Vehicle Description
1929 Mercedes-Benz Gazelle Replica
Although it's titled as a "Custom", this neat little Gazelle is a
bit more affordable and probably every bit as much fun to drive as
the real deal Mercedes-Benz. 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 Ford 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 1989 Custom and
has a "Modified Vehicle" notation on the title, looking all the
part of a Mercedes Benz, but having a Mustang drivetrain, so it
will be very familiar to work on for many a mechanic.
Please Note: This vehicle carries a clean and clear Pennsylvania
title, however, the "Make" on the title is listed as Custom. Please
check with your country, state, provincial, county or local DMV in
regards to proper titling and registration procedures***
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 single hue finish in bright
red and pinstriped in beige which draws attention and your eyes to
the long hood and sweeping fenders. Other details like the chrome
grille, yellow lense driving lights, rubber covered 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. And with a black vinyl top and side
curtains, looks the part of a wealthy aristocrat showing up at the
club for dinner.
Interior
The seats are pure 1980s cool, one-piece black space age curved
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. The front buckets, with
their exaggerated bolsters and tuck and roll inserts remain looking
factory fresh, and the bench in the back appears to have hardly
been used. A luxurious wood-rimmed wheel gives it an appropriate
upscale feel. The custom-made wooden dashboard carries a centrally
mounted ribbed and polished bezel with white-faced gauges that
proudly spell out that they are "Vintage Reproduction" along with a
few toggles and pulls. Weather protection consists of very
1929-esque folding vinyl 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 is ready to accept your
travel sundries.
Drivetrain
A consignor stated 2.3 Liter SOHC inline 4 cylinder Ford mill with
a recent tune up is stuffed under the side swinging hood. It's
topped by a single 2-barrel carburetor and has a C4 3-speed
automatic on the back. Power is transferred to the pavement via a
Ford 7.5" rear axle.
Undercarriage
Up on our lift we see gold colored fiberglass tubs and fender
wells, a rust free square tube stock frame all mounted up and in
good solid condition, but presenting with a spattering of road
dirt. Mustang II style front suspension is on and in the back leaf
springs provide the ride. Disc brakes are on the front and drum
brakes on the back. 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.
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.
