Re: [MBZ] Bad example 123
Sunil Hari wrote: those kind of POS-looking but mechanically excellent cars are my favorite - never stolen, easy to find, no worries about door dings or parking too close to people. I think there was a SNL skit about a luxury car that came with a beaten-up exterior from the factory to discourage thieves. The Chameleon XLE. They might tow it away, but they'll never steal it. There's a full transcript here: http://snltranscripts.jt.org/92/92fchameleon.phtml It was one of their best ad parodies, I think. They nailed a lot of the cliches that were in luxury car ads at the time. Every inch of the Chameleon XLE is a pinnacle of urban design. There's attention to detail. Like three mismatched wheel covers, and one exposed rim in school-bus yellow. Standard. A broken taillight repaired with duct tape. Standard. Retractable antenna. Standard. The body of a Pontiac with a driver's-side door from an Oldsmobile Delta '88. All standard.
Re: [MBZ] Bad example 123
VERY OT. Speaking of SNL, I think Mad TV is MUCH funnier and more daring and creative in its skits. Bobbie Lee is one of the zaniest and best physical comics alive IMHO. I don't know the names of the other cast members, but the one who plays the over-the-top coach persona is also brilliant. On 9/19/06, David Brodbeck [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Sunil Hari wrote: those kind of POS-looking but mechanically excellent cars are my favorite - never stolen, easy to find, no worries about door dings or parking too close to people. I think there was a SNL skit about a luxury car that came with a beaten-up exterior from the factory to discourage thieves. The Chameleon XLE. They might tow it away, but they'll never steal it. There's a full transcript here: http://snltranscripts.jt.org/92/92fchameleon.phtml It was one of their best ad parodies, I think. They nailed a lot of the cliches that were in luxury car ads at the time. Every inch of the Chameleon XLE is a pinnacle of urban design. There's attention to detail. Like three mismatched wheel covers, and one exposed rim in school-bus yellow. Standard. A broken taillight repaired with duct tape. Standard. Retractable antenna. Standard. The body of a Pontiac with a driver's-side door from an Oldsmobile Delta '88. All standard. ___ 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
Re: [MBZ] Bad example 123
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: .240D as performance art. Basically a very knowledgeable longtime Mercedes fan owner interested only in function and cost. Are you sure the owner didn't bring the car just to thumb his nose at the rest? The possibility was raised several times, but I think both he and the car were authentic. Either way, I found the car to be absolutely delightful and the owner charming as well, in that rural Kentucky sort of way. The rest of the 300SL owners nearly fainted when this guy joined the parade lap. It was wonderful. That must have been great. Tonight I had the sad sight of an M198 idling like an OM617 after a drive down from Chicago without oil to the top end. Pulled the valve cover to find a broken cam tower and six cam lobes visibly worn. Beautifully restored ivory with green 300SL roadster. The owner was heartbroken. Tom
Re: [MBZ] Bad example 123
on 9/19/06 12:27 AM, tom savage at [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: .240D as performance art. Basically a very knowledgeable longtime Mercedes fan owner interested only in function and cost. Are you sure the owner didn't bring the car just to thumb his nose at the rest? The possibility was raised several times, but I think both he and the car were authentic. Either way, I found the car to be absolutely delightful and the owner charming as well, in that rural Kentucky sort of way. I wondered that as well, but different strokes, etc. I would have loved to see the thing, in the flesh. Mac
Re: [MBZ] Bad example 123
Speaking of bad 123 examples, does anyone have 4 usable (but can be nearly nearly treadless) CHEAP 195 70 X 14 radial tires (preferably with lousy rims) they want to unload? Preferably in the D.C. area?? Will pick up. On 9/19/06, redghost [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I took Gump to the show and shine as an example of common man with common car. I was beat out by a woman from Vancouver, BC with a beat to s**t '76 300D. Engine was in superior condition, body was just scabby with rust and dirty. At least I washed Gump. I parked between a 280SL and a 220SE, both euro, so Gump's headlamps blended in. On Sep 18, 2006, at 9:27 PM, tom savage wrote: [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: .240D as performance art. Basically a very knowledgeable longtime Mercedes fan owner interested only in function and cost. Are you sure the owner didn't bring the car just to thumb his nose at the rest? The possibility was raised several times, but I think both he and the car were authentic. Either way, I found the car to be absolutely delightful and the owner charming as well, in that rural Kentucky sort of way. The rest of the 300SL owners nearly fainted when this guy joined the parade lap. It was wonderful. That must have been great. Tonight I had the sad sight of an M198 idling like an OM617 after a drive down from Chicago without oil to the top end. Pulled the valve cover to find a broken cam tower and six cam lobes visibly worn. Beautifully restored ivory with green 300SL roadster. The owner was heartbroken. Tom ___ -- Clay Seattle Bioburner 1972 220D - Gump 1995 E300D - Cleo 1987 300SDL - POS - DOA The FSM would drive a Diesel Benz ___ 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
