Mercedes 190SL Resto Part 1 | 300SL Roadsters & Gullwings Galore! | Classic Obsession | Episode 34

Gary heads out to LA to get a break from lying under cars, but no sooner has he arrived when he gets a call asking if he can help a friend, film editor Dan Lebental, get his 1958 Mercedes-Benz 190SL running again. In need of parts he visits the Mercedes-Benz Classic Centre where he sees no less than 4 300SL gullwings and 6 roadsters! But will he get the car started?
Created with the support of Footman James, classic vehicle insurance specialists and founders of
Coffee and Chrome Collective: www.footmanjam...
Created with the support of IntroCar, International Rolls-Royce and Bentley Parts Specialists:
www.introcar.com/
Use code “MAVERS” for site wide discount on Rolls-Royce and Bentley parts.

[@kevdoran9918]

I’m jealous of the level of passion Gary harbours to these particular cars, a real aficionado.

[@samsnake6699]

Proper car content. This channel should be huge.

[@e140403]

It is also my preferred classic car channel since I discovered it recently. I don’t understand why there are not more subscribers… Always interesting topics, beautiful and clear videos, and what I appreciate greatly is that Gary does his restorations mostly by himself with regular tools as , I suppose, most of us do. Thank you so much Gary and please keep up the good work !

[@classic.obsession]

Much appreciated thank you. Regards.

[@michaelhadfield271]

Great work Garry , keep them coming mate😊

[@carlotomass119]

Totally agree !

[@alexander2427]

At long last a car channel with passion not silly gimmicks presented by someone who actually gets his hands dirty working on the cars

[@brownson1970]

yup, cannot stand top gear gammons...

[@TheMarcball]

Thanks for your service, Gary.

[@gregharvie3896]

Hi Gary from Sydney, Australia. I'm 67 yrs old now, however when I was a little kid in Mosman , in Sydney where the Zoo is, an elderly couple living in the Taronga estate out where the zoo is owned a 300SL. In Pearl Green with a dark grey lift off metal roof, dark grey matching hub caps and purple-ish maroon leather seats. Pearl green is a really vivid pale pastel green, an unusual choice. As a schoolboy one day at Mosman junction shops I asked the owner whether he ever took the roof off, he said no he bought this type as in his words "only Germans would be stupid enough to fit gullwing doors and spoil an otherwise nice coupe" so I had my answer. It was their only car and they used it all the time right up to the late 1990's, then I saw it for sale at an auction stating that it was a one owner car from deceased estate, I often wonder what became of it after it was sold at the auction as it seems to have disappeared. Over a 40-year period it never deteriorated and always looked the same well-loved car. Growing up and living a lifetime on Sydney's affluent North Shore in earlier days "old money" northshorer's would buy a superb car, look after it with care and drive it for years and years. Not so now expensive cars are today's fashion accessories and traded near yearly.

[@classic.obsession]

Thankyou. Wonderful story. Regards.

[@almathias6538]

I can’t help but think of the possibilities of a guy like Gary, with his passion and enthusiasm for all classic brands, moving to Orange County and opening a shop dedicated to classic service and restoration. He would be extremely successful. Unfortunately this is a list art and one that people are willing to pay for to get the right work done. Thanks for another great video

[@classic.obsession]

Really appreciate your kind comments and thankyou for watching. Regards.

[@Simon-ry1lw]

Gary mixes it up again in a good way, some hands on stuff and then a tour of those Mercedes classics chucked in as a bonus 👍

[@richardgreene3460]

Awesome video. I bought my 1962 190SL from the original owner in Raleigh, NC! He interviewed 22 guys BEFORE he sold it to me! It is a very nice original driver with absolutely no rust. It was bought 40 miles from me new! Mine also has Webers, but have the original Solex. The Solex are very difficult to keep tuned;therefore, many owners made the conversion! Always, beyond great videos, Gary!

[@willemp6432]

It`s now 2 in the morning and then I find this. Man!!

[@philtucker1224]

Gary is clearly a very experienced mechanic. You can tell his knowledge is genuine! 👍

[@indyvignale-wu9qk]

My favourite classic car channel since discovering it recently. The detailed workshop sessions are fantastic, I always learn something new!

[@bernardgarrett3897]

My late father had a 300SL Roadster. It is quite simply the best car I've ever driven.

[@joshconzemius]

One of the best car shows anywhere! Great work!

[@MalcolmStanley-g6f]

Nice holiday

[@robbey300]

Next time I am in La I I’ll be going the that MB classic place. I always do the Pederson museum, especially for the Bugattis, and the Au room! 😎

[@stewartevans3875]

Awesome episode Gary - I loved the lack of tools and the improvisation right down to the joining of the cable!! .... really enjoyed this episode Mate - keep em coming ! cheers stew

[@leepilkington6498]

Great video, Gary. Cheers!

[@OldLien1]

Topman Gary

[@simonelliott5956]

Wonderful insight into Mercedes Classic workshop and a pleasure to see you doing what you love so much Gary. Excellent video!

