I bought this car last October thinking that I was going to learn how to do some work on it and turn it into a classic. One layoff and a poor economy later, I know now that it ain't gonna happen in my garage. So, I've got to offer it up for sale. I hope this is the right place to do it.

The car is an '86 300E. It runs just great and with the exception of a couple of (minor - to me anyway) dents in the right side doors, the exterior is in pretty good shape.

The biggest problem is inside: the ventilation system is kaput, neither heating nor A/C works. At one point I had bought a complete set of pneumatic actuators from Phil with full intentions of tearing out the dash and making things work again. They're still sitting on my bench, unopened in the plastic packages - they come with the car.

The interior leather is in OK shape, but not perfect - the driver's seat has a crack in it, but otherwise it's in pretty good shape. There are some spots where the interior covering has come unglued. I put in new speakers (from Phil) and a new CD/radio from Crutchfield and automatic antenna shortly after I bought it. The carpets are rather dirty but a good steam cleaning will work wonders, I'm sure.

It doesn't leak any obvious oil thankfully, as it's been parked in my neighbors driveway. It does consume quite a bit of oil though, but I'm assured that this is quite normal for this car.

It's got around 195 K original miles on it - my son informed me a couple of months ago that the odometer is not working, and it's been stopped at something over 192K since then. It's been his commute car to and from High School, 40 miles round trip since last October. He is very unhappy that I'm talking about selling it - it gives him enormous prestige amongst his peers.

I know that this car would be a gem if someone who knew what they were doing were to put some elbow grease into it. I'm a computer programmer, a software guy, and the thought of the hard(ware) work that's required is just putting me off.

I have no idea what this car is worth, and I'm trusting the judgement of the members of this great forum to guide me. Maybe someone here is even looking for a project car and might be willing to do a deal. I live in Sonoma County, about 50 minutes north of San Francisco and would love to have some guidance.

I'll post some pictures tomorrow.

Thanks all!

Sean