Leather Seats/Wood Dash/Vintage Sports Car Look/Affordable Price

1929 Mercedes-Benz Gazelle Replica

Although it's titled as a Mercedes-Benz, this neat little Gazelle is a bit more affordable and probably every bit as much fun to drive. Famously constructed from kits, they 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. And it's still a blast to drive!

Based on humble Ford mechanicals, this Gazelle 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. This one was built in 1983 and shows quite well.

Exterior
For a fiberglass kit car, 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 Gazelle. This one is highlighted by a 2-tone tan and brown paint job which draw attention to the long hood and sweeping fenders. Other details like the chrome grille, rubber running boards, and chromed wire wheels, are all part of the vintage illusion and everything remains in very good condition, so you know the car was loved and treated right, down to the through the body faux exhaust pipes.

Interior
The seats are pure 1980's cool, one-piece buckskin tuck and roll leather buckets that look futuristic, even in the vintage-looking Gazelle bodywork. There's a matching rear seat that's probably best reserved for children or your briefcase, and a luxurious wood-rimmed wheel gives it an appropriate upscale feel. With very little wear and tear, everything is in good order. The custom-made wooden dashboard carries white-faced gauges that proudly spell out that they are "Vintage Reproduction" and there's an AM/FM/CD stereo over there on the passenger's side. Weather protection consists of very 1929-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 upholstered with matching tan carpets.

Drivetrain
A 2.0 Liter 4-cylinder courtesy a 1974 Ford Pinto is topped by a 2-barrel carburetor, and backed by a 4-speed manual transmission, runs smoothly, and shifts smoothly.

Undercarriage
Up on our lift we see black fiberglass tubs and fender wells, a rust free frame and Pinto underpinnings. Front disc brakes, and rear drum brakes are noted.

Drive-Ability
All running all working example ran smoothly, shifted with ease, and has good handling. This car is the definition of headturner!

Inexpensive fun that stands out in a crowd, that's all the Gazelle 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 rarely seen in original or reproduction form automobile.

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 450 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.