I worked in a classic car garage in the 1990s and I was allowed by the owner to drive his 300SL after I replaced the timing cover gasket (which is about the worst shitshow a mechanic could ever imagine). I will never forget this experience.
The quality of Mercedes Benz is so clear to see when their cars get older, this is an almost 70 years old car and it feels like it's effortless to drive (judging by the gear changes, the throttle response, brakes, the steering in the video). I always loved the 300SL visually, now I think I it's a complete dream car. Nice driving Tedward! Thanks for this beauty!
It’s a shame that Mercedes might go out of business not long after the EV fad is over, they’re already dumping billions into making EVs and getting rid of ICE-making equipment. When EVs aren’t popular anymore, Mercedes may not be able to afford making ICE again. Sad. This could happen to some other legacy automakers transitioning to EVs.
@@faheemabbas3965unfortunately, I don't think EVs are a fad- much like how people thought the internet was a fad during its inception, I have a feeling manufacturers will keep moving towards EVs as laws become stricter, and eventually ICEs will be considered enthusiast cars like manual transmission cars are today
@karadeniz3266 Currently I own 2 300 SDL's. A 1986 and a 1987. I recently sold a 2005 S600 V12 twin turbo because I was tired of throwing parts at it that shouldn't be broken yet, or ever really. I own a collision repair shop where we repair all makes and models and also do mechanical work for select customers. I see everything and I know how cars are built. ALL German makes are poorly/over engineered and become troublesome well before they should. They drive and perform nice when new, but they are not worth the trouble in my opinion. I do still like mid 90's and older German cars. They seem to be more robust and are less dependent on brittle electronics. Electronics that other manufacturers dont seem to have a problem with making dependable. Somewhere in the last 30 years they have lost their way. Lease German, buy Japanese. American cars are hit and miss. Korean cars aren't bad, but you are not far off in price from a Toyota.
Having been trained MB mechanic when the 300sl was still in circulation as a daily driver I drove many. An amazing car that had so many track features but was at home on the street. The injection was crude diaphragm controlled with jets but in good health worked exceptionally well and certainly miles ahead of corvettes ramjet FI. The roadster was much more comfortable and had better road manors. The Roadster’s rear suspension was improved significantly; the swing axles remained, but with a lower single pivot point, while a transverse coil spring helped when the car was being cornered hard.
the vents mentioned at 20:50 are there because the glass kept popping out when closing the doors as I understand, so they put them there to equalize pressure when closing the doors.
Its fantastic, how a design that's going on 70 years old still takes my breath away! What a dream ride, was glad to hear how easy and what a joy it is to drive as well.
The 300SL was a show piece for technology and years ahead of others cars of its time. One of God's own cars. Can you imagine being in a Beetle in 1957 and being passed, at speed, by a 300SL. That car was a spaceship in the 50's.
Seen so many photos of this car but I think this is the first pov footage of it I've seen. Absolutely breathtaking. Hope to see one of these in person someday
I think you found the jackpot as a POV car reviewer. You get to drive these million dollar cars without having to buy them or maintain them. Thanks for the video! :)
Thanks so much for this, guys. I've seen many 300SL's - almost exclusively at the German Essen Techno Classica, a few decades ongoing. But I've never seen one on the move, let alone POV. Owned a classic car once for 13 years (series 1 Lancia Fulvia Coupe) so I know they can be moneypits, and a pain in the rear-end. But the joy when everything works well, and the recognition you get once in a while - priceless.
A great country can never be annihilated, because of it's great culture that values beauty and hard work, take japan for example and how it conquered every western market after ww2
It was because us invested millions in German economy and Japan as well to ward off communism. They demanded money from wartime allies uk and france right up till recently
I've had the privilege to see (and smell!) some of them in real life, you don't understand how beautiful they actually are until you see them in person
Yes!! I've been waiting for this moment! I'm so glad (and really jealous) that you got to drive this beauty! Classic Mercedes build quality and engineering was really something else. The top of the line supercar from 70 years ago, and it's easier to drive than a lot of sports cars from the 90's.
