I've massively overspent transforming my Mercedes SL!

[@HighPeakAutos]

Try Readly, with my link you can get 2 months free, which can be cancelled at any time: readly.com/autos

[@therealad1238]

We overspend on saving these legendary classics but keeping these pieces of automotive history running is worth every penny

[@darrenquarterman2611]

Ever penny of someone else money 😂

[@BlackStallione]

Literally, I love old classics, much much more attractive and awesome to see than newer cars

[@lawrenceholden5716]

Just what I would do and haven't skimped on my 12 Yr old C class, my 3rd Mercedes, which is a keeper as I don't like newer cars with touchscreens and gizmos that I neither want or need.

[@BlackStallione]

@@lawrenceholden5716 same bro same, I have a 1994 Golf Mk3 and I love it more than anything, the newer cars are expensive af to fix and don't have virtually any room for you to touch anything like replacing a bulb or something

[@Saturntabbytype2]

Not after 2030

[@westernmonitor]

Hi Matt. you often seem to question your sanity in so much of saving cars such as this SL. I think you are doing the correct thing. Thanks to guys like you saving cars like this 20 years from now we will still be enjoying such interesting and diverse cars. So from me 10 out of 10 don't ever change and thanks for such great viewing .

[@HighPeakAutos]

Great point! Thanks

[@mariemccann5895]

The steering wheel transforms the look of the vehicle, adds a touch of class to the whole thing. Well worth it.

[@HighPeakAutos]

I agree. Just a lot of money

[@Nick-vp7lp]

I don't think for a steering wheel it was alot at all. You can easily pay £700-1k on a wheel.

[@davidsawyer1526]

@@HighPeakAutos I also have an "M" reg SL320 and I love the wood steering wheel you have. I did get the leaky hydraulic cylinders over the windscreen, pessimistically its just a matter of time. And I also get an occasional electrical gremlin due to the dodgy engine wiring harness on these models. You can see areas of the wiring where the insulation is starting to fall apart. Again, its just a matter of time. Im a bit like you, just pay up to sort it so keep another £2k for the cylinders and maybe a grand for the harness to be remade. Sometimes its better to not read all the forums!

[@HighPeakAutos]

@@davidsawyer1526 yeah exactly. If it’s what you want, just get on with it

[@felawes]

Where did you get the wheel? Turkey?

[@sprezzatura8755]

Bruno Sacco masterpiece. These cars are aging very well. Only real issues are the biodegradable distributor and the convertible top hydraulic cylinders.

[@NotUrDJ]

Honestly the steering wheel upgrade makes the most sense to me. Really makes the interior look complete.

[@dancampbell6415]

They certainly don't make them like this anymore. Just recently purchased a 1996 Volvo 850 and have got a 1996 Volvo 940 in the pipeline, purely based on childhood memories and the fact that it was the golden era for cars, built to last forever and not just a warranty period. Same story with your SL, I love it! Well done for saving yet another cool car! 👍

[@johntamlyn6383]

I had a ‘97 S70, (2.4 10 valve auto), turquoise metallic with a cream leather interior and wood trim. Such a beautiful car. Really smooth to drive, the interior was nice and light unlike most current vehicles which seem to be black caves, and sensible controls not fiddly touchscreens!

[@driving_all_over]

Not sad, weird or geeky at all mate. You’ve done a lovely job with it and you’re passionate about it too and that is what matters at the end of the day

[@nicholasholland-smith1324]

Matt in my opinion you never over spend on a car that is meaningful to you. You are simply demonstrating what it takes to put love and respect into a car and the rewards of driving it. Cost is not everything when you have found a good gem to start with. Rare colour also as i am finding with my 2001 W210 in the same colour.

[@anthonyreynolds2522]

I would have gladly spent that,class car,what else can u buy, with £7000, beautiful car 😊

[@BubbleDouble]

What color is this? Cause it looks similar to my dad's old w124 blue black which i plan to restore. I couldn't find the part where he specifies it. The paint is so faded it looks brown at this point...

