I totally agree . Having said , I'm a sucker for silver, black or white benzes I couldn't live with a mustard or yellow one , I'd have to vinyl wrap it
OMG, I just mentioned that in my post. Mustard yellow just doesn't resonate with me so I would keep looking. Now, a (butter yellow) if there is such thing is stunning. It is like the ivory with more saturation.
Very much agreed. I don't really like the channels that seem to sometimes be "pandering for subscribers" or whatever. You clearly have an opinion, let's hear it!
Saying it like it as! Thank you! Even the boring or “ugly” colors look great on a classic Mercedes if the Mercedes is pristine! Take a white w123- a relatively boring combo but restore it to perfection and you have a sight to behold!
I totally agree, especially because there will be always a small spot that will be left with its original color because it has a hard access for painting.
Agree. Most of the Mercedes colors are great. The champagne metallics are about the only color I would consider worthy of changing. All the great vibrant 70’s colors should be left alone. I admire your passion for the cars. It is evident that for you these cars are far more than just a business.
Pierre, regarding color changes, I am with you as I was brought up restoring everything we did was return whatever it was to how it was ordered by its original owner's experience of exhilaration when he/she brought it to its home where it was appreciated for all those features that made it so much fun "to want" & then even more "to have"! Not an ounce of customizing allowed in this house! PHEW! John
Really glad you discussed this topic, since much of my w126 is going to require a exterior paint with all the dings & scratches the outer finish has. You cemented what I was kinda thinking anyway. Just hope I can find someone to closely match what the original hue was, as I've found that even with all the equipment and technology at their fingertips there are still minor issues with color matching. Have a great week my friend.
Short and to the point. Good stuff. There are MB colors I like more than others. The only color that comes to mind that I truly don't like is a mustard yellow 107 I saw (I don't know the code). So, I would keep looking, not buy and change the color. I tend to like many of the classic car colors because they have a certain character to them, the shade or tint of the color is everything. It helps distinguish them from the new cars. Thanks Pierre!
1980 450SL- I restored the paint with buffing compounds (Meguiars 105 Ultra-cut compound followed with Meguiars 205 ultra finishing polish) and got the car from ‘beige’ to a lovely glowing light yellow. I used a Harbor Freight 6” rotary polisher and foam pads. When I bought the car it said beige on the listing! It’s now glowing light yellow and gorgeous! It does have deep scratches I cannot remove. If anyone has ideas or UA-cam suggestions I’m all ears! P.S. while I was at it I did the SEL as well!
My 1973 350 SLC came from the factory in 462 Tunis Beige metallic clear coat. Some time in its life, it has been painted white. Looks nice with the red interior but not classic MB original. I have a mission that it will be painted in its original colour ready for its 50th birthday. Big job but she deserves it.
@@mercedesclassicswithpierre1753 Hi Pierre. It is running fine with the new trigger points. I am still looking for an old harness with the socket that the trigger points cable plug connects to but it is running. Thanks again.
I agree to a point. I purchased a 1983 300TD in Champagne for $800. Some rust, but the engine was toast. As I couldn't find a good OM617 to put back in I put a OM603. I haven't yet, but I will be doing a color change to Desert Red. Color change to keep the car on the road should be acceptable. If the car has a soul and I change the engine to keep it on the road, color can change as well. And I think it a bit odd that you'd talk about soul, and then mention resale devaluation.
Iv had success changing the color to my 1986 Mercedes 300E it was navy blue and I had it painted jet black and it looked beautiful 🖤 👌 swapped parts from a 1995 300E like bumpers interior and side moldings then I sold it and I regret it 😭😭😭 the car was one of the best 300E ever seen
Agree completely! "Sacred" is the word for "the color the car was born with".. Your passionate eloquence made me laugh; I feel just as strongly. And yes, someone who changes the car's color will do other tasteless mods as we ll.
It's a car. I keep mine factory color. But I know many the painted their Mercedes different colors. I seen them sell for the same if not more. Its really up to the person. I personally love my Lapis Blue Poly 1982 380SEC.
@@mercedesclassicswithpierre1753 I was lucky to acquire this through a family friend. Has all books and maintenance records since new even the $53,468 window sticker. Was originally purchased in 1982 in Atlanta Ga. When the lady became to old to drive she parked it in her garage. It sat for 3 years. I bought it, changed the fuel pump. Filter and accumulator, replaced the distributor, cap and rotor button, plugs and wires. Runs like a dream. Even has the double roller timing chain conversion done which was a issue in the early 80's with Mercedes.
I WOULDNT CHANGE MY CARS COLOR .. I WOULDNT CHANGE PIeRRE at all he is a perfect specimen and a Mercedes savant at that !!! Lt ivory is the best but all other colors are exceptable
I’m actually kind of torn by this one. When someone owns something he is within his right to do whatever he pleases with it. However, I do think people who own these cars are acting their best when they are working to restore the cars to their best and keep them there. So - where do I land? The better the condition the original the more it seems appropriate to keep it the way it is. Also, the rarer the car, the more faithful to the original the restorer should aim for. However, while I appreciate Pierre’s point, if someone restores a car from the ground up that needs new paint, new interior etc. I think he or she should feel free to chose an appropriate color for the model and year and restore it as if he were ordering it new from the factory with correct colors and options but not necessarily the same as originally on that specific car.
I've gone back and read the comments - all of them - on this thread, including the replies. And I have changed my mind. I fully concur with Pierre. For a Mercedes, if one is going to the trouble and expense of restoring it, the best thing is to put it back to its original configuration, paint and all - to the same standard of finish and quality of materials. As much as anything, it's a matter of history. We don't go back and try to "improve" the works of F. Scott Fitzgerald. Not that every Mercedes was a work of art just that they are what they are and appreciating them for that and preserving them for the next ones to come along is a worthy pursuit. I like to imagine that the first owner of my car (sadly I don't know about this) was a man about my age who had worked a life time to purchase this machine. In a way, by keeping my car original, I'm preserving his hopes and ambitions as much as the color of the car. Perhaps that's something of what Pierre is getting at.
Pierre, great content as always! I was thinking about a scenario that might justify this. What would your opinion be if someone purchased a running project with a trashed interior, seats need recovered, carpet needs replaced, maybe a door panel is missing, etc.. Now, you run into a good, original bamboo interior for sale, but the car in question had cream interior, originally. Would aftermarket seat covers, carpet, etc., in the correct cream color be less blasphemous than replacing with original Mercedes items, (though the color is no longer original)? This is purely hypothetical, but a conundrum I could see presenting itself at some point in the future. Obviously, this situation ignores exterior color change because I simply can't think of any justifiable reason to change exterior color. Thanks for all that you do, and keep up the great work!
In "72 I bought my first Mercedes, a '69 250 in "Horizon Blue". I was lukewarm about the color until twilight worked magic on that MB factory paint. So, I get it. I now own a '63 190 SL which was originally "Medium Blue" (nothing magic) that has been repainted DB50 White (OK, with original red interior) by the previous (2nd) owner and now needs new paint. What to do, what to do?
I think you are absolutely right, oryginal is always the best, besides each time I see a repainted car it is in a silly shade or metallic that never have been used by mercedes. I tend to say that once you personalize the car with a repaint you loose at least half of the value.
Iv has success with a color change and it was beautiful it was a navy blue 1986 300E but the color was fading so I painted it JET BLACK 🖤 I also bought a 1995 300E and swapped interior so I took the black inside and added it to the 1986 so it was black on black 🖤🖤 bumpers were changed side moldings was added .. then I sold it before moving to Florida and I regret it till this day!! 😩😩😩 it was so classy Iv had offers left and right ... car sold no problems .. so I say it depends what color you change it too ⚫️⚪️🔵🔴☑️
Great content! Thanks for putting it out there. Put me in the agree column! I was just at a concurs in Michigan and there was a lovely XK120. It wasn't my favorite color but the owner resisted the change to a more popular color during the resto..(and got some flak over it)..you could FEEL that car's soul from a mile away!
