Guys, this is Otto...

[tc20]

Hi all,

just thought i'd show you my W114, with whom i parted company yesterday.

http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Mercedes-Benz/230/car/990017/

I've owned Otto for the last three years, my first foray into classic ownership, and much as i would love to hold on to the car and start a stable, i have neither the money, or the space to do so.
So Otto has been sold to make way for my next old Merc...

I'm not sure if you guys know, but in Ireland, the Dept of the Enviroment (the gov body that oversees motorised vehicles) taxes cars on engine capacity - the bigger the car, the more you pay. eg a 1litre city car will cost you around $190 p/a, anything of 3litres and over will set you back roughly $2400. However, a classic car (deemed to be anything over 30y/o) only costs €44p/a (US$70) irrespective of engine size.
Another benefit of running a classic is that they are exempt from the NCT (national car test - similar to the MOT in the UK, not sure what the US equivalent is). This is a roadworthiness test which new cars are subject to once they are 4y/o, and every subsequent 2years.

I had initially wanted to replace Otto with a late model W126, but seeing as these brutes won't qualify for classic car tax for another 10-12 years, and eventhough they are relatively cheap to purchase, i couldn't justify handing over €1500 p/a for the next decade.. so i'm looking at getting myself a W123 280E auto, no younger than an '82. I dont mind too much that i'll have to give the gov full road tax for a couple of years, but compared to running a W126, im still saving (of sorts)

I'm looking at something like this to replace Otto -

http://www.prestigeclassiccarsales.ie/1982merc280e.php

You might find the prices rather steep, but i'm also considering running one in from the UK, which would come in cheaper.

Cheers,

Tony

[cth350]

there were a couple of RHD cars in California on ebay last month. Both W116 and W123. Four doors, but clean, low rust cars. There's a RHD ponton sedan from WV on ebay "right now". You will have some paint and interior issues to fix, but it's also a low/no rust car.

-CTH

[Blue 72 250]

Wow- seems rather expensive alright.

I have a '72 114 M130 low miles and no rust that I would be willing to let go for 2,000 Euros. I would even deliver to Seattle or Portland for shipping. Small deposit up front/ Letter of credit final payment.

You would look sweet rockin this baby.

[pj67coll]

That's a nice 280E Tony. If it's as good as it looks I'd say go for it.
Price comparrisons between countries are meaningless. You have to deal with the local reality.

- Peter.

[todds]

Why did you sell Otto again?

[tc20]

Thanks for your replies guys.

@pj67coll - yep, its a nice looking 280E, and i know both the guy, Mervyn, who is behind http://prestigeclassiccarsales.ie and Benjamin who looks after all the service & restoration end of things http://lichtenberg-classics.ie . Ok, so its a bit pricier than most, but they cars are very well documented, and in tip-top condition.
Im a member of the MB Club in the UK, and our next monthly meet is to take place at Mervyns for a technical demo. I've been up to his place before to pick up some parts, and was given a tour - it was the first time i'd seen a 300D Adenaeur in the flesh - what a beauty!
I'm also in touch with a dealer in the UK, also through the club, and i'm sizing up a couple of W123 coupes with him, so i'm keeping my options open.
Altho Otto was a left-hooker (originally Swedish), and i've no problem driving with the wheel on the 'other' side, i'd prefer to go for a RHD model this time.

@ todds - the reason i sold Otto, is to finance my next MB. I would have preferred to have held onto him, but funds wouldn't allow for that. I also poured quite a bit of money into the car, having new front calipers, rebuilt twin Zeniths, new front screen, new seals all round, all new Bilsteins etc.
So after the money, and the time off the road, im looking fr something thats 'ready to go', and truth be told i'd rather pay the extra to begin with. Otto was a trusty (eventually ) daily driver, and thats what i intend my next old MB to be also - not a weekend toy.

So possibles on the list are W123, both coupe & saloon, W116, or a very late W114 coupe..
I'll keep you posted on any developments.

Tony

[tc20]

just an update - i'll be taking a test drive in the W123 280E on saturday (linked above).

I haven't driven a W123 before, and from the info i've been gathering, some folk are saying that the M102 powered 230E is just as good a drive (plus slightly less thirsty). What say ye good folk here? How do the two compare?
I'm thinking a creamy M110 I6 with an extra 50bhp (from new) will be a much nicer drive, and have more grunt than the 4pot.

Tony

[TheDon]

the w126 300SD with the 617 is only like 2899 liters displacement(I dont have the exact figures on me)... Mercedes just rounds it up for a badge.. a 289SD would be weird

[tc20]

Originally Posted by TheDon

the w126 300SD with the 617 is only like 2899 liters displacement(I dont have the exact figures on me)... Mercedes just rounds it up for a badge.. a 289SD would be weird

are you off on a tangent there Don ?