To Drive or Not to Drive?
That certainly isn't the question, but what classic car to drive or invest in? Now that is a question that begs for a carefully considered and well delivered answer.
Now of course that question very much depends on the person asking, and we all have differing desires and expectations which can make the question even more difficult to answer.
Choice Overload
We live in a time where there has never been so much choice and information at our fingertips.
Who hasn't lost an evening (or two) thumbing through some good old-fashioned glossy publications, or swiping furiously on phones and laptops searching for the perfect petroleum-fuelled companion only to be left with more questions than you began your quest with?
I may just be able to offer you the help you require.
All Things Automotive
My love of all things automotive began at an early age, assisting my father with maintenance of his collection of family cars in the 70s and 80s. This ignited a passion that led to me developing an understanding of what makes a car stop, start, and steer, and furthermore what makes car ownership enjoyable. Upon leaving school, I joined the HGV industry, learning and understanding Class 1 HGV trucks, which moulded me to how hard you need to work to fully understand the workings of vehicles.
Time and grounding in the workshop further developed my mechanical expertise, and a seed was sown whilst being asked to work on the Boss's Benz, a 300TE. A drive in this sparked my interest in the Mercedes-Benz brand; as a mechanical engineer, I appreciated the quality and the engineering.
This car stood out from any I had driven or worked on and left a mark on me, which would help shape my future. Everything from the plush velour interior to the solid "clunk" at the shut of a door oozed quality and asked to be enjoyed.
Driving this car was an experience, a new experience, it felt right and whilst it may not have been mine, I was determined to one day own my own Benz.
The Present Day
Sure enough, my hard work paid off and a 230C pillarless coupe found a new home on my drive and in my heart. I painstakingly improved both the running and aesthetics and traded up to an E220 coupe in no time, and my deep love of owning and enjoying these beautiful cars led to my first accolades at Mercedes-Benz Concours events.
Whilst working in the classic car industry and also enjoying and showing my own classic SLs – a 500 R107 and 280 W113 – my reputation was made and further bolstered as a club official for the Mercedes-Benz Club UK, with which I still have close relations today.
‘Project’ vehicles turned to complete nut and bolt restorations, and as the classic car market boomed, my advice and assistance was gladly given and gratefully received.
I traded up to an E220 Coupe which, as a Concours fanatic, I brought back to as new condition. This passion and expertise now run in my DNA. I was Master Class Champion after several attempts, and patience and determination paid off. And a new home was found after a very little time: bought by another trader for his stock – he just couldn’t resist!
A 560SEC found its way into my heart: a sympathetic refurbishment was taken on; I enjoyed it and then I met my R107 500SL… A Concours car again!
…This was then found a new home, with my (current) Pagoda 280SL now taking its place.
…Same again for Concours? It’s in my DNA!
