This Mercedes was originally purchased by the current owner to use as a parts car, but after discovering that the engine runs and that the body is more solid then initially expected, they have decided to let it go to a new home where it can be fixed up and used. It isn’t perfect and is going to need lots of work, but for just $2,500 it seems like it could be a great project. To make sure you know exactly what your buying, Anil has included a ton of photos showing all the problem areas, so be sure to take a close look at it. If you’d love to give this V8 powered Mercedes another chance at life, be sure to message the Anil via the form below.
What Makes It Special? This car was bought new in Oklahoma and remained there all its life. Last registered in 2000 and spent 15 years in a shed until it was acquired by the present owner in 2016. Thought it was purchased as a parts car for another project a little adjustment and a fresh battery got the engine running and thus began a restoration project. The fuel pump was cleaned and serviced, inline fuel filter added to catch any debris from the tank. It has the original hydraulic compensator in the rear and no evidence of leaks or negative camber. A little cleaning revealed that the body was surprisingly rust free. The broken cooling fan and cowling were replaced. The brake master cylinder, all 4 brake discs, calipers and brake lines were replaced to get the now moving vehicle to also stop. Car shifts, drives, and stops. The original seats inside were shot and another good set of MB Tex seats have been installed. The dash is cracked but the seller does have another professionally refurbished dash pad available for purchase. The tires are old but hold air. Original metal wheels are present but the seller is keeping the hubcaps and the original Becker radio.
Body Condition: The body shows evidence of a minor prior accident on the rear driver side tail light and there is a scrape along the driver side rear fender and door caused while pushing the car and running into the side of the garage door. The car is surprisingly rust free. Minimal rust inside the doors and in the rear wells, under the window trim is usually where it’s pretty badly rusted but not on this car. There is rust in the trunk, most likely due to water seepage and repairs to the metal will be required. One of the door cards and winder has been removed for another project but all the parts are there for re-assembly.
Mechanical Condition: Mechanically this car does need work. The engine idles smooth but will not accelerate under load. The brakes are very good as they have been replaced. All 4 wheels have disc brakes. Radiator and cooling system are in good shape. The original air conditioner is present but no attempt has been made to test it. All the glass is present but the windshield does have a small crack.
- Asking Price: $2,500
- Location: Plano, Texas
- Mileage: unknown
- Title Status: Clean
- VIN: 108.068-12-006827
- Contact Number: (469) 808-9177
Our thanks to Anil for listing this Mercedes with us and for providing so many photos of it! If you have a project car that needs a new home, please consider listing it here on Barn Finds.
I think I read here that there’s nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes.
This will be a great experience for someone!
One of the kids I worked with bought one
of these for $300. My God what a money
pit! Seemed like he was trying to get something for it nearly every week. I recall that just one part took his whole
paycheck. All I can say is good luck finding parts if you live in the South. If it
doesn’t say Ford, GM, or Chrysler on it, the auto parts stores don’t carry it. A good friend of mine had a Chrysler 5th
Avenue that was based on the Dodge
Die-nasty. Took him 2 months and a
trip to Miami just to get a new water pump for it. Problem was that the engine
in his car was made by Mitsubishi. The
company pulled out of Central Florida in
the mid ’90’s due to poor sales. That move left a lot of folks scrambling to find
parts or just crushing their cars for scrap.
Heard about a guy who junked an Eclipse
with 20K miles on it because he couldn’t
get a new set of plugs. All I can say is:
Don’t want it, wouldn’t do it, and good
luck to the guy who gets this car.
My understanding is that Mercedes has parts for everything they ever made and they have dealerships all over the country. Some of the parts on their older models are even reasonably priced.
I think they, as a company, have a long term view. Old MBZs on the road encourages the perception that they are well built quality machines deserving of a premium. Just some food for thought if you are considering this project.
I’m the seller and a long time Mercedes owner and someone who has spent considerable time and money on restoration projects. With regards to the general perception that parts are hard to find, it is quite the opposite, as Fogline correctly said, Mercedes still makes and stocks parts for most of their old cars, just call the Classic Center in CA and you will get the best advice and most helpful sales people ever. Some of the parts are expensive but many are extremely reasonable.
I had bought this vehicle for some of the body panels but don’t have the heart to take apart a car with potential to be resurrected.
If someone is looking for a cheap and easy project, this is not it. If you are an enthusiast or enthusiastic to learn about some of the most iconic cars ever made then please do consider it.