Since I seemed unable to find an active forum discussing Mercedes replica cars, I just started one on Yahoo.  If you have a Mercedes replica or are thinking about one, come join in!  Click on this to go there:  
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/Mercedes-Replicas/?yguid=188011459  

http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/Mercedes-Replicas/?yguid=188011459  

Mercedes Replica? its seems like you wouldn't need to build a mercedes replica, as they aren't that expensive, although maybe i'm wrong.  

Well, it is definitely a different cost ratio thing, except for the Marlene job, millions for a real one.
I probably could buy a good older real 500SL for what I will have in this one, but maintenance with Mustang parts vs MB makes a lot of difference, besides it is all fun.  

Yeah, definetly huge cost difference with Mustang parts vs. Mercedes, it's probably more reliable and just as fun!  

My motives for ownership is NOT to park it in the garage and try to impress people, but to REALLY enjoy driving around in it, something I could not do if I had a real one.
These old Fords are approaching obsolesence by the parts dealers, so they are unloading parts for cheap, I am amazed at how cheap it has been to buy parts for.  

What year mustang is your car based on?  

It is an 83 Mustang convertible.  All years from 83 forward quite a few years are the same and will work.  They are rear wheel drive just like an SL500, and if you get the 5 liter V8 you even have the same size engine.  Mine has the 3.8 V6 which is ideal for my use.  

I found one!!!!  Here is a listing in the wrong section of EBay for one like mine!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ford-Mustang-Mustang-Convertible-1991-Kit-Car-Mercedes-500-SL_W0QQitemZ130172550562QQihZ003QQcategoryZ6236QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem  

Hi.  I just got a Gazelle, which needs some TLC.  It was almost completed by a guy who died just as he was putting the final touches on the car.

It's now in the capable hands of John York at York Sports Cars in Virginia, and he is suggesting I get rid of the power steering.  It's on a Mustang II chassis with a 2.8 Ford V6 and the C4 transmission.  He says the power steering will "be too quick" for the driver.

Any comments?  

Too quick?  Personally I don't think so, but then again I never drove a Gazelle either.  Does it seem too quick for your tastes?
I thought these were on a custom chassis, with Mustang steering, suspension, and differential.
Come on over to the Mercedes replica forum and see if we can gather up some more of you guys.  

Hey Gazelle, do you mean the steering will be to soft with power steering? it will be alot easier to drive with the power steering.  

I assumed he was referring to the fact that usually power steering has less turns lock to lock, and it would steer like a go cart.  

oh ok gotcha  

Hi there you can find some hot Mercedes-replicas on  http://buildingthecars.bravehost.com/index.html and http://superreplicas.bravehost.com/
including the SLR mercedes mclaren