Last Call: Bon voyage, Benz

Jeff Glucker

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There’s a longer wrap-up post coming on this one. But if you don’t follow me on Instagram, you’ll miss the fact that I’ve sold the Benz. My 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 sedan has shuffled off to a new home. The buyer is a podcast listener and Southern California local. The car is staying in state, and it’s going to a true enthusiast (his other rides include a Miata and a Focus ST).

If you want to keep up with the life of the blue Benz, check out Brandon’s instagram: https://www.instagram.com/car.jpg/.

What does this mean for my personal garage? It means the Montero is the main machine for the time being. And it means that it’s time to get more serious about the Wombat. Why are you laughing? I’m being serious. Stop laughing! It’s going to happen!

Last Call indicates the end of Hooniverse’s broadcast day. It’s meant to be an open forum for anyone and anything. Thread jacking is not only accepted, it’s encouraged.

About

Jeff Glucker

Jeff Glucker

Jeff Glucker is the co-founder and Executive Editor of Hooniverse.com. He’s often seen getting passed as he hustles a 1991 Mitsubishi Montero up the 405 Freeway. IG: @HooniverseJeff

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11 responses to “Last Call: Bon voyage, Benz”

  1. Zentropy Avatar
    Zentropy

    Sorry to hear the Benz is sold, but honestly, it was too nice to modify. There was just no where to go with it.

    Don’t even say “Wombat” unless you’re completely committed (what’s it been… 6 years???). Those of us living vicariously through the projects of others don’t want to get our hopes up if it’s not really on a hot burner!

    Reply
    1. Jeff Glucker Avatar
      Jeff Glucker

      It’s at the shop getting measureD for an Ls3… fingers crossed it starts picking up steam.

      Reply
      1. crank_case Avatar
        crank_case

        If your LS is picking up steam you’re doing it wrong.

        Reply
  2. crank_case Avatar
    crank_case

    Which will get finished first, the Wombat or my Scrappuccino? In the latest riveting update, I lost my steering wheel screws and amazingly no-one local seems to stock simple generic hex screws used in most average aftermarket/racing wheels. Largely because aftermarket steering wheels have pretty much died a death in airbag age with vehicle inspections.

    Tune in for regular installments bi-annually.

    Reply
  3. Maymar Avatar
    Maymar

    Wouldn’t Auf Wiedersehen be more fitting?

    Reply
  4. 0A5599 Avatar
    0A5599

    The buyer didn’t want the A BENZ license plate?

    Please tell me Wombat will wear a WOMBAT plate, or if that isn’t available, at least something like LS3 BENZ.

    Reply
    1. Peter Tanshanomi Avatar
      Peter Tanshanomi

      I am guessing Jeff kept A BENZ for use on the Wombat.

      Reply
      1. Sjalabais Avatar
        Sjalabais

        The opportunity for B BENZ just left the building slipped.

        Reply
    2. Zentropy Avatar
      Zentropy

      Could someone please remind me how the project came to be called “Wombat”? Was the car originally intended to get a Barra swap (Australian engine therefore an Australian marsupial nickname…)? All I recall prior to the LS3 plan was a Hemi drivetrain.

      If the LS3 isn’t yet purchased, I’m lobbying for a Barra transplant. An ass-kicking inline six from Down Under is way cooler (though admittedly more complicated and expensive) than a GM small block.

      Reply
      1. mdharrell Avatar
        mdharrell

        “Also, why did we call it The Wombat? Well… that’s what the previous owners called it, and we kind of like it.”

        Introducing our new project vehicle: A 1984 Mercedes-Benz 300TDaka The Wombat

        There’s also an introductory video in which Jeff says pretty much the same thing:

        Reply
  5. wunno sev Avatar
    wunno sev

    I purchased a W124 diesel with the exact intent to evaluate if I wanted to swap an LS into it. I have no idea what I’m doing so it’ll be a challenge, but you gotta start somewhere. CA smog meant I passed up a ton of much nicer gasoline cars for it.

    in around nine months I’m going to decide if I’ll commit to the swap or just sell the thing. a big part of that decision is whether I think I am capable of the swap, or can afford to pay a shop. if you don’t mind me asking, Jeff, how many digits would work like the Wombat swap cost at regular-douchebag prices? I’m guessing mid to high fours if I *just* had them mount the engine and gearbox, maybe double to triple that if I had them deliver a functioning car?

    my goal is to have a W124 – probably my favorite chassis ever developed – with E39 M5 levels of power and at least decent handling. but it’s probably a year-long project if I do it myself, and I don’t know if I’m willing to commit that time or equivalent money.

    Reply