For nearly 15 years now, Palm Beach Concours has been restoring and selling Mercedes-Benz classics in South Florida. Its portfolio – more like a museum, really – includes multiple 300 SL Gullwings, 220 SE, S80 SL and 190 SL models. For today, let’s have a look at the latter.
The car featured here is a model year 1957 example that manages to look reasonably fresh despite the age. The paint is pleasant to look at, the chrome still shines, and while the interior is worn, it is nothing a complete makeover cannot fix.
The owner of the workshop quickly points out the main defects to be restored – many of these will not be apparent to people unfamiliar with vintage cars. For example, important markings are missing on some parts, there are gaps between the body and the chrome trim, and rust is ubiquitous. The cabin needs a complete re-trim, too.
Removing the bodywork, restoring and finishing everything generally takes between 12 and 15 months. Another shop handles the drivetrain, which also takes time.
Watch the video for a glimpse of other works by Palm Beach Concours.