Mercedes Motoring Review: Blending the Old and the New in a Vintage Benz - Cars - MensJournal.com

from about $25,000 for an '80s diesel sedan to more than $50,000 for a wagon

Does this mean our cars are finally classics?

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It depends on whose definition of 'Classic" you use. If you mean the term as defined by the Classic Car Club of America, then no, these late model Mercedes will never be true "classics". They simply do not make the list--and the CCCA actually lists every car, make, model and year that actually qualifies.

If you mean "classic" in the same way a "There goes a classic '57 Chevy", then, of course. This use of "classic" means only "old car". Anything can be a classic by that, second usage. A "classic" '49 Crosley".

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1982 300SD " Wotan" ..On the road as of Jan 8, 2007 with Historic Tags

The guy says EVERY part is still OEM available to build a car "brand new".
That can't be true can it? I've seen posts here about parts being NLA.
If he means aftermarket parts not all would result in a car that had
the same over engineered quality that the article speaks of.
If I had the money and needed a new car, I might balk at 50 grand for a wagon, but 30 grand, I'd consider for a brand new wagon. I can't think of any other new wagon that would be as potentially good.

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85 300TD FED-Daily
84 300SD-Wife's
86 XJS-Sunday
66 GMC-Work- Given to my stepson
83 BMW Airhead- Given to my stepson

I'll take the 25 grand and pay for shipment to continental USA destination after paypal clears.

technically you can get any part made by the classic center. I am sure you would pay dearly though.

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1959 Gravely LI, 1963 Gravely L8, 1973 Gravely C12
1982 380SL
1978 450 SEL 6.9 euro restoration at 63% and climbing
1987 300 D
2005 CDI European Delivery
2006 CDI Handed down to daughter
2007 GL CDI. Wifes

There are a few parts for W114/115s that I know for a fact are no longer available. The differential mount bushing for the pre-1973 cars is absolutely no longer available. I found one in New Zealand after searching for a week and calling numeround MB dealerships, calling friends who have a talent for finding these things and beginning to call independent mechanics. That bushing is on the way right now.

There are other parts that are no available from MB so perhaps the guy is being hyperbolic.

If I were going to spend that much money on my car, I'd bring it to Mercedes themselves and have them rebuild it and factory certify it in their pre-owned program. Then it would be essentially brand new and come with a warranty as well as a bunch of perks and the super cool "I just got a brand new 1972 220D from Mercedes-Benz" factor.

Phil Forrest

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1972 220D "Trudy," named by a friend.

"The 220D sounds good... I suspect it is the only car that you need a calendar for, rather than a stopwatch, when doing acceleration tests."
Tom Abrahamsson

That mercedes motoring guy is getting to be pretty famous. I'm curious about who his clients are though. The article states he's sold over 400 cars at prices that would make most of us on this forum start bleeding from the ears. I just can't imagine spending 25 thousand dollars on a car I could buy for 2 grand in the same area and have it run like a top. Who are these people I wonder?

Doesn't seem like many are on here

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This post brought to you by Carl's Jr.

I've seen his work on eBay. 123s and older that look like they just rolled off the line for multi tens of thousands.

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The OM 642/722.9 powered family
Still going strong
2014 ML350 Bluetec (wife's DD)
2013 E350 Bluetec (my DD)

both my kids cars went to junkyard in 2023
2008 ML320 CDI (Older son’s DD) fatal transmission failure, water soaked/fried rear SAM, numerous other issues, just too far gone to save (165k miles)
2008 E320 Bluetec (Younger son's DD) injector failed open and diluted oil with diesel, spun main bearings (240k miles)

1998 E300DT sold to TimFreeh
1987 300TD sold to vstech

If I had the cash, I would restore one to brand new condition. Plus, not as many random surprises to worry about post purchase

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Never be ashamed to ask for help.

1985 300D
1987 300SDL
1970 Jaguar E-Type OTS
2002 Dodge Intrepid (Traded In)
2011 Ford Crown Victoria

My cars a classis its a 78....

I personally never see the late early 80s w123's ever being a classic.....but I sure can see the non wanted early non turbo evil acc cars have a classic standing soon in my book.....

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I’ve bought a couple items from JG via the garage sale section on his website. It was euphoric walking into his shop for the first time. The MB’s that were in there were absolutely spotless. Some were partially dissembled, some looked like they have never been on the road. All of his tools were laid out like a surgeon’s would be, even while he was in the middle of a project. One would never guess what was behind those doors while walking down the street.

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1982 300TDT
1991 190D
2022 Metris

Where I grew up "cherry" was the term that evoked admiration for a well maintained older car. Mostly OEM style. Many of these older MB diesel
are CHERRY and maybe not classic in any monetary sense

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1990 350 SDL
Currently: 180,000 miles
Factory rebuilt bottom end rods, bearings and head gasket @ 75,000 in 1997

Anyone have a guess what he charges for a disassembly and refurbishing? $10,000?

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- Brian


1989 500SEL Euro
1966 250SE Cabriolet
1958 BMW Isetta 600

I doubt he would be willing to invest the time. From what it seems, he always has a full house of “projects”. He is a good resource for floor mats, seat covers, and various interior bits.

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1982 300TDT
1991 190D
2022 Metris

I would like to do this for both my cars but especially my 190D 2.5 Turbo since they are so rare.

There is still something I like about my 240 better though. Maybe it is because my interior and dash are torn out of my 190 and it is a slow project for now