Will went for black rather than the car’s original beige and it went back on the road in summer 2007. Now that it’s up and running again PPC editor Holman’s now about to address the 2.8-litre straight six’s power deficit. After considering a supercharger or a turbo, he’s come to the inevitable conclusion that a 5.6-litre Merc V8 from a later car is the easiest route to more grunt and has bought a 1985 560SEL as an engine donor. When in doubt, stick a V8 in it. Read about the Merc’s progress in PPC magazine every month.
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Built in South Africa, Will imported this 1971 Merc five years ago, having found it in a supermarket car park near Johannesburg, where it was someone’s daily driver. It was dented and tatty but rust free. A Romano LPG injection kit was Will’s first investment (fitted by Jess Court 01303 230055) – allowing him to use the car every day. But after 18 months it was clear that, having lived in an area where it rains for around six weeks a year, the poor old Merc wasn’t enjoying the British climate much. PPC regular Mike Coman came to the rescue by arranging for his students at Leeds College of Technology to respray the car.
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1971 Mercedes 280 SE
Will Holman
'Stick a V8 in it,' says Will. And he often does. Currently sticking one in his 1970 stack-headlight Merc and talking about doing the same to a Prius just to upset people.
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