[@MaximilianvonPinneberg]

Got an old Volvo and gradually getting it back to showroom(ish) condition.

[@nordic1121]

I was in Romiley on Saturday and called in to your forecourt and looked around your SL , it looks pretty good, whatever you’ve spent your happy and that’s what matters most, we all have weaknesses where we spend our money on what other people think is a waste but life choices make us individuals.

[@mikeroz6549]

Love what you've done to the SL. Worth every penny. Oh, and the steering wheel is fantastic improvement too. Top job Matt.👍

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks 👍

[@raycroal]

@@HighPeakAutos i've read all the comments and i am the only person to tell you that you actually have a 5 speed mercedes sl a special option i believe, so do i win the car??

[@HighPeakAutos]

@@raycroal I don’t think that’s right - what makes you say that?

[@davidsawyer1526]

I think the gear shift has a "4" to the right to stay in fourth. If the lever is to the left, there is an overdrive fifth gear. The four speed boxes didnt have the "4" listed.

[@raycroal]

@@HighPeakAutos if you move the stick accross from 4 to D your are enabling all 5 gears D means 5, i think your gearbox is a 722.5 which is an 5 speed model, on the later 722.6 transmissions they had 1,2,3,4, and a D and these were 5 speed. the 6 cylinder r129 had an option of 4 or 5 speed transmissions and the 4 speed read, 2,3,D

[@paulstledger7527]

I’ve had one for 9 years and I feel exactly the same. 300000 later and it’s still awesome. Had to spend a little here and there but it’s worth it. Timeless class…

[@bannjaxx]

300k £'s or miles? 😮

[@nickwebb9290]

There’s nothing to be apologetic about being passionate about your Merc. Just be grateful you can afford to keep this gem in superb condition, you’ve done a superb job 👍

[@Ped0772]

Haha I loved the despair in your voice "phhhhh I'm going to sound like such a nerd here" (about the reg plate) , you KNOW you're a nerd, and there is absolutely NOTHING wrong with that, you know your stuff and that's fine :) Thanks for the video, Matt

[@HighPeakAutos]

Hahaha I forget this is a safe place for car needs

[@originalchill]

It’s not an overspend if you love the car as much as you obviously do Matt! If it puts a smile on your face then it’s money well spent 👍🏻 life’s too short for guilt trips 😀 enjoy it!

[@HighPeakAutos]

Well said!

[@georgegard.aka.currymonste1498]

A man with real heart and soul for a genuine classic

[@peterbradley2216]

Love it a lot - love the attention to detail Matt - even down to the FONT on the plate! wow! Hats off to your OCD on that one!

[@HighPeakAutos]

Haha thanks

[@RMILLSMMA]

When I was 20 I bought a Porsche 944... My uncle took me to collect it in his 500sl... That entire event is still burned in my psyche now at 45, hence I'll always have a soft spot for these. Love the fact you're keep these great usable classics on the road fella! Might even look to pick up one myself. Well done.

[@davidminns9799]

Just love it that you can't help yourself with car's and spend lots putting them right. It's why we love the channel you care 👍

[@uamade]

the squared design of the car reminds be Opel Rekord E from 70s :)

[@markbrennan4693]

It's a keeper, and I bet you will keep on improving it. Would get it well waxoyled underneath too. Nice motor Matt.

[@Johnathan_Waters]

The SL looks great! The only thing I notice is that the front suspension is sagging a bit (super common). Usually replacing the upper spring pads cures it.

[@davidsimpson3380]

It looks like it's been lowered a bit. I clicked on it because I liked the lowered look with stock wheels and wondered how he achieved it :) lol

[@deaks25]

1:30 I absolutely get this attitude about preferring the quantifiable worse car because you like it. I own a ‘08 6-Series, and when I bought it last year, a friend jokingly asked who I was trying to impress. My answer was, and still is; me. I want me to be impressed by my car. And I am, I love it and I don’t care whether other people like it, because other people aren’t driving it, I am.

