Craziest Restoration Ever? Mercedes 220SE Cabriolet | Classic Obsession | Episode 8
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 17 ต.ค. 2024
- Gary revisits a restoration of a 1963 Mercedes 220SE Cabriolet that he completed twelve years ago and tracks the car down to a classic showroom in London. Has his restoration stood the test of time?
Created with the support of Footman James, classic vehicle insurance specialists and founders of Coffee & Chrome Collective: www.footmanjam...
That's restoration on another level, almost obsessive. You asked at the end "was it all worth it", my answer to that is absolutely
Sublime restoration, dedication and craftsmanship. You brought part of the world's heritage back to life. Astounding result Gary - you're a top level automotive artist, many congratulations!
I had about 11 Mercedes ranging from 220, 280 and 300 in worse condition that I used to restore, I started making the coupes into convertible, I had jigs for the the convertible tops once I was finished you couldn’t tell the difference even when standing side by side, people was telling me that I destroyed the value of the car once I told them it was original but it was what I wanted, I have only one left now a 300SE, as fast as I could build them people wanted them, I was thinking about putting a CL 600 motor in it.
You’ve done and Excellent job in restoring this beauty.
These cars were so well built when they cut off the roof at the factory, there was hardly any reinforcement needed to strengthen the body. I’ve seen many conversions and some really good ones. Also s lot of Frankies monsters with awful convertible frames. A guy back in Liverpool has one but he had problems if he travelled over 60 mph he would get scuttle and vibration. This was cured by fitting a reinforced gearbox support plate. But apart from there being a slightly bigger distance between boot and hood/soft top, hardly any difference side by side. Regards.
Beautiful car, unbelievable the work involved Gary, well done.
Yes Gary you are crazy. And thank God there are crazy people like you reviving old classics that deserve to live on. I absolutely love seeing old classic cars and bikes brand new again. I have had a very rare old classic for nearly 25 years that I plan to restore. Your video makes it a scary but achievable goal. Thankfully my old girl is still in good shape. Thanks for the videos and keep them coming!
It's nice to see someone get their hands mucky rebuilding a classic car no matter what make & model it be
Of course you were crazy. It's a prerequisite, otherwise nothing gets done. Just getting a '59 Hillman to the paint stage after three years of abject craziness. This Mercedes is a credit to you, and a tribute to craziness.
What a work of art. I have the 1981 Mercedes Benz W123 240d. I see these cars and the 300d on our roads all the time.
Lucky you, here there are modern cars which are shit
Thank you for keeping this beauty in existence! True classy vehicle
i cant believe you did all that just lost for words
You did an amazing job on restoring that Mercedes 220 SE Gary. I am so impressed with the result
Absolutely gorgeous. It’s not about the money but the smile and satisfaction at the end of the build.
Fantastic Job. Wonderfull!!!! I love it, that you brought this Beauty back into live!!! My deepest respect for you!!!
Thanks Thomas. That’s what it’s all about! Regards
@@classic.obsession You gain so much respect because even years later after this video was produced, you still reply to comments. As far as i'm concerned you're the pinnacle of a gentleman and a tradesman. Enjoy the spoils.
truly incredible job Gary. Inspirational stuff!
You've done absolutely fantastic work on this cabrio! Well done 👏
WOW Gary what a restoration,This video made me feel quite emotional,thats how good it was.Thanks.......
Thanks Chris. I hope you enjoy my other videos as much and thanks for watching. Kind regards.
Gary, you are an absolute master at what you do, the skill and technical know how you put into these absolutely wonderful restorations, restorations that few, I am sure would even attempt.
Thanks for sharing these times with us, and take care especially when working alone under cars.
If only we had kept some of the old and rusted vehicles we owned decades ago. Thanks for these great videos.
