1982 Mercedes restoration is pure satisfaction | Timelapse rebuild

[@jonathan9380]

I wonder if Hollywood knows that there's a surfer in Ireland working on his cars who's producing more accomplished stop-motion films than they are? 😂

[@svenlauritzen3110]

Really true! It's totally insane, i don't miss an episode. I love this channel

[@94Di]

​​@@svenlauritzen3110 same here

[@pauli6570]

Yes they are aware…but he does not fit the current woke description that is required 😜🤣

[@MrZeToZe]

Hollywood is dead.

[@Jonesec1]

we are monitoring

[@bigzoon6282]

I just have to write this regardless if anyone reads it. A bit more than three years ago, I bought a rusty old Merc 280CE. Luckily I didn't fully realise what I was getting myself into at the time, otherwise I doubt I would have bought it. What started as a simple brake job turned into a full on restauration. It was your videos and your tenacity and attention to detail that in no small part motivated me to keep going. I taught myself to weld in panels, to refurbish the axel components and to braid fuel and brake lines along the way. Only two weeks ago, I went to MOT "Freddy" and he passed with flying colours. So here's to you and your channel and the invisible community you provide. I couldn't be more grateful. Many thanks for your videos. Keep on trucking and greetings from Luxembourg.

[@Lot76CARS]

The W123 series CE (C123) is simply a stunning car.. I have a W201/190E but I’d love a CE.. sophisticated, stylish but not brash. Understated German style! I recently drove a W124 (C124) and that’s also a real looker.

[@soupclassicmotoring]

Long live Freddy!

[@RichieRouge206]

Anyone who restores a beautiful classic like the W123 is a hero in my eyes. It takes passion, love and skill to do it and even if you are a novice, it is one of the best ways of learning proper engineering and craft. Well done for doing what you did and even though it probably seemed impossible at the time - you did it! So thank you for sharing what you did! I salute you my friend.

[@rollomotero7646]

The CE in the w123 series is extremely beautiful. One of my favorite cars of all eras, and used to be cheap to find, although not anymore.

[@googpix540]

What type of welding works best? Since all MB body metal is coated with yellow zinc what do you do to make up for that ?

[@martinevans5802]

This is not restoration - this is extraordinary - this is art...

[@lionofjudah4574]

it really is at another level...fascinating

[@harryireland1935]

Lost for words. Amazing how much work went into restoring this poor MB with Ireland's relentless climate AND editing an 80 minute stopmotion masterpiece. Seriously George....much respect. Hope you can do stuff like this in a proper workshop of your own sooner rather than later. I know all too well how difficult it is to buy anything in Ireland, especially since pure greed seems to have reached peaklevels nowadays. Seeing a video like this takes my mind off of this struggle a bit, so thank you.

[@soupclassicmotoring]

Hang in there Harry, the greed just slows things down... we'll get there in the end :)

[@kinklee]

Dont be bitter, sure where else would you want to live. True Ireland is not easy but when you want it bad nothing else matters

[@presidential8781]

Yes, such clips are enjoyable, and as I said earlier, you are the king of filming and montage.. The important thing is that you completed the fiber class car that you spent a long time repairing and exhausted us with you, and the clips were not enjoyable with it.. I work as a Mercedes and BMW mechanic. I own a garage for repairing and modifying these German cars, and I thank God that the work is good, and people in my country love German cars, in addition to American, Korean, and Japanese cars. Each garage specializes in a specific type. He is a specialist and has a degree in mechanics. I contacted the German embassy and they asked me for a language and I do not have time to learn the German language. I contacted the Australian embassy and they sent me a form to fill in. A long time has passed and there is no answer. It seems that they do not give residency to those who work and benefit the country. Your country.. In any case, the work is good, and I thank God, and I do not need anyone, only God alone.. Back to our subject, my friend, keep repairing these German cars, as they are fun and beautiful. The way you photograph and your method of repair is the same as mine. I repair w123 & w124 & w126 &w140 & w210 & w220 &c180 & c200 & c220 w212 Greetings to you from the country of the oldest civilization in the world (Iraq 🇮🇶) Your friend Mr. wrya 🌷

[@TheVexinator]

I've been watching you with fascination for years, keep up the great work. The amount of time and effort to do a 80 minute stop motion video (while working on a car, or other productive endeavor) is mind boggling. Thank you for this treat.