Probably not many pianists around here, but this is like playing on the only 1887 Steinway D from 1887 left in its original state, not a rebuild, not a replica. What struck me most was how forgiving the gear box was. I grew up with manual gearboxes and have learnt how to handle a manual gearbox without using the clutch simply by matching revolutions from one gear to another. Or using double clutch. Had I driven this car I would have probably got most of my orgasms by simply switching gears and always finding the right point for that. What a gorgeous machine! I envy you!
Was. The Aux fuel pump on until the passenger turned it off at 15 mins. It was really bothering me lol such a fantastic ride along of the Icon of icons just as good as being there Thank You
In '91/'92 I was spinning wrenches for one of the local German independent garages. The shop owner had his father's '68 W108 Sedan, a special order car that they picked up in Germany, drove on vacation, and shipped to here in SoCal. It was black, factory sliding sunroof, red interior, 4 on-the-floor, 2.8L mechanically injected 6, and lowered a couple inches. He allowed me and my GF to have it for a weekend, and drive it up Hwy1 through Big Sur, and into Monterey. When we got back, I HAD to have one! When I discovered there was a W111 Coupe version, it was all I could think about. Found one in April '92; sliding sunroof, 4-on-the-floor, 2.5L mechanically injected 6. I still have it, and it shares such a spirit with the original 300SL's. We actually had a customer with an SL Roadster, and I got to work on it (just a service), and then drive it to a hotel a few miles away, across/through downtown, where it was going to be shown. Talk about star struck. 32 years now, owning my Coupe, and it still hits me in the feels, every time I drive it (but it doesn't have the gear whine of the SL). This one you've driven, being so unrestored and driveable......wow!! What a fantastic example. I love listening to the engine start to respond to those long intake runners. The injected passenger cars like my Coupe and boss's sedan have the long runners, but they are nothing compared to the length of them in the 300SL! So great to listen to the engines spool up.
The area behind the seats is for luggage. The engine has no pushrods. It is OHC. Fuel injected. It has power assisted drum brakes. The rear axle is of the swing arm type, with a central pivot, & transverse compensating spring across the pivot point.
The beautifull autumn vibe, orange leaves, the sun and then these 2 cars which couldn't be more different. Seriously one of the best Videos I have ever seen! Thx Tedward!
Lord I remember walking home from school as a third or fourth grader around 1964 in a very small town. For months and months there was a bright red Gullwing sitting on the side of the road for sale. I thought the doors open like that was very peculiar. If I remember correctly the price was like $3000. Thought that was a fortune. If we only knew.
Man, so great to see you were able to actually put one of these back on the road, and in such great condition. My uncle had one of these - just one of two that were actually sold in our country. It just really takes me back.
Brought back memories of my first sports car race (as a spectator) at Kitsap airport in Western Washington. Paul O'Shea ran his 300 SL Gullwing. Pete Lovely drove his "Pooper" (Porsche-Cooper Special). The race was won by Carroll Shelby in a 4.9 Ferrari. Second place went to Phil Hill in a 4.5 Ferrari. But O'Shea's 300SL was the star of the show. What a car! Thanks for the fond memory!
I have seen a few at classic car rallyes years ago. Was even able to wittness Stirling Moss and his wife drive one belonging to the Mercedes museum. And on top of that i had the pleasure to see and hear the Legend itself: the 722! (But at that occasion with another Legend, John Surtees behind the wheel.) So i would look for sure if i saw a 300SL on the road. But this i think is the closest i will ever be know how it is to drive one. Thanks!
If I saw one of these drive past me on the street I would faint on the spot. Cannot believe all those oblivious people. I have seen one, at the Southwards car museum here in New Zealand. But to see one on the move, that is something else again.
Thanks for another amazing video. To me the interior is just spectacular. All of the lovely gages, knobs and the bakelite steering wheel.❤. Just lovely. Such craftsmanship. This SL, the XKs, E-Types, of this era all have such character that seems to be lacking in today’s more computerized cars. Btw. The bearded guy (owner?) has lovely eyes and seems really sweet.
280 Sl mechanic here , the “ gear whine “ sounds more like differential ring+ pinion lash and the fluid level may actually be low . The boot might have leaked , or as on the last 280SL I worked on , it might have a leak from the input shaft seal .
