LarryT wrote:
> Hi Tom,
>     BTW, When did you come to own such a beauty?    Have you been working on 
> it for a long time or is it a new project?  What's the general condition of 
> the car?  From the photo I saw of the front of the car it sure looks like a 
> beauty!

I certainly don't own the car - I don't even own a dishwasher!  The nice 
thing about working for a car museum is that you get to drive cars 
several orders of magnitude beyond the means of mere mortals.  It is in 
low #1 condition.

>     Does it have any history?  Like being owned my Marlene Dietrick (sp?) ? 
> ;-)  That car must have really turned heads back in the 30s when it was 
> first released - because it sure turns heads now ;-)   I'll bet cruising on 
> the interstate is an amazing experience in the 500K.   How many speeds in 
> the gearbox?

History is unknown, other than that the previous owner was a doctor in 
Germany who could no longer afford to restore the car due to socialized 
medicine (or so say the car's notes).  Cruising down the interstate is 
probably a lot of work, if today's drive at 20mph is any indication - it 
is a lot of car to handle and the clutch, shifter, and steering require 
a great deal of force and care.  It is a four-speed with a bizarre shift 
pattern (incorrect knob in the pics for some reason):
R  2
|__|
  | |
  1 3-4
No synchro on first. Third is direct and fourth is overdrive with no 
clutch required.  Just move the lever and it will engage when revs match.

Tom

_______________________________________
http://www.okiebenz.com
For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/
For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED]

To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to:
http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com

Reply via email to