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Author Topic: Going back to March 1971, just for fun  (Read 4999 times)

twistedtree

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Going back to March 1971, just for fun
« 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

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Peter Hayden
1964 MB 230SL
1970 MB 280SL
2011 BMW 550xi

batman

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Re: Going back to March 1971, just for fun
« Reply #1 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!!
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mmizesko

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Re: Going back to March 1971, just for fun
« Reply #2 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
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1970 280SL 291H Dark Olive

Bonnyboy

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Re: Going back to March 1971, just for fun
« Reply #3 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.   
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Ian
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JamesL

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Re: Going back to March 1971, just for fun
« Reply #4 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
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James L
Oct69 RHD 280 in DB906 with cognac leather

Jonny B

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Re: Going back to March 1971, just for fun
« Reply #5 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.
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Jonny B
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mbzse

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Re: Going back to March 1971, just for fun
« Reply #6 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=rW1wGa9wAmw
/Hans in Sweden
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/Hans S

bsimaz

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Re: Going back to March 1971, just for fun
« Reply #7 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.....
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W113SL

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Re: Going back to March 1971, just for fun
« Reply #8 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
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