Tedward, you drove right past my house today! Finally, I think I now know (a little better) what that new facility, where you started out is… it’s right around the corner from my humble abode.
If you see a glow in the sky in the direction of the country of Denmark it’s just me being red hot with envy of those who get to drive this icon of a car.
Now you're starting to get into the unicorn cars. I love the Dino you drOve. I love the Caterham you drove and now this! wonderful!! This channel is just getting better and better. Maybe another adventure series like that crazy trip in the Miata from coast to coast. That was epic!
Thought so! I live in NorCal however my Mom is still there - some great roads, I notice you like my old favorites Totten Pond, I liked taking my '69 Vette around those same roads over 25 years ago - still have and drive it, more out here, you would love "our 128" Winters by Lake Berryessa to St. Helena run!
It will be great if the same review appears on this channel, with a test drive, of also a stunningly beautiful car, which is also produced in 1955, and its name is - BMW 507
Is that pull knob to the left of the steering wheel really a choke? I've not seen any manually operated choke systems on the bosch mechanical injection pump. The older diesel pump (which I believe the petrol injection pump was based on) did have a speed-up knob which you twisted, not pulled. But I'm not very familiar with the 300SL of the 50s (as you say, they're usually in museums) so I'm not really sure about that choke knob.
This is one of my all time dream cars. Ive only ever seen one in real life. Every time i see pictures of it my eyes start to water. I need to own one of these before I'm too old
I don't think enough people understand how insane it is to have the chance to not only see a 300SL, but to drive one as well. Great video like always.
о этой машине я узнал будучи молодым
I’ve seen one once, extremely rare car
I worked in a classic car garage in the 1990s and I was allowed by the owner to drive his 300SL after I replaced the timing cover gasket (which is about the worst shitshow a mechanic could ever imagine). I will never forget this experience.
A guy in my town drives his 1954 300 SL around all of the time. He told me that Zsa Zsa Gabor was the original owner. It's an absolute gem.
Yeah, i know a private place where are a gull-wing and a roadster are and many more xpensive cars.
The quality of Mercedes Benz is so clear to see when their cars get older, this is an almost 70 years old car and it feels like it's effortless to drive (judging by the gear changes, the throttle response, brakes, the steering in the video). I always loved the 300SL visually, now I think I it's a complete dream car. Nice driving Tedward! Thanks for this beauty!
It’s a shame that Mercedes might go out of business not long after the EV fad is over, they’re already dumping billions into making EVs and getting rid of ICE-making equipment. When EVs aren’t popular anymore, Mercedes may not be able to afford making ICE again.
Sad. This could happen to some other legacy automakers transitioning to EVs.
Late model MB are crap. Brittle garbage.
@@faheemabbas3965unfortunately, I don't think EVs are a fad- much like how people thought the internet was a fad during its inception, I have a feeling manufacturers will keep moving towards EVs as laws become stricter, and eventually ICEs will be considered enthusiast cars like manual transmission cars are today
@@scootypuffjr. how many do you own that you make such an "expert" statement!
@karadeniz3266 Currently I own 2 300 SDL's. A 1986 and a 1987. I recently sold a 2005 S600 V12 twin turbo because I was tired of throwing parts at it that shouldn't be broken yet, or ever really.
I own a collision repair shop where we repair all makes and models and also do mechanical work for select customers. I see everything and I know how cars are built.
ALL German makes are poorly/over engineered and become troublesome well before they should. They drive and perform nice when new, but they are not worth the trouble in my opinion. I do still like mid 90's and older German cars. They seem to be more robust and are less dependent on brittle electronics. Electronics that other manufacturers dont seem to have a problem with making dependable.
Somewhere in the last 30 years they have lost their way.
Lease German, buy Japanese. American cars are hit and miss. Korean cars aren't bad, but you are not far off in price from a Toyota.
Absolutely incredible how far this channel has come in a few years. Who would've thought you would be driving a 300SL Gullwing. Super cool!
