Having had the honor of cutting many late model 420 and 560 sedans I cant say that it gets easier to kill them the more you do. I try telling myself that along with helping my Mercedes go down the road it helps many others do the same for a reasonable price. Then I try to justify the fact that had I not cut down 5 and sold 3 that I would have a serious parking situation. Then finally I tell myself, “had I not, I would not have gotten thus far”.
Each time however I feel I am becoming more and more efficient in my efforts. Other than a few times the scrap people swiped a few items stored outside (large metal body panels) I have for the most part seen to it every part off our parts cars made it into the hands of others whom had parts needs or interest. Still as I carve this 1990 420 it still gets to me as I was almost for sure this one would see another day. Sadly enough the mighty dollar and many others with needs brought on the ultimate demise of this once fine automobile. Once again I tell myself that line also to keep from feeling like such a killer of a fine automobile.
It is also hard on ones reputation. Instead of being seen as a fellow owner/enthusiast I am often portrayed as a mad “dismantler” that chops up otherwise innocent Mercedes with pure passion for destroying them. The truth could never be further from the truth as I drive one every day and I have as much passion as anyone else when it comes to these cars. Maybe this 1990 was just too nice to make the dismantler list, maybe I am just getting soft in my old age?
Either way, RIP 1990 Mercedes Benz 420 SEL. She was a fine car with many memories and her legacy will live on with many others….
Still.... Some are easier to cut than others. Take for instance this blue 1986 420 SEL shown below that we purchased solely for the powertrain.
Still it takes a great deal of time, dedication, space and good neighbors who don't mind several $60-$80,000 lawn ornaments. Privacy fence works wonders too.
To get an idea how one can become attached the smoke silver 420 shown in this group of photos is still with us and is actually awaiting to be re-assembled. One of the MAIN and ONLY reasons I will keep such a car around for so long is a clean rust free body.
With regards to the blue 420, well she is on her way out this week. Should anyone be looking for some large body panels such as wheel arces, floor pans or other things now would be the time to let me know, as most of the carnage will be sent off to be recycled aka melted. Rest assured no good parts are left behind during this process.
Either way, RIP 1990 Mercedes Benz 420 SEL. She was a fine car with many memories and her legacy will live on with many others.
(Wipes a tear from his eye)
Photos of her in her prime-
Well as it turns out I gave my kid that 1990 Mercedes Benz 420 SEL, he's all of nine years old but his ambition is great.
I have several interiors and I am thinking a black and red two tone interior and black exterior. I already have it de-trimed and I am installing a new radiator support. Got the hood, doors, motors, everything needed to build her back to daily driver status.
To be honest, outside of the kid thinking it's the greatest thing in the world it would be dead meat. I'll never get the time in money out of this vehicle but it's clean and solid. I figure the memories of putting it together should be priceless. Last week the kid was dragging the cherry picker across the floor and I asked him what the hell he was doing, he said he was putting his engine on the engine stand. I thought to myself what an ambitious little shit. I had to actually stop him from proceeding for fear of him hurting himself. Then today he asks me for the key for his Mercedes so he can put it on his key chain. I told him go on out to the rack of ignition switches and pick one out! LOL
I am sure by tomorrow he will be after the title, but I don't want him being one of them guys that owns a Mercedes "Because his father owned one". I am going to show him what it's really about. Truth is this wont be the first on he has helped restore, but this time I have to turn him loose.
So as fate would have it, the 420 has some passion in her corner. She may see the light of day once more.
Ill keep you posted on this kids project, hell he might get things done faster than me. LOL
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What is to give light must endure burning -- Viktor Frankl