This is my first posting to The Group.
Several years ago I was working for an client who directed me to put my tools in his garage. I noticed an SL in the corner and commented that it seemed in good condition. The client stated that it had been in his family since new. I asked him to consider me if he was ever interested in selling it. He replied that he would like to drive it a little more, but that his sons were not interested in it, but he would give me 1st dibs on it.
Several years passed, and I ran into him at the local hardware store and he asked me if I would still be interested in the MB. I said I did not even know the model but that I was sure my wife would love to have a look. That evening we went over to his place and he had it waiting in the driveway. What a sight............1966 dark blue 230 SL with matching hardtop and soft top. It had not been driven much in the last 10 years or so, but was in just lovely original condition. We agreed on a price, and I arranged to pick it up the next day and have an expert look it over.
Now when I say expert, I mean expert! In Victoria we are so lucky as to have Rudi Konicek of Rudi & Co located here. Rudi is perhaps best known for his restorations of 300 Sl cars, but he also restores other spirited autos. After a looksee, he declared that the car had good honest wear and was a real find! The car ran well but Rudi advised that a thorough mechanical checkup was in order.
We were looking for a great driver first, and the minor cosmetics could be addressed later...polishing waxing etc. Soooooo........drain the tank and all fluids, belts, hoses, radiator, water pump, engine mounts, brakes, shocks, all filters, worn suspension bits and a good tune up..........ah yes and some new 185 / 14 sprint classics. Wow! So much fun!
We spent lots of time this last summer polishing and waxing and driving. We only found a little surface rust under the trunk floor mat......quite usual we are told. My wife and I get a real charge out of restoring things, old homes, vintage instruments etc, so this is right up our collective alleys! I have learned a lot from the discussions here........there is a lot to learn!
Thanks to all who post their insights here.