[@SwedesGarage]

Well to his defens, these are clips from previuos videos. He didn't make a 80 minute stop motion in one shot. But still I just love watching his videos, it's amazing watching stop motion video clips. Cheers from Sweden.

[@ToolsnTrack]

This isn't your usual Soup update. This might be the most well produced, artistic and mind bogglingly talent filled video anyone is likely to watch on KZbin. I cant even think how much time and effort went into producing this, never mind the effort that went into the Merc. This is George on the top of his game.

[@BigPaul62]

The 123 series is a brilliant car and every single one deserves saving if possible. Your standard of work is second to none. Well done for a good job.

[@abu7seen797]

It’s just a perfect car we have a 1982 one for 30 years and still workjng with no problems god i love these cars ❤️.

[@djamel_bijoux]

is it just me ! i found this so relaxing and calme

[@michaelganshirt8795]

Crazy amount of work, both on the car and in the video production. Bravo! The Benz is just about the same color as the ocean water there at the end.

[@laurentiudanielolariu1915]

The level of details is bar to anything seen before !! Thank you.. this is a different level of restoration

[@drewdane40]

10:30 The fact that you can flare a line while shooting a stop-motion video, and STILL not forget to put the fitting on the line first proves that you are an exceptionally talented person.

[@alexbrown1995]

LOL. Thank you!

[@soupclassicmotoring]

😄 Then 10:58 forget to slide the fitting past the bend, before you make it...

[@terrybrown6057]

​@@soupclassicmotoring I saw that.. 👀

[@ekaftan]

@@soupclassicmotoring And then at 19:08 you forget the hose clamp on the fuel line.. LOL.

[@pparado]

Inspiring. Mesmerizing. Hypnotic...and sooooooo Satisfying! Can't wait for the straight six!

[@bikeman123]

I have sn 83 W123 230e. The best part about working in these cars is they were built with quality fastenings which dont shear off when you undo them even after 40 years. That stop motion must have taken ages!

[@dan725]

I spent last evening watching and fell asleep (had a LONG day, and was THRILLED at a new Soup upload!!). But man it’s such a soothing video! Rewatching it again right now for my 2-hour afternoon break. This is better than reading stupid news and reddit. Such wonderfully and oddly entertaining and satisfying to watch again!!!

[@salex920]

Thanks for the amazing work. I've been watching you for about 5 years, I started with a range rover. I myself am engaged in professional body repair, but watching your work is a pleasure. Greetings from Russia! Спасибо за потрясающую работу. Смотрю вас около 5 лет, начал с рендж ровера. Сам занимаюсь проффесиональным кузовным ремонтом, но смотреть ваши работы это наслаждение. Привет из России!

[@mercedeslab]

This is definetly not a car video, but pure art.

[@MaggieKeizai]

Hey, I clicked this when it said "no views". That's a first. Well, anyway, I never get sick of these love letters to old cars, thanks for taking the time to make them.

[@AnythingVW]

View number 206 👍🏼

[@soupclassicmotoring]

love letters! 🥰

[@MaggieKeizai]

@@soupclassicmotoring I mean, you're not just putting in the work of restoring them, you're filming it in stop motion. I dunno what else to call that level of "putting the work in". The first of your videos that I saw was the full-length on the Range Rover. I stumbled on it and just sat transfixed and watched the whole thing. It was art, it was love, it was hypnotic, and it was inspired. People need to see these, they're absolutely lovely.

[@JohnDavis-ed5sg]

This is a brilliant video of brilliant work. Particularly the way you saved things or made them instead of just ordering endless new stuff. The way you show how to fabricate repairs has taught me a great deal.

[@portmorable]

Crazy craftsmanship & video editing skills. Watching from africa kenya🇰🇪🍿🍿

[@mitclax]

This whole series was a Godsend while I was working on my 280E, love that it's in one big video now!