[@TheVintageApplianceEmporium]

Well, if you've got the money, and it's YOUR money, then bloody do it! You earned it so you can spend it. Bloody love that SL 😍

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks! Well said

[@dziabarp]

That is why I love this channel ! Great job Matt ! What a beautiful car !

[@HighPeakAutos]

I appreciate that!

[@dnovello]

Great philosophy! "As long as you like it, that's all that matters." Great video; and excellent points, as well

[@The63Jazz]

A quick wash and a buff and then 17 minutes of the actual spend ! Matt you bloody legend

[@andrewtuff6257]

A totally classic design, I’ve never owned one, but sort of think this engine is better suited than the V8. You could turn up at any party, anywhere, and look appropriate! Brilliant video, you haven’t wasted a penny!

[@Tahvyy]

It looks so much better after you changed everything back to the original look 🤩. I’ve wanted one of these for years, they’re just pure class. Beautiful 🤩

[@Paris__]

You've made this car look absolutely beautiful. Money well spent! The SL is a real 'South of France' cruiser. I see many pristine examples of the R129 here in Monaco, and they always attract a lot of attention and pics, parked up in Casino Square.......people appreciate a prestige SL classic. No other car marque has produced such a car, since it was original introduced in the 1950's. Immortalized by Stirling Moss as his type of car, raced and owned.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Well said!

[@simonbailey2151]

You haven’t overspent at all. Every penny is justified and justifiable. Another one saved, restored, rejuvenated and ready to bring joy to you and future generations. Nice one

[@nokneedownian8521]

Your dad's a hero does your property remodeling fixes your cars, a man of many talents

[@deancrudgington1304]

It's like decorating a house, you start on one bit and end up doing everything else, gives you a good feeling bringing it back to life. Am the same with my 2003 Z4. Once you start you can't stop. Definitely a classic worth saving though. Keep up good work.

[@b.2221]

You have proved on numerous occasions what type of person you are and it shows with the pride and respect that you have in your personal possession. The fact that you are a bit of a whizz kid is plain to see , but what money cant buy is a good down to earth lad who has done good , but has more than earned the right to have beautiful appreciated vehicle’s .

[@oliversalmons7416]

Absolutely stunning. Well worth the spends….it’s a £7k+ car any day. I’d love one of these. But I still love my base Cayman and the wife won’t give up her zafira to help me indulge my interests. Cowbag! Great vid. Keep ‘em coming

[@nadk8886]

8:50 what a great purchase. Changes the whole look of the interior

[@johntamlyn6383]

Worth every penny! They’re really nice cars, and if you want to keep it for yourself then it’s worth keeping it in the best possible condition. Congrats!

[@jimmccarthy6015]

Your care and attention to detail is what sets you apart. Don’t ever change

[@stuarttaylor5052]

I love to watch someone who thinks exactly like me. I’d do all of that and more. It’s the little things that notice, it’s that worn switch or poorly adjusted door or boot lid that can make all the difference and help simmer down your OCD. My wife would just roll her eyes and think I was nuts. I can’t believe how poorly people treat cars, every used car that’s a year or two old, sitting on a main dealer forecourt looks like it’s been to the local car wash every week, where they drag the dirt and grit from the lower doors up and over your roof, then there’s the near side of the car that has so many scratches, where people can’t just wait 10seconds on a country lane to allow another vehicle to pass, no no, They run the car into the hedge at 40mph…. makes me cringe. Anyway love the SL and another great video… hats off to you Matt.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks

[@lukemallory7832]

In summer 1989, as a kid, our family meandered into the Jerez GP track when Merc happened to be there with 30 new R129s for testing/dealer demonstrations. As a kid, it was an amazing sight to see these secret unreleased cars. I've always had an affinity for them since then. I also remember being in Hawaii and Hong Kong c.92-94 seeing my first... 600SLs! I was absolutely blown away. Happy times... Happy motoring with yours, sir. To me, they are never worth less than 20k, I don't care if yours stands you 7k. That's a 20k car and shall be back to 50k one day!

