Richard Rawlings of Gas Monkey Garage is no rookie when it comes to wheeling and dealing. Recently, however, he was met with a surprise when he showed up to take a look at a classic 1973 Dodge Challenger that he was interested in.
Upon arriving at a commercial garage where the car was being stored, he’s met with a bumble-bee yellow and black 4-speed Challenger with some hot-rod modifications. According to the owner, the car was left to her by a former tenant that had "disappeared".
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Unfortunately, while the owner had a clear title, she didn’t have a key, which made it impossible to start or drive the car.
Rawlings pops the hood. “Uh-oh. Looks like somebody wanted to go fast,” he said while surveying the motor sporting aluminum Edelbrock heads and braided stainless-steel fuel lines.
“It’s got NOS hooked up in the back, too,” the owner chimed in.
Walking around the car, Rawlings spots another vehicle parked in the back of the garage. “Wait a second, what's that?”
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Turns out, its a 1957 Mercedes-Benz 190SL.
The story behind the Mercedes is that it was purchased in 1978 by the current owner’s father as a project car. After languishing for years, a refurbishment was finally completed several years ago.
“You stumped me on this one,” said Rawlings. “I didn’t expect to come in and find a little Mercedes sitting here.”
He excuses himself and heads back to his truck to make a phone call and arrange for an extra car hauler. “I’m going to try to buy two cars here, and if I can buy this one, I’m going to need to get it out of here quick.”
After a bit of negotiation, Rawlings agrees to buy the Challenger for $4k and the 190SL for $65k.
Back at the shop, he surveys his acquisitions. “We got this one started with just a jump-box,” he said referring to the Mercedes. “It does run and drive just like she said it would.”
In short order, Rawlings has sold both cars. The Challenger went for $13,500 and the ‘57 Mercedes for $70K.
“I didn’t make as much on that one as I thought I would, but I did pocket $5k,” he said. “They’re both going to new owners and new homes, and that’s what we do here, we buy ‘em and we sell ‘em.”
Source: YouTube