171ci V6/C4 3-Speed Auto/White Canvas Top/Wire Wheels/Very Nice Overall

1929 Mercedes-Benz Gazelle

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. Plus, it's still a blast to drive!

Based on humble Ford mechanicals, the 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. Built and Licensed as a 1986 Gazelle, it has a 1974 Mustang chassis so it will be very familiar to work on for many a mechanic.

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 body in white and maroon and pinstriped in maroon which draws attention and your eyes 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. And with a white canvas top, looks the part of a wealthy aristocrat showing up at the club for dinner.

Interior
The seats are pure 1980s cool, one-piece maroon space age curved 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. A luxurious wood-rimmed wheel gives it an appropriate upscale feel. Some cracking, revealing the underlying padding on the seats it is not perfect but still remains well cared for looking. The custom-made wooden dashboard carries white-faced gauges that proudly spell out that they are "Vintage Reproduction" and there's an AM/FM/Cassette 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 covered with black clean carpeting.

Drivetrain
A 171ci V6 Ford mill is stuffed under the side swinging hood. It's topped by a single 2-barrel carburetor and has a C4 3-speed automatic on the back.

Undercarriage
Up on our lift we see gold colored fiberglass tubs and fender wells, a rust free square tube stock frame all mounted up and good solid condition. Mustang II provides the front suspension, and leaf springs 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, and all working controls.

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 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 600 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.