Ep 1. Mercedes-Benz R107 280SL (1)
In the first episode of season 5 of Wheeler Dealers, the team sets out to restore a classic Mercedes-Benz R107 280SL. The car, which has spent most of its life in California, has seen better days and requires a complete overhaul if it is to be brought back to its former glory.
The show kicks off with Mike Brewer and Edd China scouring the internet for the perfect project car. After much searching, they come across the 280SL and decide it's the ideal candidate for restoration. The car is shipped to the UK where the team can get to work.
Once it arrives, they waste no time in getting started. The first step is to do a thorough assessment of the car's condition. They discover that the bodywork is in decent shape, but the interior is in desperate need of attention. The seats are torn and the dashboard is cracked, but with a little TLC, they believe they can restore the car to its former glory.
They then move on to the engine, which requires some attention. The team starts by removing the old carburetor and fitting a new one. They also replace the distributor and give the engine a full service. The car is now up and running, but there are still a lot of details to be sorted out.
Next, they turn their attention to the interior. Edd removes the seats and sends them off to be reupholstered. He then tackles the dashboard, which requires a lot of work. After sanding it down and filling in the cracks, he applies a new coat of paint and installs new gauges.
With the interior complete, it's time to move on to the exterior. The team decides to go for a classic red finish, which will complement the car's sleek lines. The bodywork is in good shape, but they need to replace a few parts, such as the front grille and the bumpers.
They tackle the bodywork with aplomb, respraying the car and fitting the new parts. Once the paint has dried, they give the car a thorough polish to bring out its shine. The final result is simply stunning, and the car looks as good as new.
The team then takes the car out for a test drive, and it performs beautifully. The engine purrs like a kitten, and the car handles well. They then take it to a local car show to see what people think of their restoration work. The car is a hit, and everyone loves it.
In the end, the team has done an amazing job of restoring the classic Mercedes-Benz R107 280SL. It's an impressive feat, and a testament to their skill and dedication. The car looks and runs like new, and it's sure to turn heads wherever it goes. Fans of classic cars will definitely want to tune in to see this fantastic restoration project.