Really pleasant watch Gary and no silly background music .a absolute mammoth task .perfect 🙏🏻
I am completely speechless. I mean there are companies that do restorations at this level. Gary did this all by himself?? It's unbelievable. First of all, i don't think anyone would have attempted that restoration on that car. Second, the fact that he did tells you all you need to know about him and this channel. That color combination was the correct one to go with in my opinion. So many of these cars have the red interiors. Yes that color combination looks great but the Silver with the camel/tan is just breathtaking. And if Ralph Lauren had one in that combination then you can't go wrong. Lol.
I have been restoring cars or over 50 years, from .....Austin 1100'S to Jaguars and this has to be the best restoration that I have ever seen. 10/10 Gary.
I look forward to every video that you put out Gary.
Well worth it. The Mercedes is the dream car. Your attention to detail is amazing and the result speaks for itself.
Another fantastic video Gary, thank you. The video provides a real appreciation of what it takes to deliver a concourse restoration : blood, sweat, tears, plus a boot full of cash, pure dedication and a huge amount of skill.
And to think he did all that in a year. Unbelievable.
You are like telling someone a bed time story, got tell you mate that was worth it and well done amazing job… im speechless
Hey Gary Lad ! What a fantastic programme - despite the restoration being condensed into 27 minutes of video, I think you've captured the whole years worth of work really, really well and after watching it still come away understanding the detail, work and pain that you've gone through to produce such an outstandingly finished car. The colour change was a genius touch and for me just elevates the car in to a different class of luxury compared to the original - such a lush combination that suits the car so well. I think more of these revisits would be a great idea. Keep up the great work Buddy !
A Beautifal looking Mercedes Gary, Crazy and Brave but so worth it to give this lovely Mercedes another chance to continue to be driven on the Roads again.
Another fantastic video Gary.
Lovely Gary! A special & elegant classic!
That shows dedication and talent. CHEERS from AUSTRALIA.
Blows my mind that Benz still makes all these parts even though it’s unlikely to be a profit center for them.. it’s probably a loss leader but they clearly value their history and legacy, just like Porsche..
True craftsmanship. K&D
Sublime is the word ! And unbelievable… it is hard to imagine that it is the same car !
I have a lot of admiration for your patience, craftsmanship and dedication. I just discovered your channel yesterday and I am glad I did. You have another faithful follower from now on. Thank you so much
WHAT a lovely car! A great story to go with it too. Thanks for sharing.
It must be a heartbreaking experience to sell it after all that love has been put into such a restoration. Classic car such as this one deserves to live on so we can appreciate the engineering and design of the builders.
I suppose we are merely custodians in the end…regards
There is a clear feeling of accomplishment and pride when one completes a restoration. In my experience there is also a bit of an emotional connection that is formed with the restored car. How could there not be after so much emotion and time are employed to push the limits, and ensure the car is put back to its factory specifications . Iam happy you were able to reconnect with your old friend.
An absolutley cracking restoration. You certainly saved her from the breakers, which would have been a crying shame. Thanks for sharing.
One million time’s worth it and I doubt anyone would have saved this beauty as you did
A lot of people say a car was saved when it was restored, but that’s definitely true of that Mercedes. I hate giving up on cars but most people would’ve. Lovely work.
Wow! What a huge labour of love. Amazing what one can achieve with a few thousand hours of back breaking work ;-)
Loved it Scouse . Nice to see a lad from (two Dogs) two Dogs Fighting. Huyton. Having this passion and doing a amazing restoration of a classic Merc . Loved it Gary 👍
Amazing job I could see written all over your face the love you have for this vehicle and the pain of letting it go!
Great job and it was all worth it having the time and patience to complete an amazing vehicle! 😎
Good grief, what a transformation! And A reg, 1963, my year of birth!
Great job and especially like your unique commentaries. Please keep them coming superb entertainment.
Absolute 'master in motion'. Attention to detail & parts used or fabricated is mind blowing. Watching this had me mesmerized and just spellbound by this Mercs utter utter beauty & build quality. YOU have started my 'Day Off' with a smile on my face and Love of classic cars still in my heart. Thank you for making this vlog:-)
Best teacher ever.
Thanks for tuning in. Regards.
