple, very comfortable.   The rest of the interior, with the exeception of the simulated burl wood panels, is also in exelcent condition.  The dash top is great, instruments all work, and the clock even keeps time.  BTW, if I can save one of the burl wood panels, it will only cost $160 to replace the other broken or missing.  Otherwise, it may be $600...

[Robert]

Techron is your friend and also if you plan to let it sit get a battery cut off switch. The fuel injection components on that are very expensive and some pieces are hard to find so keep the fuel system in good condition. Good luck with it looks like a good car. There is a place that reconditions the wood I will try and find a number or you can look on line.

[baldo]

those are some massive all metal bumpers sure to take out any modern plastic cars that is for sure.  And what is it with those MONSTER sized front rectangular sized fog lamps?  Shining deer at night?

Those extended bumpers were mandated in 1974, to absorb a five mph collision without damage.  A 1973 450 SL would have been preferable.  They had tight fitting European bumpers, and looked much better.  All fog lamps were that size back then.  I once had a 1984 GMC Suburban that had both driving and fog lamps that size.

My BIL has a similar 450SL roadster to this.   Not sure of the year.   He doesn't drive it much.   He also has an XKE Jag and a 911 Porsche, all were restoration projects he did himself.    He recently got into rail Speeders like the railroad work crews use.   He's a mechanical engineer that simply can't sit back an relax.  

Nice Mercedes you have there.  Enjoy!  

Rams

I'd never heard of rail speeders before. That looks like a lot of fun. And lots of work.

[Rams]

those are some massive all metal bumpers sure to take out any modern plastic cars that is for sure.  And what is it with those MONSTER sized front rectangular sized fog lamps?  Shining deer at night?

Those extended bumpers were mandated in 1974, to absorb a five mph collision without damage.  A 1973 450 SL would have been preferable.  They had tight fitting European bumpers, and looked much better.  All fog lamps were that size back then.  I once had a 1984 GMC Suburban that had both driving and fog lamps that size.

My BIL has a similar 450SL roadster to this.   Not sure of the year.   He doesn't drive it much.   He also has an XKE Jag and a 911 Porsche, all were restoration projects he did himself.    He recently got into rail Speeders like the railroad work crews use.   He's a mechanical engineer that simply can't sit back an relax.  

Nice Mercedes you have there.  Enjoy!  

Rams

I'd never heard of rail speeders before. That looks like a lot of fun. And lots of work.

I hadn't either until he got into it.   heck, they have clubs and rail events all over the country.
Here's a couple of interesting links.

http://www.railspeeders.com/wantads/wantads.asp


https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=AlVgUrdvgME

Not wanting to de-rail this thread  but it is pretty cool to ride the rails.  

Rams

[Savago]

Pure class, indeed!
 

[RainMaker]

My SIL had one of those and left it with us when she was traveling to California.  She told me to drive it once in a while to keep the battery going, etc.  I drove it every day just to be sure.  It was sweet!!  Good luck with yours.

[97BLKVALK]

Bob,

Bring you Mercedes to Roanoke!   

Michael

[97BLKVALK]

Bob,

Bring you Mercedes to Roanoke!    

Michael

[BobB]

Bob,

Bring you Mercedes to Roanoke!    

Michael

Will not make it to Roanoke, thinking next year wherever.  Right now the cruise control does not work and we have a vacuum leak.  They may be related.  Tracking the leak will be a pain, I have to study the service manual.  I’m moving slow so that does not help.  Have a great time at Inzane. 

[Oldfishguy]

As a fellow vintage European  vehicle owner,  (1997 Range Rover) I have found a few serious things I didn’t have the tools or expertise to fix.  I have found “The Phoenix” in St. Louis Park MN as a a very good foreign car repair shop.   Reasonable priced and they know what they are doing with these old classics.  It is a 50 minute drive for me and probably the same for you but worth it.  You probably don’t need it for the vacuum leak but keep it in mind if something serious shows up.

I’ve always wanted a Benz, that one looks awesome!

David

[BobB]

As a fellow vintage European  vehicle owner,  (1997 Range Rover) I have found a few serious things I didn’t have the tools or expertise to fix.  I have found “The Phoenix” in St. Louis Park MN as a a very good foreign car repair shop.   Reasonable priced and they know what they are doing with these old classics.  It is a 50 minute drive for me and probably the same for you but worth it.  You probably don’t need it for the vacuum leak but keep it in mind if something serious shows up.

I’ve always wanted a Benz, that one looks awesome!

David

David, thanks for "The Phoenix" tip.  We have two maintenance possibilities here in Rochester.  The PO used one that has been here for a long time handling many brands of European cars.  And we have a relatively new Mercedes-Benz dealer.  I intend to talk to both of the service managers in the near future after I'm done with may own inspection.  My physical condition limits what I can do and so far I have concentrated on cosmetic issues...