Vehicle Description
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. And it's still a blast
to drive!
Based on humble Ford mechanicals, this 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 in 1983 and shows
quite well.
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 tan and brown paint
job which draw attention to the long hood and sweeping fenders.
Other details like the chrome grille, rubber running boards, and
chromed wire wheels, are all part of the vintage illusion and
everything remains in very good condition, so you know the car was
loved and treated right, down to the through the body faux exhaust
pipes.
Interior
The seats are pure 1980's cool, one-piece buckskin tuck and roll
leather buckets that look futuristic, even in the vintage-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. With very
little wear and tear, 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/CD stereo
over there on the passenger's side. Weather protection consists of
very 1929-esque folding cloth top and side curtains, 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, big enough for a few tools and supplies, and it, too, is
nicely upholstered with matching tan carpets.
Drivetrain
A 2.0 Liter 4-cylinder courtesy a 1974 Ford Pinto is topped by a
2-barrel carburetor, and backed by a 4-speed manual transmission,
runs smoothly, and shifts smoothly.
Undercarriage
Up on our lift we see black fiberglass tubs and fender wells, a
rust free frame and Pinto underpinnings. Front disc brakes, and
rear drum brakes are noted.
Drive-Ability
All running all working example ran smoothly, shifted with ease,
and has good handling. This car is the definition of
headturner!
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 rarely seen in original or reproduction form
automobile.
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 450 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.