Having a classic car and keeping it running can be a challenge sometimes. This is especially true when a car has been sitting for a prolonged period of time, without being used. Cars, similar to people, need exercise every now and then. With this in mind, there are very few people out there who specialize in keeping classic cars in working order. Lain Tyrell has been a leading authority in the field for 40 years now and his expertise is highly valued across the globe.
His very own YouTube channel “Tyrell’s Classic Workshop” accommodates some of the most legendary cars, on a regular basis and this time an automotive icon has been entrusted to him. This time, the car in question is a classic Mercedes 300SL Gullwing that has been sitting dormant for some time. In typical fashion, Tyrell’s videos are very comprehensive.
He starts with some of the interesting historical facts about the car, how it was conceived, how it was built, and what innovations it brought. Did you know that the fuel injection system is very similar to that of the Messerschmidt BF109 WW2 fighter? Anyway, after some history, Lain dives under the car to explain the mechanics and what it actually takes to recommission a car.
Usually, a recommissioning procedure starts with changing all the fluids, such as engine oil, draining the old fuel, and flushing the fuel system. After that, he moves the brakes, which surprisingly are drums on all four corners. Once again, we get a detailed explanation of how and why the brake system has been designed the way it is. This really is a comprehensive procedure and we are even shown how the clock in the interior can be wound manually.
After all is done, we are shown how to correctly execute the starting procedure, which is followed by a test drive. In typical for the channel fashion, the drive takes on the tone of a car review, as the master mechanic continues to explain the ins and outs of the car. It’s a truly educational video, complemented by a variety of pleasant noises, courtesy of the Mercedes 300SL Gullwing.