Garage Find Mercedes Benz R107 'Dallas' SL survivor - sat over 20 yeaes

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Barn Find Mercedes Benz SL R107 survivor - Will its V8 start? For this barn find, the car in question is a Mercedes built during what is widely regarded as the finest era for German robust engineering and build quality. Having owned a handful of 1980s era Mercs, and upon discovering the car was languishing only a few miles from where Jonny was born and raised, he had to film this convertible garage find.
We were contacted on the show by a viewer called Ben Drew, whose parents bought a 1981 R107 380 SL Merc when living in America during the 1990s. Ben was only a lad, but he remembers living in San Diego, and his Mum always fancying a 'Dallas spec' (or Beverly Hills Cop spec, depending on your preference) SL. His Dad has never been a car person, but agreed and they found this car for sale in a copy of Auto Trader. That was 1995.
Being a 380 it is a 3.8-litre V8 - the first of the then-new design alloy V8s - and being a US spec car, said 3.8 isn't the most powerful. US market cars were somewhat strangled for smog regs, which wouldn't be such an issue if Mercedes hadn't decided to use a single row cam chain (as opposed to a duplex). These were prone to failure, and many engines ended up lunching themselves and being replaced under warranty.
Thanks for stopping by The Late Brake Show.
For a detailed story on how this shoot went and for some behind the scenes shots, join our Patron: / thelatebrakeshow
DO YOU KNOW OF A CAR THAT MIGHT BE WORTHY OF JONNY HELPING TO UNEARTH ON VIDEO? DO YOU OWN A CAR IN A BARN/HEDGE/GARAGE THAT MIGHT JUST RUN OR NEED A NEW HOME? Email the Late Brake Show via contact@thelatebrakeshow.com
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Filmed by: Nick Poole www.nickpoolecreator.com/
Edited by: Alex Tyler filmthistyler.co.uk/
Thumbnail by: Matt Tarrant Design matttarrantdesign.com
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Jonny Smith
Creative content maker, car presenter & car pervert for hire since '98
Website: www.carpervert.com
Instagram: / jonnycarpervert
Twitter: / carpervert
CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
#barnfind #mercedessl #thelatebrakeshow

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24 авг 2022

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Комментарии : 453

@adamsillett7961 Год назад

I really thought when Jonny said “one more time for luck” It was burst into life. He looked knackered towards the end, the amount of time and effort that goes into these videos deserves praise.

@TheLateBrakeShow Год назад

Thank you Adam. Got to say I was gutted (and tired!), and it is hard to see comments from people when they presume you can turn up to barnfinds with an RAC van full of spare parts and tools. I'm not a trained mechanic, and we do what we can with the tools and time we have. I intentionally don't recce the barn finds first, so that it remains authentic and honest. Thank you for enjoying the films. Jonny

@JD-eo7dr Год назад

@@TheLateBrakeShow Any upcoming car caves? Probably my favourite series. But who doesn't love a barn find.

@trondoscar Год назад

@@TheLateBrakeShow For me, this is actually a huge part of the appeal of your barn find series. Sometimes you succeed and sometimes you don´t, but it is always very entertaining to watch the process. What you´re doing here is exactly what most of us would be able to do in a similar situation, not having a crack-team of specialists or bringing every possible tool and a load of parts to a barn in the middle of nowhere. Not knowing the outcome makes it so much more interesting to watch. The way you present this show makes it feel like I´m in the barn with you lot, having a look and getting my hands dirty. I love this type of content, so please don´t change your approach to it.

@Julianpms Год назад

Would love to see you do a series revisiting these barnfinds, showing the restoration/recommissioning work done and the cars brought back to life.

@TheLateBrakeShow Год назад

Yes Julian, this is part of the plan.

@mgutkowski Год назад

K-Jet really doesn't like being left to sit for years. The injectors need to be removed, pressure gauge attached and fuel pump jumped to just see what's what. There's a better than even chance the warm up regulator will need refurbing and a new set of injectors. Possibly also the meeting head although they can be made to come back to life with a bit of time in the oven on low and a soaking in acetone. It isn't a simple job, but once they're up and running and regularly used, will go for years.

