Front clip swap?
 

I have a 1974 240d that is currently running but the drivetrain isn't in great shape. I am thinking about buying a 1980s 240d or 300d to drive for now. Would the front clip from the 74' be interchangeable with the w123 without extensive modification? I just really dig the look.

No exterior body parts can transfer from the W114 ('74) to the W123 (late '76 and newer) models.

Wy not just transplant the engines? The 615 and 616 4 cylinder are very similar in size

Top/rear - mounted oil-filter housing onthe later W123 engine may interfere with the underhood firewall-to-frame reinforcing-struts, steering-box and brake-booster, on the older W115 body.
Also, power steering pump and plumbing is a different setup.

Happy Motoring, Mark

What do you mean by 'front clip'?

Warren on chassis type cars like pick ups and early US cars the front fenders,hood and radiator support can lifted off in one unit,this the Front Clip.
mercedes have never been constructed like this . The front fenders are bolted on to a frame which is part of the body and unless it's been bent,it cannot be removed easily.
What is being asked here is,Can I put the front of a W123 onto the unibody of a W114-115.
The easy answer is No,because a W123 is actually a narrower W116 with a heavier front chassis section .
A lot of Japanese tuner car parts are exported exjapan as "front clips " which are the fronts of cars are cut off from the windshield forward.
The experession "front clip" is often misused as a result. :)

This guy could do the same i guess gby cutting the entire front off and welding a W123 front clip on ,god only knows why though:laugh:

I figured the OP wanted to swap front ends. It's not usually done and I just wanted to know if what he wrote was what I thought he wrote about.

No, he wants to fit the front of the W114 (and not 116) on the W123. As suggested before, it would be easier and quicker the fit the W123 engine into the W114.

Warren, I sent you an email and left you a message on your voicemail. I have difficulties reaching you. This is to tell you that the bellhousing has arrived and is ready for pick-up. Please call me or answer my email so that we can arrange for it.

The OP's 1974 Benz is a W115 240D.