[@Battery-Powered]

You’ve done amazing job Matt!

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks

[@lukewalters3360]

Have you heard of SLSHOP? They're based in Stratford upon Avon and specialise in SL's

[@johnmandragon4830]

Matt, I cant tell you how similar we are. I would have done all of those things. As you say it is in our DNA, it doesn"t matter what car I drive, I have to improve it, to make it better, to make the best I can. And when you were doing your Readly piece I was admiring your steering wheel..... it looked so nice and fresh, you were right to replace it.

[@leehughes2666]

Steering wheel is a winner.

[@davidvivian596]

I love the fact that you bought and fitted an unused MB cigarette lighter.

[@ruk2023--]

I yearn for one of these but even with my best man maths I haven’t figured out a justification yet. There were a few of them on my paper round in the mid 90’s and I remember being in awe of them. Nostalgia is a powerful force.

[@V8Hungry]

Love that wooden steering wheel! Used to have one on my old ClK430 so nice to use and feel, so satisfying seeing cars like this get the TLC they deserve

[@MrMfaust5]

Your R129 now looks terrific Matt! Replacing that awful grill was the right move; the wood steering wheel goes beautiful with the interior trim. Of course servicing and repairing are essential for a joyous drive.

[@matthewgodwin3050]

Love the R129, my favourite SL of all. This one looks so much better now that it's had a High Peak makeover. Perfect colour combination too. Lovely car 👍

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks. I love the colour combination. Most are silver over black or blue over beige

[@matthewwilliams8969]

I did the same on a 92 W(S)124 merc. Total money pit I loved to bits.

[@timroberts2919]

That looks a cracking candidate for a "Spain car" to me .

[@nelsonclub7722]

Fair play - I bought Readly based on your ad - made in real time during your video - absolute class and Redlay is brilliant

[@Leehuss5582]

I totally agree with what you said, it is a usable modern classic car. The SL in your year is PERFECTION guaranteed why its stylish but not tacky reliable if all common faults are corrected and so beautiful in every direction.

[@Primate2010]

It’s been great SL weather though recently; makes complete sense that you’re using it! I’ve taken every opportunity to take mine out!

[@mark_just_mark]

Looks great, definitely worth doing the exterior mods to take back to almost original… You can’t buy a half decent one for under £10k

[@Taylor___]

My Dad borrowed an 600SL brand new for a weekend as a favour from the dealership and he took us out. It was awesome!

[@JackLane-l5g]

I love this guy, he’s so down to earth and also makes me feel like less of a nerd for buying retro stratstone registration plates for my Audi 80. 😂

[@dayleroberts8473]

Your audible exhale just prior to talking about registration number fonts gave me a much needed laugh on a miserable monday! Keep it up!

[@HighPeakAutos]

😂

[@randomeddy]

We all overspend on our cars, got to have some vice in life! Those SL's are just pure class, especially the older model to yours.

[@jjefferyworboys8138]

I had one the same year, the build quality in period was better than anything else I owned including RR and Bentley. They have aged well and do make you feel good. Good job, a car worth saving and importantly enjoying.

[@Lot76CARS]

To be fair Matt, whilst it is a large bill you could have bought one for £7k AND still need all that work doing. Now you have piece of mind… exactly what I’ve been telling myself with my 1990 Merc 190E😊

[@SkippyPB.]

On my second R129. Got a 2000. These cars are truly addictive. They do not make them the same.