I was never a big fan of Classic Mercedes Benz cars painted in various Yellow tones. My first w116 300sd was Maple Yellow in color. I was never really happy about the color but the car ran amazing so I kept it. At the time, I preferred the Silver and Anthracite colors but those were hard to find. Ask me today what my favorite MB color is....yup...All of the Yellow tones. My opinion, don't buy a Mercedes Benz if you intend to change the original color. Wait for the right color to come around. Keep it original.
I'm in 2 camps here. Mercedes deserve to be saved, loved, and restored. Now color preferences have changed a bit in 30+ years but chances are, if your into these older cars, you may have the older preferences too. Now I'm currently redoing my 1989 560 sel. It's rust free and is silver on blue. Low options though and it needs everything. Now I bought it because of the colors! Sadly it was repainted in some sections repairing sun faded roof and hood parts. Suspension and engine where neglected along with a failing transmission. I'm restoring it but I'm also adding all the options and some other custom oem bits that I would have ordered if new. I feel that the usa cars where deprived of the European goodness when shipped here and therefore giving the car what it deserves. I will repaint it and keep it the same silver, and take everything apart to do it right. So unless it's a low milage queen, I'd say go ahead and do some European upgrades and stay true to the car as bruno sacco and Stuttgart intended for these cars
I would agree wholeheartedly to change the colour of the vehicle is inherently wrong, mainly because you are completely changing its DNA, and also its value because originality in a classic is worth every penny. My question however would be where do you stand on respraying a car, obviously if the bodywork is completely shot it needs to be resprayed, but what if the bodywork is actually not too bad but has a few scratches and chips here and there and maybe some poor scratch repair and scuffed bumpers?
cars don't have DNA, its just paint, the paint on mine was trashed, panels were replaced and rust was creeping underneath, I've stripped it all off and I want it piano black... why not/ its already got new metal welded and so on
Pierre Hedary This video came at a perfect time I am putting my 1987 in the paint shop in a couple of weeks. I did some body upgrades by putting in euro head lights put a 1995 hood/grill bumper, the side panels fenders. funny thing is the hood is white the fenders are black LOL bumper is white. and the color it was born with is the light ivory. I am going to have it painted that color (623U) It will be stripped down to bare metal so I think it will look super good when it is done clear coat mixed in with the paint. My mechanic also said that about color change. it decreases the value of the car and if you do have to do the engine bay etc.
@@mercedesclassicswithpierre1753 Pierre Yes I will just give me a email or some place where I can send you pictures of the new paint. I will take some before pictures and afters also :) My mechanic said to keep the same color cause it takes away from the value of the car.
Do you have the same opinion on changing a classical white car to something more interesting that's also a period correct color? It just looks like it has absolutely no character in this color.
You sound like my missus. I better not tell you that I'm planning on changing mine to two tone midnight blue with a white roof. But that's going to be after I replace the interior and lower it onto some new spoke rims XD
I don't know where I fit in, because I was thinking of repainting my hood and front fenders(same color SHWARTZ BLACK) which has some dings from previous owner or owners. I'm the 3rd owner. Hood and fenders have too many paint chips would be easier to repaint hood and both fenders and then use one of those crystal sealers and or transparent film to protect from future paint chips. But as someone said a you will lose some value. Unless of course i document it with before and after pics if I later decide to sell the car. (which I doubt I will)
The original paint will generally outlast a color change because of the quality of paint. My 1981 Mercedes 240d has the original color and overall the paint is still in excellent condition. Look at the paint on many newer cars and the paint is often times coming off because the quality of paint is not the same. That alone should discourage one from changing the color.
Hey there Pierre, I was wondering, what about getting a layer of paint off so you can get to the original colour underneath ? I have a w123 2 door coupe that was Cabernet red ( MB color code 587 ) and it was painted over with white.
Hi Pierre, my 1989 280S (W116) was sort of dark green which I had never seen in MB before. I once asked a painter for its paint code and he told me it was "Green 1989". The car was a left hand drive import from Japan, very immaculate. This colour shade is not from the standard colours and the car really stood out. Could you tell me if you can identify this green shade. Thank you.
well, he gave you the wrong color code, thats for sure.the greens were: 291 dark olive, 834 moss green, 268 dark green, 825 deep green, 870 nickel green, 875 mango green, 876 cypress green, 860 mercedes green. these were all used from about 1975 to 1979.
@@mercedesclassicswithpierre1753 Thank you, I will check these out. The car really stood out, often I would get asked by people in town, gas stations, if I was selling it. And most important this color matched the W116 body shape. The car also had none MB quality alloy wheels, but they too matched with this color. The previous owner in Japan knew well how to make a car look good. I am also not a fan of aftermarket gaudy fittings, but this was an exception! The shades I will look at are: 268 dark green, 825 deep green, 875 mango green, and I will also keep in mind 876 cypress green and 870 nickle green.
In the last few years Yoko Ono Lennon's 300TD was on eBay she had the color changed to MB light ivory. I didn't find out what it finally sold for but I thought that when John gave it to his wife she said that she wanted it a different color and the dealer had it "changed" rather than getting a different one. Oh shoot... I was a little dru... Anyway I wonder what it sold for
On my SL I changed the interior color. After the fact, I realized I didn’t take good advice on choice of products. In other words they may be considered cheaper quality. The doors have faded from red to pink on the top side. So I tell people the truth so they can be well informed on their decision. I regret what I did with the choice of products, not the actual color change. It transformed the car and looks stunning IMO. But I’m a bit eccentric anyway, so it goes with my style. I’ve had a few offers for sale with people begging me to sell it to them offering $20K three or more times. 🤷🏼♀️ Maybe I should have taken the money and ran? Bought a few more at that price.
Mercedes Classic with Pierre Hedary hmmm I’ve been researching that. There’s a spray paint on Amazon, not Rustoleom (bad choice- I know from experience). www.amazon.com/Products-15173-Camel-Color-Coat/dp/B00PH6MOYW ‘Supposed’ to be good according to the forums, which I’ve seen bad advice- ok for the shade tree guy- but not professional enough. There’s a dye you can get from a company called Leatherique- they say on their tutorials you can use it on the interior- idk if vinyl or leather. **I’m so disgusted with my SL’s door skins I was going to buy leather and make one from a furniture repair source I know in Baltimore. ** I don’t have the experience to know what choice is best. I know Rustoleum sucks big time....
I am rocking a factory two tone SL. Green on green on green, and it would be a sin for that car to be anything other than that period correct color. The paint is not great, but it is original and buffs out fine.
I think it’s ok to keep it the factory color. But then maybe personalize it and add a few flakes for a sparkly paint that looks factory. So factory with your own twist (:
Disagree strongly. I have a w123 painted it British racing green. Looks FANTASTIC!!!! Cant drive it too many places without somebody asking if its for sale. Also, are you saying that you shouldnt strip every molecule of that horrible GOLD color??? PLEASE
agree with you. mine had to be stripped, no way round it, and I hate the dull red it was originally painted, so its getting a paint job. why not have it how YOU like it
@@mercedesclassicswithpierre1753 I can understand your point. You are a purist. One thing very worrying about a repainted car is how professional is the job. Did they disassemble or just mask? But when you have 30+ yr old cars the likelihood of a respray is high so how many "survivors" are there really? I dont see color as an integral part of what a classic Mercedes is at heart. I think its the engineering, quality of materials and parts. I certainly wouldnt put a Chevy 350 in a 300d. But painting it a more appealing color? (mine was gold) ABSOLUTELY! We can differ on what color is best but surely we can agree gold is a shit color for a car. Unless you are Goldfinger, of course.
