Garage Find Mercedes Benz R107 'Dallas' SL survivor - sat over 20 yeaes
Автокөліктер мен көлік құралдары
Barn Find Mercedes Benz SL R107 survivor - Will its V8 start? For this barn find, the car in question is a Mercedes built during what is widely regarded as the finest era for German robust engineering and build quality. Having owned a handful of 1980s era Mercs, and upon discovering the car was languishing only a few miles from where Jonny was born and raised, he had to film this convertible garage find.
We were contacted on the show by a viewer called Ben Drew, whose parents bought a 1981 R107 380 SL Merc when living in America during the 1990s. Ben was only a lad, but he remembers living in San Diego, and his Mum always fancying a 'Dallas spec' (or Beverly Hills Cop spec, depending on your preference) SL. His Dad has never been a car person, but agreed and they found this car for sale in a copy of Auto Trader. That was 1995.
Being a 380 it is a 3.8-litre V8 - the first of the then-new design alloy V8s - and being a US spec car, said 3.8 isn't the most powerful. US market cars were somewhat strangled for smog regs, which wouldn't be such an issue if Mercedes hadn't decided to use a single row cam chain (as opposed to a duplex). These were prone to failure, and many engines ended up lunching themselves and being replaced under warranty.
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DO YOU KNOW OF A CAR THAT MIGHT BE WORTHY OF JONNY HELPING TO UNEARTH ON VIDEO? DO YOU OWN A CAR IN A BARN/HEDGE/GARAGE THAT MIGHT JUST RUN OR NEED A NEW HOME? Email the Late Brake Show via contact@thelatebrakeshow.com
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Filmed by: Nick Poole www.nickpoolecreator.com/
Edited by: Alex Tyler filmthistyler.co.uk/
Thumbnail by: Matt Tarrant Design matttarrantdesign.com
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Jonny Smith
Creative content maker, car presenter & car pervert for hire since '98
Website: www.carpervert.com
Instagram: / jonnycarpervert
Twitter: / carpervert
CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
#barnfind #mercedessl #thelatebrakeshow
Пікірлер: 454
I really thought when Jonny said “one more time for luck” It was burst into life. He looked knackered towards the end, the amount of time and effort that goes into these videos deserves praise.
@TheLateBrakeShow
Жыл бұрын
Thank you Adam. Got to say I was gutted (and tired!), and it is hard to see comments from people when they presume you can turn up to barnfinds with an RAC van full of spare parts and tools. I'm not a trained mechanic, and we do what we can with the tools and time we have. I intentionally don't recce the barn finds first, so that it remains authentic and honest. Thank you for enjoying the films. Jonny
@JD-eo7dr
Жыл бұрын
@@TheLateBrakeShow Any upcoming car caves? Probably my favourite series. But who doesn't love a barn find.
@trondoscar
Жыл бұрын
@@TheLateBrakeShow For me, this is actually a huge part of the appeal of your barn find series. Sometimes you succeed and sometimes you don´t, but it is always very entertaining to watch the process. What you´re doing here is exactly what most of us would be able to do in a similar situation, not having a crack-team of specialists or bringing every possible tool and a load of parts to a barn in the middle of nowhere. Not knowing the outcome makes it so much more interesting to watch. The way you present this show makes it feel like I´m in the barn with you lot, having a look and getting my hands dirty. I love this type of content, so please don´t change your approach to it.
When Mercedes and words greatest automotive engineering occupied the same sentence.
Very Hart to Hart. I quite like these US spec SL's. Probably due to growing up in the early 80s when television was fun to watch.
Would love to see you do a series revisiting these barnfinds, showing the restoration/recommissioning work done and the cars brought back to life.
@TheLateBrakeShow
Жыл бұрын
Yes Julian, this is part of the plan.
We need a part TWO so we can actually listen to this motor that you've tickled and teased our ears with for the last half hour!!
There's something lovely about the way you approach these barn finds Jonny. Your attitude and kindness really make the videos.
@TheLateBrakeShow
Жыл бұрын
Cheers Martin
Not for a lack of trying Jonny, we all admire that!
