I have located a 1961 180d in moderate condition. Body straight. Engine is out but new replacement and orginal engine comes with car. mileage unknown, 4 speed manual, seems mostly original. Looks like some surface rust but I plan on a closer inspection soon. Owner wants $2500.00

Questions:
-Is this vehicle worth restoring?
-Where should I look for rust and at what level do I back away from this project?
-Are parts for this model available and/or overly expensive?
-Who would be the best supplier of parts for this model?
-Any other info regarding "Ponton's" restoration that I should know about?

P.S. I Love Diesels
Thanks for the advice,
Toolman

Diesel Pontons have a limited following. (This could change if the cost of fuel skyrockets) Very slow but very economical. As an investment to cash in on, probably not worth restoring.

If the unibody is sound and cancer-free, as a personal project, with you performing most of the work - maybe.

Most non-diesel mechanical parts can still be found as it's shared with its more popular cousin, the 190SL. Body, chrome and trim parts are getting harder to find but stuff does turn up on Ebay.

Happy Motoring, Mark

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DrDKW

It will be a labor or love. You might spend a total of $7k-$8k getting it really nice and it will be worth $4k-$5k.......

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Over 21 years I owned several:
w108
w110
w111
w115
w116
w123
w124
w126
w212

There is large Ponton organization and lots of resources. Here is their web address:

www.mbzponton.org

Worth restoring?

Financially, no. This is probably the least valuable of the Pontons, yet parts and labor will cost as much as for the more valuable cars. You will be underwater from the beginning, so get the price down as far as you can.

Emotionally, sure. If you like the car and like working on it, you will certainly get a lot of satisfaction from getting it running and improving it over time.

Good luck.

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Chuck Taylor
Falls Church VA
'66 200, '66 230SL, '96 SL500. Sold: '81 380SL, '86 300E, '72 250C, '95 C220, 3 '84 280SL's '90 420SEL, '72 280SE, '73 280C, '78 280SE, '70 280SL, '77 450SL, '85 380SL, '87 560SL, '85 380SL, '72 350SL, '96 S500 Coupe