I laughed pretty hard when you told the loyalists to "put those who disagree in their place" OMG that was hilarious lol. Tell us how you really feel Pierre!!! XD The part though about how the color the car was manufactured with (sorry, cars simply are NOT born lol) is part of it's innate character, and it's soul... well, wow. Must say that's the first time I've heard that one.
I changed a car colour once, and won't do it again unless it's a rotisserie restoration, which I'm too cheap for. I would personally stick with an original colour from that manufacturer, even if not from that year. A neighbour is trying to sell a nice Fiat spider, but painted it a god-awful burgundy after a good body job; no one wants it in that colour.
Pierre I completely agree with you about preserving a cars original color. I had debated many times on whether I should take my original gold painted W126 And change it to my signature color. Or preserve the original paint and just wrap it. This is a car I don’t ever plan on selling and I truly want to enjoy it during the time I have left on earth. So I think I have decided To change its color.
A sense of "entitlement" for changing the color of a vehicle you OWN? Getting bent up about that is like getting upset because your neighbor made Coq au Vin for dinner but deviated from the classical way in his preparation. It's his dinner. It's the business of nobody else. Even Ferrari guys sometimes change the color of a car they purchase--Steve McQueen did--and Mercedes has produced about ONE BILLION more cars than Ferrari. These things aren't sacred cows. They're cars. And the RIGHT OF OWNERSHIP absolutely "entitles" you to make it whatever color you like. Especially if you have carried out a sympathetic, correct restoration on a vehicle and saved it from the scrap heap. You spent YOUR money on YOUR car, you ought to at least like lookin' at it. This sense of "divinity" about old Mercedes has become just downright weird. Unfortunately, I'm gonna unsubscribe.
You know what, I painfully have to agree with you. But for goodness sakes I have been restoring this 1981 300SD in PASTEL BEIGE for the last five years. It has been in our family for 40 years. And, of all the colors out there it is to me, the most bland boring and borderline numbing color for a car, for any car in fact. I look at the color as the manifestation of arthritis and erectile dysfunction combined. The car is currently a shell and would be painted thoroughly as such, door jambs window frames etc. It will be converted to Euro Gen2 specs with complete and near mint Palomino interior with a Gen 2 Euro SEC front, AMG kit and W140 glass sunroof. Would it really hurt too much to just make the thing silver after all this effort? But I do respect and understand your view however. I just honestly hate the color that much. You mention viewing the color as its character and this I totally agree. Yet, at the same time I view this color I have as a car which always needed to be painted, viewed it as such since I was a kid. No, I mean literally since I was 6 years old. Now, give me your honest opinion Pierre or anyone out there. Its Pastel Beige man, even grandpa would have gotten tired of it......I want it to be silver, Tunis beige, smoke silver or even Estoril Blue crystal, all of which are OE MBZ colors.....
Hmmmm, I sort of understand you. Beige is not my favorite color either, and paired with Palomino, I don't see them going together so well. I think if it was me, I would probably think about an interior color change first. I know, this could be bland too, but beige and off white would be my choice, although I think I saw a MB with a dark red/burgundy interior and beige exterior. It wasn't offensive to me. My chart for MB colors isn't with me right now, but I know there is one that would look great. It would need to have a little brown in it I think. I remember seeing a classic Jaguar, where the exterior was a rich wine color, and the interior and soft top was this blue, that I can not describe. Would I have thought to combine those colors? No, is it original? No idea. But I can tell you it gave me chills when I saw it! It was a beautiful combination. The blue upholstery had this deep luster to it, very elegant. All having to do with just the right hues in the colors used. Maybe something to think about?
BAT had a 280 with a 6.3 engine conversion...how do you feel about these types of changes? I think it went over 60000$. Where would one go to find a 6.3 in the first place!!
i saw the 220se. that car needed a lot of work. I would not recommend a 6.3 conversion w/o air suspension. thus being said a number of 300se/c with 6.3 engines were built by AMG. That's what i would want.
Mercedes Classic with Pierre Hedary, your argument does not really hold tight because AMG started out as a bunch of guys hot - rodding Mercedes to wring more power out of the cars than the factory offered in the first place. Don't get me wrong, I love both Classic Mercedes and their AMG variants, but AMG was just a German version of Carroll Shelby, etc.
Im not going to categorically disagree, but here are a few examples I’ve owned, two I still own. ... My biggest question car: 430H w108 280se 4.5 with sunroof. ua-cam.com/video/IQx5SEhnmF4/v-deo.html Also this car, 1973 450sl, believe was an improvement from its original 717 papyrus white color. I didn’t find any white on the car until I pulled up the rear parcel shelf. I was probably dumb to sell the 72,000 mile car for $8500, even if it was a reconstructed title. Best condition 107 I’ve ever owned (when I sold it). ua-cam.com/video/RuAlAJJFK8c/v-deo.html UA-cam playlist: ua-cam.com/play/PLKDwdyP9Nwd0OjTnIeRzs2RpHg9rgYSeI.html And I will not try to argue that a dark blue leather interior and silver blue exterior is any better than the moss green color scheme that was original to my SLC Convertible: ua-cam.com/video/A1Y2eUqQH1w/v-deo.html
My 1973 450 SLC is signal red. The color was changed from the original metallic gray. The prominent female in my life likes the signal red. Whatta ya gonna do? LOL
As others have said, Im torn here! I want to restore my w114 sedan the best way possible but the original colour was so ugly to me! note: mine is far from a show car, lots of rusty metal replaced and has surface rust under paint and new welded panels, so needed completely stripped. Ive TRIED to love the old English red but I just HATE it. In principle I agree with Pierre on most what he's saying but I think the "arrogant entitled idiot" statements are too much, these are utilitarian , mass produced, somewhat humble sedan cars not faberge eggs or picassos! And you could choose your colour from the factory, they simply stamped a plate with a code! I believe you have the right to change the colour, but I DO THINK IT SHOULD BE ORIGINAL Mercedes period colour. Flame me all day but I've given it a lot of thought so... The last thing to say is: My car was dismantled and the owner was almost definitely going to part it out, I flew form Northern Ireland to Southern England to get this thing and Brought it back 600ish miles as there is probably 3 of these in my country. Can you see my dilemma???!
i think of it this way: 1. few people are really truly restoring w114s 2. there are already a lot of inauthentic, cut rate restorations out there with color changes, even engine swaps, etc. 3. the real value in the work of restoring a specific car is to represent it as it is supposed to be, not "as you wish it was." 4. sometimes being the steward of a project like this involves going against ones preferences. 5. the entitlement comment still rings true here. you think that because you are doing the work to restore your 280e, you deserve the right to pick its color. But a car's color is one of the things that makes it unique. For example, a certain Mercedes might be prized for its options, or its history, but the right color can enhance this effect even more. the fact your car is such a fascinating color- english red- adds to its allure regardless of whether you like it or not. I have seen so many color changed cars, and when i look at their color codes and find that they were an interesting color, like moss green or cayenne orange, and someone has changed them to a color that "they liked more" its comes off as a sad thing, as the restored car is less authentic and less unique in the end. The chances of it being sought out and preserved by an enthusiast decrease, as does its resale value. 6. let's say i discovered your 280E 30 years from now sitting in a barn somewhere. It's silver or some other ridiculous color, and then i find the color tag stating it was born an english red car. I would feel nothing but immense sadness and disappointment seeing that such a special color had not been preserved by the restorer. Let the car be what it is, Jamie. Just because you found it a wreck does not make it any less of a car. If you are going to restore it, do it the best way possible. it is never a bad idea to err towards the authentic.
