cops like old MBs too

[Aaron]

Well, I received my first speeding ticket in my "new" 280SE today! Now it has officially become mine! Clocked for 80mph in a 65. Not too bad considering my last one cost me my license for two months! But anyhow, as he was writing me my citation, he was asking all about the car and commented on how nice it was. I told him I picked it up from a friend down south and he agreed that the south is the place to get these vintage ones from! He almost let me off with a warning, but I think it must have been quota time. He was just about to hand me my license back but then must have had that vision of being let go from the highway patrol for not writing enough tickets, so he lightened my pockets by about $75. I almost told him I was glad he stopped me, now I know my speedo is reading accurately!

[stevebfl]

My first MB was a 1970 280SE. I got it in about 1975. The dealer traded the man out of it into a new car. All that was wrong with it was bad motor mounts. I stole back from the dealer (my employer)

Over the next year I replaced every bit of the valvetrain hoping to quiet the upper engine. Thing sounded like a thrashing machine above 70. I always heard that they could go that fast (80mph); personally I would never have believed it (bg).

Over the years I have found a solution, really only worth doing to a 280SL. That is putting the higher ratio 280SE 4.5 differential into the 6 cyl.

Too bad about the ticket, but you will get better (vbg).

[Aaron]

Steve,

Yes, I have considered swapping the diff from a V8 car into this one, to keep the rpm's down a bit, but you know these engines were really built to rev, and I remember reading articles about rallying these cars and running them all day long at 100+mph with no problems. The engine in my car has been rebuilt top to bottom about two years ago and it's tight as a whistle. No oil consumption and it always lights right off the first time. I tuned it up and checked the mixture when I got it and it's all spot on. I think it's the best running 280 I've seen yet.

I wonder what's going to happen to my insurance. State Farm insures this one (and all my others), and it costs me a mere $31.20 a half for full coverage, unlimited mileage. They have some special classic insurance for cars which are driven daily. It's kind of nice, it off-sets the $279 a month I pay for the 6.9's insurance!

[CarolinaMBZ]

I am intrigued by the insurance reference in your post. I have several cars and have to pay an additional equivalent premium for each car even though I can only drive one at a time (from an underwriting standpoint as to liability insurance, the risk is the same whether I have 1 car or a 100). This makes little sense to me and I am interested in the policy with State Farm that you mentioned. Although I am familiar with classic car policies (don't have one however), my information has been that have mileage restrictions. Any info you could provide such as name of policy and age or storage requirements would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

CarolinaMBZ

P.S. Since you have such a stable of fine automobiles, any storage tips for outside storage (I don't have enough garage and don't know how big your barn is and whether you had similar issues) would also be greatly appreciated (car covers, etc.)

[bstreep]

I know many folks who use Hagerty Classic Car Insurance. Their number is 800.922.4050. Or, www.hagerty.com. Unlike most every other Classic insurance, you can actually drive your car. No mileage restrictions, no "parade only" restrictions, you can park it at a resturant out of your sight, etc. I don't use it for my 190SL because I drive it A LOT - it's my daily driver much of the time. They have gotten lots of rave reviews from people who have had claims, as well.

Aaron, I'd be interested to know your deal with State Farm, as that's who I use. I have 4 vehicles and only 3 drivers. It is kind of silly that they charge me for liability when I can only have 3 of the 4 on the road at any one particular time...

[Aaron]

Bill,

Sorry this response took so long, I've been out of town for a while. Anyhow, I'm not even sure what State Farm refers to the program as, but when I called my insurance rep, she found in her computer that the 280SE was eligible for their "classic insurance". There are no mileage limits (I informed her this was my daily driver), and the car is insured for $10,500 value. Like I said, $31.20 a half. Hope it won't go up too much after the ticket!

[cth350]

I have used state farm all my life (I remember the state farm agent making housecalls when I was a wee lad).

I have 4 cars on insurance but only two drivers in the house. They issue a nice hefty "multicar discount" when you insure the extra cars.

-CTH