Build some classic Mercs again

[Gucci]

I enjoy all the new technology and design of the latest cars. But the character and class of the classics are missing. It's not just cars, look at the affection for the routemaster bus.

Remove the boring limitations of EU regulations for the sake of the thread - how cool would it be to have the new, comfy 'reliable' oily bits of today, with the body and interior of a classic Mercedes, bakerlite and chrome etc

Do you reckon it would sell?

 

[Parrot of Doom]

Something like this hopefully:

Would sell like hotcakes.

 

[seymansey]

Do you reckon it would sell?

Yes, and I'd be a buyer.

 

[JC180]

Just visit Boyd Coddington's hot rod shop for some serious hot rod retro stuff.

Anyone seen, that series on DVD of his outfit in California, can't recall the name, made great viewing especially the quality of the paint finishes, would highly recommend it.

Oh it's called 'American Hot Rod'

 

[chriswt]

how cool would it be to have the new, comfy 'reliable' oily bits of today, with the body and interior of a classic Mercedes, bakerlite and chrome etc

Do you reckon it would sell?

You can - http://www.eaglegb.com/ - although they are Jaguars and not Mercs.

I would absolutely love one of these E types although the circa £100k price tag is a little harder to swallow.

Personally I'm surprised that more companies don't do the same with other great classics.

 

[Rose Chap]

I'd like a car designed with no quarter given to regulations of any kind, only for purity of purpose.

Kind of like an automotive SR-71.

 

[kikkthecat]

John posted this outfit a couple of years ago.

Classic Mercedes

As well as restorations they take a classic and put modern mechanicals in it. At a price no doubt but it seems to be what you're looking for.

He also posted an outfit in Jersey that were making replica 300SL gullwings and roadsters with W124 E320 running gear but I cant find the link.

 

[Benzowner]

Other than the drag coefficients being a bit awry, with a few body tweeks, I am sure the classic look would and does do well, the S Type Jag being a case in point.

 

[grober]

the retro look.

Some manufacturers have tried for the retro look with mixed success. The BMW mini being a very successful example, the Chrysler attempt with PT Cruiser and VW's beetle less so. Jaguar dipped a toe in the water with the S type and the forthcoming FIAT 500 looks as if its going to be roaring success. The "retro" models that sell well seem to be able to capture the original character of the car even if they are not exactly the same shape. How this character transfer would apply to Mercedes models I don't know exactly. I guess you would have to try to define what makes a classic mercedes and build it into the "retro model" .:--------------
Over engineering, build quality, reliability, austere interiors, cream steering wheels autogearboxes ??????????? Certainly an interesting mental exercise.:bannana:

 

[ShinyF1]

I'd like a car designed with no quarter given to regulations of any kind, only for purity of purpose.

Kind of like an automotive SR-71.

like a McLaren F1 you mean? Or is there somethig more focussed out there?

 

[Rose Chap]

Like the McLaren F1 but without the need for bumpers, noise restrictions, pedestrian safety, etc.

Now that would be cool.

 

[BonzoDog]

I remember watching a programme some time ago where they reviewed the 300 SL Gullwing that fetches mega prices today. It said, of the Gullwing 'It was produced at a time when Mercedes was not doing well and was an attempt to build an attractive image for the marque. It was put together mainly from then current models which could not be called sports cars, by any means. It's tyres were too narrow, road-holding was poor, brakes were awful, steering imprecise (for a sports car), it was underpowered and in an accident not good.' I think putting all of that right would be expensive and in so doing you would remove any 'character' that the car originally had.
I read the other day that a company in Brazil (VW?) were still producing the Type 2 VW Van. 'Wonderful' I thought 'that woudl be great for family weekends' But then I saw the acceleration - none, top speed 65mph and just for good measure I went out with a friend in his similar old VW van and relaised just how far things had come and how the modern versions are better in just about every respect. But each to his own. I, in my perversity, would still like to get a Trabant for fun runs.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

American Hotrod - the best thing on tele at 12.00 midnight. :rocks:

It's one of those programmes that seem like a great idea to watch until it's finished and then you think, arrgghh I have to be up for work in the morning!!

I believe it's shown at 20.00 too.

 

[grober]

I remember watching a programme some time ago where they reviewed the 300 SL Gullwing that fetches mega prices today. It said, of the Gullwing 'It was produced at a time when Mercedes was not doing well and was an attempt to build an attractive image for the marque. It was put together mainly from then current models which could not be called sports cars, by any means. It's tyres were too narrow, road-holding was poor, brakes were awful, steering imprecise (for a sports car), it was underpowered and in an accident not good.' I think putting all of that right would be expensive and in so doing you would remove any 'character' that the car originally had.
I read the other day that a company in Brazil (VW?) were still producing the Type 2 VW Van. 'Wonderful' I thought 'that woudl be great for family weekends' But then I saw the acceleration - none, top speed 65mph and just for good measure I went out with a friend in his similar old VW van and relaised just how far things had come and how the modern versions are better in just about every respect. But each to his own. I, in my perversity, would still like to get a Trabant for fun runs.

Know what you mean. Had the chance to drive a Daimler V8-250 ( the one based on the Jaguar saloons of that time ( 2.4,3.4,3.8 straight sixes) a few years back. It was pretty well regarded at the time. Well-----the steering was heavy and vague the brakes poor (discs all round) the cornering iffy in the wet on high speed nylon crossplies, lovely leather bench seat which allowed you to slide all over the place leaked oil like a sieve and it did 16 mpg! Compared to the Ford Capri I was driving at the time it was a dinosaur and the ford wasnt exactly state of the art. The polished wood dash and big dials were nice tho.

 

[R2e]

Just visit Boyd Coddington's hot rod shop for some serious hot rod retro stuff.

Anyone seen, that series on DVD of his outfit in California, can't recall the name, made great viewing especially the quality of the paint finishes, would highly recommend it.

Oh it's called 'American Hot Rod'

It's a 'must watch' program as far as I'm concerned. Fascinating stuff and the workmanship and skill is just incredible. That sort of thing would never be allowed here, I'd guess, by the construction and use regulations. More's the pity. Cars without mudguards? What can they be thinking!