YES! Just right on every level.
Gary, that was gold.
Hi Gary, from Sydney, Australia. It's well worth restoring a beautiful period piece motor car. In the coming January I'll be 66 yrs old. and it will be 50 years since I obtained my learner driver's license, and then a few months later, Provisional license. I had received an old Holden which had belonged to a late great aunt. It had not been used for some 5 years after her passing away & needed some recommissioning. This started me on the same path as you, a classic car obsession. I have only ever bought 2 new cars in 1980 I ordered & paid for 1980 WB series Holden Statesman Caprice. To date the really the highest quality premium vehicle we ever made here in Australia. At the time it was to be delivered the Aussie racing driver Peter Brock & the Holden Dealer group HDT were upgrading the premium Vauxhall/Opel derived smaller Holden Commodores to full C class race spec' running gear & engine, I asked whether I could have the full sized 17 foot luxury sedan so enhanced, the answer was yes, it was terrific. Sadly I was to only own it 22months when thieves stole it. I replaced it some months later with an identical one which I have now owned for 40years, but as the thieves stole my new car, I thought I would buy a useable classic car instead as my daily car something that thieves would have no interest in so it would be safe to leave it parked and not have to worry as much. So soon enough I had 5 classic cars and the giant Holden , which today of course is a 40 year old classic car. There are no modern cars that really excite me like a good quality old luxury car, they have a special aura about them that no modern car does, additionally they have in most cases a pure craftsman's quality about them in their intricate interiors. It's good to see the lovely Merc' holding up so well, and your leather choice of what in many of the 1950's & 1960's car brochures called "italian tan" adds a certain subtlety and class to it that red would not give, additionally as the leather ages it will not show any damage, marks or age to the degree that red does either. Keep up your good work, will you do an episode on the Merc' 600 someday ??
I have restored a few motorbikes....and the drive and determination to restore a car in such a poor condition is on another Planet ! ....only a Year ??...Well done Sir.
Really thank you very much Mercedes 280SEL
I love this old Mercedes 50s and 60s I think are the most beautiful cars ever made, I had a 69 280-SE a beauty till a truck driver rear ended my Mercedes I had to junk it. I’m looking to buy another one soon! Greetings from California.
Simply magnificent work
Wow. What a car. What a job done!! 👌🏻
Thanks for another great video Gary. Your taste is impeccable. You can’t even imagine how it makes me feel to watch you weave your magic. It gives me inspiration for the little Porsche 944 I am restoring.
Unbelievable workmanship!
Incredible job...and your passion is fenomanel.
Amazing quality to detail
Outstanding craftsmanship, you sir are a national treasure.
An absolutely brilliant video. And what a gem...
Wow, now that was such a great, in-depth story of an incredible restoration!
Lovely work. To have any idea of the magnitude of work in that kind of rebuild you have to have done one yourself. But, even then, it's so difficult to remember it all.
Thanks for your channel, no knob of a presenter and no talking shite and gimmicks. A measured Englishman doing fine work.
It was all worth it because of all the hard work and commitment to doing what you do.
Amazing Gary. Nothing like Mercedes-Benz OEM parts. Unbelievable Job!
Spectacular Gary, thank you for sharing your passion.
A credit to you Gary. It's almost too good to use and has stood the test of time well.
The Benz looks like one off special order car. Nice one.
Excellent mate. Truly, well done!
Amazing!
Bless you
What a first class job of this very beautiful cabriolet.In my book this series of Mercedes W111 has no equal.Cars will never be done like this again.
Wonderful, a year’s work seem not much if you look at the state of the car an the fantastic result. Must be a rewarding feeling to see the car in its current state after 10 years!
That car is an absolute diamond you have done a great job on that Gary well done sir 👏 👍
Definitely not crazy Gary, and definitely worth it! I speak as someone half way through an as new restoration on my Range Rover P38a. I am already well past it's value and probably only half way, but worth every second and every penny. Not in the league of these amazing cars you restore, but it is part of the family. :) Loving all the content. Thank you for sharing.