@@THIRSTYGUMS every new mercedes on the planet is some shade of silver. the color has lost its mystique. it used to be a miracle of engineering...now it does nothing for me. I know so many idiots who have painted the w113s silver, for example, "trying to make them more valuable.". It's one thing if the car was silver from new, of course, which was less common in the fifties, sixties and even approaching the end of the seventies. SO a real silver w113 or w109 is cool. but when you paint a car silver "because you like it" or to "enhance its visual and commercial appeal", you need some therapy.
Jamie Thompson, it is your car and you have to live with it. Make it how you like it. I had an Ivory 220 S Ponton that was stolen and returned in Signal Red. EVERYONE loved the car in red and I eventually got much more for it when I sold it. Also, it was my daily driver and my neighbour used to complain bitterly that the car belonged in a museum. Guess what? I enjoyed driving that car regularly, going to the beach in it, all over. In the end, it is just a transportation tool, it does not have a soul and it is going to end up in the scrapyard - eventually. I love cars and have a string of them, but they are just cars and I would never put then above people. Change the colour and enjoy it while you have it. Best wishes from South Africa. PS, I am going to change the colour of my Ivory W116 350 SE to one of the classic, vibrant Mercedes colours of the 1970s.
Most benz colors are nice but if you got one of those God Awful colors Benz has released in the past why not!? My 86 500sec (its a euro model) was originally champagne code 473 but the original onwer had it repainted to Diamond Metallic Blue code 355 and with the palomino interior it looks so freaking good people constantly compliment my car sometimes a color change can be a good thing if done right. 😎
@@mercedesclassicswithpierre1753 Hi Pierre love your channel I got a question for you I own a 93(w124) a 93(W140) and a 95( R129 ) is there an aftermarket scanner you can recommend for using to service my vehicles that's decent and wont cost me an arm and a leg?
you are basically stuck with one option: an aftermarket star diagnostic system from ebay. the original scanner was called "the handheld tester" and was strictly sold within mercedes, but finding one of these is hard. The star diagnostic systems come with a simulated HHT module, but you have to work with laptop/cables, etc
Simple as that. I agree with you man. Has things that we should not change in a Mercedes. Some things tell buyers history about the car. Color, interiors, engine code. "Matching numbers" you know?
I'm feeling entitled, changing the color of my "new" $800 '88 300CE soon from boring sun faded gold to Porsche Oslo Blue. it's going to be bitching! :) My 300SE and 300CD will stay all original, the 300CE is my hooptie, saved from the dead and is going to be the canyon carver.
well, maybe you need to see what it looked like with its original paint. this is a mistake so many people make- they don;t realize how beautiful the originals were.
I’m always suspicious of a colour change My first question is why Whats lurking beneath Unless it’s a bare metal respray you can generally find bits of the original colour Personally the colour the car is born with is the colour it should stay
Which of mercedes colour isn't beautiful? Changing colour is an old trick, it's to distract the buyer, the salesman will tell you very nice story and the reason why the previous owner changed the colour but never mentions the serious accident!!!
i think its not neccessarily so, Alex. In your case Jamie i understand the root issue is that you are trying to "unkill" the car. but regardless, the color is what it is.
When you take out all the trim work and all other plastic stuff that became with time less elastic your chances to destroy the original parts is so big that in the end you will kill the car. Also once you change the color the next best thing will be to “upgrade” the sound and make a lot of holes that will further deteriorate the cars interior. So buy a car with the color you want and accept the age and technology of the car. You don’t need to improve anything on an old mercedes. There is AMG for that :)
@@alexandru_mateescu I see what your saying, in my case the car was already dismantled. Of course everybody is in different circumstances. You guys out in California, Texas, Arizona etc can pick and choose. likewise here in Europe we have Spanish and Italian cars unrusted but you might as well bring one from Mars with the amount of money and hassle it takes to get it on UK roads. In A perfect world I would buy one that is unrusted and complete and in the colour I like and totally original but that is a whole different ball game from what is realistically available in my part of the world. Also I'm not a rich man so
Changing the colour on an automobile is just an idiot move. Only an arrogant bum would do it, some decent soul will have to fix their arrogant choice to bastardize in the future. And this this type of person should only buy and drive vehicles with 1 million of production, in other words, JUNK !!! (Code for mass produced and not hand built vehicles for the nubes)
I totally agree .
Having said , I'm a sucker for silver, black or white benzes
I couldn't live with a mustard or yellow one , I'd have to vinyl wrap it
thank goodness they made plenty of cars in the colors you love!
OMG, I just mentioned that in my post. Mustard yellow just doesn't resonate with me so I would keep looking. Now, a (butter yellow) if there is such thing is stunning. It is like the ivory with more saturation.
I totally agree with you. Paint color as much as engine is part of the DNA of a Merc.
I think keep the same color is best
Honest opinions as usual from Pierre that's a rare thing on UA-cam great video as always
Very much agreed. I don't really like the channels that seem to sometimes be "pandering for subscribers" or whatever. You clearly have an opinion, let's hear it!
You are accurate and honest....I was going to change my 107's color but not now.
Saying it like it as! Thank you! Even the boring or “ugly” colors look great on a classic Mercedes if the Mercedes is pristine! Take a white w123- a relatively boring combo but restore it to perfection and you have a sight to behold!
I totally agree, especially because there will be always a small spot that will be left with its original color because it has a hard access for painting.
exactly.
I totally agree... Mercedes cars should ONLY be the colors they started life with!
Long Live English Red & Caledonia Green
Agree. Most of the Mercedes colors are great. The champagne metallics are about the only color I would consider worthy of changing. All the great vibrant 70’s colors should be left alone. I admire your passion for the cars. It is evident that for you these cars are far more than just a business.
i love both of my champagne cars!!
@@mercedesclassicswithpierre1753 I think that the 190 and the 124 look great in these colors.
Agreed! There is a unique quality to them.
Agree with ‘the color is part of its soul’. If you don’t like it, move on, respecting the soul you left behind.
Pierre, regarding color changes, I am with you as I was brought up restoring everything we did was return whatever it was to how it was ordered by its original owner's experience of exhilaration when he/she brought it to its home where it was appreciated for all those features that made it so much fun "to want" & then even more "to have"! Not an ounce of customizing allowed in this house! PHEW! John
well, you were raised right!!
Really glad you discussed this topic, since much of my w126 is going to require a exterior paint with all the dings & scratches the outer finish has. You cemented what I was kinda thinking anyway. Just hope I can find someone to closely match what the original hue was, as I've found that even with all the equipment and technology at their fingertips there are still minor issues with color matching. Have a great week my friend.
I agree Pierre. It Always puts me off if a car I am buying has had anything but the original color and patina. Great video
Short and to the point. Good stuff. There are MB colors I like more than others. The only color that comes to mind that I truly don't like is a mustard yellow 107 I saw (I don't know the code). So, I would keep looking, not buy and change the color. I tend to like many of the classic car colors because they have a certain character to them, the shade or tint of the color is everything. It helps distinguish them from the new cars. Thanks Pierre!
Totally agree. Never ever considered giving my 109 a different colour than HIS 387 of 1970 after resto😉
which is what color?
medium blue metallic, which is gorgeous
Although I pretty much always agree with you, as long as it's a high quality paint job in a decent color that isn't obnoxious I have no issue with it.
Your absolutely right about color change...
thank you
Just found your channel. Really like your passion for these old cars!
I was waiting for a video about this Pierre. Thanks. I totally agree.
be my enforcer, Jack!
Pierre showing some skin
I was wondering when someone would mention his gut. I love his unselfconsciousness. 👍😄
1980 450SL- I restored the paint with buffing compounds (Meguiars 105 Ultra-cut compound followed with Meguiars 205 ultra finishing polish) and got the car from ‘beige’ to a lovely glowing light yellow. I used a Harbor Freight 6” rotary polisher and foam pads.