@darrellcoutinho805 Год назад

Spot on advice 👌🏽👍🏽

@Mercmad Год назад

And the pump is not supposed to be running all the time either.Spraying fuel and holding the airflap dwon is a sure fire way to flood and hydraulic lock one.

@robinhadley Год назад

Yeah but there's not really time to do that in a garage find 25 minute episode.

@Nate2Late Год назад

Agree 100% , injector spray test cabinet at a minimum.. Most likely gummed closed & no activation / spray..

@Nate2Late Год назад

@@Mercmad do you mean hydro-lock ?

@magsman448 Год назад

We need a part TWO so we can actually listen to this motor that you've tickled and teased our ears with for the last half hour!!

@Lazydonkey_ Год назад

There's something lovely about the way you approach these barn finds Jonny. Your attitude and kindness really make the videos.

@TheLateBrakeShow Год назад

Cheers Martin

@jonpowell8014 Год назад

After the 'ain't no saint' Volvo, this is also taking me back to being a kid again. Memories of Hart to Hart on the tv lol!!! 😄

@timkelly633 Год назад

Great fun! I wouldn't be surprised if the starter motor was the issue. Seemed like it was the weakest link, not able to operate at full speed. Might be the battery cables to it have broken down I suppose, not giving it enough current. Great cars. My dad's oldest mate had one in the 70s, always seemed unimaginably flash to me.

@Nilfaultfound22 Год назад

I’ve just imported a 1989 560sl based on your DIY import video. Almost all went to plan. Brilliant car drives like a dream on the country Cotswolds roads. Thanks Jonny 👍🏻

@TheLateBrakeShow Год назад

Hi John, that's so good to hear. Really chuffed for you.

@Nilfaultfound22 Год назад

@@TheLateBrakeShow Come for a drive if you are in the area! 👍

@mondodaftasabrush Год назад

Nice to see the fleece has been collected from the hotel and back in barn find action

@parrysgarage7735 Год назад

We were on the edge of our seats WILLING to start but sadly not! We can forgive the sleeping beauty after 20 years! Jonny, maybe take a look at Machine Mart & get a lithium - ion jump starter kit ready for your next fantastic barn find? Really enjoyed it never the less👍 Thanks

@TheLateBrakeShow Год назад

Thank you Steve. I was gutted. As you say I need a serious power pack. I didn't take one to this as the owner assured me they had one (however it wasn't properly charged, sigh).

@bendenham4186 Год назад

What he needs is a 240v 100amp starter/charger. Most of these garages will have electric or just an extension lead and you have all the starting capacity you'll ever need!

@SnakeyUk08 Год назад

Being a child of the 70/80s Everytime i see a 80`s Merc SL i just think of watching Hart to Hart with my granny even if not the correct spec for that show ,weird is nostalgia innit 😆😏

@gleng6812 Год назад

Great story, video and production really enjoy these barn finds and the effort you go through to research and of course the passion. What a RU-vidr and even have the kindnesses to interact with your subscribers. Thanks Johnny 👍

@TheLateBrakeShow Год назад

Thank you so much.

@theoriginalwallace Год назад

Very nice! Top tip for storing a car long term, Jonny. I got this from an old bloke with a mint mk3 Zodiac that's been in storage for over 12 years. Leave the doors open & place several cheapo plastic shopping bags on the carpets, in the boot & engine bay. The rodents use them for nests & don't attack upholstery, wiring, etc! His mint Aldrige interior was testament to that. Cheers. Leigh.

@martijnkosters9024 Год назад

Not for a lack of trying Jonny, we all admire that!

@jamesrobert4106 Месяц назад

When Mercedes and words greatest automotive engineering occupied the same sentence.

@jimbuilds Год назад

Its good to see the BFF after the hotel debacle! This is a fantastic story of the SL's history and love for their car.

