Vehicle Description
1982 Mercedes-Benz Gazelle Replica
"Fleet of foot, graceful to the eye, the classic Gazelle captures
the true spirit of classic motoring. Handsomely crafted, this
recreation of the acclaimed 1929 Mercedes Benz SSK combines ageless
design with modern technology. Recapture the romance of an era gone
by in the classic Gazelle. Realize what others can only dream."
From the 1980's Classic Motor Carriages promotional video.
For consignment, a 1982 Mercedes Benz Gazelle replica, modeled
after a car designed by Ferdinand Porsche, this little neoclassical
fiberglass car offers an opportunity to drive a roadster that's
unique. Although exact production numbers are not known, Gazelle's
enjoy an enthusiastic following and some aftermarket support as
well.
Exterior
Many Gazelles are two tone and this one is primarily beige with
brown fenders. The wide low front features a chrome grille, light
bar, and a pair of horns over a chrome bar bumper sporting two
amber fog lights. The turn signals are mounted on the fenders, just
beyond the wide split round headlights in chrome housings. A long
hood features six corrugated faux exhaust pipes that travel through
and under the fender. Small tail lights are mounted on the rear
fenders which flank a spare tire case dressed in matching brown and
behind a luggage rack on the horizontal decklid. A vertical
windscreen leads to the low cabin which can be covered with the tan
canvas soft top, a bit tattered and dirty, with its plastic rear
window. Imperfections include chipped paint on the fender, scuffs,
scratches, filler between the running board and fender, and various
scratches in the beige. 14-inch chrome wire wheels give the little
classic a bit more bling.
Interior
The doors are lined with a padded vinyl trim piece with snap
buttons for side windows that is intact but a bit weathered. This
trim tops the door cards which are brown pleated patterned vinyl
and only a door handle is contained there. Brown vinyl seat covers
on the bucket seats are clean and intact, but fit loosely and the
rear seat is in decent shape. A wood rimmed steering wheel leads to
a wood dashboard where buttons, lights and gauges are embedded with
the gauges all being in the center along with an AM/FM/Cassette
radio. A familiar Ford shifter is on the center hump in the floor
surrounded by carpet of varying colors and quality.
Drivetrain
Under the hood which is side hinged, we find a Ford derived 2.3
liter inline 4 cylinder engine with a 1-barrel carburetor. A C4
3-speed automatic transmission is underfoot sending power to a Ford
6.75" rear. Disc brakes are equipped upfront and drums in the
rear.
Undercarriage
The metal frame under the fiberglass hull has quite a bit of
surface rust but appears mostly dry. We note some residual oil on
the transmission. A Mustang II front end provides the suspension
while leaf springs in the rear are assigned the task. The single
exhaust travels back to a stock style muffler that will need
replacement.
Drive-Ability
This is a fun little cabin and with a gentle prime of the carb, we
fire the 4 cylinder up and take this Gazelle out on the plains of
Morgantown, meaning our flat test loop. The low center of gravity
and wide footprint make it feel faster than it is and handling is
very good. The uncomplicated car has limited functions and those
present all worked as intended. While Classic Auto Mall represents
that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we
cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of
your purchase.
A well known replica with a great stance and in presentable
condition which would be welcome at car shows, cruise nights, or
just a jaunt into town! There are more than 1,000 people on the
Gazelle Facebook page, (CMC Gazelle 1929 Mercedes Replicar), and
active conversations, so while you may be unique in owning this
car, you won't be alone.
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in
person.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
