Recent content by Derek Smith

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    New SLC prices and specificiations

    Just received this from the M-B press office. New SLC name to replace SLK 20 years after its first launch Available in two trim lines: Sport and AMG Line Range-topping Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 features new 3.0-litre V6 biturbo engine The new Mercedes-Benz SLC is now available to order, and...
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    UK Road Deaths Up - So What's Gone Wrong?

    After 30 years as a police officer, I'm afraid I'll have to disagree with you from a legal point of view. There's a few lawyers who have made a success of blurring the line. There is little enforcement of traffic law by police nowadays. Indeed, the change has not just come about from the...
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    Naked 300SL, and a more modest one

    For you pleasure: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmOt0i6Eg-c A rolling chassis of a 300SL, with another, full-bodied one, next to it. The vehicles are at Mercedes-Benz World, Brooklands and the moment, but not for much longer I was told. A chance to see the chassis will not come...
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    What is wrong with this picture?

    There used to be a road in the City of London that was No Entry both ends, Billiter Street. A chap came into the front office to complain about a PC. It seems the officers had said, when asked, that the road was along Fenchurch Street and if it was no entry he should turn left at the traffic...
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    190SL Day, M-B World

    Thanks for the official number of attendees. A great turnout. I assume you saw the 300SL rolling chassis? There was a supercharged 190SL where the owner, not the car, had flown in from Munich that morning. Pictures on the link. Great weather too. The wind made it more comfortable, and...
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    190SL Day, M-B World

    If you were willing to forgo the thrilling, edge of the seat, Monaco GP, there was a great show at M-B World at Brooklands. 30+ 190SLs, plus, in the building, a rolling chassis of a 300SL. More images here: 190 SL including a couple of shots of the chassis. There's also a brief video...
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    oil question

    I've just written an article on engine oils for cars, SLKs in particular but it goes for all. A chap I interviewed who runs Opie Oils was very interesting, fascinating in fact, and said that for all normal circumstances the oils recommended by car manufacturers will do everything an owner...
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    Only 416 SLKs left in this country!

    I didn't mean to be specific as to the model, just the gearbox. I've got a progressive back problem and needed to opt for an auto. The first car I tried - and I hope this doesn't get me banned from these forums - was a Boxster. I liked it but the auto box was sluggish. The sales bloke said...
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    Only 416 SLKs left in this country!

    Awaiting sale that is, and that was from this morning. I went to Gatwick Mercedes-Benz today and test drove a 250CDI (soon to be renamed) to be told that if I want one, I'd have to move quite fast. There were all sorts of offers on offer, so to speak. Details on 'next year's', in...
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    CLK 500 (5.5 V8) how rare are these things ??

    Saw this one, with such a remarkable number plate, at Syon Park last year. It is not supercharged:
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    Possible slk280 purchase

    I had an SLK 350, 171. Lovely cars. The V6 is exciting to drive and the 7-speed auto is sublime. By far the best autobox I've ever driven. There's surprisingly little difference in petrol consumption between the 4-pot and the V6. Unless you rev the latter a bit. And you probably will. The...
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    Should I choose diesel or petrol?

    I looked into this some time ago and had an error in my calculations pointed out to me. The difference in price between the two fuels is generally as a percentage of the total price, so if you keep your car for, say, 5 years, as I tend to do, there is a significant drop in the value of the...
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    What makes a good merc ad?

    Thanks for that. I was looking for a TVR some years ago and drove from Brighton to Milton Keynes (I think) to look at "one of the best around". So I was a bit surprised to find the hood needed replacement: When I pointed out that the seat appeared to have signs of wear, the chap...
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    What makes a good merc ad?

    I wrote a little article for a company I used to work for with regards to warnings to those buying second hand cars. It is here: Dont buy It perhaps is not a lot of use for you. Anyway: Be reasonable with regards the price. If you are asking top dollar, explain why. Many people are willing to...
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    Historic Commercial Vehicle Rally

    General motoring in a different way, I suppose. I went out this morning to see the Historic Commerical Vehicle Rally come through our town. I'm no nerd, but I've got to say, I was impressed. From the sublime: Through the impressive: To the terrifying: Imagine that in...
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