Vehicle Description
1929 Mercedes-Benz Gazelle Replica
The Mercedes-Benz SSK (W06) is a roadster built by German
Mercedes-Benz between 1928 and 1932. The name is an abbreviation of
Super Sport Kurz, German for "Super Sport Short", as it was a short
wheelbase development of the Mercedes-Benz Model S. The SSK's
extreme performance and numerous competitive successes made it one
of the most highly regarded sports cars of its era. Fewer than 40
SSKs were built during its production span, of which about half
were sold as Rennwagen, (racing cars). Many were crashed while
racing and subsequently cannibalized for parts. Only four or five
entirely original models remain, and their scarcity and rich
heritage make them among the most sought-after cars in the
world.
What does one do when they want to enjoy an extremely scarce sports
car without the fear of selling one's soul to the devil and
emptying one's retirement fund too? Simple, find a replica! You can
enjoy driving it without fear of ruining a piece of history all the
while keeping gobs of greenbacks in your wallet. 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 on a 1968 Volkswagen Beetle chassis, so it will
be very familiar to work on for many mechanics.
Exterior
For a fiberglass kit car, fit and finish are remarkably good, with
even door gaps, a snug-fitting trunk lid, and decent 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 medium blue
and camel tan along with faux exhaust piping which all work to draw
your eyes to the long hood and sweeping fenders. Other details like
the chrome grille, carpeted running boards, and chromed wire wheels
are all part of the vintage illusion, and everything remains in
good condition, so you know the car was loved and treated right.
And with a tan canvas top and faux mahogany fillers between the
rear bumper and body it all looks the part of a wealthy aristocrat
showing up at the club for dinner.
Interior
The seats are pure 1980s cool tan space age curved buckets that
look futuristic, even in the vintage-looking Gazelle bodywork.
There's a small storage area behind the buckets for your briefcase
or other small travel items. A 3 spoke leather wrapped wheel gives
a firm feel of the road. The custom-made wooden dashboard carries
white-faced and black-faced gauges that are from both VDO and
Volkswagen and there's a small glove box over on the passenger
side. Weather protection consists of very 1929-esque folding canvas
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 ample storage under the bonnet, big enough for a few tools
and supplies, plus battery storage and it, too, is nicely covered
with gray carpeting.
Drivetrain
A 1600cc 4-cylinder boxer engine courtesy of VW rests comfortably
under the boot lid. It's topped by a single 1-barrel carburetor and
has a 4-speed manual transmission with a 4.125 final drive ratio to
transfer power to the ground.
Undercarriage
Up on our lift we see the underpinnings of a 1968 VW beetle. Rust
free and generously undercoated square tube stock frame all mounted
up and in good solid condition. Independent suspension is on the
front while an independent coilover rear suspension brings up the
rear. Drum brakes are on all 4 corners and provide capable stopping
power. A clean rust-free undercarriage.
Drive-Ability
It fired right up and ran just swimmingly on the test track.
Nothing out of the ordinary, and all working controls. We did note
after viewing the car from the rear the top of the rear tires seem
to bow out indicating excessive positive camber.
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.
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 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.