I am putting out feelers for a potential purchase. I will have some extra money in a couple of months and want to see what my options are. I want to buy a Mercedes W111 fintail 4 door sedan.

A 1968 model is preferred, but the newer the year the better (unless earlier years were less prone to rust). I definitely want to stay away from the pre-1963 models.

It must have a sunroof. The body should be in good condition and not rusty. Having the body color be black or brown is almost a requirement. I love two tone brown interiors. A European model is preferred. I like bumper overriders.

A factory tow hitch would be nice. Factory air conditioning would also be a plus. I'd love a 300SE/L with a good body but no drivetrain or axles because I have my own running gear to use on it. I'd love a station wagon even more but I know I am not going to find one in my price bracket.

Condition of the engine/drivetrain/exhaust/mechanicals does not matter at all.

Okay, my plan is to install my rebuilt front suspension and turbo diesel engine from my rusty 230S and a rear axle from a W108 280SE 4.5 to make a turbo diesel fintail. I already have everything figured out and just need a decent body for the parts. I discovered my 1967 230S is very structurally rusty.

Remember, in my area fintails are plentiful and cheap. I am looking for a particular type of fintail, though. I bought a 220SE with sunroof recently for $300 but it is a 1960 model and has 4 wheel drums, etc. that I don't care for.

I do already have my eye on a car that is for sale, but at $3,000 it is unrealistic for me to spend that much. I'm thinking I want to pay $1,500 for a car that perfectly matches my want list and is in decent condition. Yes, I want the body to be in good condition, but the mechanical condition means nothing to me, so one with a blown engine and worn out drive train would be a good candidate.

I am in Tacoma, WA, USA, so one in the Northwest or at least on the west coast would be convenient. Let me know what you have. I am just trying to get some feelers so I know what my options are. I also MIGHT be willing to sell/trade my daily driver 1979 300SD for the right car. Let's talk.

Scott

I think the last year they were made was '68 and the first for the 114/115 was also '68.

I imagine it will be hard to find one with a nice body for 1500.

I wish you luck though!

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

My roommate bought a 1965 220S with an older high quality repaint, almost zero body rust, complete new exhaust from the dealer, new tires, new alternator, new dual Weber carbs, repholstered seats, etc. for $500 but no sunroof.

My 1960 220SE had a good body and sunroof and I paid $300 for it.

There was a local 220S for sale with an excellent body and chrome for $399 (no sunroof, though).

My roommate also bought a 1962 220S for $250 and it has the original shiny black paint and nice chrome--also mirrors on both sides and factory tow hitch and rebuilt head and clutch.

We bought a 1966 200 for $400 and drove it 100 miles back home. It also has a good body and nice interior, rebuilt engine and clutch, etc.

I've seen nice running and driving fintails with mint condition interiors and dashboards get scrapped because no one wanted to buy them at $300.

So I think $1,500 for a good car with bad drivetrain is very generous, especially with the economy the way it is.

Clearly you have had a different experience than I would have expected.

Go for it!

The last rust free fintail I saw in person was in 1973 in Morrocco.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Good God man! Now I know where to go to get some nice cheap fintails! Even with shipping to the east coast those would be nice prices out here. I had a 62 220SE and a 66 200D... they were both quite rusty by the early 80's and ended up doing full restores with my dad in the mid-eighties. Fun cars

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Check out my photo album for examples of the cars I get in my area. These are all very typical of the deals I come across. I think that my goal is very realistic.
http://picasaweb.google.com/W111300SD/MercedesBenzCarsAreAffordable#

You're not a squiggle dog... you're a lucky dog!

CAn I get some of those steals, err deals?

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My Mercedes-Benz Homepage and W123 Owners Photo Gallery and W111/W112 Coupes & Convs Gallery
2005 Northeast GTG and 2005 Mid-Atlantic GTG and Summer '09 Central FL GTG on YouTube

Just check the Seattle area craigslist. I've seen way too many nice Mercedes get scrapped because no one wants to buy them even at giveaway prices. Squigglydoooooooooooo!