For Sale: 1929 Mercedes-Benz Gazelle in Morgantown, Pennsylvania

1929 Mercedes Benz Gazelle Replica Roadster

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 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. These examples were typically built on an aftermarket chassis, however this details of the information was not provided with this car, so this theory is an assumption for this vehicle. Let's call it the Fiberglass Upperclass!

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 beige body and brown fenders that meet in the center in the form of a running board. The paint draws attention and your eyes to the long leather wrapped passenger side hinged cowled hood. Other details like the large chrome grille, dual horns, curved bar with headlight on either side, and lower curved bumper add more bling to the exterior, and the illusion that brings you ever closer to the original MB which at this point is so unaffordable, it is out of the range of many. And with a presumed tan canvas top with side windows, looks the part of a wealthy aristocrat showing up at the club for dinner. A new boot covering is also involved, and presents in dark tan with brown piping. Faux side pipes coming from the bodywork and melting together underneath and a luggage rack squared off continental bumper rear deck complete with a wire wheel spare, and some tube split bumpers you be all the rage. More wire spoked wheels, chromed, are on each corner wrapped in new, (1st week of 2022), 195/75R14's thin whitewalls.

Interior
A swing of the low doors with a padded leather wrapped sill reveals some nifty vertical tuck and roll for the door panels. Stepping across the threshold, the seats are pure 1980's cool, one-piece tan space age curved buckets that look futuristic, even in the vintage-looking Gazelle bodywork. There's a matching rear bench seat that's probably best reserved for children or your briefcase, all covered in more saddle colored leather. A high looking, luxurious mahogany wood-rimmed wheel gives it an appropriate upscale feel. The custom-made walnut wood 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 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. This interior is heated to make the climate just right baby bear. There's a narrow trunk out back, big enough for a few tools and supplies, and it too is nicely covered with black painted fiberglass.

Drivetrain
Under the side hinged hood, we see a GM 1.6 liter inline 4 cylinder mill which presents as very clean but with slight patina. It is fed by a single 2-barrel carburetor and has a 3-speed automatic on the back. This combination drives a 10 bolt rear axle.

Undercarriage
Up on our lift we see black painted fiberglass tubs and fender wells, a rust free square tube stock frame all mounted up and in good solid condition. Independent coil spring front suspension, and a 3 link with coil springs for the rear. Disc brakes are on the front and drum brakes the back and are part of an entirely new braking system which includes wheel cylinders, hoses, lines, shoes and a new master cylinder. Otherwise a nice, clean rust free undercarriage.

Drive-Ability
It fired right up and ran just swimmingly on the test track. Noting out of the ordinary, and all working controls.

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 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.