@jonathantaylor1998 Год назад

Oh bless you, fella - you looked absolutely exasperated... I was sat here, just willing the old girl to fire up - I imagine the accompanying cheer of success would've been something to behold...!! I guess we're just going to have to wait a wee bit longer for that moment, eh... The R107 SL holds a particular place in my heart. Back in '88, I got a job in a local Merc car sales showroom and the MD ran a 500SL in Blue Black metallic with cream leather interior - the classic MB combination. And it was in this car, in August 1988, that I took my, now wife, out on our 'engagement date' to a local restaurant where I proposed - thankfully, she said "yes"... ❤ So, thank you, Jonny, for bringing back such a wonderful memory - always great work, fella. 👍

@CherylCold Год назад

Very Hart to Hart. I quite like these US spec SL's. Probably due to growing up in the early 80s when television was fun to watch.

@grumpy9478 Год назад

many thanks! watching you go through this was much more time / cost / psyche / effort efficient than me doing it for the 53rd time in my life. (but you got quality time w/ your Dad... overrides the rest.) & you aren't far off. you are among the most honest autotubers out there... show us the good, bad, ugly... & beautiful.

@TheLateBrakeShow Год назад

Many thanks, appreciate that. I hate it when a car beats us on camera, but that's the way it goes. The next barn find fired up.

@pritchettdan Год назад

I've always adored SL cars. I'm on my second one. 2007 SL550 WITH 18,000 MILES. Bright red, black leather. Stunning.

@donsompie Год назад

Man everytime I am ready to give up and sell my B3 audi 80 I watch one of these barn finds and it gives me hope! I will fix and daily it!

@hoffa2586 Год назад

I’d love that Audi 2.0engine for a certain VW I own!

@Hastsalt Год назад

These videos are so damn cozy man, never stop doing these!

@TheLateBrakeShow Год назад

Many thanks. Glad you enjoy them.

@richardcharles4178 Год назад

Another brilliant Barn find episode. I absolutely love these - keep em coming!!!

@Smoovindecat Год назад

Definitely need a power pack sponsor too! One of those ones that starts anything!

@patrickhostler5939 Год назад

Fabulous… my dad had a 350sl back in the day. I remember at the beginning of summer helping him remove the hard top to store in the shed so he could use the hidden soft top. Then heft it back on at the beginning of September. PS I would love to get a hold of that garage and ‘sort it out’👌

@tomf4547 Год назад

Yep never mind the car, I wanna refurb that garage 💜💜

@stuartblack9258 Год назад

The BFF is in the intro ! You know its going to be good!!👍 thanks for the upload Jonny awesome as always man!!👍

@_Makanko_ Год назад

Nothing quite like a cinematic fleece toss, well done👌

@purple-porker Год назад

I bloody love these episodes!!!!

@martinboulden4388 Год назад

Love this episode Jonny. Thank you.

@jeffshaw4553 Год назад

What ashame was hoping to hear this one light into life well done for trying though guys 👍🏽👍🏽

@ciaranburke3243 Год назад

So excited when I seen this car, please come back to it 😭

@59vaughn Год назад

The unique history....one persons rally racing heritage...crazy potential..

@davidbillberg2203 Год назад

Thanks! Always interesting to see the story behind this barnfinds.

@alandavies1054 Год назад

Nice video Johnnie…I really enjoy how you interact with everyone…just so natural and genuinely friendly…nice one 👍👏

@ChrisFEJackson Год назад

Another great instalment of a find. Thanks Johnny & chaps. The video quality and production is really professionally edited and presented, makes for great viewing.

@thebadgerno.1872 Год назад

Really look forward to watching these Barn Finds. This episode no exception…had thoughts of Dynasty & Heart To Heart & Magnum PI 🕵🏻‍♂️..such an iconic Mercedes & car. Love to see it’s running again…🤞🏻

@stevedouglas2181 Год назад

Worked on those 40 years ago, fuel system was a bugger for water contamination and timing chains, we used to change them in situe, grinding off the old chain links and drawing the new chain through the engine, built like tanks but not without their faults.

@FullForceDrummer Год назад

You have to count in food supply when wrenching with mates, all the time! I made that mistake often :D

@simonstokes6561 Год назад

It’s peoples life stories that go with these cars…..👍 another top episode👏

@jasonharrison4652 Год назад

Brilliant episode Jonny, thoroughly enjoyed it. Lovely, interesting car that looks in very good condition. Was willing the old girl for fire up, but as we know there is only so much you can do in the time you have. I know how hard you try to get these barn finds started. Thanks also to Ben for sharing this car with us car enthusiasts.