When I bought the car it said beige on the listing! It’s now glowing light yellow and gorgeous! It does have deep scratches I cannot remove. If anyone has ideas or UA-cam suggestions I’m all ears!
P.S. while I was at it I did the SEL as well!
i could use your help on this brown 280sl I am sorting!
Mercedes Classic with Pierre Hedary If you’d hire me I’d be there!
My 1973 350 SLC came from the factory in 462 Tunis Beige metallic clear coat.
Some time in its life, it has been painted white. Looks nice with the red interior but not classic MB original.
I have a mission that it will be painted in its original colour ready for its 50th birthday.
Big job but she deserves it.
that's awesome!!! 462 is wonderful! how is it running?
@@mercedesclassicswithpierre1753 Hi Pierre. It is running fine with the new trigger points. I am still looking for an old harness with the socket that the trigger points cable plug connects to but it is running. Thanks again.
I don't see a problem with It, nor do I see a problem with changing wheels. If it's done tastefully
Just make sure to see Pierre's video on wheels...aftermarket wheels (if considering them) can create issues for the suspension.
I agree to a point. I purchased a 1983 300TD in Champagne for $800. Some rust, but the engine was toast. As I couldn't find a good OM617 to put back in I put a OM603. I haven't yet, but I will be doing a color change to Desert Red.
Color change to keep the car on the road should be acceptable. If the car has a soul and I change the engine to keep it on the road, color can change as well.
And I think it a bit odd that you'd talk about soul, and then mention resale devaluation.
Iv had success changing the color to my 1986 Mercedes 300E it was navy blue and I had it painted jet black and it looked beautiful 🖤 👌 swapped parts from a 1995 300E like bumpers interior and side moldings then I sold it and I regret it 😭😭😭 the car was one of the best 300E ever seen
I agree I love my dark blue 300D. I think its 904.
I completely agreed.
Agree completely! "Sacred" is the word for "the color the car was born with".. Your passionate eloquence made me laugh; I feel just as strongly. And yes, someone who changes the car's color will do other tasteless mods as we ll.
Thinking of changing the colour of the bumpers and bottom of doors from grey pearl metallic to black on my 420sel your thoughts
I'd be interested in your thoughts on repainting in general (original color).
It's a car. I keep mine factory color. But I know many the painted their Mercedes different colors. I seen them sell for the same if not more. Its really up to the person. I personally love my Lapis Blue Poly 1982 380SEC.
not all of us are so lucky to have a lapis blue SEC!!!!
@@mercedesclassicswithpierre1753 I was lucky to acquire this through a family friend. Has all books and maintenance records since new even the $53,468 window sticker. Was originally purchased in 1982 in Atlanta Ga. When the lady became to old to drive she parked it in her garage. It sat for 3 years. I bought it, changed the fuel pump. Filter and accumulator, replaced the distributor, cap and rotor button, plugs and wires. Runs like a dream. Even has the double roller timing chain conversion done which was a issue in the early 80's with Mercedes.
I was considering a Lapis Blue 380SEL, beautiful car, but it was just too big of a car for my preference right now.
Can't agree totally. If your car needs painted why not change it to another period mercedes colour?
cause it isn;t what came on the car.
@@mercedesclassicswithpierre1753 I know! but still...
I WOULDNT CHANGE MY CARS COLOR .. I WOULDNT CHANGE PIeRRE at all he is a perfect specimen and a Mercedes savant at that !!! Lt ivory is the best but all other colors are exceptable
I love the 108 in Light Ivory
How can I find the exact paint match? I just bought a 1972 350SL Green with white interior.
How would I best restore my Mercedes color true to the paint composition it was made?
I’m actually kind of torn by this one. When someone owns something he is within his right to do whatever he pleases with it. However, I do think people who own these cars are acting their best when they are working to restore the cars to their best and keep them there. So - where do I land? The better the condition the original the more it seems appropriate to keep it the way it is. Also, the rarer the car, the more faithful to the original the restorer should aim for. However, while I appreciate Pierre’s point, if someone restores a car from the ground up that needs new paint, new interior etc. I think he or she should feel free to chose an appropriate color for the model and year and restore it as if he were ordering it new from the factory with correct colors and options but not necessarily the same as originally on that specific car.
thank you.
I've gone back and read the comments - all of them - on this thread, including the replies. And I have changed my mind. I fully concur with Pierre. For a Mercedes, if one is going to the trouble and expense of restoring it, the best thing is to put it back to its original configuration, paint and all - to the same standard of finish and quality of materials. As much as anything, it's a matter of history. We don't go back and try to "improve" the works of F. Scott Fitzgerald. Not that every Mercedes was a work of art just that they are what they are and appreciating them for that and preserving them for the next ones to come along is a worthy pursuit. I like to imagine that the first owner of my car (sadly I don't know about this) was a man about my age who had worked a life time to purchase this machine. In a way, by keeping my car original, I'm preserving his hopes and ambitions as much as the color of the car. Perhaps that's something of what Pierre is getting at.
The mercedes guru !
Pierre, great content as always! I was thinking about a scenario that might justify this. What would your opinion be if someone purchased a running project with a trashed interior, seats need recovered, carpet needs replaced, maybe a door panel is missing, etc.. Now, you run into a good, original bamboo interior for sale, but the car in question had cream interior, originally. Would aftermarket seat covers, carpet, etc., in the correct cream color be less blasphemous than replacing with original Mercedes items, (though the color is no longer original)? This is purely hypothetical, but a conundrum I could see presenting itself at some point in the future. Obviously, this situation ignores exterior color change because I simply can't think of any justifiable reason to change exterior color. Thanks for all that you do, and keep up the great work!
well, interior is reversible. much easier than color.
In "72 I bought my first Mercedes, a '69 250 in "Horizon Blue". I was lukewarm about the color until twilight worked magic on that MB factory paint. So, I get it. I now own a '63 190 SL which was originally "Medium Blue" (nothing magic) that has been repainted DB50 White (OK, with original red interior) by the previous (2nd) owner and now needs new paint. What to do, what to do?
I think you are absolutely right, oryginal is always the best, besides each time I see a repainted car it is in a silly shade or metallic that never have been used by mercedes. I tend to say that once you personalize the car with a repaint you loose at least half of the value.
its true!!
Iv has success with a color change and it was beautiful it was a navy blue 1986 300E but the color was fading so I painted it JET BLACK 🖤 I also bought a 1995 300E and swapped interior so I took the black inside and added it to the 1986 so it was black on black 🖤🖤 bumpers were changed side moldings was added .. then I sold it before moving to Florida and I regret it till this day!! 😩😩😩 it was so classy Iv had offers left and right ... car sold no problems .. so I say it depends what color you change it too ⚫️⚪️🔵🔴☑️
Great content! Thanks for putting it out there. Put me in the agree column! I was just at a concurs in Michigan and there was a lovely XK120. It wasn't my favorite color but the owner resisted the change to a more popular color during the resto..(and got some flak over it)..you could FEEL that car's soul from a mile away!
