1929 Mercedes Benz Gazelle Replica
Although it's titled as a Mercedes-Benz, this neat little Gazelle is a bit more affordable and probably every bit as much fun to drive. Famously constructed from kits, they were a pretty successful way for the enterprising hobbyist to give himself something to do on weekends and end up with one of the better-proportioned replicas of the period. Plus, it's still a blast to drive!
Based on humble GM mechanicals, the Gazelle is the antidote to the more familiar inexpensive British and Italian sports cars of the period. It offers neo-classic styling that most folks will at least admire as it drives by, even if they don't know quite what it is, and with rear-wheel-drive and a featherweight curb weight, it's entertaining on the road. Built and licensed as a 1986 Gazelle, it has a 1974 Mustang style suspension and a Chevrolet engine, so it will be very familiar to work on for many a mechanic.
NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY
Exterior
For a fiberglass kit car, fit and finish are remarkably good, with even door gaps, a snug-fitting trunk lid, and glossy paint that is familiar to anyone who has driven, built, or even seen another Gazelle. This one is highlighted by a 2 tone body in gray and maroon which draws attention and your eyes to the long hood wrapped in a leather belt and sweeping fenders. Other details like the chrome grille, rubber covered running boards, and chromed wire wheel covers, are all part of the vintage illusion and everything remains in very good condition. So you know the car was loved and treated right. And with a black canvas top, side wind wing windows and continental rear bumper complete with a wire wheel spare, looks the part of a wealthy aristocrat showing up at the club for dinner.
Interior
The seats are pure 1980s cool, one-piece black vinyl space age curved buckets that look futuristic, even in the vintage-looking Gazelle bodywork. They have a few tears and cracks in the vinyl. There's a matching rear seat that's probably best reserved for children or your briefcase. A luxurious wood-rimmed wheel gives it an appropriate upscale feel. The custom-made wooden dashboard carries white-faced gauges that proudly spell out that they are "Vintage Reproduction" and there's an AM/FM/CD stereo over there on the passenger's side. Weather protection consists of very 1929-esque folding canvas top, but they actually give the car a very trim appearance and seal up better than a lot of cars of the target era. There's a narrow trunk out back looking the part of the late 20's.
Drivetrain
A1.6 Liter Inline 4 cylinder General Motors mill is stuffed under the side swinging hood. It's topped by a single 2-barrel carburetor and has a Saginaw 4-speed manual transmission on the back with a 10 bolt rear axle.
Undercarriage
Up on our lift we see over-sprayed black fiberglass tubs and fender wells, a surface rusted square tube stock frame all mounted up and in good solid condition. Mustang II provides the front suspension, and leaf springs for the rear. Disc brakes are on the front and drum brakes on the back. Mostly unremarkable for this undercarriage.
Drive-Ability
It fired right up and ran just swimmingly on the test track. Nothing out of the ordinary save for a slight fuel leak from the carburetor line fitting and all working controls. We do note, as with any car that has been in long term storage, an inspection by a licensed and trained technician should be performed before any serious amount of driving is performed.
Inexpensive fun that stands out in a crowd, that's all the Gazelle wants to be. Can you imagine yourself driving down main street, creating a one car parade? If that's your kind of fun, give us a call today, or stop by our halls of Classic Auto Mall, and check out this and all the other offerings you can OOOOHHHH and AHHHH about.
NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
