In the realm of automotive enthusiasm, the thrill of rescuing a forgotten classic is unmatched. My journey began in late 2007 with an unexpected eBay find – a 1929 Mercedes Gazelle SSK replica. Priced at a mere $1500 with a “Buy it Now” option, it was an opportunity I couldn’t resist. This wasn’t just any replica; it was a Gazelle SSK, crafted by Classic Motor Carriages (CMC), a company known for these charming cars in the late ’70s and early ’80s. I even recall seeing their kit car advertisements in magazines like Popular Science during my younger years, thinking they had a certain appeal. While time has revealed their somewhat cheesy nature, this very aspect makes them perfect for a project like mine – free from the pressure of preserving a pristine collectible.
CMC offered these replicas in various configurations, based on Ford, Chevy, and VW platforms. Mine is the VW variant, often the most budget-friendly, and ideally suited for my skill set. With years of experience working on air-cooled Volkswagens from my college days, maintenance should be straightforward. The rear-engine layout is also a significant advantage, aligning with my long-term vision: converting this beauty to steam power. The front engine bay should offer ample space for a boiler, a truly ambitious future endeavor.
However, the immediate focus is more grounded: getting the 1929 Mercedes Gazelle running smoothly and implementing some cosmetic enhancements. More brass accents are definitely on the horizon to amplify its vintage charm!
The car’s location, approximately 700 miles away in Ohio, necessitated a road trip with my car carrier trailer. Towing with my Sienna minivan proved surprisingly stable. Even with the added weight of the Gazelle replica and driving on slick roads, the trailer remained manageable. The key to successful towing with a lighter front-wheel-drive vehicle, I believe, lies in ensuring that 10-12% of the trailer weight rests on the tongue and utilizing a weight-distributing hitch. This setup provided remarkable stability, without even a hint of sway at highway speeds and beyond.
While the hitch was within the Sienna’s 3500 lbs specifications, its flex was a bit concerning. Strengthening it is on my to-do list when time permits.
A peek under the hood reveals the starting point of this restoration journey. The previous owner, who acquired it as a project, unfortunately shifted focus to a “schweet” Mustang shortly after. Consequently, the 1929 Mercedes Gazelle remained largely untouched, in the same condition as he found it. Originally assembled in 1985, it’s evident the car has spent considerable time exposed to the elements. The build quality also presents inconsistencies. Certain aspects exhibit skillful craftsmanship, while others appear hastily done. It suggests a scenario where a competent builder started the project, but it was later finished by someone less experienced.
The foundation is promising. The floor pan shows only minor surface rust, and the engine turns freely. It even runs, albeit roughly. However, as visible, there’s a clear list of immediate tasks. The wiring is a chaotic mess, destined for a complete overhaul and rewire from scratch.
Another pressing issue is the steering column. “Spearing column” might be a more accurate description, considering its potential danger to the driver in case of an accident. The image also further illustrates the wiring chaos and a flimsy pegboard “firewall” that definitely needs replacement.
These Gazelle replicas are designed to use 14-inch Chevy wheels, unlike the 15-inch VW wheels. Adapters are employed to mount the Chevy wheels onto the VW hubs. However, my 1929 Mercedes Gazelle came with a wheel that had an incorrect offset. It pressed against the inner rear fender, preventing the car from rolling freely. Flipping the wheel around allowed me to move the car, but finding wheels with the correct offset is another item on the growing list.
Due to years of inactivity, the carburetor was unsurprisingly gummed up with old fuel residue. I disassembled and thoroughly cleaned it. A rebuild kit is on order from Air Cooled. Once it arrives, I’ll reassemble the carburetor and finalize the engine tune-up.
This 1929 Mercedes Gazelle replica is built upon the chassis of a 1972 VW Type-1 (Beetle), powered by a 1.6L flat-four engine with a 34PICT-3 carburetor. Unfortunately, a common mistake was made: the installation of a Bosch 009 “performance” distributor. This combination is notorious for poor drivability, particularly a significant hesitation when accelerating from a standstill. While a workaround exists, involving a modification, I opted for a new vacuum advance distributor from Air Cooled. I also decided to upgrade to a Pertronix electronic ignition module and a new spark coil for improved reliability.
The next steps involve removing all four brake drums to inspect the brake system. Finding correct wheels and a fresh set of tires is also crucial, as the current tires are too wide and the rubber is cracked and aged.
This 1929 Mercedes Gazelle project is definitely a long-term commitment. I will continue to document my progress as I complete each stage. For those interested in following this restoration journey, stay tuned for future updates!