Having been trained MB mechanic when the 300sl was still in circulation as a daily driver I drove many. An amazing car that had so many track features but was at home on the street. The injection was crude diaphragm controlled with jets but in good health worked exceptionally well and certainly miles ahead of corvettes ramjet FI. The roadster was much more comfortable and had better road manors. The Roadster’s rear suspension was improved significantly; the swing axles remained, but with a lower single pivot point, while a transverse coil spring helped when the car was being cornered hard.
You've literally driven all my dreamcars by now. Amazing content!
you never uploaded your juice wrld lucid dreams from the concert
the vents mentioned at 20:50 are there because the glass kept popping out when closing the doors as I understand, so they put them there to equalize pressure when closing the doors.
One of the most beautiful car EVER
Its fantastic, how a design that's going on 70 years old still takes my breath away! What a dream ride, was glad to hear how easy and what a joy it is to drive as well.
The Gullwing is definitely one of the most beautiful cars ever made by MB. Glad to see it on the channel
The original SL was one of those very few cars that were decades ahead of their time.
That acceleration @15:23 is just perfection. What a sound.
This might be the coolest car you have done yet! Absolute joy to see such a car in action :D
The 300SL was a show piece for technology and years ahead of others cars of its time. One of God's own cars. Can you imagine being in a Beetle in 1957 and being passed, at speed, by a 300SL. That car was a spaceship in the 50's.
Its a spaceship now..
Seen so many photos of this car but I think this is the first pov footage of it I've seen. Absolutely breathtaking. Hope to see one of these in person someday
"These tasteless fuckboys in their modern Porsches" quote of the year right there
The analog gauges in this 1955 300SL are classy, elegant, charming, beautiful, and timeless....
The speedometer was almost or exactly identical to the one I had in my 1971 Mercedes 250. So interesting to see it here in a 1955.
I think you found the jackpot as a POV car reviewer. You get to drive these million dollar cars without having to buy them or maintain them. Thanks for the video! :)
Thanks so much for this, guys. I've seen many 300SL's - almost exclusively at the German Essen Techno Classica, a few decades ongoing. But I've never seen one on the move, let alone POV. Owned a classic car once for 13 years (series 1 Lancia Fulvia Coupe) so I know they can be moneypits, and a pain in the rear-end. But the joy when everything works well, and the recognition you get once in a while - priceless.
Pleasing driving!
What's remarkable to me is Germany was annihilated in WWII. Ten years after their unconditional surrender, they made a masterpiece!
accords de Paris : 27 février 1953 ....Cool ! You have a big debt ? No, you have no debt !
A great country can never be annihilated, because of it's great culture that values beauty and hard work, take japan for example and how it conquered every western market after ww2
It was because us invested millions in German economy and Japan as well to ward off communism. They demanded money from wartime allies uk and france right up till recently
The most beautiful car ever created, you lucky bastard!
I've had the privilege to see (and smell!) some of them in real life, you don't understand how beautiful they actually are until you see them in person
3 of my dreams cars Mclaren F1, Ferrari F40, Mercedes 300SL.
Yes!! I've been waiting for this moment! I'm so glad (and really jealous) that you got to drive this beauty! Classic Mercedes build quality and engineering was really something else. The top of the line supercar from 70 years ago, and it's easier to drive than a lot of sports cars from the 90's.
Probably not many pianists around here, but this is like playing on the only 1887 Steinway D from 1887 left in its original state, not a rebuild, not a replica.
What struck me most was how forgiving the gear box was. I grew up with manual gearboxes and have learnt how to handle a manual gearbox without using the clutch simply by matching revolutions from one gear to another. Or using double clutch. Had I driven this car I would have probably got most of my orgasms by simply switching gears and always finding the right point for that.
What a gorgeous machine! I envy you!
Undoubtedly the coolest vehicle featured on this channel as of yet.