[@soupclassicmotoring]

🍻

[@Mur_Mur_Mur1]

Супер реставрация!!! Получил огромное удовольствие от просмотра)

[@resemblesanacorn6561]

No superlatives can describe how I felt when I first stumbled upon this channel. Absolutely outstanding! Thank you very much.

[@keironastbury9399]

Absolutely fantastic I could watch your videos all day, that was such a treat over an hour long I never even went to the toilet, your fabrication work and welding well everything is amazing and where you live I envy you. please keep Ireland your island no one else's that place looks like heaven I hope I can visit there sometime when my health is better, my daughter has been and she said she didn't want to come back to the UK. god bless you all

[@peterwarner8541]

Awesome as always. And forever grateful that there is someone else out there as obsessed as I am about cleaning, fixing and painting parts that you can’t even see!

[@paulmeginley4697]

Best car resto vids on YT - not just for the “no talking, no bullshit” but also for the fascinating cinematic work. 👌🏻

[@geneva760]

I reckon your video is pure art - great to watch. And great to see a 'layperson' fabricate those sheetmetal parts - I am sure it provides inspiration to others that they can have a go and achieve excellent results on their backyard projects. HA - I am so GLAD we do not have salt on our roads here in AUSTRALIA. I cringe at what you guys have to deal with underneath the vehicles. CHEERS from AUSTRALIA.

[@eamonnheffernan6061]

Absolutely too class videography and restoration, the attention to detail in both are a credit to you George. I shudder to think how much time and patience was needed to produce this content

[@peterduxbury927]

I have to agree, It was a spectacular and Top Class - which it was!

[@ulysseslima9534]

Brother, the amount and level of skills you have to gather to make the videos... It's not anyone. Thanks for sharing with us.

[@georgebettiol8338]

I applaud your efforts and dedication in restoring a worn and badly rusted W123. I live in Australia and I'm convinced I wouldn't be able to find a W123 with a quarter of the rust that yours had. I must also apologise for my tears of laughter courtesy of your ‘playing matches’ antics - very humerous, although it could of ended in a different form of tears. Hats off to a wonderfully produced video.

[@russp1254]

This is truly the best car restoration video ever! Professionally done. Thank you.

[@someordinarystan2692]

This is like one of most faboulous automobile engineering, body work craftmanship, camera work and editing combined in one. edit: omg you have other projects too!!! I'm gonna love this channel from here on

[@dan725]

Haha another channel highly recommended this channel and I binged watched from the beginning. So worth it. I occasionally go back and watch the Range Rover video. It’s so epic.

[@dan725]

YESSSSSS I’ve been waiting for the final epic compilation video probably for years! It’s finally here!! Haha omg I didn’t realize the series is that old from the time you got your first sponsored professional welder!

[@adogmcdizzle]

Just mega! Well done George

[@nukesaway4806]

You are worthy of laser cutters, cnc's, blast cabinet, powder coat equipment, hydraulic lifts. And that's just the mechanics. Production side you deserve serious recognition. Imagine if this was the end credits of a movie about the hero car. (Obviously edited down to 4 minutes)

[@ГригорийШиманский]

У меня нет слов от восторга! Вы большой молодец!!!

[@schrodingerscat8621]

To be able to perform all this high-quality work without a lift and a proper space is so damn impressive! I want you to have a nice space to continue your fantastic work, I really want that for you. If only you were here in the states. A few years back I shared my space with a lad who moved here from Glasgow and did his apprenticeship in The Netherlands. I watched the way he approached extensive rust in a cars never regions, and I now realize you’re also working right out of that playbook. I’m more mechanics then body restore, but I’m getting better every day. Thanks to videos like this. Cheers!

[@Shas4Ever]

This video should have a few million views

[@devinbuzard1979]

Just adding 1 more comment to boost the comment content. Hope you hit the 500k+ subscriber soon.

[@soupclassicmotoring]

Thanks Devin

[@nigel_white]

Standing ovation! I watched the whole thing and loved every minute of it!

[@msb6100]

I hope this one goes as viral for you as the Range Rover video. Great work! Proud to be a patron.

