Sold the 280SL and the 300D - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Aaron · #1 09-25-2002, 04:04 PM

Well guys, the W113 and my recent W123 acquisition have both been sold. The 280SL is going to it's new home in Pensacola, FL and will be undergoing a thorough restoration, which pleases me greatly. The W123 my uncle bought from me to use as his winter beater. In replacement of the 280SL, I have purchased a '75 Triumph TR6. My father had one many years ago and I owned one a few years back but it needed constant work (I do mean constant!!) so I have decided that a fully restored TR6 was the way to go. In all honesty, a British roadster is more of a "sports car" to me than an SL, even the W113. Although the SL is indeed a gorgeous automobile, a roadster should not need air conditioning and an automatic transmission!! So in the name of all out sports cars, I give lead to the Brits. I'll be heading to Michican shortly to pick up the new TR. Can't wait to hear those hairy-chested exhaust notes once again!!

toms · #2 09-25-2002, 09:39 PM

Aaron,

I am pleased to learn that the 280sl is going to see restoration. Hopefully the engine can be rebuilt to keep it original.

As for the thought that the TR6 is more of a sports car than a 280sl, you will likely get some debate on that. The debate on the w113 with A/C and auto has been around since 1963, so I won't go there.

What I can say as a former Triumph owner is that there is no comparison in terms of overall quality and reliability of these two cars. If the car is there just to look at, the TR6 looks great. If the goal is an occasional drive *close to home*, it may work fine. But for a daily driver or long distance drive, the TR6 is problematic.

The w113 can easily be a cost effective, dependable daily driver. The TR6 will never be a cost effective, dependable daily driver. It was not dependable when it was new and certainly not 30 years later.

I am not trying to be confrontational in any way, just speaking from practical experience.

I do remember your story on the w113 and how the oil pump bolts came loose, frying the engine and leaving you stranded. So you have practical experience in the other way!

Best of luck with the new wheels.

Regards,

Tom

Aaron · #3 09-25-2002, 10:43 PM

Tom,

I definitely agree about the reliability difference between the two cars. I drove the 280SL on a 400 mile trip right after buying it without any reservations about the reliability. The TR6 is of course another matter. But I've had my fair share of experience in fiddling about with English cars so I'm prepared for the future. My former TR6 was indeed a constant headache, but that was because of neglect by the previous owner. The one I just bought has been gone through stem to stern and there is $19,000 worth of documentation to back it up. The first mods the TR will get are Spax coil overs for vintage racing and the triple Weber 40DCOE carburetion setup. Both already on order from Victoria British!

toms · #4 09-27-2002, 10:11 PM

Aaron,

Sounds like you got a nice TR6 and know how to keep it running in top shape. Keep us posted on how she performs on the vintage racing circuit!

wbain5280 · #5 09-28-2002, 05:42 PM

Aaron, just remember -

Why do the English drink warm beer, they have Lucas refrigerators. Lord Lucas, Price of Darkness...

Rewire thee TR6 and remove anything that has Lucas on it, anywhere! It will be much more reliable.

I remember when I was in college in 1975, there was a guy with a TR6. He had put a dual rear muffler on it. It had twin pipes on either side. It sounded SOOOOOO nice. I complemented him on it one day. Little car, big engine.

I hope the 280SL finds a new life.

Warren Bain

No MB's.