@Super1234Ron Год назад

Oh wow, I love to see this beauty restored to its original specs, I think this car is worth the effort. Happy restoring

@joewellborn802 5 месяцев назад

This video is as British as it gets. You blokes are wonderful!

@simonnorcliffe5877 Год назад

My dad had a 280SL back in 1983 , absolutely gorgeous cars ,also in white 😍

@jonathanholley8043 Год назад

Another cracking video, always great to hear the family stories behind the cars , such a shame you could not get it to fire up after all your hard work . Definitely needs a part two otherwise it will be the one that got away from you and bug you. This car needs bringing back to life , far too good to leave not working and driving.

@pritchettdan Год назад

Such a pretty car!

@iainweller452 Год назад

Love these cars they always remind me of Dallas and JR Ewing, my mother’s neighbour had a 70s one in the early 80s.

@TheSLShop Год назад

Time to own one?

@peterbowden2646 Год назад

Hi Johnny brilliant episode this car needs recommissioning and put back on the road where it belongs please keep us all updated wherever this car ends up same goes for all the cars that you rediscover

@noeldyne389 Год назад

Jonny, you're awesome. The Fleece strikes again !!!! 💪💪💪💪 Glad that Premier Inn looked after it for you 🤗 That needs to go in Danny's Mercedes collection !!!

@RedZu1 Год назад

Love these barn find vids!

@danbrown4517 Год назад

I loved the incidental music after you gave up trying to start the car which mimicked the sad non-starting cadence on the engine! Nice job sir

@shaunjones1682 Год назад

Another great episode, I really thought it was going to start on that last try. I had an 1982, same engine. Fuel metering head was the issue for me, took me weeks to find one, finally got a replacement on eBay, came from the US. I don’t have the car anymore, kept the old broken part and use it as a paperweight.

@scottishfanta Год назад

This might be one of my favourite episodes!

@TheLateBrakeShow Год назад

Cheers Ross! Sorry I didn't get it to fire.

@scottishfanta Год назад

@@TheLateBrakeShow still great content regardless 😊

@BiglumpADV Год назад

Another cracking find, damn shame she wouldn't fire but these old cars do like to try us!

@Littlemosslad Год назад

Wow, if I ever had a classic or two, one of those SL’s would be in the collection for damned sure. Lovely bit of kit

@Rjhs001 Год назад

Really enjoy these barn finds. I'm sitting going "come on, come on, fire up". Shame it didn't but still hugely enjoyable watching your endeavors.

@MyRetroWatches Год назад

Love your channel Jonny. Videos like this are just fantastic to watch.

@lutomson3496 Год назад

I am in California happy to see a survivor car, have had a 380 and a 500 both were a lot of work to keep maintained hope this one gets to see service again

@SJR313 Год назад

Goodness me, I was willing it to start….how frustrating….great find 👍

@Oyvind88 Год назад

Awsome car, story and video😎👏🇳🇴

@doca8792 Год назад

I had a barn find Euro 380sl with 30k miles on it. The owner was a WW2 U.S. Air Force Vet that had passed away and his kids had left it in the garage for years. I couldn’t even tell what color it was initially. Best money I ever spent after the car had a good going through.

@Billy_W Год назад

Love the dedication

@tonymontana897 Год назад

These barn find series are my favourite Johnny. Not that I don't appreciate all the others. There's something special about meeting an owner of a car that's been put away for a long time and witnessing the emotional connection with the cars. It would have been epic to see this old gal running, but I reckon that mechanical fuel injection was to blame. They are a tempermental thing and I think after a good service, it should fire right up. Thanks for the video. I thoroughly enjoyed it !

@Restobenz Год назад

I own a w116 and another one before this one, but w107 will be always my dream car . Amazing machine!

@MatthewJohnCrittenden Год назад

Fabulously honest entertainment as ever. That car is too good to scrap and will be running again in some form I'd imagine.