[@hydorah]

That's really interesting. I've seen patina builds before where people resto mod something, but I don't think I've ever seen a patina restoration. You'd never know such extensive and artisan level fabrication had been done on that car to put it where it is and keep it there for a very long time. Excellent and unique work, great film-making too

[@hydorah]

Your title is fine. I'd maybe have called 'invisible restoration' as you've restored it amazingly but it looks like you haven't been there. Even the bubble-blower on the bonnet remains

[@DeeYarEss]

Absolutely no-one in the Automotive space makes content this real, cathartic or as artistic. Literally the only channel I am a Patron of. Masterful.

[@soupclassicmotoring]

🍻cheers Stu

[@francisouellette5938]

This video is amazing. All the time you have invested in filming in stop motion creates an extraordinary result. That's without talking about the car, or should I say the tank you have restored while filming. Extraordinary results. Cheers.

[@Ebbyman413]

Even after watching all the episodes of this build, seeing them all together is quite satisfying to watch. Awesome job as always!

[@JuanRamirez-yt4br]

Maravilloso trabajo, ¡felicitaciones!

[@jrbos]

Mind blown! This was both riveting and relaxing at the same time. I could watch these instead of a feature film.

[@ratman9802]

George, your patience, application and creativity defies belief and leaves me feeling guilty; I watch your videos instead of getting on with my own jobs. This is by far the most intelligent and utterly facinating channel on KZbin. How it is you don't have 10 times as many subscribers as you do is a mystery - there is truly no justice in this world. Good luck, keep the faith and stay stuck in.

[@DeeYarEss]

Should have millions of petrol head followers. No doubt.

[@Mike_Costello]

And the Oscar for best stop motion restoration video goes to ...... SOUP CLASSIC MOTORING. Absolutely amazing. No resto video compares to this. EVER! This is as long as the longest Wallace and Gromit stop motion movie and equally entertaining but way more jaw dropping.

[@Daz_Stap]

This was the most satisfying video I have seen for a very long time. I loved it. I also have never watched a You Tube video that lasted more than an hour, but this was worth it!

[@EK4rguy]

I can just imagine the hours that went into editing let alone the build 😳 amazing!

[@BiteTheBulletUK]

Top quality finish, sublime videography. Truly an honour to be given the opportunity to follow along.

[@changelivesimages]

this is absolutely insane, the restoration itself is already a work of madness and to have it in timelapse is so degen.

[@soupclassicmotoring]

Degen?

[@friguy4444]

At ten minutes in I fully Subbed with bell and liked of course! This work that this man or people have done is BEYOND!! The stop motion must make the work take four TIMES as long to do! And it's done so excellently!! THANK YOU for this incredible work and the time it must take to create! I had a 1973 Mercedes 280SE and I sold it after it became riddled with body rust and other things. It was one of the greatest cars I've ever owned and I WILL look for another similar one if possible in Canada were I live!!

[@gofres]

Why does this only have 4.6k views? It should be 4.6M!! It's just so satisfying to watch.

[@ljetronic]

You’re an incredibly expressive and determined guy.

[@1BIGFROGGY]

What a way to showcase your talents! Watching your restoration projects really released the dopamine in my brain! Thank you 🍺👍👍

[@gofres]

Oh man, this is just beautiful. The engineering, the stop motion, the video cuts, the music... Pure art! I can imagine this working really well to a back drop off a music band at a festival. Just a thought. Well done sir, I can't wait to see your other work and I really hope you hit millions of views.

[@thumbtack40]

You have a great work ethic, can’t imagine the hours you put in every day. Love popping in here every now and again to see what your at… Keep going, and thank you ✨✨✨👍

[@highlandmalt6368]

Simply the best car video I've ever seen, absolutely mesmerising. The stop motion idea is utterly genius, wonderfully executed and incredibly original (at least, I've not seen a restoration filmed like this before). I've watched the Range Rover one too now, and this one twice! Having worked on old cars, and played around with a very small bit of stop motion with Super8mm, the mid boggles as to how you had the patience to do this. I love the way the restoration is sympathetic, not throwing masses of new parts at it. And to top it all, there is an underlying story too: it's quite emotional to see the car being used at the end. Thanks for making this!

[@automobilistica.]

Sir! This is a masterpiece and you are a true inspiration!

[@Brian77766]

Thank you so much for this, we all really appreciate all the effort you put in to making these videos. They are unlike anything else.

