MECHA STARS MECHATRONIC TAKES A CLASSIC SL TO NEW HEIGHTS

摘要

Driving a vintage roadster is way more enjoyable than the average Ford Focus. But there's a good reason why we don't see more classic Benzes and Alfas around. In real life, they're a pain in the neck. The driver has to take care of so many things that are now handled automatically, constantly reminded of the limitations in half-century-old technology. It's true they don't build 'em like they used to, but that means something totally different to the owner than it does to the enthusiastic onlooker. Classic cars are romanticized. Sentiment keeps our eyes on the good and closes them toward the bad. The 280 SL, the most potent version of the Mercedes-Benz W113 (like the dark green car seen here), debuted in 1969, the same year as Woodstock. Today, that festival is remembered as an exceptional event, something that will never happen again. Not many, though, remember the dirt, the two fatalities during the three days, and the fact that Hendrix eventually appeared on stage at 8:30 in the morning for those few people who had endured until then.