K-Jet really doesn't like being left to sit for years. The injectors need to be removed, pressure gauge attached and fuel pump jumped to just see what's what. There's a better than even chance the warm up regulator will need refurbing and a new set of injectors. Possibly also the meeting head although they can be made to come back to life with a bit of time in the oven on low and a soaking in acetone. It isn't a simple job, but once they're up and running and regularly used, will go for years.
@darrellcoutinho805
Жыл бұрын
Spot on advice 👌🏽👍🏽
@Mercmad
Жыл бұрын
And the pump is not supposed to be running all the time either.Spraying fuel and holding the airflap dwon is a sure fire way to flood and hydraulic lock one.
@robinhadley
Жыл бұрын
Yeah but there's not really time to do that in a garage find 25 minute episode.
@Nate2Late
Жыл бұрын
Agree 100% , injector spray test cabinet at a minimum.. Most likely gummed closed & no activation / spray..
@Nate2Late
Жыл бұрын
@@Mercmad do you mean hydro-lock ?
Oh bless you, fella - you looked absolutely exasperated... I was sat here, just willing the old girl to fire up - I imagine the accompanying cheer of success would've been something to behold...!! I guess we're just going to have to wait a wee bit longer for that moment, eh... The R107 SL holds a particular place in my heart. Back in '88, I got a job in a local Merc car sales showroom and the MD ran a 500SL in Blue Black metallic with cream leather interior - the classic MB combination. And it was in this car, in August 1988, that I took my, now wife, out on our 'engagement date' to a local restaurant where I proposed - thankfully, she said "yes"... ❤ So, thank you, Jonny, for bringing back such a wonderful memory - always great work, fella. 👍
You have to count in food supply when wrenching with mates, all the time! I made that mistake often :D
Awsome car, story and video😎👏🇳🇴
Nice to see the fleece has been collected from the hotel and back in barn find action
This video is as British as it gets. You blokes are wonderful!
Nothing quite like a cinematic fleece toss, well done👌
After the 'ain't no saint' Volvo, this is also taking me back to being a kid again. Memories of Hart to Hart on the tv lol!!! 😄
These videos are so damn cozy man, never stop doing these!
@TheLateBrakeShow
Жыл бұрын
Many thanks. Glad you enjoy them.
What ashame was hoping to hear this one light into life well done for trying though guys 👍🏽👍🏽
The BFF is in the intro ! You know its going to be good!!👍 thanks for the upload Jonny awesome as always man!!👍
My dad had a 280SL back in 1983 , absolutely gorgeous cars ,also in white 😍
I’ve just imported a 1989 560sl based on your DIY import video. Almost all went to plan. Brilliant car drives like a dream on the country Cotswolds roads. Thanks Jonny 👍🏻
@TheLateBrakeShow
Жыл бұрын
Hi John, that's so good to hear. Really chuffed for you.
@Nilfaultfound22
Жыл бұрын
@@TheLateBrakeShow Come for a drive if you are in the area! 👍
Being a child of the 70/80s Everytime i see a 80`s Merc SL i just think of watching Hart to Hart with my granny even if not the correct spec for that show ,weird is nostalgia innit 😆😏
I like the late brake shop better than normal tv
Its good to see the BFF after the hotel debacle! This is a fantastic story of the SL's history and love for their car.
The unique history....one persons rally racing heritage...crazy potential..
These barn find series are my favourite Johnny. Not that I don't appreciate all the others. There's something special about meeting an owner of a car that's been put away for a long time and witnessing the emotional connection with the cars. It would have been epic to see this old gal running, but I reckon that mechanical fuel injection was to blame. They are a tempermental thing and I think after a good service, it should fire right up. Thanks for the video. I thoroughly enjoyed it !
We were on the edge of our seats WILLING to start but sadly not! We can forgive the sleeping beauty after 20 years! Jonny, maybe take a look at Machine Mart & get a lithium - ion jump starter kit ready for your next fantastic barn find? Really enjoyed it never the less👍 Thanks
@TheLateBrakeShow
Жыл бұрын
Thank you Steve. I was gutted. As you say I need a serious power pack. I didn't take one to this as the owner assured me they had one (however it wasn't properly charged, sigh).