[@themav7232]

You did it again Matt,you brought another beautiful car back to as it should be. Don't apologise or indeed feel guilty for doing so. This is why so many of us respect you. 👍

[@samloose7526]

A very special car! Can’t say I agree with some of your financial decisions, but when cars like this just click with you, it can seem to be worth every penny ❤

[@josephmifsud8261]

Your catchphrase is "I've massively overspent' but I think its always worth it to make a good car brilliant, and in this case you own one of your dream cars. The grille and light changes were absolutely necessary, and the steering wheel suits the car perfectly. Many happy driving miles await you, and I agree that you have to buy the car that makes you happy. Maybe I'll do that one day

[@thegreatvincenzo8159]

Easy done, overspending on a loved motor. I bought a new Disco' in 2003. So many faults, so many things went wrong with it. A complete ne transmission, but that was picked up by LR as it was about 2-months outside warranty and had been dealer serviced, oil pump failure, the 3 amigos were my constant companions, awful aircon', new ignition barrel, rear doorlock seizing, headlining drooping, but I loved driving it. Kept it 11-years, so I know what you're talking about.

[@sibbaker]

Absolutely love this shape SL the best looking car and Incredible retro you have done a amazing job with it

[@tomasznowak9648]

I have the same sentimental love for cars from our youth and even older ones. Great car Bro.

[@Coriolis-ed6gf]

I am with you all the way here. I sold an MX5ND last year as I had too many cars but I just bought a mint condition. MX5 NC launch edition. I love the fact it has five dials in front of me, and that my phone is not connected to it in anyway Cars are becoming digital entertainment centres when the real fun is the car at self with a car like the MX5

[@vailydragon]

Love it - Old subscriber, new handle. Inexplicably comes a car you bond with. Your lucky if it happens . A inner joy that many never share.

[@tron520]

I know exactly how you feel Matt, it's the emotion the vehicle does for you, not always the value of it, for me it smiles for miles, taking the old landy out does that for me.

[@Nebulametal]

That car looks amazing the classics are always the best

[@DFM-oq7op]

Worth every penny. Steering wheel looks fantastic.

[@parkecorepersonaltrainingp2601]

It's probably of cold comfort to you but I have done just the same on my CL500 just love it and it's the nicest feeling knowing its working right and is as good as I can get it and make it. I find I'm am also happy and relaxed when I drive mine. And it's a sense of occasion each time it's out. And also any day it's drives with out any warning lights it's a good day. I think you have done 100% the right thing as I'm sure everyone else will do. Nice work Matt 👍👍

[@greyghost4609]

Those door pockets should lock with the central locking as well

[@oonwing]

Drive what you love, love what you drive!!! 🇺🇸 It's a spirit!!!!

[@y0057]

Very well done and every number makes sense. You’ve got a decent car and took common sense approach. You are a winner for real. Good luck and happy motoring. 👌🏿👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@jonboy9912]

I have a 1999 SL320, paid £7k and owned it for 9 years, 1 old lady owner from new, use it every day spent £3k on it - £1k for the roof and £1.5k on both window motors and regulators, rest in servicing and incidentals. Total relaxing drive - makes you feel like the Chairman of the Board!

[@lawrenceholden5716]

A soulless modern tin box would have lost more than that when you drove off the dealer's forecourt and you've got a classic quality car that will give years of pleasure and reliable service, if regularly maintained by a knowledgeable specialist.

[@nickjohnstone9939]

It's definitely old money that car. Beautiful seats. Gorgeous steering wheel. Nice exterior. Well done.

[@blackline66]

Join the club fella. 107 owner. Better buy a restored than old and cheap. Mines full of rust but love it. This video is a warning to everyone! These are money pits!!! Mine is older 1984 but damn….. it’s expensive

[@andrewthornton2562]

To me that's money well spent. You know it's been thoroughly checked, £7000 seems right all in. Another great video, many thanks.

[@MrSparklespring]

It's a lovely classic car and a beauty. It deserves everything you have done to it! Great job.

[@sebo2627]

I will also go for that lovely stering wheel, instead of a better paintwork! I mean non perfect paintwork is the best thing about owning a older car... like, if a twig or some branch, touching the car, will never ruin your day, as they will ruin it on a new, or classic concours, quality paintwork!! ...love this video!