Love this dude
No fucks given
Just an honest opinion
Rock n roll
I was never a big fan of Classic Mercedes Benz cars painted in various Yellow tones. My first w116 300sd was Maple Yellow in color. I was never really happy about the color but the car ran amazing so I kept it. At the time, I preferred the Silver and Anthracite colors but those were hard to find. Ask me today what my favorite MB color is....yup...All of the Yellow tones. My opinion, don't buy a Mercedes Benz if you intend to change the original color. Wait for the right color to come around. Keep it original.
yes its much easier. funny how we start to appreciate things later on as our tastes change
I'm in 2 camps here. Mercedes deserve to be saved, loved, and restored. Now color preferences have changed a bit in 30+ years but chances are, if your into these older cars, you may have the older preferences too. Now I'm currently redoing my 1989 560 sel. It's rust free and is silver on blue. Low options though and it needs everything. Now I bought it because of the colors! Sadly it was repainted in some sections repairing sun faded roof and hood parts. Suspension and engine where neglected along with a failing transmission. I'm restoring it but I'm also adding all the options and some other custom oem bits that I would have ordered if new. I feel that the usa cars where deprived of the European goodness when shipped here and therefore giving the car what it deserves. I will repaint it and keep it the same silver, and take everything apart to do it right. So unless it's a low milage queen, I'd say go ahead and do some European upgrades and stay true to the car as bruno sacco and Stuttgart intended for these cars
i think some of the european stuff is great...simply a matter of preference
@@mercedesclassicswithpierre1753 and soon add the trip computer to the list of things added to my 560. Finally found a set on ebay
I would agree wholeheartedly to change the colour of the vehicle is inherently wrong, mainly because you are completely changing its DNA, and also its value because originality in a classic is worth every penny. My question however would be where do you stand on respraying a car, obviously if the bodywork is completely shot it needs to be resprayed, but what if the bodywork is actually not too bad but has a few scratches and chips here and there and maybe some poor scratch repair and scuffed bumpers?
i think its better to repaint a car if the paint it totally ruined than let the body deteriorate further
cars don't have DNA, its just paint, the paint on mine was trashed, panels were replaced and rust was creeping underneath, I've stripped it all off and I want it piano black... why not/ its already got new metal welded and so on
Pierre Hedary This video came at a perfect time I am putting my 1987 in the paint shop in a couple of weeks. I did some body upgrades by putting in euro head lights put a 1995 hood/grill bumper, the side panels fenders. funny thing is the hood is white the fenders are black LOL bumper is white. and the color it was born with is the light ivory. I am going to have it painted that color (623U) It will be stripped down to bare metal so I think it will look super good when it is done clear coat mixed in with the paint. My mechanic also said that about color change. it decreases the value of the car and if you do have to do the engine bay etc.
623 was rare after 1985, which makes me respect your decision even more. please email me pictures when you are done painting it!!!
@@mercedesclassicswithpierre1753 Pierre Yes I will just give me a email or some place where I can send you pictures of the new paint. I will take some before pictures and afters also :) My mechanic said to keep the same color cause it takes away from the value of the car.
Do you have the same opinion on changing a classical white car to something more interesting that's also a period correct color? It just looks like it has absolutely no character in this color.
You sound like my missus. I better not tell you that I'm planning on changing mine to two tone midnight blue with a white roof. But that's going to be after I replace the interior and lower it onto some new spoke rims XD
lol!
I don't know where I fit in, because I was thinking of repainting my hood and front fenders(same color SHWARTZ BLACK) which has some dings from previous owner or owners. I'm the 3rd owner. Hood and fenders have too many paint chips would be easier to repaint hood and both fenders and then use one of those crystal sealers and or transparent film to protect from future paint chips. But as someone said a you will lose some value. Unless of course i document it with before and after pics if I later decide to sell the car. (which I doubt I will)
sometimes paintwork just has to be done to preserve the car. that sounds like the case here.
What about removing pinstripes?
Agreed! Love my Lt Ivory
its a great color!!
The original paint will generally outlast a color change because of the quality of paint. My 1981 Mercedes 240d has the original color and overall the paint is still in excellent condition. Look at the paint on many newer cars and the paint is often times coming off because the quality of paint is not the same. That alone should discourage one from changing the color.
excellent point . this is true esp. with the "plain" colors.
OMG, I can attest to that. My TD Wagon fell victim to this. I didn't do enough homework. It won't happen again now that I have met Pierre!
Hey there Pierre, I was wondering, what about getting a layer of paint off so you can get to the original colour underneath ? I have a w123 2 door coupe that was Cabernet red ( MB color code 587 ) and it was painted over with white.
Thats a damn shame. Ive got a 300cd too
UGHHHH, how could that happen?
Hi Pierre, my 1989 280S (W116) was sort of dark green which I had never seen in MB before. I once asked a painter for its paint code and he told me it was "Green 1989". The car was a left hand drive import from Japan, very immaculate. This colour shade is not from the standard colours and the car really stood out. Could you tell me if you can identify this green shade. Thank you.
well, he gave you the wrong color code, thats for sure.the greens were: 291 dark olive, 834 moss green, 268 dark green, 825 deep green, 870 nickel green, 875 mango green, 876 cypress green, 860 mercedes green. these were all used from about 1975 to 1979.
@@mercedesclassicswithpierre1753 Thank you, I will check these out. The car really stood out, often I would get asked by people in town, gas stations, if I was selling it. And most important this color matched the W116 body shape. The car also had none MB quality alloy wheels, but they too matched with this color. The previous owner in Japan knew well how to make a car look good. I am also not a fan of aftermarket gaudy fittings, but this was an exception!
The shades I will look at are: 268 dark green, 825 deep green, 875 mango green, and I will also keep in mind 876 cypress green and 870 nickle green.
In the last few years Yoko Ono Lennon's 300TD was on eBay she had the color changed to MB light ivory. I didn't find out what it finally sold for but I thought that when John gave it to his wife she said that she wanted it a different color and the dealer had it "changed" rather than getting a different one. Oh shoot... I was a little dru... Anyway I wonder what it sold for
On my SL I changed the interior color. After the fact, I realized I didn’t take good advice on choice of products. In other words they may be considered cheaper quality. The doors have faded from red to pink on the top side. So I tell people the truth so they can be well informed on their decision. I regret what I did with the choice of products, not the actual color change. It transformed the car and looks stunning IMO. But I’m a bit eccentric anyway, so it goes with my style.
I’ve had a few offers for sale with people begging me to sell it to them offering $20K three or more times. 🤷🏼♀️ Maybe I should have taken the money and ran? Bought a few more at that price.
i need to do a video on interior dyes....thank you for reminding me.
Mercedes Classic with Pierre Hedary hmmm I’ve been researching that. There’s a spray paint on Amazon, not Rustoleom (bad choice- I know from experience).
www.amazon.com/Products-15173-Camel-Color-Coat/dp/B00PH6MOYW
‘Supposed’ to be good according to the forums, which I’ve seen bad advice- ok for the shade tree guy- but not professional enough.
There’s a dye you can get from a company called Leatherique- they say on their tutorials you can use it on the interior- idk if vinyl or leather.
**I’m so disgusted with my SL’s door skins I was going to buy leather and make one from a furniture repair source I know in Baltimore.
** I don’t have the experience to know what choice is best. I know Rustoleum sucks big time....
Well there goes my plan of dropping a Cummins into my 85 TD. ;) LOL
My favourite Mercedes paint colours are thistle green and 905L midnight blue.
Add your suggestions below
568 signal red, 304 horizon blue, 904 dark blue
My father had a 300 CD Turbo....thistle Green. Beautiful!
888 Teal Blue Metallic!
I am rocking a factory two tone SL. Green on green on green, and it would be a sin for that car to be anything other than that period correct color. The paint is not great, but it is original and buffs out fine.
that's awesome!!!
I think it’s ok to keep it the factory color. But then maybe personalize it and add a few flakes for a sparkly paint that looks factory. So factory with your own twist (:
metal flake .....in mercedes paint? never!
Ummm, NO, not ever!
Disagree strongly. I have a w123 painted it British racing green. Looks FANTASTIC!!!! Cant drive it too many places without somebody asking if its for sale.
