To SL or not to SL

[s3c chris]

Hello all.
It's been a while since I posted on here but I'm in a bit of a quandary and your advice would be appreciated.
I've had my S3c for nearly twelve months now. I've not had the chance to use it or work on it as much as I would have liked, not even made it to Shelsley yet this year.
The car always has, and still does, put a smile on my face when I drive it, even passed it's MOT this week, so what do I do?
I've always fancied an SL Mercedes R129. Don't laugh please! I've impulsively sold my E320cdi V6, (lovely but boring) and now have to decide from several options:

a. Pay the credit card bill.....
b. Restore the S to A1 condition
c. Sell the S and buy the SL, 320 or 500
d. Sell the S and buy a V8S. I keep looking at Bobhon's car on Pistonheads......
e. Sell the S and buy a Chimaera

All of the above would probably mean buying a cheap runaround for everyday use.
I will be fifty later this year and must be going through another crisis!!!
Any comments would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance, Chris.

[Scoobimax]

One mans meat is another mans poison.

All I'd say is recall how many people have sold, moved on to something else and regretted it.

It's you who has to live with/drive the car so no one can make that choice for you.

My personal view would be either do up or buy the V8S.

[Oldred_V8S]

Might be biased but I am with Max. That is the route I would take in your position.

[phillpot]

Just "googled" the Merc..... bland or what?


Go talk to Bob

[s3c chris]

It's strange really.
I have a model of the R129 and at the time I thought it the best car ever but I probably have to agree with you on that one! I just like the build quality in them but I bet the owners aren't as nice as the S ones are. This needs serious thought as I don't want to regret the decision later on.
If I could afford a Griffith maybe it would be easier but there again it's the same engine as a V8.....

[DamianS3]

My question would be why haven't you driven it? These are not for everyone I fear if you restore it get a v8 or chin that you still won't drive it... I would explore your reasons for not enjoying the one you have first.. It could be the merc is more you get in drive no hassle except the service bills..

A restored s or v8s is still an s and you can have fun in any s..

Just my thoughts mate

Damian S3

[Alan Whitaker]

Why not have the best of both and do a engine box conversion, be a quick S

Alan

[Deeman]

phillpot said:

Just "googled" the Merc..... bland or what?


Go talk to Bob

Urrrgh agree - Hairdresser/old man's car IMO. Sorry, no brainer. V8s or V6S doesn't matter

[S2Mike]

I know the feeling, turned 50 myself a couple of years ago, which was when I already had a run about diesel, plus an MGB but felt I needed a TVR in my life so bought the S. It really is difficult knowing which to keep sell and if so what for. I sold the MG thinking the S would fill the gap, not quite, but in a different way, so still regret letting my MG go. The TVR really is a great car, my grin after a blast almost hurts . You have to analyse just how much and where you use a car, and decide if thats what you can afford and do you get most enjoyment from. Do you find excuses to use or not use a car, oh it looks like rain, or I have to leave it in a carpark for hours.... I must have a convertible in my life, but which, and could the job be done by a modern with and electric roof.... Will that give as much satisfaction and cameraderie as an S ? If I changed the S it would have to be for something a little on the wild side, nothing bland , to lose in a carpark, only identifyable by its reg plate. Good luck in your quest, I hope you make the right decision and keep the S and get it into A1 condition.

[Oldred_V8S]

phillpot said:

Go talk to Bob

But Mike, he might snatch it up before you do.

[phillpot]

Oldred_V8S said:

But Mike, he might snatch it up before you do.

Que sera sera

[AutoAndy]

...interesting question Chris....the S and the Merc are diametrically opposite types of car...

Its time to look inside your soul and decide what you really want...

...a loud, exciting, classic British sports car with a strong sporting presence and great commerardery ..... Or a cruiser with no roof, no effort,and no feeling....you may well be ready for this...but if you are asking the question, then there is a good chance that you still have a soul, in which case the decision has already been made...

V6 or v8, doesn't matter....it's as fast as you drive it...as long as you smile when you do, there is no other car like and S...



...same argument against if you are thinking of a Chim...

Nuff said

Edited by AutoAndy on Sunday 11th May 20:34

[Kie s2]

An SL is a lazy Sunday drive car ,the v8 500 are quite thirsty when pushing it , good for commuting in traffic and cruising ...a facelift 87 to 89 r107 Is the model to have , these are a vague boaty drive, but have character .. Keep these dry use if you can ..the r129 will not feel the void , of an S , the r107 might as people love them ...and stop and talk to you ..

Kie

[TurboTony]

Just drive your S and do the essentials as required. Enjoy the car for what it is. None of your other options will give you the same driving experience, IMHO, without spending a fortune.

[v8s4me]

1.

s3c chris said:

.......c. Sell the S and buy the SL, 320 or 500

WHAT?!



2.

s3c chris said:

.......a. Pay the credit card bill.....

If your credit card bill is on the same scale a buying an SL or restoring the 'S' then this is the only sensible option so just pop into Argos tomorrow and buy a hairdrier. A much cheaper option.

3.

s3c chris said:

.......e. Sell the S and buy a Chimaera

See 1. above.

[Le TVR]

Kie s2 said:

An SL is a lazy Sunday drive car ,the v8 500 are quite thirsty when pushing it , good for commuting in traffic and cruising ...

Having had a R129 SL500 it was exactly this. It always made you aware of just how much it weighed and there was no way you could hustle it through corners or roundabouts. Perfect for autobahn storming but thats all.
Eyewateringly expensive when things go wrong.

[greymrj]

I am pushing 67 and I certainly do not feel old enough to need to change to an SL yet...., but I suppose the pipe and slippers days will come some time? Sorry, but you did ask.
Last guy I saw driving an SL looked about 80, with a well styled hairpiece, mind you he did have a very much younger blond as passenger so it cant be all bad!
To me there is always something individual about owning a TVR rather than mass produced metal, but may be I just want to keep thinking that the rebel soul in me is still alive!

[jwigglesworth]

Blow all the money and more on restoring the S- that way you will feel hugely guilty when you don't take it out for a drive and thence will do just that to assuage the guilt pains. If later on in life you still feel the same at least you have the knowledge that you have a more saleable car. Problem solved-simples?