Best car for a road trip? - Page 5 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

PaulC · #61 04-11-2011, 10:45 PM

425 horsepower - comfy bucket seats - decent trunk - quiet until you bury the throttle - surprisingly soft-riding...

Skippy · #62 04-11-2011, 11:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Botnst

If I were going across the USA I'd get something big and heavy with strong shocks and soft upholstery. Like Crown Victoria. Think how all of those troopers' asses have voted time and again.

I used to have a Town Car (same platform) and it wasn't as comfortable for long drives as you would think. I drove it cross country several times and I always found my back hurt after about 9+ hours in the driver's seat. I did the same length trips in my 240D and 300D and found that I didn't get this problem.

Skid Row Joe · #63 04-12-2011, 02:06 AM

t walgamuth · #64 04-12-2011, 06:59 AM

On Sunday I drove to Colombus Oh to see the lovely #1 daughter and her family and see my knee surgeon. I took my 85 300SD. I discovered it needs shocks really badly, has not nearly the right amount of power (alda?) and the cruise does not work.

But what a fine road car. Smooth, silky and comfy.

Txjake · #65 04-12-2011, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MS Fowler

I also have a friend who built a Lotus 7 replica. He powered it with a tuned/modified engine from a Turbo T-Bird. I drove it before the tuning was all sorted out and it was QUICK, then.
Its basically a 4 wheel motorcycle that seats 2 side-by-side.

I like the Westfield Lotus 7 kit, set up for the Miata drivetrain...

t walgamuth · #66 04-12-2011, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skippy

Ok, I'll admit that Ferrari model designations confuse me (as do Harley-Davidson's), unlike the normally sensible (but then why does my 250 have a 2.8 liter engine?) model designations of Mercedes-Benz. I was referring to that car from Ferris Bueller's Day Off.

I'll freely admit that driving is my favorite activity and that I'd rather drive the biggest poor handling wrong wheel drive domestic POS than not drive at all. OTOH, I also really like horseback riding and would probably take an hour on a good Dutch Warmblood or Thoroughbred over an hour in most cars.

The GTO was a pure race GT coupe built in 63 and 64 about 36 examples in all. the California was a roadster built earlier. I am not sure of the years, but say from 57 or 58 to about 62. It was a street car designed for people to drive on the street and race in stock classes on the weekends.

The GTO is worth perhaps as much as $30M.

A california spyder owned by a celebrity recently sold for i think about 8M. (Coburn?)

MS Fowler · #67 04-12-2011, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Txjake

I like the Westfield Lotus 7 kit, set up for the Miata drivetrain...

My friend built it from scratch following the directions in a book called " Build your own sports car for under _____" Some stupid low $$ figure.
The space frame was welded up of 1" square tubing. A piece of 3/4" plywood kept every flat and true. Very light frame. I think the only pieces he bought were the coil-over shocks and the rounded piece at the front of the body. In the end, it cost him more than the book promised, but less than a 7. And it is VERY fast with "right now" handling. Great car for a little cruising around, but probably tiring on trip of more than 2-3 hours.

#68 04-12-2011, 11:38 AM

I never understood the point of kit cars. For the price of a kit, there are plenty of interesting cars for similar money.

MS Fowler · #69 04-12-2011, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craig

I never understood the point of kit cars. For the price of a kit, there are plenty of interesting cars for similar money.

Generally I agree. In the case of my friend's Lotus 7 replica, I think the economics worked out. I believe he only has $3000-$4000 cash invested. Difficult to see what else he could get for that money with a power to weight ratio anywhere near what he has. My guess is that his car carries significantly less than 10 pounds for every HP.
It was also a great hands-on learning opportunity, and a father-son project. Son actually learned front end geometry design, and CAD in order to build it.

I think the only kit cars that might interest me would be a small block Cobra, or Jag 120/140. Cars that have become unattainable for the common man.

As for me, I'll be happy when I finally get the 300SD painted and back together.

catmandoo62 · #70 04-12-2011, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skid Row Joe

hey joe was by dodgen industries today,got about a dozen shiny new ones out front waitin for ya!!

Botnst · #71 04-12-2011, 08:36 PM

Lots of Katrina Cabins on the market, too.

Skid Row Joe · #72 04-12-2011, 11:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catmandoo62

hey joe was by dodgen industries today,got about a dozen shiny new ones out front waitin for ya!!

Oh, man.....yer killin' me!!!!!!!

You know it, I LOVE MY BORN FREE!!!! I TRAVEL THE COUNTRY IN IT!!!!

I REALLY LOVE IT'S TURBODIESEL ENGINE!!!

It's heaven ON Earth travelling in your own diesel coach!!!!! It hauls AZZZZZ too!!!!!!

catmandoo,

Thanks friend! I am jealous that you travel up there (NOT in the wintertime though! BTDT!!!) Heh!

Thanks a lot, guy! God Bless ya in your travels in GODS COUNTRY too!

Skid Man