To Modify or no to Modify, that is the question!

[Malc]

All,
I have had a good trawl through all the posts and pictures and got the impression that there are two distinct groups, those who modify to a greater or lesser degree and those who are very much for originality.

As you can see from my pics the poor old dear is a major project and I will probably do some tweeks here and there (brakes rear drums to disks,ABS?? engine, wiring etc) and mods for safety, head restraints, better seat belts, rear fog lights.
I wouldn't go so far as changing the bodywork, but I would not have a problem fitting  more up to date electrics. control switches etc. Seats from a more modern MB. fitting central locking.
Maybe a more modern fuel injection system if the old dears is goosed...

Whats your opinion?
Malc

[peterm]

This is a 30 + year old car that has 30 year old systems, yes more modern convieniences are attractive yet may detract from the original feel and character of the car. For example the Kangol belts are a pain and yet I've grown to appreciate their quirks and enjoy watching passengers try to figure them out.

Once you start participating in events you begin to appreciate the engineering of the original car and I do think these cars can be driven as they were designed, after all most of them lasted until now with minimal modification!

[Richard Madison]

To restore, modify, or preserve are really more about attitude and belief. Concours judging standards and market prices both seem to favor restoration.

When I had a '66 Mustang, I was always losing points for original items like door handles that were not as shiny as the new repros. I would ask a judge, "Don't I get a point for originality?" No, the look was important, better to have a bright repro than the original piece.

I didn't win many Mustang trophies as I am firmly in the originality camp. Because my 280 SL is also "original" to a great extent, I don't even bother entering Concours events.

A recent issue of MBCA 'Star' magazine had a nice article which was a plea for more car shows to include an "Unrestored" class so that the beauties of the past will be able to age gracefully, preserving the original paint and brass even if a little faded.

I understand the desire to add safety equipment, burglar alarms, CD players, drink holders, headrests, three point seat belts, but for me, the car is a rolling museum piece that deserves to live out its years the way it was born. I will forego the modern conveniences and keep the Brown Beauty as it is.

Oh, I'll chase the rust and change the oil, but no cosmetic changes will be made while I have the honor to own "Arguably the best-looking car ever produced by Mercedes Benz..." Tim Slade Mercedes Enthusiast, August 2003.

Richard M



'71 280 SL, Tobacco Brown, Cognac interior, Tan top, Jump Seat, 80K orig miles, NYC. Can be seen at www.panix.con/~rmadison/mercedes.shtml

[Malc]

quote: When I had a '66 Mustang, I was always losing points for original items like door handles that were not as shiny as the new repros. I would ask a judge, "Don't I get a point for originality?" No, the look was important, better to have a bright repro than the original piece.

I didn't win many Mustang trophies as I am firmly in the originality camp. Because my 280 SL is also "original" to a great extent, I don't even bother entering Concours events.

I do find that interesting. When I have restored cars in the past I try and use as many orginal parts as possible, even if the chrome etc looks alittle worn. I am not into "coffee table" shiny restorations,it looks so false... I believe if your giving a car a second life it should have that slighty worn look, like a well loved but used treasure.
Got to add of course being from Scotland we want to do things as economically as posssible!!!!
Best regards
Malc