[@JakobKsGarage]

Just a beautiful movie, George! Loved it. Can't imagine how much time that must have taken.

[@ExciteLetsPlay]

Thank you. This is what happiness in life looks like. Focus on gratitude and the moment, enjoy the process and fuck instant gratification. I will always remember you, when i work on my projects

[@Gangstabilly]

Unparalleled attention to detail. This is absolutely amazing. It's not as good as your Range Rover video, simply because it's not a Range Rover. That being said, I'm sure just as much work went into this one, if not more. Bravo!

[@Bigjoelifts15]

That was absolutely beautiful to watch. And I absolutely loved the tuck Pendleton inner space reference. Whoever does the camera editing is a genius

[@mistersurg1390]

Your work (restoration and video) is amazing! I myself am restoring a lada niva, and every time I'm down on motivation I come to your channel :). thank you

[@Velikoros]

Finally, two hours of fun, I love these series, very useful information!

[@Mark-c3s8z]

This video is ridiculous. Ridiculously good. OMG!

[@giorgiogrillo7418]

Wow! Very accurate work indeed. Congratulations on the manual skills with welds and blocked bolts. The animation is also very nice! In addition to your skill, the great quality of the Mercedes parts of the time also comes out!

[@11guyinthechair]

brilliant work! This is just the right amount of restoration, a solid job that will make the car go for a long time. At the same time not going overboard, not replacing every fastener, no sand blasting and powdercoating, reusing everything that can be reused. I try to fix my cars the same way. Only thing I do is lube all the suspension component bolts and screws, I use graphite grease. Lots of salt on the roads here, and the suspension rusts bolts corrode really fast.

[@dan725]

hahaha oh man I remember that entire series of update videos you did on Patreon for the cruise control mechanism. Wasn’t even part of the original car but you really had to have it and you made it work. That was insane determination that you got it to go!

[@boriss.861]

Phenomenal animation. Your patience will be rewarded.

[@NewZeroland]

Man I've done stop-motion before and I cannot fathom how long this took you. Such an insane amount of passion went into this project, and all your others, and I thank you for sharing it all in such a cool way!

[@mattslimmer8633]

George, thank you for the incredibly well-made refresher of the 240 journey! You did the restoration process justice with a video to match the painstaking reconstruction of so many complicated little rusted out areas. It makes me laugh to think of what a stop motion journey of the past 6 years of my G8 GT would look like-rusting, undercoating, various repairs, gradual paint and interior wear, more repairs, an occasional mod, more rust, and for the finale, a nice obnoxious check engine light appearing on a beautiful sunny night. I still love that car though :)

[@marcin_bruczkowski]

I have watched the entire process, the longest I have ever spent on a single YT video, but you must have spent hundreds of hours... Hats off to this level of dedication, skill and artistry.

[@soupclassicmotoring]

Thank you for the kind words, feedback and support! Please share with your local page, group or club!

[@nathanshobe]

"The most gentle horror movie on youtube."

[@mrsimp5276]

I just bought my first car. Will be delivered day after tomorrow. A W123. My childhood dream

[@sidney9534]

I vote for the ol' reliable "How I restored a classic Mercedes W123 and saved it from the junkyard // SOUP Classic Motoring" Also George, I kinda copied you 2 years ago, on my youtube profile. Not nearly as good as you, just wanna let you know you were my inspiration.

[@WhiskeyGulf71]

“Shed nearly razed to the ground” I was still laughing ten minutes later at your little bout of rainy day boredom.

[@worldisafrick]

I thought I was having a stroke

[@manfredschmalbach9023]

To call Your work on a shoestring to keep this Mercer alive "stunning" was such a vast understatement that I won't do so. Thus I'll put it as: I am in a state of bliss and awe, and I thank You for being an inspiration when it comes to rebuild work and renewing an ordinary car's life expectancy with perseverance and inventiveness just to prevent her froom being parted out. Oh, and I didn't even get started on Your stop motion work. Unique. Thanks for producing and sharing!

[@colinellis2051]

Really enjoyed this video. Not only for the for the transformation of the old Merc but the brilliant way the video is put together.