@bendenham4186
Жыл бұрын
What he needs is a 240v 100amp starter/charger. Most of these garages will have electric or just an extension lead and you have all the starting capacity you'll ever need!
So excited when I seen this car, please come back to it 😭
This might be one of my favourite episodes!
@TheLateBrakeShow
Жыл бұрын
Cheers Ross! Sorry I didn't get it to fire.
@scottishfanta
Жыл бұрын
@@TheLateBrakeShow still great content regardless 😊
Man everytime I am ready to give up and sell my B3 audi 80 I watch one of these barn finds and it gives me hope! I will fix and daily it!
@hoffa2586
Жыл бұрын
I’d love that Audi 2.0engine for a certain VW I own!
I had a barn find Euro 380sl with 30k miles on it. The owner was a WW2 U.S. Air Force Vet that had passed away and his kids had left it in the garage for years. I couldn’t even tell what color it was initially. Best money I ever spent after the car had a good going through.
Definitely need a power pack sponsor too! One of those ones that starts anything!
I am in California happy to see a survivor car, have had a 380 and a 500 both were a lot of work to keep maintained hope this one gets to see service again
Nice video Johnnie…I really enjoy how you interact with everyone…just so natural and genuinely friendly…nice one 👍👏
Thanks! Always interesting to see the story behind this barnfinds.
I own a w116 and another one before this one, but w107 will be always my dream car . Amazing machine!
Great story, video and production really enjoy these barn finds and the effort you go through to research and of course the passion. What a KZreadr and even have the kindnesses to interact with your subscribers. Thanks Johnny 👍
@TheLateBrakeShow
Жыл бұрын
Thank you so much.
Great fun! I wouldn't be surprised if the starter motor was the issue. Seemed like it was the weakest link, not able to operate at full speed. Might be the battery cables to it have broken down I suppose, not giving it enough current. Great cars. My dad's oldest mate had one in the 70s, always seemed unimaginably flash to me.
It’s peoples life stories that go with these cars…..👍 another top episode👏
Really look forward to watching these Barn Finds. This episode no exception…had thoughts of Dynasty & Heart To Heart & Magnum PI 🕵🏻♂️..such an iconic Mercedes & car. Love to see it’s running again…🤞🏻
Another brilliant Barn find episode. I absolutely love these - keep em coming!!!
I've always adored SL cars. I'm on my second one. 2007 SL550 WITH 18,000 MILES. Bright red, black leather. Stunning.
Ben's garage door entrance aesthetics/summer garage atmos scores quite highly
I bloody love these episodes!!!!
Oh wow, I love to see this beauty restored to its original specs, I think this car is worth the effort. Happy restoring
Hi Johnny brilliant episode this car needs recommissioning and put back on the road where it belongs please keep us all updated wherever this car ends up same goes for all the cars that you rediscover
many thanks! watching you go through this was much more time / cost / psyche / effort efficient than me doing it for the 53rd time in my life. (but you got quality time w/ your Dad... overrides the rest.) & you aren't far off. you are among the most honest autotubers out there... show us the good, bad, ugly... & beautiful.
@TheLateBrakeShow
Жыл бұрын
Many thanks, appreciate that. I hate it when a car beats us on camera, but that's the way it goes. The next barn find fired up.
need to get yourself one of those big garage type starter packs on wheels...
This car does not deserves being in jail. It should be out Now.
Was wanting to jump through the screen and check the starter motor earth!
Very nice! Top tip for storing a car long term, Jonny. I got this from an old bloke with a mint mk3 Zodiac that's been in storage for over 12 years. Leave the doors open & place several cheapo plastic shopping bags on the carpets, in the boot & engine bay. The rodents use them for nests & don't attack upholstery, wiring, etc! His mint Aldrige interior was testament to that. Cheers. Leigh.
