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Published on February 27, 2008

Charn Srinakorn loves freedom - the simple reason he chose to buy a Mercedes-Benz 500 SL.

The property developer's classic car, which hit the road for the first time in 1985, is an open-top two-seat roadster.

"I have liked convertible cars since I was a teenager. I lived in the United States for decades. Open-top cars have gained much popularity among Americans as the weather there is good and has no air pollution like Thailand. When I came back to Thailand, I then sought to own a convertible," says Charn.

He bought his Mercedes-Benz 500 SL from one of his friends.

"As its condition was quite poor and its engine had lost its acceleration power when I purchased it, I decided to overhaul the engine first. With its powerful, eight-cylinder 3.5-litre engine, it now can rev up at a faster speed," he says.

"Before the overhaul, I could not accelerate beyond 120kph. After the overhaul, the car was able to reach a top speed of more than 160kph without overheating."

After the overhaul was completed, he had his car painted and let mechanics repair the car's cabin.

As the original leather in the car's interior was dried out and cracked, he replaced it with authentic cow-skin leather, adding to the driving comfort. He also changed the car's wheels to a 215/45 17-inch size and reset its suspension to make it more rigid.

"I spent almost one year to renovate the car," recalls Charn.

He drove the car very frequently 10 years ago because air pollution in Bangkok at that time was not such a problem.

"Now I drive it at weekends and use a van on weekdays.

Sometimes I like to drive my Mercedes-Benz 500 SL and open its roof to breathe fresh air and remind me of my time in the US."

Thanadol Rila

The Nation

Ultimate in Luxury

The Luxury LS 460 is a wonderfully comfaortable car fitted with all mod cons, althoough not necessarily the most fun vehicle to drive.