Also, are you saying that you shouldnt strip every molecule of that horrible GOLD color??? PLEASE
i love champagne metallic. Also, BRG looks good to you but it is not being true to the car.
agree with you. mine had to be stripped, no way round it, and I hate the dull red it was originally painted, so its getting a paint job. why not have it how YOU like it
@@mercedesclassicswithpierre1753 I can understand your point. You are a purist. One thing very worrying about a repainted car is how professional is the job. Did they disassemble or just mask? But when you have 30+ yr old cars the likelihood of a respray is high so how many "survivors" are there really? I dont see color as an integral part of what a classic Mercedes is at heart. I think its the engineering, quality of materials and parts. I certainly wouldnt put a Chevy 350 in a 300d. But painting it a more appealing color? (mine was gold) ABSOLUTELY! We can differ on what color is best but surely we can agree gold is a shit color for a car. Unless you are Goldfinger, of course.
@@mrbombastic2485 Completely disagree the gold used on the w123's, w116's, w126's, w124's was a beautiful colour
@@colmfarrel4742 good luck on trying to steal the gold in Fort Knox. And say "hi" to pussy galore for me.
If you paint take it apart do it right usually i leave it alone
Can you tell me where if not from you I can find the top windshield trim? the sides are there but the top center is missing.
Did you try Mercedes Benz Classic Center 1-866-62-5277? Pierre may know some better sources.
Yes really expensive was hoping for used or redone
what model?
Sorry duh it’s a 1982 500SL
I laughed pretty hard when you told the loyalists to "put those who disagree in their place" OMG that was hilarious lol. Tell us how you really feel Pierre!!! XD
The part though about how the color the car was manufactured with (sorry, cars simply are NOT born lol) is part of it's innate character, and it's soul... well, wow. Must say that's the first time I've heard that one.
thank you.
I changed a car colour once, and won't do it again unless it's a rotisserie restoration, which I'm too cheap for.
I would personally stick with an original colour from that manufacturer, even if not from that year.
A neighbour is trying to sell a nice Fiat spider, but painted it a god-awful burgundy after a good body job; no one wants it in that colour.
I agree 100%, but don't agree with your fashion statement 😁
Yes. Middle aged men in crop tops? Takes a little away from the content. Ha.
Don’t give a shit honest opinion is good.
Never try to change the skin you’re in ! Mercedes has had some hideous colours over the years but original is always best .
Pierre I completely agree with you about preserving a cars original color. I had debated many times on whether I should take my original gold painted W126 And change it to my signature color. Or preserve the original paint and just wrap it. This is a car I don’t ever plan on selling and I truly want to enjoy it during the time I have left on earth. So I think I have decided To change its color.
I’m restoring a 1960 220Sb and I don’t like at all it’s original color, medium red. I’m thinking in 172 anthracite grey
A sense of "entitlement" for changing the color of a vehicle you OWN? Getting bent up about that is like getting upset because your neighbor made Coq au Vin for dinner but deviated from the classical way in his preparation. It's his dinner. It's the business of nobody else. Even Ferrari guys sometimes change the color of a car they purchase--Steve McQueen did--and Mercedes has produced about ONE BILLION more cars than Ferrari. These things aren't sacred cows. They're cars. And the RIGHT OF OWNERSHIP absolutely "entitles" you to make it whatever color you like. Especially if you have carried out a sympathetic, correct restoration on a vehicle and saved it from the scrap heap. You spent YOUR money on YOUR car, you ought to at least like lookin' at it. This sense of "divinity" about old Mercedes has become just downright weird. Unfortunately, I'm gonna unsubscribe.
haha Dave....
Agree its just a car and its just a coat of paint.
is it?
Not an issue worth unsubscribing.
it depends on the porpuse, if it is made for business, is bad idea other wise if is only for u and the car is from cero, i think is ok
Great Info , What about changing interior color is that a huge sin
i still think original is best but interiors are more easily reversed
You know what, I painfully have to agree with you. But for goodness sakes I have been restoring this 1981 300SD in PASTEL BEIGE for the last five years. It has been in our family for 40 years. And, of all the colors out there it is to me, the most bland boring and borderline numbing color for a car, for any car in fact. I look at the color as the manifestation of arthritis and erectile dysfunction combined. The car is currently a shell and would be painted thoroughly as such, door jambs window frames etc. It will be converted to Euro Gen2 specs with complete and near mint Palomino interior with a Gen 2 Euro SEC front, AMG kit and W140 glass sunroof. Would it really hurt too much to just make the thing silver after all this effort? But I do respect and understand your view however. I just honestly hate the color that much. You mention viewing the color as its character and this I totally agree. Yet, at the same time I view this color I have as a car which always needed to be painted, viewed it as such since I was a kid. No, I mean literally since I was 6 years old. Now, give me your honest opinion Pierre or anyone out there. Its Pastel Beige man, even grandpa would have gotten tired of it......I want it to be silver, Tunis beige, smoke silver or even Estoril Blue crystal, all of which are OE MBZ colors.....
Hmmmm, I sort of understand you. Beige is not my favorite color either, and paired with Palomino, I don't see them going together so well. I think if it was me, I would probably think about an interior color change first. I know, this could be bland too, but beige and off white would be my choice, although I think I saw a MB with a dark red/burgundy interior and beige exterior. It wasn't offensive to me. My chart for MB colors isn't with me right now, but I know there is one that would look great. It would need to have a little brown in it I think.
I remember seeing a classic Jaguar, where the exterior was a rich wine color, and the interior and soft top was this blue, that I can not describe. Would I have thought to combine those colors? No, is it original? No idea. But I can tell you it gave me chills when I saw it! It was a beautiful combination. The blue upholstery had this deep luster to it, very elegant. All having to do with just the right hues in the colors used. Maybe something to think about?
BAT had a 280 with a 6.3 engine conversion...how do you feel about these types of changes? I think it went over 60000$. Where would one go to find a 6.3 in the first place!!
i saw the 220se. that car needed a lot of work. I would not recommend a 6.3 conversion w/o air suspension. thus being said a number of 300se/c with 6.3 engines were built by AMG. That's what i would want.
Mercedes Classic with Pierre Hedary, your argument does not really hold tight because AMG started out as a bunch of guys hot - rodding Mercedes to wring more power out of the cars than the factory offered in the first place. Don't get me wrong, I love both Classic Mercedes and their AMG variants, but AMG was just a German version of Carroll Shelby, etc.
If I would really like a car and wanted to buy her but if she was black, I had only one choice: change colour!
most of the mercedes from this era are not black
Im not going to categorically disagree, but here are a few examples I’ve owned, two I still own. ...
My biggest question car: 430H w108 280se 4.5 with sunroof.
ua-cam.com/video/IQx5SEhnmF4/v-deo.html
Also this car, 1973 450sl, believe was an improvement from its original 717 papyrus white color. I didn’t find any white on the car until I pulled up the rear parcel shelf. I was probably dumb to sell the 72,000 mile car for $8500, even if it was a reconstructed title. Best condition 107 I’ve ever owned (when I sold it).
ua-cam.com/video/RuAlAJJFK8c/v-deo.html
UA-cam playlist:
ua-cam.com/play/PLKDwdyP9Nwd0OjTnIeRzs2RpHg9rgYSeI.html
And I will not try to argue that a dark blue leather interior and silver blue exterior is any better than the moss green color scheme that was original to my SLC Convertible:
ua-cam.com/video/A1Y2eUqQH1w/v-deo.html
My 1973 450 SLC is signal red. The color was changed from the original metallic gray. The prominent female in my life likes the signal red. Whatta ya gonna do? LOL
eh, atleast its alive and well. but anthracite on the SLC is sooooo sexy.
As others have said, Im torn here!