[@steon808]

This is absolute class, subscribed - I cannot even begin to fathom how much effort and time all of this took and all the planning involved. Absolutely superb job on the W123, I hope I can treat my W124 likewise one day as well!

[@md-one11]

I don't know if it's the best car restoration video ever, but it's the most enjoyable to watch. Well done and congratulation for all the work.

[@lozl]

George! Fantastic! Like therapy! I loved every second of it. I am very excited about the upcoming engine conversion.

[@OilNBolts1]

As usual, just brilliant. I'm impressed and motivated by your ability to repair existing parts, rather than purchase new (and often inferior) replacement parts. Time for me to stay stuck in..

[@Boatlife1964]

I cannot begin to imagine the time and effort you’ve put into the filming of this restoration….never mind the actual work on the Mercedes itself! Mind blown at the level of achievement.

[@spotontheroad1]

Absolutely brilliant. Superb work and totally mesmerising. I had lots of things I should have been doing on my own car but couldn't stop watching. I find these videos quite inspiring. Thank you👍

[@lunchrevisited]

Very cool to see an old car magically repair itself.

[@positivecreative]

In terms of filming and editing, this is a serious piece of work 🎬🎥👍

[@hugochka]

Man this is good! Not sure if the mechanical skills, the video editing, the story telling or what, but this is magnificent entertainment.

[@thelittlehooer]

This is as good as Hegerty's engine timelapse videos, and that's saying something. Great work.

[@42N8K9]

It absolutely made my day to see this uploaded, been following you since near the beginning of this restoration and every video blew me away. And somehow you saved the best for last! Awesome work sir! About to start paint and bodywork on my 83 300SD and this is the perfect motivation. I have no excuses since I have 5% of the rust to fix as yours and no stop motion to record. 😅 Again, congratulations, we're all proud of you!

[@wakemeuppp]

Insanely epic production, both shooting and restoration. I enjoy every single frame of this video.

[@backpackeradam]

A journey of a thousand steps. It didn't feel like you did that much work on the W123 week to week, but boy oh boy did you ever! Well done George :)

[@fossilfish786]

My man. Love it

[@lionofjudah4574]

about a minute in to this and already loving it...wow wow wow. i'm gonna have to leave a tab open to watch this again tomorrow.

[@rileyarnason9250]

Ooh this was so much fun watching it at first I needed to think what the secret could be and thought you had a moch suit on (green) this is really the best restoration I’ve seen

[@Leconte101]

Patience and perseverance is next level, DIY skills are first class but video creation and editing skills are absolutely out of control. Well done George, mesmerising stuff.

[@jeb419]

So mesmerizing to watch. Amazing dedication, skills, and production value!

[@danscorer5927]

Epic! Will have to watch a third time there is so much to enjoy and learn from. Thank you for producing something so stunning and inspirational. The colour and stance of your 230 just looks fantastic. M103 conversion is very exciting- a unit I have loved in both R107 and my current W126

[@ChristianBiggins]

Seriously George, this is epic. I loved every moment. My fave bit is you using the original connectors for the fog lights. The best Resto video though? Jury is out on that. It's a bloody tight race between this and some bloke restoring a range rover a few years back. But seriously, well done. Just so so good.

[@bradcrossman5068]

Georgie, yours has got to be the most enjoyable videos of any that i know of on this forum. Your dedication to giving us top quality content with the stop action combined with your humour and video artistry deserves a hearty 'Thank You!' I'm constantly amazed at the amount of time you must put into editing let alone actual metal fabrication. I honestly shake my head in wonder as to how you manage to get those segments of welding patches with what appears to be a continuous set of glowing beads of weld on some of those pieces. I know how you do it, but to manage to do it knowing how much of a PITA it is makes me thankful you do what you do. I've been watching for a while and seeing some of the old segments of restoring the W124 in this vid actually gave me a feeling of nostalgia. Those 'oh yeah, i remember that' moments that sort of makes you feel like you had some small part in your process. I could go on but i want to finish watching the rest of the vid. Just felt i had to chime in and say Thanks! and Cheers! from Eastern Canada. Stay stuck in lad!!

[@soupclassicmotoring]

Thanks Brad :)