Help needed in finding a new project Mercedes convertible up to 1972

[MBSLO]

At first of all hello to everyone, I'm 22 years old student from Slovenia, Europe and I'm really in love with classic cars.
When I was 16 years old I bought my first classic roadster Triumph Spitfire MK3 from 1967, I bought it as a project and after 3 years I restored it to really nice condition, if someone has some time, you can take a look on my restoration process, but sorry it is in slovenian language:

http://www.starodobnik.net/topics/3502

But I was really allways dreaming about Mercedes convertible, such as a Pontoon convertible (220Se or 190SL convertible), Heckflosse or even a Pagoda model, so I would like to ask for some help regarding my searching.

I was saving my scholarships and money from work to now find a proper driver or really project convertible as my new project and when I saw here is a lot Mercedes enthusiasts I would be really grateful if someone is maybe prepared to help me on my mission, or if someone maybe know for a Mercedes for sale. I'm also comming to USA to find a proper new project for me in September, so I would be realy grateful for any suggestions or help regarding my search of a Mercedes convertible.

I don't have enough money for a show car, so that is why I'm looking for something cheaper, what I would restore for a longer period...

I would be really grateful for any help and suggestions.I

You can also contact me on my email: thedzejk@gmail.com

With best regards,

Jaka Bernardic

[Tony H]

You will need to deceide if you want a larger car like a 111 or a smaller car like a 113. Restoring a early cab or convertible will be a very expensive proposition so choose your car carefully. I think the early 350/450SL's even fit the time frame you mentioned. That would be the most practical car to consider-you could find a very nice one for less than the price of a rough 111/113.
Always consider rust when inspecting a car. It hides everywhere on these cars.

[Wodnek]

If you are really on a budget, you are very likely limited to a R107.
Even a complete basket case 111,112, or 113 goes for big money.

[MBSLO]

At first of all thanks for all those kind suggestions and opinions. Yes I know how it is with rust issues on Mercedes Benz, I have read a lot of restorations sites and club sites. I'm really looking to find a kind of bad driver, project car, like Pagoda model convertible, which is still cheaper then Pontoon convertible. I would also take few years for restorations and I will put my savings in the car of course. But I don't like so much the W107 convertibles...

If someone maybe know for a kind of project like this, I would be really grateful, I must ask, are there some classic cars newspapers that someone maybe can take a look if something good is for sale? Or does maybe know someone a friend that is selling a car or maybe a neighbour?

Sorry for my bad english...

Thanks again,

Jaka

[JiveTurkey]

I'm seeing some similarities between you, my new slovenian friend, and myself...

[mercmad6.3]

Ponton Cabs are expensive,whether rusty wrecks ($20,000 +) or concours (6 figures is common) but so are pagodas, so look for a rusty W113 230 . They are cheaper but remember, many resto shops are also hunting for them because they are simple cars to rebuild and huge profits can be made because they are so popular. America is the best place to look because there were so many sold there and the economy is bad.
W111 Cabs are heading for $100,000 for even 220SE's .
190SL's are also popiular but beware of recent restorations below market prices. i have seen some shocking examples thrown together for a profit.
here is a site in Hungary which shows the amount of work required for a nice mercedes restoration;
http://weboldtimer.com/

[TurboECab]

Just picked up a 1959 190sl dry stored for 30 years before that San Diego,CA car used by a Washington snow bird..No rust except one lower corner ahead of fender and battery tray, complete Have not decided on a price but thinking 18k or so. Mainly looking to trade for a ponton Cab.
I won't plaster pics all over the net as I picked it up for not much and told the owner I would restore it for myself,which I still might.

[mercmad6.3]

I know a lot of Ponton Cab owners including a guy who just bought his for $140,000. When i say a lot,I'm talking of maybe 6.
$18,000 will only buy a rough 190 SL needing a full rebuild. my 220a has sat since 1978 and was fully servived right up until it was parked. it has undergone 12 months of very intensive rebuilding and i would say another 12 months of work lays ahead.
Buying such a cheap 190 SL which has sat for 30 years will take just as long to get going. Save your money and buy the ponton cab instead.
This one that was completed 18 months ago. The owner spent $150,000 to get it completely rebuilt and on completion used it to go on a 3000 mile vacation.