Last month we introduced you to a little ‘friendly’ competition we’ve decided to host at Meguiar’s UK…

Aptly named ‘Tom vs. Dale’ this head-to-head competition pits the two most-tattooed employees against one another to build the best possible car on a strict budget. What car they buy, what route they take and how they get there is entirely up to ’em, but when it’s all said and done the winner will be voted by you – the public – to crown a champion. No pressure, right?

Bearded-wonder Tom Clarke took it back to the 90s with his choice, a Dimma-kitted Renault 5 GT Turbo, sporting every bit of classic Max Power tat you could imagine. There’s a mountain of work simply to restore it to its former glory, but there’s some seriously cool tuning history going on here. Fingers crossed it’s mechanically sound otherwise that budget is going to rapidly disappear…

After weeks of deliberating, it was finally time for Dale Masterman to FINALLY join the competition, and it’s safe to say he’s taken the polar opposite route with his car choice. You’re looking at a 1971 Mercedes W108, and from where we’re standing it looks… finished?

Previously owned by Phil @ The Paint Box, this classic Benz has recently had a whole load of work completed including brakes, fuel likes and more. It’s even had a cheeky little drop added to it. Admittedly the 2.0-litre Auto box isn’t about to set the world alight, but a classic Benz is all about wafting along in maximum comfort and style.

We joke, but Dale’s pulled a blinder here. Rather than have to worry about any restoration, welding or general maintenance, his build can get started right away leaving him with more time (and budget) to make it into a proper show-stopper. Dale’s keeping tight-lipped currently, but it looks unlikely to stay white, and despite being lowered it’ll be treated to a much bigger drop in the upcoming weeks.

So who’s your money on? Tom’s 90s throwback or Dale’s slow & low 70s cruiser? Let us know below…