It's a 560 SEC 1989 - Australian delivered.
Generally it is being kept true to its original design excepting for a few things that could be changed (without damage) in case the next custodian wants it returned to the original - all parts changed were kept. The front amber indicator lights I think date the car, especially a white one - hence clear assemblies were fitted. The painted mirror backs were getting thin on paint from bug removal - so clip on chrome covers were attached. The designers were never known for their "bling" in Benz, but the chrome instrument cluster surrounds I think, gives it a little lift without going overboard.
The wheel lug bolts and centre caps were also getting tired, so I replaced the centre caps with highlighted chrome caps and chrome over lug end covers. I tried plating and polishing the lug bolts but they still appeared dull. The wheels were chemically dipped and garnet blasted before repainting.
The big task to date has been the walnut burlwood trim. The Benz guys used over 2.0mm of urethane over walnut veneer - 2 things happened:
1. The flat surfaces (around the gear selector) became heavily scratched and cracked.
2. The rest of the trim had the dulling of the urethane (milky).
After consulting some of my buddies on http://www.mbcoupes.com/ (special thanks to Markus Meyer and my auto engineering brother Larry). I removed the trim and sent it to Frits (an antique furniture restorer with 50 years of experience) to do what should be done.
The shifter panel needed to be fully taken back past the veneer and new veneer applied - a french polish and a thin coating of higher tech urethane completed that piece.
The other pieces were sanded back (yes sanded) removing almost all the milky urethane and new urethane was applied and a solid walnut gear shift knob finished it off.
If you have one of these special vehicles - first step is to join the mbcoupes list just to get an idea of what you are in for....
mark@upwey.com
