Vehicle Description
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. And it's still a blast
to drive!
Based on humble Ford Pinto 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. This one was built only 2142 kilometers
ago and shows quite well, showing only minor signs of use today.
For a fiberglass kit car, fit and finish are surprisingly 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 lot of period pieces
that accent the distinctive shape and honestly, the long hood and
sweeping fenders do look pretty good; the guy who designed this car
got the proportions just right. Other details like the chrome
grille, rubber running boards, and exposed side pipes are all part
of the vintage illusion and everything remains in good condition,
so you know the car was loved and treated right.
The seats are pure vintage cool, one-piece buckets that look
futuristic, even in the antique-looking Gazelle bodywork. There's a
matching rear seat that's probably best reserved for children or
your briefcase, and a luxurious wood-rimmed wheel gives it an
appropriate upscale feel. Yes, there's some wear and tear, mostly
on the driver's seat and carpets, but overall everything is in good
order. The custom-made wooden dashboard carries white-faced gauges
that proudly spell out that they are "Vintage Reproduction" and
there's an AM/FM/cassette stereo over there on the passenger's
side. Weather protection consists of very 1929-esque folding cloth
top, and it actually gives the car a very upscale appearance and
seals up better than a lot of cars of the target era.
Basing the Gazelle on the Pinto was a smart move. Everyone else was
using VW Beetles and even Chevettes sometimes, but the
ever-reliable Ford was a sturdy, well-built, rear-wheel-drive
chassis that delivers decent performance. The engine is a 2.3 liter
inline-four, which won't win any drag races, but it's bulletproof
and you have to remember that they took about 800 pounds out of the
car when this body was dropped on top. Parts are plentiful and it's
easy to service, with good access under the tilting hood. A 3-speed
automatic transmission makes it easy to drive and you'll quickly
find that it starts when you turn the key and zips through traffic
with ease. Front disc brakes have decent stopping power and with
the light curb weight, power steering isn't needed. As a ground-up
build, the undercarriage is quite tidy and there's a chambered
muffler that gives it a muted sound that doesn't give away any
secrets. Shiny chrome wire wheels really dress it up and carry
185/75/14 Goodyear whitewall radials all around.
Inexpensive fun that stands out in a crowd, that's all the Gazelle
wants to be. If that's your kind of fun, give us a call today!
This car is titled in FL as a 1989 MERZ.
