Hi,

Not a stick - four speed on the column. I'm amazed how smoothly it shifts and drives for a car that sat idle outdoors for years. Very little rust other than the usual spot behind the passenger front wheel. Plenty of dings/small dents. Looks like someone with a bb gun used the front glass for target practice.

I have not done a compression test. Interesting thought about the case vent. I don't have a shop manual for it but it appears it vents through the dipstick tube? There is an air screen there.

I changed the oil and it did not take long for it to become coal black so my assumption is combusted gas is really blasting into the case. I need to pull it out (has not been driven in 6 months) and have a look at the venting.

Back to my question - is a head gasket available? I looked some time ago and had no luck finding one.

It really is a neat car. The AC even took a charge and blows cold.

Thanks!
Eric

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1939 Mercedes 170V Cabriolet
1965 Mercedes 190D Project
2014 Mercedes E350 Cabriolet
1950 Chevy 3100 Pickup