First Drive in 5 years

[RobSirg]

Hi All,

After a gruelling 5 year total restoration, I finally had my first drive of my Dark Red, manual 1970 280SL. I only had a brief drive (100 miles) after purchasing the car over 5 years ago which was somewhat of a rust bucket at that time. The car was restored in its original colours as per the datasheet, but I took the liberty of gifting myself some optional extras (IE: White steering wheel, Chrome Roof Rails, Tinted glass).
The completion was timed to enter into the local MB concours this month but sadly that was cancelled. Oh well, at least I have the car finished. I still have a number of small jobs to complete (painted hubcaps, detailed clean, replacement of some items, etc) but they will be my isolation jobs.

Car drives beautifully and I am really pleased with the result - will try send video of engine running. We have put in a huge effort these past few months which has been a welcome distraction at this difficult stage the world is facing.

I have hundreds of photos of the restoration process which I hope to sometime collate electronically or find someone to do it for me

Cheers

Rob

[Garry]

Great to see Rob.


 Pity about the cancellation of the MBCV Concourse this year that I think you were aiming for.


Looking at that picture, you must have driven past almost where we are holed up in at the moment awaiting completion of the housr in Kyneton.


Garry

[RobSirg]

Correct Garry,

Not far from your place. There has been wonderful weather for driving recently. Not sure of the legalities of simply 'going for a drive' under the current restrictions, but I figure if you are allowed to walk, run and ride a bicycle on that road ….you should be allowed to drive. Certainly not putting anyone at risk.

[cfm65@me.com]

Well done Rob.
Regards
Chris

[RobSirg]

Thanks Chris - tried uploading the video but couldn't get it in a compatible format.
A couple more pics

[RAY]

Hey Rob, What a proud and happy moment that must have been, that first drive in the sunshine after so much hard work.

Well done, beautiful.

Ray

[Peter van Es]

Thanks Chris - tried uploading the video but couldn't get it in a compatible format.
A couple more pics

You can't upload video in the forum. Upload it to Youtube and then post a link here!

[RobSirg]

See if this works - it’s only a few seconds

https://www.dropbox.com/s/it3x4xteh3jksq5/IMG_2089.MOV?dl=0

[johnk]

Beautiful and inspirational Rob! Looking forward to seeing more pics.

where did you source your interior?

[hauser]

Looks awesome!  Congrats

[FGN59]

Hauser
Looking at the pictures of your beautiful car, I noticed the safety belts holding guides you have fitted to the headrests. I’ve been trying to find some myself, unsuccessfully until now. Where did you get them?
Congratulations on your car, it is supremely elegant! What color is it?

[Peter]

Congratulation Rob,

It looks beautiful, I love these quality restaurants.
Unfortunately, a lot of work, patience and deep pockets are needed.

But in the end it is great to drive the car!

[hauser]

Hauser
Looking at the pictures of your beautiful car, I noticed the safety belts holding guides you have fitted to the headrests. I’ve been trying to find some myself, unsuccessfully until now. Where did you get them?
Congratulations on your car, it is supremely elegant! What color is it?

Thank you and I believe that SLS has them available.

[RobSirg]

Thanks John,

I sourced the interior from German Auto Tops in California.

Here's an engine bay photo just before completion. I used John's (aka 49er) original photo as a reference - right down to the yellow caps on the battery.