Was. The Aux fuel pump on until the passenger turned it off at 15 mins. It was really bothering me lol such a fantastic ride along of the Icon of icons just as good as being there Thank You
In '91/'92 I was spinning wrenches for one of the local German independent garages. The shop owner had his father's '68 W108 Sedan, a special order car that they picked up in Germany, drove on vacation, and shipped to here in SoCal. It was black, factory sliding sunroof, red interior, 4 on-the-floor, 2.8L mechanically injected 6, and lowered a couple inches. He allowed me and my GF to have it for a weekend, and drive it up Hwy1 through Big Sur, and into Monterey. When we got back, I HAD to have one! When I discovered there was a W111 Coupe version, it was all I could think about. Found one in April '92; sliding sunroof, 4-on-the-floor, 2.5L mechanically injected 6. I still have it, and it shares such a spirit with the original 300SL's. We actually had a customer with an SL Roadster, and I got to work on it (just a service), and then drive it to a hotel a few miles away, across/through downtown, where it was going to be shown. Talk about star struck. 32 years now, owning my Coupe, and it still hits me in the feels, every time I drive it (but it doesn't have the gear whine of the SL).
This one you've driven, being so unrestored and driveable......wow!! What a fantastic example. I love listening to the engine start to respond to those long intake runners. The injected passenger cars like my Coupe and boss's sedan have the long runners, but they are nothing compared to the length of them in the 300SL! So great to listen to the engines spool up.
I understand the roadster actually handles better at high speed. But it's this we want!
Always a good day when Tedward posts on my lunchbreak!
The area behind the seats is for luggage. The engine has no pushrods. It is OHC. Fuel injected. It has power assisted drum brakes. The rear axle is of the swing arm type, with a central pivot, & transverse compensating spring across the pivot point.
The beautifull autumn vibe, orange leaves, the sun and then these 2 cars which couldn't be more different. Seriously one of the best Videos I have ever seen! Thx Tedward!
Best video ever! Only you know how to review these classics...
Thank you!!
I have only seen one 300SL my entire life. It was parked outside an upscale restaurant in CT.
American roads are so beautiful to watch with surroundings , this is the reason I subscribed ❤
Lord I remember walking home from school as a third or fourth grader around 1964 in a very small town. For months and months there was a bright red Gullwing sitting on the side of the road for sale. I thought the doors open like that was very peculiar. If I remember correctly the price was like $3000. Thought that was a fortune. If we only knew.
Only a Stout Scarab will draw more attention. Love the dash of the Merc.
Man, so great to see you were able to actually put one of these back on the road, and in such great condition. My uncle had one of these - just one of two that were actually sold in our country. It just really takes me back.
Finally!!!! awesome video, keep it up!!
Absolutely a masterpiece,the most rarest and most beautifull car ever made
The SL has a pre flight checklist, lol
think I saw this thing at the last Larz Anderson C&C on Saturday, what a cool vehicle
yessir that was the same one
By the 190E 2.3 16v!
Definitely ahead of its time
The gullwing doors are so iconic😍😍
I was looking for a video of you driving this car a while ago but you hadn’t done one, so cool to see you’ve got to do a video on it!
This is my favorite car of all time. This video is a great surprise.
Also, New England looks fantastic this time of year.
NIIIICE, I'll be watching this when I get home 😍
Great to see a classic vehicle, Cars these day's have no character.
absolutely insane
Brought back memories of my first sports car race (as a spectator) at Kitsap airport in Western Washington. Paul O'Shea ran his 300 SL Gullwing. Pete Lovely drove his "Pooper" (Porsche-Cooper Special). The race was won by Carroll Shelby in a 4.9 Ferrari. Second place went to Phil Hill in a 4.5 Ferrari.
But O'Shea's 300SL was the star of the show. What a car! Thanks for the fond memory!
A Masterpiece what a rare treat !
Love this!
I’m so glad you visited!
Nice video !!
I have seen a few at classic car rallyes years ago.
Was even able to wittness Stirling Moss and his wife drive one belonging to the Mercedes museum. And on top of that i had the pleasure to see and hear the Legend itself: the 722! (But at that occasion with another Legend, John Surtees behind the wheel.)
So i would look for sure if i saw a 300SL on the road.
But this i think is the closest i will ever be know how it is to drive one. Thanks!
Great use of the word persnickety
🙏
If I saw one of these drive past me on the street I would faint on the spot. Cannot believe all those oblivious people. I have seen one, at the Southwards car museum here in New Zealand. But to see one on the move, that is something else again.
So happy that you’re living your dream driving cool cars for a living. Keep going!