Amazing job. That car was probably better than new.
Definitely all worth it - beautful car.
It was worth it gary simply stunning mate
Thanks Darren. Wait til you see the Alpha ep where I revisit one I did a while back. Out tomorrow. Equally scrap able!! Regards.
Simply stunning 😮
Incredible Gary 😊
What an incredible restoration and craftsman , a pleasure to watch the transformation from rusted hulk to gleaming concourse condition , am in awe of your talent and dedication to your craft. Dreadful that the car was allowed to get into such a condition .
Another magnificent job
You are the best
The finest Automotive Pornography. Cheers from Canada from an old Vauxhall mechanic.
no man you are not crazy! you did a (perfect) job!!!!!
Great job maestro!
Meticulous Metamorphosis!!
Fabulous job restoring what has to be the most beautiful convertible car ever built bar none.
The lines are soooooo clean, the build quality second to none, the engineering on the cars better than any other marque (and I include Rolls Royce in that).
What a wonderful job you made of the restoration of this car Gary, was it worth it?
YOU BETCHA!!!!
Yes, you’re mad. 😊
But I get it.
But I was left a ‘74 280E saloon and I think I’ve got whatever affected you! The car just makes me smile when I sit in it. It’s the most comfortable drive ever-it just soaks up bumps. Yes, I have to sort out a CV joint on the rear NS drive shaft, and a couple of spots that are showin* signs of rusting, but in comparison to your original, it’s concourse! 🤣 At least there are no ‘electronics’ (except for the injection sys) & it’s all do-able. It’s got a new old rear OS bumper, the oil cooler rad replaced & connected, a new water pump, the driver’s arm rest repaired (wonderful stuff Araldite & wire 😉), other odd bits replaced, and it just gets so many looks & thumbs up! Wonderful. (Or maybe Wunderbar!)
Congratulation! It is amazing beautifull job. 🙏 Respect to your work.
What a beautiful car. It was a real treat to see what you done and all the hard work that went into it. I don't think I would want to part with it if I had done it to your standards. Thanks. 👍👍
It was worth it, and you did a amazing job, and you can tell how proud you are of it, so you should as well 🤗
I remember the number of coats of lacquer you applied to the paint work - brilliant outcome.
Cheers Dave..
Wonderful!
Wonderful work !
Seriously impressed Gary!
Just discovered your channel, I'm loving it, subscribed.
The detail he goes into.
I could hang out with this guy and get along very well!
Recently dropped on this channel, what a talented bloke you are , really enjoy these videos, hoping to see many more 👍
Fantastic video Gary. 👍🏻
Thanks mate loved it thank you for sharing
Mercedes' support with parts for older vehicles is second to none. I have often called my local dealer looking for obscure parts for 40-50 year old cars. They seem to all be in stock in Singapore. This was a great restoration although I would have retained the original colour scheme, even if I didn't personally like it.
Hi Ron. Why would you have retained the original spec and colour scheme? I just think originality is a choice of the original purchaser. I wouldn’t have ordered it in that colour scheme so decided the colour scheme I did it in was one I would’ve personally ordered new for myself. As I said, everyone was against my choice and I began to doubt it myself but was elated with the outcome…as I believe mr. Ralph Loren himself was!! Kind regards.
@@classic.obsession I guess I'm just obsessed with originality. I'm working on a Cadillac at the moment which was originally white but is now red. I think that white looks like a cheap wedding car and the red stands out, but white is what the build plate says, so that's what I'll do. I respect your choice to do what you want and agree that it looks great.
@@classic.obsession Also, I have never seen the 2 piston injection on these old Merc's. I have worked on the 6 piston ones and had heard of the 2 piston system, but I believe it was only used for a very short time. Again, great job.
Very nice restoration work, first time I’ve seen your channel, now subscribed and looking forward to future content.
Many thanks. Lot to catch up on! I think there’s about 70 episodes now. Regards
Amazing job Gaz.
Beautiful job!