[@davidarter9670]

You may have overspent ‘your’ budget but what you have is a superb analog car that will outlast most new tatt on the market today. This was a golden era for cars and this was one of the best.

[@garyrains5996]

Just so you know, I had the driver's seat repaired on my 2009 SL550. They only replaced two panels and it cost $1500.00. I had it done in Scottsdale, Az. because no one else could match the Mercedes stitching! Love your beautiful SL.

[@AngeloDuarte-o9u]

Its a lovely piece of engineering and design.. hopefully well worth the investment put on it.. may it roll on for many years and the joy of many of us.. 👍

[@lips5913]

My wife had a SL 320 - 24v which I didn't "get" for a long while, then I had a project where I needed to do a regular 70 mile motorway run and borrowed the Merc for some reason and then I understood! What a lovely way to go down the road!

[@HighPeakAutos]

Very nice. Yeah they’re not very athletic but they’re a nice thing to get around in

[@lips5913]

Also, the only convertible that looks better with the hardtop on!

[@MadDogSurvival]

I don’t think you’re sad at all you’re a rare breed of traditional, honest English man that commands respect and love! Thank you brother 🙏🏼👌🏽👌🏽👍🏻😎🇬🇧

[@lukewokeywoos]

Finally caught now from my Holiday. (Had 7 on watch later😂) Just simply still love the videos and your passion for restoring absolute gems I didn’t even know existed.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Haha thanks

[@tenparkdrive]

I loved my R129. In chronological order. Totally re-trimmed seats with new leather throughout from a chap in Bollington. Sent it to Crewe for a full engine rebuild. Sent it to Sandbach for a new soft top. Drove it on a big long Scottish western isles trip. Loved it. Eventually very sadly crashed it and wrote it off. But. Worth every single penny - honestly. btw Steve Richardson is a fantastic Merc specialist, so good hands.

[@anb2456]

hey Matt, I hope you can do more of these. a lot of the cars you have on your channel have a special place in our hearts, and when you bring back to life an absolute classic like this, it makes our hearts filled with joy! the R129 convertible is of course one of the most beautiful cars ever designed. they look great with either a gentleman or a lady at the wheel, I can't think of many other cars that achieve this. growing up, a friend's dad had one in maroon red, he used to roll up to school, everyone just salivating

[@sleepycatpictures1176]

Nice one Matt, nailed it. That steering wheel is ace. You are not wrong.

[@Thearkillian]

Reg plate font is subtle but a really nice touch

[@atefelabed8365]

Money well spent. I adore the R129 SL, I wished I had one. You have done exactly what I would have! It's all in the details. Nice one enjoy it.

[@khashayar08ify]

Love how you love originality not many people like that anymore the ad all thus ebay special stuff.

[@revenanke3132]

As someone whom dailies a 90s XJ, I can say the wooden steering wheel is my favourite part of the interior (it's after all what you'll be touching the most). £500 is well worth it.

[@geirarnesen6531]

Bravo Matt. Your taste in important, classy, high-end quality cars of great value is on the rise and will help grow your channel even further👏

[@harryspeakup8452]

I have a '92 500SL. The reluctant change from second (which they normally set off in) into third when the car is cold is not a fault, nor it it age-related. It is a design feature, to get the engine revving higher than it normally would in a low speed urban environment until it warms through. The purpose of this is to get the catalytic convertor to light off as quickly as possible. If yours is not riding well on its 16" wheels (the best for the car, with some reasonable amount of sidewall) then you need to look at the bushes (including the rear subframe bushes) and the dampers, which are almost certainly well-worn on a car of this age. They should ride pretty well by modern standards

[@markcarter9476]

Mercedes wooden steering wheels are an absolute must for me on an old Merc, so I for one am fully onboard with your craziness.

[@adrianflower3230]

There's a nut loose behind the wheel as well Matt 😀😀 Good Job, nice result 👍👍