The absolute dream car
Just wow.
more royalty on this channel! i love it!
I really like these older car reviews
You and me both
@@TedwardDrives yes
gotta love Eddie making an appearance, I remember you driving his old 8th gen Si
This one is in my dreams.
It was 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL.
It’s legendary car!
I saw one of these in person once and it was incredible
The 300 SL is incredibly beautiful. The beauty of this steering wheel is insane!!!
I saw one on the highway in California end 70ies. It was hot. Both doors open straight up😅
such a beautiful car
Can’t believe all those people didn’t even look at the car, it’s amazing to see one in a museum much less driving
I don't understand it either
One straight six to rule them all
So cool to watch my neighborhood roads go by from a '55 Gullwing!
Holy shit a 300SL. Huge Tedward drop
Insane that mostly nobody looked at the 300SL. If I saw one I’d shit myself lol.
ikr
Hi, could you please try getting your hands on an SLS AMG? It's a classic and I think you'd like it.
best video ever! thanks for providing us with such unique content. Always love to see how passionate you are
Gorgeous car! Perfect time of the year for a cruise
Thanks for another amazing video. To me the interior is just spectacular. All of the lovely gages, knobs and the bakelite steering wheel.❤. Just lovely. Such craftsmanship. This SL, the XKs, E-Types, of this era all have such character that seems to be lacking in today’s more computerized cars. Btw. The bearded guy (owner?) has lovely eyes and seems really sweet.
He’s one of my very best friends and he is really sweet :)
Gorgeous thing. Makes some slightly scary noises at idle, though! Squeaky belt?
280 Sl mechanic here , the “ gear whine “ sounds more like differential ring+ pinion lash and the fluid level may actually be low . The boot might have leaked , or as on the last 280SL I worked on , it might have a leak from the input shaft seal .
Tedward, you drove right past my house today! Finally, I think I now know (a little better) what that new facility, where you started out is… it’s right around the corner from my humble abode.
The speedometer and rev gauges still looked pretty similar in the W114 my girlfriend once had.
The MB 300 SL is motor history!
It’s a good relaxing driving kinda day when either tedward or thetopher post😩
If you see a glow in the sky in the direction of the country of Denmark it’s just me being red hot with envy of those who get to drive this icon of a car.
😂
Now you're starting to get into the unicorn cars. I love the Dino you drOve. I love the Caterham you drove and now this! wonderful!! This channel is just getting better and better. Maybe another adventure series like that crazy trip in the Miata from coast to coast. That was epic!
You'd like the Bizzarrini, DB4 Series V, and Iso Grifo videos if you're into the unicorns =)
Beautiful car on some beautiful roads.
This is one of that cars that demands absolute respect! Great video, Great machine!
Who else saw the '56 Ford at 11:19?
Amazing sound !!!!!
How do you even get the chance to drive such a thing? You are so incredibly blessed. Great job getting here, things are only looking up for you!
Ein Traum ♥️
Very careful and respective driving. So nice to watch.
Iconic car
That day was definitely a dream 😮
Thought so! I live in NorCal however my Mom is still there - some great roads, I notice you like my old favorites Totten Pond, I liked taking my '69 Vette around those same roads over 25 years ago - still have and drive it, more out here, you would love "our 128" Winters by Lake Berryessa to St. Helena run!
It will be great if the same review appears on this channel, with a test drive, of also a stunningly beautiful car, which is also produced in 1955, and its name is - BMW 507
Is that pull knob to the left of the steering wheel really a choke? I've not seen any manually operated choke systems on the bosch mechanical injection pump. The older diesel pump (which I believe the petrol injection pump was based on) did have a speed-up knob which you twisted, not pulled. But I'm not very familiar with the 300SL of the 50s (as you say, they're usually in museums) so I'm not really sure about that choke knob.
Yes, the left pull knob, white light, is the choke
This is one of my all time dream cars. Ive only ever seen one in real life. Every time i see pictures of it my eyes start to water. I need to own one of these before I'm too old
There aren't many people in the world who've driven one of these, incredible.
The cool angry sound of the engine on the Porsche, you just want to press the gas harder and harder!