I want to restore my w114 sedan the best way possible but the original colour was so ugly to me! note: mine is far from a show car, lots of rusty metal replaced and has surface rust under paint and new welded panels, so needed completely stripped.
Ive TRIED to love the old English red but I just HATE it. In principle I agree with Pierre on most what he's saying but I think the "arrogant entitled idiot" statements are too much, these are utilitarian , mass produced, somewhat humble sedan cars not faberge eggs or picassos! And you could choose your colour from the factory, they simply stamped a plate with a code! I believe you have the right to change the colour, but I DO THINK IT SHOULD BE ORIGINAL Mercedes period colour. Flame me all day but I've given it a lot of thought so...
The last thing to say is: My car was dismantled and the owner was almost definitely going to part it out, I flew form Northern Ireland to Southern England to get this thing and Brought it back 600ish miles as there is probably 3 of these in my country. Can you see my dilemma???!
english red is a great color. you might not like it but the majority of mb owners feel it is a great color
i think of it this way:
1. few people are really truly restoring w114s
2. there are already a lot of inauthentic, cut rate restorations out there with color changes, even engine swaps, etc.
3. the real value in the work of restoring a specific car is to represent it as it is supposed to be, not "as you wish it was."
4. sometimes being the steward of a project like this involves going against ones preferences.
5. the entitlement comment still rings true here. you think that because you are doing the work to restore your 280e, you deserve the right to pick its color. But a car's color is one of the things that makes it unique. For example, a certain Mercedes might be prized for its options, or its history, but the right color can enhance this effect even more. the fact your car is such a fascinating color- english red- adds to its allure regardless of whether you like it or not. I have seen so many color changed cars, and when i look at their color codes and find that they were an interesting color, like moss green or cayenne orange, and someone has changed them to a color that "they liked more" its comes off as a sad thing, as the restored car is less authentic and less unique in the end. The chances of it being sought out and preserved by an enthusiast decrease, as does its resale value.
6. let's say i discovered your 280E 30 years from now sitting in a barn somewhere. It's silver or some other ridiculous color, and then i find the color tag stating it was born an english red car. I would feel nothing but immense sadness and disappointment seeing that such a special color had not been preserved by the restorer. Let the car be what it is, Jamie. Just because you found it a wreck does not make it any less of a car. If you are going to restore it, do it the best way possible. it is never a bad idea to err towards the authentic.
@@mercedesclassicswithpierre1753 you don't like the silver??!! 😨
@@THIRSTYGUMS every new mercedes on the planet is some shade of silver. the color has lost its mystique. it used to be a miracle of engineering...now it does nothing for me. I know so many idiots who have painted the w113s silver, for example, "trying to make them more valuable.". It's one thing if the car was silver from new, of course, which was less common in the fifties, sixties and even approaching the end of the seventies. SO a real silver w113 or w109 is cool. but when you paint a car silver "because you like it" or to "enhance its visual and commercial appeal", you need some therapy.
Jamie Thompson, it is your car and you have to live with it. Make it how you like it. I had an Ivory 220 S Ponton that was stolen and returned in Signal Red. EVERYONE loved the car in red and I eventually got much more for it when I sold it. Also, it was my daily driver and my neighbour used to complain bitterly that the car belonged in a museum. Guess what? I enjoyed driving that car regularly, going to the beach in it, all over. In the end, it is just a transportation tool, it does not have a soul and it is going to end up in the scrapyard - eventually. I love cars and have a string of them, but they are just cars and I would never put then above people. Change the colour and enjoy it while you have it. Best wishes from South Africa. PS, I am going to change the colour of my Ivory W116 350 SE to one of the classic, vibrant Mercedes colours of the 1970s.
I was just about to paint a partially nude woman on the hood of my gullwing …but now I won’t.
I like keeping the history of the vehicle I don't change colors
Most benz colors are nice but if you got one of those God Awful colors Benz has released in the past why not!? My 86 500sec (its a euro model) was originally champagne code 473 but the original onwer had it repainted to Diamond Metallic Blue code 355 and with the palomino interior it looks so freaking good people constantly compliment my car sometimes a color change can be a good thing if done right. 😎
cesar cortes
Any blue on palomino looks amazing. I have midnight blue
@@AlienLivesMatter that's a Beautiful color espesially with a beige interior it looks very elegant.
I hate diamond blue, but I won two champagne cars. I would rather have ten champagne cars though.
@@mercedesclassicswithpierre1753 Hi Pierre love your channel I got a question for you I own a 93(w124) a 93(W140) and a 95( R129 ) is there an aftermarket scanner you can recommend for using to service my vehicles that's decent and wont cost me an arm and a leg?
you are basically stuck with one option: an aftermarket star diagnostic system from ebay. the original scanner was called "the handheld tester" and was strictly sold within mercedes, but finding one of these is hard. The star diagnostic systems come with a simulated HHT module, but you have to work with laptop/cables, etc
Simple as that. I agree with you man. Has things that we should not change in a Mercedes. Some things tell buyers history about the car. Color, interiors, engine code. "Matching numbers" you know?
exactly!
it's your property change it if you want! your argument could also be applied to a same color repaint no matter how trashed the original paint is.
I'm feeling entitled, changing the color of my "new" $800 '88 300CE soon from boring sun faded gold to Porsche Oslo Blue. it's going to be bitching! :) My 300SE and 300CD will stay all original, the 300CE is my hooptie, saved from the dead and is going to be the canyon carver.
well, maybe you need to see what it looked like with its original paint. this is a mistake so many people make- they don;t realize how beautiful the originals were.
I’m always suspicious of a colour change
My first question is why
Whats lurking beneath
Unless it’s a bare metal respray you can generally find bits of the original colour
Personally the colour the car is born with is the colour it should stay
I don't think the color should be changed.
pierre showing some skin
lol!
Which of mercedes colour isn't beautiful?
Changing colour is an old trick, it's to distract the buyer, the salesman will tell you very nice story and the reason why the previous owner changed the colour but never mentions the serious accident!!!
resale red!!!lol
Medium red,
Color change- don’t do it.
Is that blasphemous?
The best way to kill the car
kill it? how
i think its not neccessarily so, Alex. In your case Jamie i understand the root issue is that you are trying to "unkill" the car. but regardless, the color is what it is.
When you take out all the trim work and all other plastic stuff that became with time less elastic your chances to destroy the original parts is so big that in the end you will kill the car. Also once you change the color the next best thing will be to “upgrade” the sound and make a lot of holes that will further deteriorate the cars interior. So buy a car with the color you want and accept the age and technology of the car. You don’t need to improve anything on an old mercedes. There is AMG for that :)
@@alexandru_mateescu I see what your saying, in my case the car was already dismantled. Of course everybody is in different circumstances. You guys out in California, Texas, Arizona etc can pick and choose. likewise here in Europe we have Spanish and Italian cars unrusted but you might as well bring one from Mars with the amount of money and hassle it takes to get it on UK roads. In A perfect world I would buy one that is unrusted and complete and in the colour I like and totally original but that is a whole different ball game from what is realistically available in my part of the world. Also I'm not a rich man so
Jamie Thompson I am from Romania
Changing the colour on an automobile is just an idiot move. Only an arrogant bum would do it, some decent soul will have to fix their arrogant choice to bastardize in the future. And this this type of person should only buy and drive vehicles with 1 million of production, in other words, JUNK !!! (Code for mass produced and not hand built vehicles for the nubes)
well, I am sure glad you are not on the other side of the fence! whehw!!
Idiot arrogant bum? what planet is this? lol
S Campbell, JUNK?? 1.8 million Mercedes W123 produced😂😂😂 Close to 1 million Mercedes W126. Just depends on which "junk" you want to drive, hey?
@@THIRSTYGUMS land of the lost