Fresh Perspectives by Wes Anderson
 
Introducing a Classic Enthusiast
Meet the newest and youngest Star contributor, a freshman in the automotive restoration program at McPherson College.
 
Ever since I was a child, I have adored the automobile – its sleek curves and beauty entranced me, its mechanical components fascinated me. My passion for the automobile has grown immensely and now at age 18, I have found a constructive outlet for that passion: McPherson College.
Initially, choosing a college was a difficult decision. Many colleges and universities do not allow freshman to have cars on campus – and I was not about to leave my car at home. My trusty 1983 Mercedes-Benz 300d turbodiesel means too much to me.
And I was still unsure of my college major. Nothing seemed to fascinate or inspire me beyond classic cars – specifically, Mercedes-Benz. So I decided to pursue my dream of one day working on classic Mercedes as my future profession. McPherson College was the obvious choice. It is the only college in the nation offering a four-year degree in automotive restoration and partners with the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center in Irvine and Stuttgart to develop young technicians interested in careers in the field.
But I’m getting ahead of myself – my infatuation with Mercedes began years ago.
Searching for my first car was something of a daunting task. I wanted something different, something unique. My parents insisted on a reliable modern car for peace of mind. I wanted a vintage-European project to bring back to life. I searched relentlessly for a compromise. Ultimately, the Mercedes W123 chassis seemed like the best fit. They are dripping with quality and dead reliable. I’ve heard countless stories praising the engineering and the bulletproof, 5-cylinder engine. And it’s a classic car that you can drive every day; how neat is that? I hope to keep my 300d in good running condition as a solid daily driver for as long as I can. I hope I will some day acquire one of my all-time-favorite cars, the legendary 280SE, for my Sunday driver. There is something about those iconic W108s that makes me shiver when I see one.
To be honest, I’m not quite sure what spawned my obsession with Mercedes-Benz. Maybe it was my appreciation for mechanical things, solid engineering, and timeless designs. Whatever it was, it worked. The Mercedes bug had bitten me and there was no antidote.
In my free time, I find myself researching articles and diagrams to learn and absorb as much as I can. And if you know anything about the average teenager, this is not usually the case. I admire quality and subtle sophistication. I’m a huge supporter of restoration and preservation and oppose modification whenever possible. And because I believe Mercedes-Benz built the greatest cars ever, I want to devote my life to restore and preserve these vital pieces of automotive history. 
In keeping that history, I have maintained my 300d as well as possible. My car is rust-free and the engine runs like a champ. I attempt as much maintenance as I can for financial reasons – and for quality assurance. When it comes to cars, I am somewhat of a perfectionist. I get strange looks when I tell non-Mercedes people that I spent the day cleaning my car’s door jambs or detailing its engine. For me, these tasks are perfectly rational – cars should be cleaned thoroughly, particularly the engine.
Many people give me grief about the cleanliness of my sterile engine bay. Trust me, when I purchased that car, the engine was far from clean. Various oil leaks and years of neglect took their toll in the form of thick oil buildup and unsightly tarnish. Through my systematic maintenance of the car, I clean everything – right down to the bolts before reinstallation. I strive for surgical cleanliness, even when the parts are not prominently visible.
I owe many thanks to the Mercedes-Benz community. Through online forums and published articles, I have taught myself nearly everything I know about cars. And from in-depth diagnosis to casual suggestions, everyone’s advice has really come in handy.
I am astounded by the size of the Mercedes community – it’s common to be out driving and see many cars of a similar vintage and have their drivers acknowledge me with a honk or a wave. Parking lot discussions with complete strangers who have a similar passion and enthusiasm aren’t uncommon for me, either. I doubt many other car companies have followings this strong that share this kind of camaraderie, and I’m proud to be embarking on a career that embodies this love for Mercedes-Benz.
Wes Anderson joins us after being an active member of the mbca.org Forums and introducing himself as a freshman in the automotive restoration degree program at McPherson College, well-known to members of the club. In future issues of The Star, Wes will be sharing with us the principles and techniques he is learning in his courses.