MOST of us will go through countless cars during our lifetime, but one Davyhulme resident has stuck with his beloved Mercedes through thick and thin for a staggering 45 years.


Arthur Plumb, 79, of Redbourne Drive, bought his one-off Mercedes Estate in 1967 and the car itself will be turning 50 this year.


What makes it even more special is that when a problem has arisen with it or needed a service, Arthur has repaired it himself rather than take it to a garage and hand it over for repairs.


Over the years, Arthur has rebuilt the engine and replaced the brakes, exhaust and headlights as well as carrying out other work.


But rather than accept defeat when a problem arose or give in to the temptation to buy a newer model, Arthur, originally from Cambridgeshire, kept the car.
He has always been adamant that it is the car for him.


“It’s reliable and always starts no matter how cold it is or how long it stands.
“It returns 35 miles per gallon and it’s still a joy to drive,” he said.


“It was my family car and it is a one-off.


“It is not my everyday car any more but I would never get rid of it.


“Someone advised me when I was going to get rid of it that it would be worth a lot of money one day.”


The car is eight inches longer than the standard model, having been converted by Mercedes in 1965, just before Arthur bought it.


Though he has three other cars that he uses, he believes the Mercedes – which has done around 200,000 miles – is still the most enjoyable to drive.


“It is quite unique – you won’t find anything like it,” he said.


“It has been part of my family for 45 years and everyone asks me if I still have it.”