6.9 40th Birthday Cruise

[Oversize]

Quick photo stop outside Hanging Rock after we decided to abandon the $10 per car entry fee for only a 1/2hr window.

 

[Oversize]

At Holgate Brewery in Woodend. Numbers had dropped to about 10 people by 4pm. It was a long day...

 

[Oversize]

I’d add video but I have to post on YouTube first!

 

[Dutchie]

Awesome! Thanks again Mark. Had an absolute blast!

Cheers
Brian

 

[c107]

Some really nice cars there and it looked like a good event. How does the fully hyrdo 560 compare with a 6.9?

 

[Michel]

Congratulations on organising what seems to have been a great and successful event.
Thanks for the pictures!
Well done Mark

 

[Oversize]

Some really nice cars there and it looked like a good event. How does the fully hyrdo 560 compare with a 6.9?

That’s what I’ve been trying to establish for a while! We didn’t have time for a direct comparison on the day. Plus Dora was playing up in the afternoon. If I was to take an educated guess I’d say the 560 suspension is a lot firmer than the 6.9. But perhaps it’s not working as it should so further research and diagnosis is required. I’ve heard the S2 hydro defaults to firm if not operating correctly so there may be a problem. I’m still searching for a S2 hydro manual in English....

Performance wise the 560 is fast but isn’t as eager to lose traction as the 6.9. But once the 560 is running correctly; who knows!

 

[Oversize]

It may be necessary to hire a race track for a 560 v 6.9 direct comparison! Phillip Island, Winton or Sandown come to mind. Heathcote is another option but that’s just a drag strip. Maybe MBCV might be interested in a track day?

 

[Oversize]

If there’s no interest from MBCV or costs are too high, I’ll consider sharing a venue, a combined event, or just tag along with the Porsche CV....

 

[c107]

It may be necessary to hire a race track for a 560 v 6.9 direct comparison! Phillip Island, Winton or Sandown come to mind. Heathcote is another option but that’s just a drag strip. Maybe MBCV might be interested in a track day?

That would be a cool club day. I hope they go for it.

 

[Oversize]

I’m not sure what differences I can attribute to the 18” AMG wheels and low profile tyres on the 560, but hopefully we’ll find out soon!

 

[braminator123]

Hi Mark,

Thank you for organising a fantastic day. Everything went perfectly including the weather.

Great to catch up again and meet a few new people too.

Good turn out of 6.9s.

Looking forward to the next day out.

Cheers Bram

 

[Oversize]

No problem! It was great to have a event that isn’t just about looking and talking! It’s possible the next one could be a tag-along with an AMG track day at Phillip Island....

 

[braminator123]

Oh wow that would be awesome, emphasis on tag along for me!

Please do let me know how or if I could be of assistance with any organising or preparations.

Yup love drive events enjoying W116s as they were intended to be used!!!

By the way, I really need to sign up to MBCVic W116 section!

 

[Oversize]

Made the front cover but no article within (yet)! Looks like I’ll have to write my own....

 

[BHW]

Made the front cover but no article within (yet)! Looks like I’ll have to write my own....

Congratulations!!! Now you've another piece of history making the front cover. Something to treasure.

 

[SEL_69L]

Are 6.9's now the most common W116's that now survive?

It wouldn't be much of a surprise to me, because they were so special in the first place, and have always well worth preserving and to be looked after well, to defend yourself against high restoration costs.

According to Mercedes-Benz information that I remember, about 260 of them were sold in Australia, (mostly 1978 and 1979 build), and I guess that perhaps 100 or so are still in road going condition.
That would be a reasonably high survival rate.

Special cars deserve special attention.

 

[Oversize]

Well said! Couldn’t agree more. Road going I’d guess only about 50.

 

[BHW]

Came across this Shannons, Jeff Kennett, Fangio, Emu Bottom Homestead article whilst reading some other very interesting information about Fangio that being his sons were proven paternity that Fangio was their father when they were in their 70s, one in his 60s although his relationships with their mothers were well known. Oversize is the information in this article the same as is already known??? 21 February 2008 https://www.shannons.com.au/club/news/jeffs-benz-at-jeffs-shed/

 

[6.9forever]

I'm interested in the quoted figure of 55 x 6.9s in the first 1978 shipment to Australia. Did MB provide this data?