1982 Mercedes-Benz S-Type Replica

The Mercedes-Benz “S” was created in a magical period for the company, shortly after the merger of Daimler and Benz, while Ferdinand Porsche was chief engineer.  He built a powerful-yet-versatile automobile — a true all-rounder, at home on the racetrack, at hill climbs and providing exhilarating driving for the road. The signature engineering feature was its “on demand” Roots-type supercharger, which only came into operation when the accelerator was fully depressed, boosting power output from 120 to 180 horsepower for a few glorious seconds!  Mercedes debuted the cars at the opening meeting of the Nürburgring in 1927, where Caracciola set the tone with a class win.  It would be the first of many laurels bestowed on the model.  Here in America, Indy 500 winner Ralph de Palma drove an “S” to victory in the 15- and 30-mile races in Atlantic City, averaging 80 mph.  Quite simply, there wasn't anything to touch the Mercedes, but as with its competitors, it faced an uphill struggle for sales as the Depression set in, and only 146 of these remarkable cars were ever built between 1927 and 1930.

Although it's titled as a Special Construction, this neat little S-Type is a close to spot on replica of the original and is a bit more affordable, and probably every bit as much fun to drive.  Famously constructed from kits, these were a pretty successful way for the enterprising hobbyist to give himself something to do on weekends and end up with one of the better-proportioned replicas of the period.  Plus, it's still a blast to drive!  Based on humble Ford mechanicals, this S-Type is the antidote to the more familiar inexpensive British and Italian sports cars of the period.  It offers neo-classic styling that most folks will at least admire as it drives by, even if they don't know quite what it is, and with rear-wheel-drive and a featherweight curb weight, it's entertaining on the road.  Owned by our consignor since 2002 and now sporting a fresh Jasper 2.3 Liter 4 cylinder crate engine, it has a 1974 Mustang chassis so it will be very familiar to work on for many a mechanic.

***Please Note: This vehicle is sold with Special Construction listed for the make on the Pennsylvania Title.  Please research with your country, state, provincial, county, or local DMV for proper titling procedures***

Exterior
For a fiberglass kit car, the fit and finish are remarkably good, with even door gaps, a snug-fitting trunk lid, and glossy paint that is familiar to anyone who has driven, built, or even seen another S-Type.  While noticeably shorter overall than the original and sitting a bit higher, the original looks and lines have been retained and this simply won't be mistaken for anything else on the road. This one is highlighted by a 2 tone body in white and maroon which draws attention and your eyes to the long hood and sweeping fenders.   Other details like the chrome grille, the polished stainless faux exhaust piping emanating from the hood cowls, under running board "side pipes", and rubber trimmed running boards are all part of the vintage illusion and everything remains in very good condition, so you know the car was loved and treated right.  Dressing the bottoms are deep dish highly polished and chromed 15-inch wire wheels wrapped in 215/75R15 Coker Classic wide whitewall radials.  And with a regal red cloth top complete with side curtains for cool weather driving, looks the part of a wealthy aristocrat showing up at the club for dinner.

Interior
The seats are pure 1980s cool, one-piece bright white low back buckets that look futuristic with puffy tuck and roll inserts and smooth bolsters, even in the vintage-looking S-Type bodywork.  There's a matching rear seat that's probably best reserved for children or your briefcase.  Some slight wrinkling is noted in the driver's seat, certainly not perfect, but still remains well cared for looking.  A luxurious wood-rimmed wheel gives it an appropriate upscale feel and the highly lacquered and white padded top wooden dashboard carries a mix of antique white-faced and standard white-faced gauges with gold bezels that proudly spell out that they are "Classic Instruments".  We also note there's an AM/FM/CD stereo tucked neatly down in the center.  Weather protection consists of very 1928-esque folding cloth top and side curtains, but they actually give the car a very trim appearance and seal up better than a lot of cars of the target era.   There's a narrow trunk out back, big enough for a few tools and supplies, and it too is nicely covered with clean maroon deep pile carpeting, just like the interior.

Drivetrain
A fresh Jasper crate engine in 2.3 liter inline 4 cylinder Ford format is stuffed under the center hinged swinging hood.  It's topped by a single 2-barrel carburetor and has a C4 3-speed automatic on the back.  A Ford 6.75" rear axle turns the tires and keeps you moving.

Undercarriage
Up on our lift we see black colored fiberglass tubs and fender wells, a rust free square tube stock frame all mounted up and in good solid condition.  Mustang II provides the front suspension, and leaf springs with air shocks are designated for the rear.  Disc brakes are on the front and drum brakes on the back.  A clean rust-free undercarriage.

Drive-Ability
It fired right up and ran just swimmingly on the test track.  Nothing out of the ordinary with all working controls and I fancied myself living the high life as I went toddling around Hilton Head.....ahhh but twas just a daydream...

Inexpensive fun that stands out in a crowd, that's all this S-Type replica wants to be.  Can you imagine yourself driving down main street, creating a one car parade? If that's your kind of fun, give us a call today, or stop by our halls of Classic Auto Mall, and check out this and all the other offerings you can OOOOHHHH and AHHHH about.

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.