badbenzo

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What a time to be alive.

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I've probably watched dozens of videos on the 6.3, but this might be my favorite one. I really like the segment on the early history with Erich Waxenberger and his first M100 powered prototype he built out of a W111 250SE coupe that fell off the assembly line.

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I found a video of the previous owner of the 4.5 for a NYT profile, and it's cool to see him driving this car back on the streets of NYC in 2012. It's possible that I crossed paths with this car when I still lived there and was commuting by bicycle.

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It cost more to buy fuel and rent a trailer than to buy the car.

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File under W108 inspo.

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[badbenzo]

But before Rude Benz goes under the knife, here’s the car with a set of new tires and some old American Racing Equipment BBS knockoffs made in Japan by Enkei!

I was really fond of the old 16” CLK Lightweights, but I think the 15” multi piece wheel with gold centers do more to make a statement.

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I found a rare Euro spec 280SE with several unusual options including a manual transmission and orthopedic cloth seats! I pulled the manual transmission for my ‘77 280SE. I had to bomb the car with Raid for two days because it was covered in active black slip wasp nests. I also love how the green wind deflector is a perfect match for my car!

Putting a manual in Rude Benz was always a dream of mine, but the scarcity of these models in the US made it really cost prohibitive to DIY using parts from a W115 or W123. Sourcing the correct flywheel, plus fabricating a new shift linkage, transmission mount, and front driveshaft would cost more than the car! I lucked out, and I was able to nab all my essentials for under $300 at the pick and pull!

As excited as I am for this swap, you might not see this car on the road until spring. The transmission swap will coincide with a massive suspension overhaul. The plan is to drop it a little with performance lowering springs, install new components all around, including Bilsteins. I also got Euro headers, exhaust, and a new Euro bumper, since my front bumper is tweaked and the mount needs rust repair. My goal is that everything will be ready by next spring for opening weekend at Watkins Glen. Who knows, maybe I’ll finish all of it in October before the snow falls… stay tuned!

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Test track Tuesday.

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I’ve owned many beautiful cars, but this one has the most beautiful interior.

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Green and obscene.

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Vintage Mercedes-Benz rally footage

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52 smiles per gallon

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We got some snow.

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I didn’t see any other 59 year old cars on the road today. 

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After extensive work on the fuel system and tracing several vacuum leaks, this thing is running great!  Misfires begone!   I swapped out the factory 13″ wheels for a set of 14″ wheels which were donated from Bad Benzo, and fitted some proper snow tires on all four corners.  This thing is a literal tank in the snow!  It also weighs about 3,200lbs, but it goes exactly where I tell it to, and it won’t get sideways no matter how hard I try to toss it around!  I’m in love with this car. Yeah, yeah, I know, driving a classic in the snow... salt... rust... I’ll be honest, this thing isn’t very pretty underneath, and the body repairs were less than stellar.  I’d like to enjoy it for a little bit before I take it off the road to restore it.