@Cheapsh0t247 Год назад

Lovely that you were able to share this with u dad, Jonny

@petersimpson8386 Год назад

Jonny, one fantastic car just love an old Mercedes the bodywork looks spot on so seriously consider purchasing,this can only go one way even if it costs 5k to sort. This is a gem. Have another go, great video 📹 👍

@user-gc1zn5mn4p Год назад

As an owner-driver of Mercedes-Benzes for 20+ years--including one SL--I found this video interesting. That stated, it baffles me why anyone would not keep such a beautiful car in running condition. It always costs exponentially more to bring a neglected vehicle back into running condition. Either keep it in running condition & drive it & enjoy it, or sell it to someone who will & enjoy the money in another way. This is just common sense.

@andymccabe6712 Год назад

I suppose the point is, that very often, people who own these old cars don't care about them anywhere near as much as the petrolheads who watch this kind of channel..... !! .....otherwise, perhaps they WOULD look after them - and then they wouldn't be barn finds.... !!!

@user-gc1zn5mn4p Год назад

@@andymccabe6712 Well put. In fact this afternoon I had a pleasant time doing an interior detailing of my car. I didn't have to, but if we have a nice car my view is we should keep it nice. :)

@dcallan812 Год назад

As usual Great video 2x👍

@anthonybrowne4022 Год назад

Great to see the old Mercedes what a lovely car what a shame you couldn’t get it to run love all the information where it come from and where it is now 👍🏻

@mattdrew1 Год назад

Episode 2 possible? Would be amazing to see it fully detailed and running!

@TheLateBrakeShow Год назад

Let me see. I reckon it will run. There was a strong spark

@yzfdunc Год назад

@@TheLateBrakeShow Jonny, good tip my brother used to do when he had a a Rover V8 in his A series Manta was use a Truck / Forklift battery to start the bugger. Something so large it doesn't get drained quickly.

@TheVintageApplianceEmporium Год назад

A proper Bobby Ewing! Love it 😍

@PaulSmith-mn6bg Год назад

I was watching with my dad. It was always one of his favourites. Briefly explained your Mercedes interest and said "i wouldn't be surprised if he put a bid in for it" lol. The end you said you were tempted. Cracking show he was never really into TG but near the end was willing for it to turn over like I'm guessing we all we're lol. Great show and I'm sure if he wants to he won't have any problems with people interested in the car. Great show as ever, good video drop lol 😉

@sid9983 Год назад

Ohhhhhh yes! I really like those barn find videos :D

@jameseastwood4984 Год назад

Love the content as always 😀👍

@mrmawson2438 Год назад

Very nice old car

@nathong3229 Год назад

You must promise to continue these Barn Find videos - So relaxing and interesting to watch - Brilliant as always, lovely car too

@TheLateBrakeShow Год назад

Yes, promise a follow up.

@davidp7414 Год назад

Everyone on here telling you what you did wrong. I will say, you are doing it right, this video was lovely. You are the only channel I pay for Patreon. Thank you for these gems

@fastEdCanuck Год назад

Needed some quick start to spray down the throttle body, and a super sized starter pack!

@TheLateBrakeShow Год назад

I was doing that with a bottle of fuel.

@jimbobjameshecks Год назад

Made the bank holiday!! gr8 content cheers and what a car !!

@pritchettdan Год назад

I knew a guy in the oil business years ago who had a 450SL. We thought he was king of the world at that time...

@SpottedCreeper Год назад

I hear you on that. My dad used to work for Mercedes in Zimbabwe back in the mid-1980s. One day he borrowed a 380SL from the showroom and picked me up from school in it. I was the happiest kid in the world that day!

@thetruthwillout3347 Год назад

Was it JR Ewing?!

@ricksallotment5923 Год назад

Ben's garage door entrance aesthetics/summer garage atmos scores quite highly

@kevinblankenburg4816 Год назад

My dad was an enthusiastic Mercedes owner and driver. In his time, he was a Ford enthusiast and had a few up until a Grenada 2.8 or 3.0 (top spec) coupe, dark blue vinyl roof... And then he got his first Merc. So, on sundays me and my dad visited a lot of car dealers and we also had on of the biggest Merc dealers in Germany in town. He always got me something, a car model, a shirt or one of these key chains. Sadly they tend to break.