As an owner-driver of Mercedes-Benzes for 20+ years--including one SL--I found this video interesting. That stated, it baffles me why anyone would not keep such a beautiful car in running condition. It always costs exponentially more to bring a neglected vehicle back into running condition. Either keep it in running condition & drive it & enjoy it, or sell it to someone who will & enjoy the money in another way. This is just common sense.
@andymccabe6712
Жыл бұрын
I suppose the point is, that very often, people who own these old cars don't care about them anywhere near as much as the petrolheads who watch this kind of channel..... !! .....otherwise, perhaps they WOULD look after them - and then they wouldn't be barn finds.... !!!
@user-gc1zn5mn4p
Жыл бұрын
@@andymccabe6712 Well put. In fact this afternoon I had a pleasant time doing an interior detailing of my car. I didn't have to, but if we have a nice car my view is we should keep it nice. :)
Lovely that you were able to share this with u dad, Jonny
Another great instalment of a find. Thanks Johnny & chaps. The video quality and production is really professionally edited and presented, makes for great viewing.
Goodness me, I was willing it to start….how frustrating….great find 👍
Love these barn find vids!
Love this episode Jonny. Thank you.
lve this sort of stuff
Another cracking find, damn shame she wouldn't fire but these old cars do like to try us!
Ohhhh The tension!!!!!! What you need is a trolley with a "Starter Kit"....... Buckets of WD and Tons of 12 volt POWER..... That said... She is a beautiful Motor.... :-))))
@TheLateBrakeShow
Жыл бұрын
I needed all that.
@shirleyboy8859
Жыл бұрын
@@TheLateBrakeShow Great to see your attempt though Jonny... Keep em coming.... :-))
Another cracking video, always great to hear the family stories behind the cars , such a shame you could not get it to fire up after all your hard work . Definitely needs a part two otherwise it will be the one that got away from you and bug you. This car needs bringing back to life , far too good to leave not working and driving.
Very nice old car
Wow, if I ever had a classic or two, one of those SL’s would be in the collection for damned sure. Lovely bit of kit
Worked on those 40 years ago, fuel system was a bugger for water contamination and timing chains, we used to change them in situe, grinding off the old chain links and drawing the new chain through the engine, built like tanks but not without their faults.
I owned a 1983 SL280 and I loved it, it is a very special car. My regret is only not to buy a V8 as the straight six is almost as thirsty, but who cares about fuel consumption when you drive the more beautiful version of the car that the American Giggolo drove!
Brilliant episode Jonny, thoroughly enjoyed it. Lovely, interesting car that looks in very good condition. Was willing the old girl for fire up, but as we know there is only so much you can do in the time you have. I know how hard you try to get these barn finds started. Thanks also to Ben for sharing this car with us car enthusiasts.
Such a pretty car!
I loved the incidental music after you gave up trying to start the car which mimicked the sad non-starting cadence on the engine! Nice job sir
As said K-jettronic can be a bugger at the best of times. Fair play for trying though!
I knew a guy in the oil business years ago who had a 450SL. We thought he was king of the world at that time...
@SpottedCreeper
Жыл бұрын
I hear you on that. My dad used to work for Mercedes in Zimbabwe back in the mid-1980s. One day he borrowed a 380SL from the showroom and picked me up from school in it. I was the happiest kid in the world that day!
@thetruthwillout3347
Жыл бұрын
Was it JR Ewing?!
Love these cars they always remind me of Dallas and JR Ewing, my mother’s neighbour had a 70s one in the early 80s.
@TheSLShop
Жыл бұрын
Time to own one?
Everyone on here telling you what you did wrong. I will say, you are doing it right, this video was lovely. You are the only channel I pay for Patreon. Thank you for these gems
Really enjoy these barn finds. I'm sitting going "come on, come on, fire up". Shame it didn't but still hugely enjoyable watching your endeavors.
Needed some quick start to spray down the throttle body, and a super sized starter pack!
@TheLateBrakeShow
Жыл бұрын
I was doing that with a bottle of fuel.
