opinions on this 68 250s, please?

[tonkovich]

i am tempted.

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/cto/2375037304.html

what color is it, by the way? and how were the auto trans on these models? ( i owned a stick, 69, 280s previously) oh, and performance?

[carnut]

Looks like faded red. The transmission was ok but shifted rather harshly especially coming to a stop. The price seems fair assuming A/C works and receipts can be furnished regarding eng and trans repair.

[tonkovich]

thx.

[pj67coll]

The color is Burgundy I believe. Same as my 71 280S. A lot of elbow grease with the right compounds and polishes and it will look very nice indeed. Love that interior. The auto box is just fine. Though I did have the slightly more powerful engine with mine 2.8 liter. The slingshot effect is cool if you can get it right. Hell, I'd be tempted if I had the cash.

- Peter.

[Tony H]

Price seems pretty high. I could not sell my friends 1 owner So Cal 250S for $500. The 250S is the least desirable 108.

[Stretch]

Originally Posted by Tony H

Price seems pretty high. I could not sell my friends 1 owner So Cal 250S for $500. The 250S is the least desirable 108.

Even so I'd buy it if it turned out to be as good as it looks (and it was nearer).

[carnut]

While I agree that it is the least desirable 108, any car that runs of that age and holds all its fluids ( and not rusty) is worth at least $1500.00 IMO.

[mbbuff]

A few of my observations, FWIW. I have a 67 250S (CA vehicle) that my Dad bought new, and was given to me by Mom when he passed away. On the one you're looking at:
1. There is some minor body damage on the driver's side. What does the other side look like?
2. The paint may or may not rub out. I know mine (original black) is getting thin in places.
3. IMO, it doesn't look like they've given it ANY TLC....just driven it. This may be good, or bad, depending on how long it has been neglected. For starters, I'd pull the dipsticks for the engine and trans. and check the condition of the oil/fluid. Does it look like it's been changed at half way proper intervals? I am betting NO! No black oil, no brown, varnish or burnt smelling transmission fluid. Also, remove the engine oil filler cap and look to see how clean the valve train area is.
4. Run the heater blower on all speeds....if it works. I think the MB folks placed the heater blower on a stand and then built the entire vehicle around it. If it's bad, it is a major operation to change it. Heater valve o-rings are another good one, but not as bad.
5. The transmissions are good, if taken care of. Drive it! It will normally start in second gear, unless you give it a little more than normal throttle. It should shift fairly hard (firm), and definitely not slip. It should have quick/firm transitiions from drive to reverse, and back......not "ooze" into gear.
6. The twin Zenith carbs. are a real joy. If anyone (especially unknowledgeable) has messed with them over the years, you could be in for a fair amount of grief. If they've pretty much been untouched, they're relatively easy to work on without completely removing (a real bear) from the vehicle. If they're out of sync., a good Unison with adapter (I use an inverted coffee can with a hole in the bottom) will allow you to sync. them. Know that some of the parts are interchangeable with the single throat early VW carbs.
7. If it has a ton of miles on it, the timing chain tensioner and guides are probably shot. You would probably hear a noise coming from the front of the engine.
8. They are pretty gutless, and geared for about 50 mph, IMO. If you get it up to 60 or so, it'll sound like it's going to come apart. It won't. Move up to about 70, or so, and it smooths out again, and doesn't seem to "labor" as much
9. Gas mileage, in town, is not too bad....maybe ~15-16 (87 octane), and on the highway at ~55 mph, I've gotten as high as 22 mpg.
I could probably go on and on, if I sat here and thought about it, but overall, if given a decent amount of care and preventative maintenance, it should last a long time. If you get it (price is a little high, especially if neglected) I am sure it'll take you a while to shape it up. Then it should be a reliable ride.

See my 250S in post No. 9 of the following thread, along with my current project on my 280C: Finally Made a Big Decision

[tonkovich]

thanks to everyone for all the advice, info.

[JMela]

Some or all of the exterior might have been painted over the years as it looks like they sprayed the remnants around the engine compartment.

[tonkovich]

Originally Posted by JMela

Some or all of the exterior might have been painted over the years as it looks like they sprayed the remnants around the engine compartment.

yes, i thought the red oil cap and air cleaner cover were a little weird. and possibly indicative of a repaint.

[pj67coll]

I see the ad has been flagged for removal. From memory I'd say the painted air cleaner and cap were not because of a repaint but a recent attempt to be "cool". If I remember correctly the two front mounted lamps had been painted that color too and it wasn't the exact same color as the car. One thing I did notice I think is that the inside of the engine bay appeared to be black. Might have just been really filthy. From what I remember of mine it should be the same color as the car so that could be significant depending on what the situation with it is.

- Peter.

[Tony H]

I had a 250S with a 4spd manual trans when I was in Germany and I would drive for hours at 100+MPH on the Autobahn and it was rock solid. A drunk driver took it out.