Classic virgin want to buy Merc 280 [w114]

[smallangryboy]

I'm really captivated by the Mercedes 280 pillarless coupe's, it looks fantastic and I've seen some reasonable examples for reasonable money.

My main problem is convincing the girlfriend that this will be a smart move, as with any old car it can be potentially a money pit. Basically I'm trying to find as much info to win my argument. Do they make reliable motors or are they really weekend cars ?

I've seen some converted to unleaded, is this a worthwhile investment ?

What sort of running and maintenance costs should I expect, and what would be a reasonable price to pay for a good example ?

Also what sort of mileage should I be looking at, obviously the lower the better but I guess cars with 70K or 80K should be OK ? Any advice would be gratefully received.

thanks in advance

SAB

 

[guydewdney]

rust rust and more rust...

it is a 30 yr old car...

I have one im slowly restoring.

go for a 280 CE with no sunroof (better from a rust point of view)

engine bomb proof.

get electric windows.

check sills and wheel arches. be prepared to replace the fuel lines (all) check the interior fan works WELL - replacement means dashboard out.

check bottom of spare wheel well. check valance under rear bumper on sides. check front valance on front. check wings top behind headlight. put a hand up into wheel arch and onto back of headlight at top and pull the mud out - then give top of wing a good thump....

mb tex very tough. leather / velour falls apart.

cheqp tyres. pre-73 = free tax. brakes etc all availible easily.

where are you based? Im in herts, near watford. can help out for a beer / bacon sarnie if you are close.

 

[smallangryboy]

I'm based in East London. Not sure where I'll be looking for one but I'm open to suggestions. Should be getting some cash in the next few weeks so will be looking in earnest then.

I'd like to take you up on your offer of help, I 'm sure I can spare more than a few beers if you can help me out, and I can rustle up a decent egg and bacon sarny when needed.

cheers

SAB

 

[smallangryboy]

I've been scouring the classifieds and have seen quite a few examples of the 280SE [w114] for sale, but little or no examples of the 280CE [w114].

Can anyone point me in the right direction ?

cheers

SAB