[@martinboulden4388]

I wanted a 928 update but as Sunday Mornings go. . . . . . . . This is Perfect ! Thank you. ❤

[@davidcooks5265]

Thank Gary you've just took me been sad to been a little happier 👍

[@thomaslindh9971]

It's a joy, looking at you working. 😊

[@donovanf1]

Another brilliant video Gary, I love the detail that you go into. If I ever come into money I want to surround myself with Mercedes-Benz.

[@mkalamo]

Nice one mate!

[@thomascoyne157]

What a lovely car 👍👍👍

[@mrjohncharlesbrown]

I'm speechless

[@craigyirush3492]

Nice episode! The classic center is 10 minutes from where I live. Need to pay them a visit.

[@classic.obsession]

I’ve just returned from LA after completing the sequel episode to this. Be out in a few days. Regards.

[@neilharrison7555]

A sort of "posh barn find" !! Great stuff - I'll bet not too many people know about the need to prime the petrol pump/purge the air! I nearly bought a 1961 Aston Martin DB4 in 1974. I knew the car because the owner lived close to my parents. You could hear him start it, warm it up for a minute or two then cane it down the road, going from 1st to 3rd before coming to the main road. It just disappeared, until one day I passed a local garage and there it was sitting out front. I turned my (mighty!!) Riley Elf round and had a look. The garage guy came out and asked if I "was interested". (I was 19, wearing Wranglers & double denim!) He tried to start it. It turned but didn't fire. I pointed out the glass bowl on the mechanical pump was empty - did he want me to prime it? "How do you know about things like that?" Years of old cars in the family, plus my Dad's Daimler Barker Special Sports had one too. Unfortunately, the tank was virtually dry, not enough left to be sucked up. He said ok, I'll get some petrol in it and call you so you can drive it." Didn't hear back, then 2 days later my near neighbour car nut told me the garage guy had taken the Aston over a steep/winding local road & put a rod through the block!!! Asking price was a whole £1400!! (The car was in really lovely condition, only one golf ball sized dent on the n/s wing top! I believe an exchange engine from RS Williams then was about £4,000. If I'd had a lovely clear crystal ball back then, I'd have got a bank loan, got the engine sorted and if I'd kept the car (in storage if necessary) I'd have had at least a £300k "pension pot" when I retired 5 yearsago. But, I didn't! Thanks for another informative video. It was great seeing Mercedes Long Beach operation, wonder how many MILLIONS worth of cars were there?

[@scottstrails9369]

Great to see a good selection of 300 & 190 mercs with a great hands on quick recommissioning with this chaps 190.Again..in Liverpool back in the day there were a few that I remember in cars of distinction showrooms and also an abundance over at the old Peter Black collection which we had the pleasure to visit some forty years ago on invitation .Superb

[@jamesellsworth9673]

What a cliff-hanger getting the engine sort of sorted has been.

[@Erwinhooi]

Really enjoyed this episode, so nice to see how the job at hand should be done correctly!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@patrickhostler5939]

Wow what a trip!!!!… and that Merc’ workshop is cleaner than a surgery 😮

[@classic.obsession]

I know. The quality of the work was incredible as I’m due were the invoices!! Some very wealthy people with blank cheques too but if you wanted your baby sorted properly with no stone left unturned then this is the place. Regards.

[@GQ911]

love this.

[@hamishcruden7623]

What a wonderful and interesting video... nice to see the process you go to in order for the Car to run once more!

[@ralphups7782]

i was on the train here in London, and i saw the190 old merc with an actor in it. i thought to myselfe that i hve to get one some day.

[@295walk]

This I find fantastic . Great video great story and project , In awe of the Mercedes now after this . a joy to wait for the next stage .

[@1969JohnnyM]

What a beautiful machine. A total classic.

[@classic.obsession]

Thanks Johnny. I’m in LA now shooting the next instalment so this will be up in next few days. Regards.

[@peterrobierto7435]

Probably all garage queens, I have actually seen a 300SL Gull wing Mercedes on winter tyres in use during the skiing season (Ski rack and skis on the boot) up in the Lenzerheide Graubunden area of Switzerland. Must have been some wealthy true car lover.

[@datsunruss]

Wow Gary - your a lucky bug--r mate.

[@pedrosalas4460]

This a trully amazing episode wirh amazing carwho will long for ever. And eith a man,Gary, with a passionn and knowledge like no other. Tks Gary

[@jimmypratt6450]

Great video , old school mechanics simple if you know follow the the process off illimination thats how i was taught. Those Mercs put me into a dream world 🤗

[@manxman5175]

great video Gary ,just love to watch ,,

[@peterurquhart7191]

A fantastic video Gary 👌 I hope you manage to a good break.

[@joemorgan636]

What a brilliant channel I’ve just come across. His beautiful remarkable passion and drives for exotic classic cars same as me Joe from london

[@roberthayden1527]

Again, another really well-made video. Great late Saturday night viewing! If you need any tools, let me know and I'll deliver them to you.

