Picked the car up from its winter storage unit today, connected the battery, reset the windows and radio and drove it 60 miles home. It behaved perfectly, now parked up with its partner.



I needed the space over the winter to rebuild the Merc engine. That's given me the confidence to rebuild the Jag engine at some point if it ever needs done.

 

I have always thought that if I flip my xkr it will be for a SL. I would be very interested in a contrast and compare between the two. Quality, ride, fun factor, ease/difficulty of maintenance, etc. Which car do you prefer and why? Thanks!

 

The XK8 is superior in almost every regard since its design is 25 years newer. However I prefer to drive the Merc unless its a very long drive, it gives more smiles per mile and gets much more attention and compliments. The oldest R107 are now 50 years old so they are getting on. As for maintenance they are simpler than the Jag so easier, but lots of quirks, so not easy.

My buying advice would be to ensure it is from a southern hot/dry sate and rust free, the rest can be fixed at a price but only if you are willing to do the work yourself, a Merc specialist will take you to the cleaners. A bit like the Jag.

I didn't know one end of a spanner from the other when I bought the car but have since carried out a nuts and bolts resto on it. I now know every single nut and bolt on every part of the car.

 

Nice job Bro!!! That looks beautiful, excellent job. TM

 

I must say, I appreciate the optimism of a throw rug on the floor of the garage, and much more comfortable on your back. Genius.

 

Started mine for the first time in nearly a year yesterday. Still can't drive it though as need to paint the bumper before it goes back on. Just starting it up gave me the hunger to drive it though!

 

Well done....

 

That Merc engine looks incredible - brilliant job!

 

Not exactly "round the corner" for convenient storage!

Good to hear the recommissioning was uneventful.

Graham

 

Storage "there" was £10 a week in a heated barn, round here it was more than double that, so I opted for the remote option.

FYI, for anyone in the UK interrested in a very good read, my 450SL is in Practical Classics this month.

 

RD, we all know you are the man when it comes to get the job done.
Thanks for all you do and just as a side note. I too never pull the hand brake on a car that doesn't move daily. Good move.