Re: [MBZ] Bad example 123
those kind of POS-looking but mechanically excellent cars are my favorite - never stolen, easy to find, no worries about door dings or parking too close to people. I think there was a SNL skit about a luxury car that came with a beaten-up exterior from the factory to discourage thieves. On 9/19/06, andrew strasfogel [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Speaking of bad 123 examples, does anyone have 4 usable (but can be nearly nearly treadless) CHEAP 195 70 X 14 radial tires (preferably with lousy rims) they want to unload? Preferably in the D.C. area?? Will pick up. On 9/19/06, redghost [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I took Gump to the show and shine as an example of common man with common car. I was beat out by a woman from Vancouver, BC with a beat to s**t '76 300D. Engine was in superior condition, body was just scabby with rust and dirty. At least I washed Gump. I parked between a 280SL and a 220SE, both euro, so Gump's headlamps blended in. On Sep 18, 2006, at 9:27 PM, tom savage wrote: [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: .240D as performance art. Basically a very knowledgeable longtime Mercedes fan owner interested only in function and cost. Are you sure the owner didn't bring the car just to thumb his nose at the rest? The possibility was raised several times, but I think both he and the car were authentic. Either way, I found the car to be absolutely delightful and the owner charming as well, in that rural Kentucky sort of way. The rest of the 300SL owners nearly fainted when this guy joined the parade lap. It was wonderful. That must have been great. Tonight I had the sad sight of an M198 idling like an OM617 after a drive down from Chicago without oil to the top end. Pulled the valve cover to find a broken cam tower and six cam lobes visibly worn. Beautifully restored ivory with green 300SL roadster. The owner was heartbroken. Tom ___ -- Clay Seattle Bioburner 1972 220D - Gump 1995 E300D - Cleo 1987 300SDL - POS - DOA The FSM would drive a Diesel Benz ___ 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 ___ 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 -- Sunil Hari 1992 300D 2.5T - 286Kmi. [EMAIL PROTECTED] 513-205-7474
Re: [MBZ] Bad example 123
.240D as performance art. Basically a very knowledgeable longtime Mercedes fan owner interested only in function and cost. Are you sure the owner didn't bring the car just to thumb his nose at the rest? Decades ago at a Monterey Historics when MB has the featured marque, a local contingent of the Gull Wing Group appeared in the Laguna Seca paddock, prior to a parade lap. Overdressed women and men wearing blazers and ascots. And tagging along behind was what must have been the world's worst 300SL Roadster. Left front fender smashed, paint oxidized to flat grey, interior a pit and an owner dressed like a bum. All deliberate, seemed to me. The rest of the 300SL owners nearly fainted when this guy joined the parade lap. It was wonderful. RLE
Re: [MBZ] Bad example 123
One of the MBCA sections (Peachtree) has an annual Concours dordinaire, which encourages the un-spiffiest to flaunt their gauche Benzes and rewards those that represent the peak of the genre. Next one is Sept. 30 in Athens, GA On 9/18/06, [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: .240D as performance art. Basically a very knowledgeable longtime Mercedes fan owner interested only in function and cost. Are you sure the owner didn't bring the car just to thumb his nose at the rest? Decades ago at a Monterey Historics when MB has the featured marque, a local contingent of the Gull Wing Group appeared in the Laguna Seca paddock, prior to a parade lap. Overdressed women and men wearing blazers and ascots. And tagging along behind was what must have been the world's worst 300SL Roadster. Left front fender smashed, paint oxidized to flat grey, interior a pit and an owner dressed like a bum. All deliberate, seemed to me. The rest of the 300SL owners nearly fainted when this guy joined the parade lap. It was wonderful. RLE ___ 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
Re: [MBZ] Bad example 123
andrew strasfogel wrote: One of the MBCA sections (Peachtree) has an annual Concours dordinaire, which encourages the un-spiffiest to flaunt their gauche Benzes and rewards those that represent the peak of the genre. Next one is Sept. 30 in Athens, GA I once showed up at a Volvo show with the very rusty 240DL I owned, at the time. It was a real heap, rust holes everywhere, silicone around the rear windows, pop-riveted patches on the tailgate and rear quarters, bumper held on with parachute cord. I wrote on the display form that I was competing in the category of best use of silicone sealer and related adhesives.
