Yes, we admit to having a thing for tube-frame race cars topped with unconventional bodywork. Buick Somerset? Bring it. Chrome-bumper Lincoln? Totally. Vintage Ford Falcon? Already written about it.
How about a one-of-one R107-chassis Mercedes-Benz 450SL built for the SCCA Trans-Am series?
After hearing the internet chatter, we saw the creation on the floor at Mecum's Kissimmee sale. It …
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Been in jail, you wouldn't like it ......
I remember this car from the SCCA magazine back in the day. To me it represents the zenith of the re-imagined Trans Am. The series had gone from the funny cars of the late 70’s (Porsche 935 et al) to non turbo cars similar in concept to a tube frame Stock Car. The possibilities were endless, but they allowed the turbo funny cars back in and Trams Am has never recovered to anything approaching it’s heydays in the 60s and early 70s.
In reply to Rons :
You're right, it really is a period piece. It looked good in real life. There's just something about hand-painted graphics....
I think I saw this car racing, back in the old days.
I saw that car race at Brainerd. I was crewing that weekend for my cousin who was there with his GT-1 Corvette.
Calling LanEvo.... could possibly run with the Classic group at VARAC....
Gordon
tuna55
MegaDork
1/13/22 3:15 p.m.
I want to know more about the intake manifold. Is that the only Mercedes engine with dual quad Holleys?
What did it sell for? It is seriously cool.
Tom1200
UltraDork
1/13/22 8:54 p.m.
I could cause a lot of trouble becuase if the estimate is correct I'd have to sell the house and live in the RV to afford that.
I'm not here to tell you what to do with your new bodyless ASA Stock car project...
But here's an idea for $3.5k
Or
An actual 450SL for $6.5k
That would be rude to suggest..
That thing is soooo cool, but I am a sucker for box flares and gold mesh wheels.
The tube-frame Benz crosses the block later today--today as in Friday, January 14.
Anyone here going for it?
I dug in my files and found a couple photos of this car from Brainerd in August 1982. My memory may be suspect but I think Doc Bundy was driving it that weekend, in a one-off deal. Paul Newman won, in his 280ZX.
I don't know what I'd do with it, but it's berkeleying awesome!
It crosses the block in just another minute.
Benz didn't sell on the block so, as they say, the Bid Goes On.
This is just about the best way to have the most annoyingly crowded pit area at any track day.
In reply to stuart in mn :
The 45 car should be Loren St Lawrence I believe Doc Bundy was in a Porsche 924 Carrera GTR.
Rons said:
In reply to stuart in mn :
The 45 car should be Loren St Lawrence I believe Doc Bundy was in a Porsche 924 Carrera GTR.
I looked online and saw Doc Bundy was normally in a 924 that year, but for some reason I remember him in this car for that one race. It was a long time ago so I could be wrong...I was introduced to him that day and talked briefly, maybe it just happened when we were standing near the Mercedes.