[@gotham1-ken588]

Great watch, hope it gets sorted - beautiful car 👍

[@fishandreptileinfo]

I enjoy watching, Thanks

[@BMan100]

lol that look of " What have I gotten myself into" before the trunk being closed.... as for your Flies open... it's for ventilation

[@ianalderton6683]

what a sweet guy : ) just seen it- a RUNE : ))

[@brownson1970]

holy moly

[@ronniewilson6597]

Great video Gary 👍🏻😀

[@TheLuisg92]

You can tell an unrestored MB from a restored one by looking at the upholstery. Original leather and MB tex is shinier than the new stuff.

[@classic.obsession]

I know. It’s so difficult to find original leather. I sourced mine in correct marbled cognac from a brilliant Eastern European gent in north Hollywood about 12 years ago when I restored the 220se shown in an earlier episode. He also had the ‘plates’ for the correct patterns for tex seats for a 280se w108 saloon I did but unfortunately the one for the rear seat had broken in half so I had to settle for just the fronts. You can’t best originality. Regards.

[@Dg-zj6jo]

wow what a place well done sir

[@kenlord9018]

Thanks Gary as usual another great video. Long way from home. You reckon you'd be able to come to New Zealand and tune my Mazda. Lol.🙂 thanks again. Regards Ken Lord

[@turnercraig9953]

Hi Gary... Used to love that Volvo you drove on Peak Practice... Was it part of your own collection?

[@classic.obsession]

Hi, no. Lovely car though. That smooth B20 engine. These make a wonderful starter classic. Regards..

[@nataliejones3861]

Amazing 😘👏🏻 i hope you do more video's you're a Legend ❤ watching you on peak practice and emmerdale 😘🥰😍👏🏻

[@jeangenie68]

I thought these SLs were rare?! Turns out they're everywhere 😂 Lucky sod.

[@simonmarsden66]

In the absence of a large allen wrench, you can improvise with a bolt and a couple of nuts nipped together

[@classic.obsession]

I know Simon but Dan literally had nothing tool or bits wise and everywhere was so far away. Regards.

[@simonmarsden66]

@@classic.obsession I hope you get the opportunity to finish this one off, would be great to see the final video

[@Br1anuk]

Pissing out! Hahaha🤣

[@ironica15031955]

Gary, another wonderful video, really enjoy watching. Could I ask where the piano music you use comes from? Thanks

[@classic.obsession]

Hi, it’s just free KZbin music. I just scroll through and use whatever feels suitable. Thanks for watching. Regards.

[@stephenkayll5241]

Gary, @15.01, isn't the the car I saw in your garage a few years back? I remember you said the 3.5 was rare in RHD.

[@classic.obsession]

No my convertible was a 220 but I did Aldo restore a 280se 3.5 coupe which I owned, also in silver. Although a very good coupe should retail at the 100k mark, the convertible version in similar shape are a lot rarer and serious money. ..but the 300se versions have gone nuts also and are actually overtaking these. Regards.

[@saifalaryani5811]

I like your work do you have any of these for sale

[@simonmarsden66]

If I ended up on the roof in a gullwing, I would wind down the windows rather than kick out the rear window.

[@classic.obsession]

With two broken arms!!

[@simonmarsden66]

@@classic.obsession pessimist 🤣

[@SuperWayneyb]

🤘😎🤘

[@neilperry2224]

Explosivd bolts on the coupe .

[@PhilUKNet]

That one was a bit different. It must be so difficult working in a strange location with none of your own tools or equipment.

[@classic.obsession]

Yep. I wish it was back at my garage!! Regards.

[@eddylauterback1312]

I avoid that ethanol gas. Not even suitable for my lawn equipment. But cars have to be used! At least try to drive once a week for an hour.

[@FeeneyStephen]

It would be nice to know how he got on Gary.

[@TheMarcball]

The lovely blond receptionist is likely Dutch (from the way she says 190 SL)

[@jfb_ventures]

Guys, the sound went to the left channel for most of the video.

[@philtucker1224]

The owner seemed a lovely man but not really a car enthusiast in the respect of his apparently fairly sparse knowledge. Nevertheless he was true to the old lady owner and that’s what makes this story so nice.

[@classic.obsession]

I’ll take that!! Very kind of you but I think the reality is, if they did, I’d be playing his father!! Kind regards and thank you for watching and continued support.

[@dotlaj]

I like your content but you need to fix the sound it is in mono.

[@classic.obsession]

Fixed it.

[@arielr3200]

Hi Gary, I have a 190SL I’d like to speak to you about restoring. How can I get in touch with you?

[@classic.obsession]

Message me on [e-mail]

[@arielr3200]

@@classic.obsession sent you an email, thank you.

[@earthstick]

How do get out if it rolls over? You don't, but you do have the best coffin in the graveyard.