Fabulous… my dad had a 350sl back in the day. I remember at the beginning of summer helping him remove the hard top to store in the shed so he could use the hidden soft top. Then heft it back on at the beginning of September. PS I would love to get a hold of that garage and ‘sort it out’👌
@tomf4547
Жыл бұрын
Yep never mind the car, I wanna refurb that garage 💜💜
Shame, good effort guys. I couldn't believe you touched that paperwork with those oily hands though!
Jonny, you're awesome. The Fleece strikes again !!!! 💪💪💪💪 Glad that Premier Inn looked after it for you 🤗 That needs to go in Danny's Mercedes collection !!!
Love your channel Jonny. Videos like this are just fantastic to watch.
Another great episode, I really thought it was going to start on that last try. I had an 1982, same engine. Fuel metering head was the issue for me, took me weeks to find one, finally got a replacement on eBay, came from the US. I don’t have the car anymore, kept the old broken part and use it as a paperweight.
Love the dedication
Episode 2 possible? Would be amazing to see it fully detailed and running!
@TheLateBrakeShow
Жыл бұрын
Let me see. I reckon it will run. There was a strong spark
@yzfdunc
Жыл бұрын
@@TheLateBrakeShow Jonny, good tip my brother used to do when he had a a Rover V8 in his A series Manta was use a Truck / Forklift battery to start the bugger. Something so large it doesn't get drained quickly.
A proper Bobby Ewing! Love it 😍
You need to get yourself a starter pack Jonny! Give it a bit of umph. Cranking over far too slowly I believe. Nice one.
Maybe the starter was a bit gummed up? Best episodes on KZread👍
Ohhhhhh yes! I really like those barn find videos :D
As usual Great video 2x👍
You need a spin off show. That house looked really interesting, needed a look around!
Fabulously honest entertainment as ever. That car is too good to scrap and will be running again in some form I'd imagine.
Sounds very tight
Made the bank holiday!! gr8 content cheers and what a car !!
Rest easy lads - the lost bff is back Long live the fleece
Great to see the old Mercedes what a lovely car what a shame you couldn’t get it to run love all the information where it come from and where it is now 👍🏻
Love the content as always 😀👍
Good effort, very nice car. Would have liked to have seen it out in the sun but it's not a huge matter.
My dad was an enthusiastic Mercedes owner and driver. In his time, he was a Ford enthusiast and had a few up until a Grenada 2.8 or 3.0 (top spec) coupe, dark blue vinyl roof... And then he got his first Merc. So, on sundays me and my dad visited a lot of car dealers and we also had on of the biggest Merc dealers in Germany in town. He always got me something, a car model, a shirt or one of these key chains. Sadly they tend to break.
Sorry Jonny, that car was never going to go. The Ktronic needed a refub, and I think the starter motor and the battery cables needed work too. But that really doesn't mater that it wouldn't start. The video is looking at a barn find and the history behind the car. I am so glad you are now taking the plugs out and putting some lube down each cylinder.
You must promise to continue these Barn Find videos - So relaxing and interesting to watch - Brilliant as always, lovely car too
@TheLateBrakeShow
Жыл бұрын
Yes, promise a follow up.
Would love to see you go back to this one and see it runn3
I Wohls recommend Tor Take an Optima battery with you to those barnfinds. They don‘t Costa an arm and a leg but carry impressive cranking power. I‘ve replaced every dead battery in my fleet with either a Redtop or a Yellowtop Optima. Maybe they‘re interesting in Sponsoring?
I think Jonny should join some sort of recovery service which has a home start and then bring them in. When you find a barn fine it would be hilarious to see their face. I reckon they'd still help. Also good to see the barn find place and Jonny's dad 👍 Can we have a part two with the car running please?.
@TheLateBrakeShow
Жыл бұрын
Promise a part 2. I hated this one beating me during the fire up.
@Android-vk8yh
Жыл бұрын
@@TheLateBrakeShow It's because your content so good Johnny. We always want a part two to see the cars running and driving 👍
Arrgghh! So frustrating. I was sat there getting quite tense, willing that engine to start. A lovely car nonetheless. I hope it gets back in shape and back on the road soon. Also, hello to Jonny‘s dad, OTSOT