Pagoda SL Group

W113 Pagoda SL Group => General Discussion => Topic started by: twistedtree on May 13, 2015, 11:08:02

Title: Going back to March 1971, just for fun
Post by: twistedtree on May 13, 2015, 11:08:02

I picked up a copy of Road and Track from March 1971 and came across two things that I think might prove entertaining for everyone.

The first is from a spread showing the great extents car manufacturers were going to in the name of crash safety.  It shows a 280SL after an head-on collision with similar vintage MB sedan.   Ouch.

The second is an ad for a '57 Gullwing, fully restored.  Get this, $6500!!  Wow!

Enjoy

Title: Re: Going back to March 1971, just for fun
Post by: batman on May 13, 2015, 12:25:07

Thanks. Very interesting. At today's prices, say $1.8m for a Gullwing - that $6,500 price tag back in 1971 means a compound annual return of about 15% every year for 44 years - unbelievable!!

Title: Re: Going back to March 1971, just for fun
Post by: mmizesko on May 13, 2015, 20:59:49

Peter,

The 300SL tool kits are now going for more than the whole car, (plus a tool kit).

How about getting a Flux Capacitor and a Delorean!

Mike Mizesko

Title: Re: Going back to March 1971, just for fun
Post by: Bonnyboy on May 13, 2015, 23:54:38

That crash test picture is most interesting - especially how there is a crease infront of the rear wheels but the doors look ok.   Thats some tough car.   

Title: Re: Going back to March 1971, just for fun
Post by: JamesL on May 14, 2015, 04:58:48

I love how Mercedes have left the wheel embellishers on. Nowadays they'd use the cheapest nastiest rims they could and leave it at that

Title: Re: Going back to March 1971, just for fun
Post by: Jonny B on May 14, 2015, 14:37:40

Benz pioneered crush zones in the 50's. (Bela Barenyi) The SL was the first sports car to incorporate that type of design. The picture sure demonstrates this. If you ever have the chance to go the museum in Stuttgart, there are a number of films showing how they did some of the tests in the day, very cool and interesting.

Title: Re: Going back to March 1971, just for fun
Post by: mbzse on May 14, 2015, 15:16:20

Quote from: Jonny B

.../... there are a number of films showing how they did some of the tests in the day.../...

If one has interest, some of this is on Youtube
For instance https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jgsQEPh38c (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jgsQEPh38c)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rW1wGa9wAmw (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rW1wGa9wAmw)
/Hans in Sweden

Title: Re: Going back to March 1971, just for fun
Post by: bsimaz on May 15, 2015, 11:50:43

That address for the Gullwing is about 3-4 blocks from where I work.   Maybe I should stop by and see if it's still available.....

Title: Re: Going back to March 1971, just for fun
Post by: W113SL on May 15, 2015, 21:11:07

Interestingly, the seller of the Gullwing is a long time MBCA member Ted Nugent. (no not that Ted Nugent)

 He had a  very nice white 280SL which he coverted to a 3.27 ratio way back in 1982.

Wonder if he is still around

W113SL