@simonk337 Год назад

You need a spin off show. That house looked really interesting, needed a look around!

@mattmaher3814 Год назад

Another good barn find Mr Jonny Smith. Always good to watch. But...You need to invest in a Snap On jump pack. They will start a battle ship. Will make your life so much easier when trying to start something that's not moved in a while.

@fishbert17 Год назад

Arrgghh! So frustrating. I was sat there getting quite tense, willing that engine to start. A lovely car nonetheless. I hope it gets back in shape and back on the road soon. Also, hello to Jonny‘s dad, OTSOT

@robertvale2643 Год назад

I like the late brake shop better than normal tv

@BokorRider Год назад

need to get yourself one of those big garage type starter packs on wheels...

@aqa321 Год назад

Brilliant video and great effort trying to get it started. Sadly I think there must have been a bad electrical connection or a big draw somewhere that was causing the battery to drain so quickly. I have the same model and it doesn't have an especially large output battery. Fingers crossed for better luck on the next one! Cheers

@71flatwindow Год назад

I have a 78 450sl w/ 74,000 miles. in the "American " livery. great cars!

@jasongray6437 Год назад

As said K-jettronic can be a bugger at the best of times. Fair play for trying though!

@BabyBooHoot Год назад

Another great find! I used to go watch stock car (banger) racing back in the day. These were the must have stock car back then, southern Ireland. Roundwood co meath. Good times , wished i had the foresight and funds to have saved a few from the carnage.

@TheLateBrakeShow Год назад

An SL banger car? Seriously?

@Android-vk8yh Год назад

I think Jonny should join some sort of recovery service which has a home start and then bring them in. When you find a barn fine it would be hilarious to see their face. I reckon they'd still help. Also good to see the barn find place and Jonny's dad 👍 Can we have a part two with the car running please?.

@TheLateBrakeShow Год назад

Promise a part 2. I hated this one beating me during the fire up.

@Android-vk8yh Год назад

@@TheLateBrakeShow It's because your content so good Johnny. We always want a part two to see the cars running and driving 👍

@shirleyboy8859 Год назад

Ohhhh The tension!!!!!! What you need is a trolley with a "Starter Kit"....... Buckets of WD and Tons of 12 volt POWER..... That said... She is a beautiful Motor.... :-))))

@TheLateBrakeShow Год назад

I needed all that.

@shirleyboy8859 Год назад

@@TheLateBrakeShow Great to see your attempt though Jonny... Keep em coming.... :-))

@ComeJesusChrist Год назад

I owned a 1983 SL280 and I loved it, it is a very special car. My regret is only not to buy a V8 as the straight six is almost as thirsty, but who cares about fuel consumption when you drive the more beautiful version of the car that the American Giggolo drove!

@dubiousricardo Год назад

You need to get yourself a starter pack Jonny! Give it a bit of umph. Cranking over far too slowly I believe. Nice one.

@jamespettitt9213 Год назад

Got to love an r107!..

@TheMrtMts Год назад

Johnny needs to invest in a powerful jump starter for these episodes

@justinlinnane8043 Год назад

he really does !! like sex without the climax otherwise !! 🤣🤣

@BettySwollocks13 Год назад

Yep, surely there’s a sponsor out there.

@gleng6812 Год назад

@@BettySwollocks13 I was thinking the same somebody of the Status of Johnny with this top class content should have a few options for donations of Jump Packs👍

@vegvisirphotography5632 Год назад

@@gleng6812 every car has a battery. It's all a jump pack is. If Johnny ain't got a battery, then Johnnys just a Durex.

@gleng6812 Год назад

@@vegvisirphotography5632 or worse still not being able to understand the differences with portability, actual cranking power, capacity capabilities of a jump pack. Maybe go and take a look in the mirror....

@dalemr2 Год назад

Maybe the starter was a bit gummed up? Best episodes on RU-vid👍

@murrieteacher Год назад

Sorry Jonny, that car was never going to go. The Ktronic needed a refub, and I think the starter motor and the battery cables needed work too. But that really doesn't mater that it wouldn't start. The video is looking at a barn find and the history behind the car. I am so glad you are now taking the plugs out and putting some lube down each cylinder.