From opposite ends of the vintage Mercedes automotive spectrum, I've heard of seen a couple of cars that may become availible soon.

A local thrift store here in Virginia Beach just got a donated '75 240D atomatic.
It's faded 'chocolate grey' body is straight rust in rear quarters has been crudely patched, front seats are ratty. looks like it needs a starter, radiator repair and a fan belt. May go cheap (or go to the crusher!)

An accqaintance of mine passed away last month. He owned a small independant used car dealership in Woodbridge. At his home, in a large workshop is a 600 sedan. I haven't seen it yet so all I have is what I was told by the executor of his estate. The car is completely disassembled. The body is restored/repainted and sitting on dollies, awaiting reassembly. Basically, its now a Mercedes 600 kit-car! Also, it may have, at one time, belonged to the Shah of Iran.

Anyone interested? Amused? I can try to find out more.

Happy Motoring, Mark

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DrDKW

Go for the 600 .. sounds like more than half the work has been done already....not many of them around... if you put it together and sell it you can buy several nice 123 diesels... LOL

I'm sure, figuring out if all the parts are there and where every nut, bolt, bracket and clip goes would make for many weeks or months of frustration, eventually leading to cheerfull insanity. A used 600 workshop manual (if availible) probably costs what I've paid for an entire used Mercedes. (Maybe I could trade that 240D for one!) I'm sure the seller will be wanting WAY too much for this project, especially with that 'Shah of Iran' connection. And, I need another car project like I need another hole in my head....still....if the price was right....?!

Happy Motoring, Mark

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DrDKW

Still too many 240Ds in good shape out there to consider the one you describe...even as a giveaway.

The 600 was fraught with unique parts, weird stuff like air suspension (I think), and even in swb version, is not something with much normal utility. I suspect the expense of keeping up one of these would put a crimp even in the Shah's wallet.

Again, find Frank Barrett's "Mercedes-Benz Buyers Guide" has much inside dope on either of these as a project...best $20 you can spend re this hobby.

That 600 would drive you insane. So many special parts, air suspension, hydraulic window actuators, unique everything.

checkout www.m-100.org

good luck.

The executor should contact Karl Middelhauve in SE PA. I believe his website is www.mbgrand600.com

I suggest you stay in touch... since you knew the guy that owned it... and examine all the parts if you can.... will the executor set a price for you or is he required to put it up for auction ?
Since the price has not been established this deal can not be evaluated yet...

Yes, I already have a copy of Frank Barrets' book and am somewhat familiar with the 'special' nature of the Mercedes 600 ($3000 for a waterpump, $2500 for the air suspension control valve , etc...) A year or so ago, there was a painfull internet posting from a gentleman who restored one of these things. Still, it would be worth a look and some photos.

As for the 240D, I'll stop by the thrift store this afternoon and see how much they want for that 'classic'. if I was going to get one, I'd prefer a nice W123 series, with a stickshft.

I think I'll just continue fixing up 'Miss Daisy' my '60 Fintail. At least she's running and driveable. Gets better mileage than a 600 and more fun to drive than an automaic 240D.

Happy Motoring, Mark

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DrDKW

If that w115 / 240D had standard shift and sunroof, I for one would be all over it like a bum on a baloney sandwich....

Otherwise am wondering why nobody has suggested rebuilding the 600 to accomodate regular bilstein shocks & suspension.... and possibly even a 5 cyl. diesel engine / standard shift (euro style combo) - assuming that motor mount arms could be fabricated.

Sounds crazy?? Think about it.... ultimate 600 coachwork powered with diesel economy that could pull a house at 85 mph all day long for the next 20 years. Final cost might be in neighborhood of buying a new subaru, if you do most of the work yourself.

Just how many of those frightfully rare goodies on the 600 can be left on the shelf, i wonder. Later model 300TD wagon also suffered complicated self-adjusting rear suspension - that many owners have replaced with regular items.

DieselDog, Can you document later model wagon owners having changed to regular suspension ? Like any names/email addresses ? I have long thought that a better way to go than trying to redo the stock ones... even if it is cost efficient now... in 10 years it is not likely to still be....

I had another look at that 240D today. The body's not too bad but the front seats are rough. That thrift store hasn't priced it yet. I don't care about a sunroof but gotta have a stickshift, so I think I'll pass.

As for 'simplifying' that 600, aside from ruining whatever collector value it might have, I don't know of any 'regular' Mercedes that could be a donor for any parts swaps on this car. You're talking about a major re-engineering/fabrication project. As the 600 probably weighs maybe a ton more than a 300SD, would a 300D engine be able to drag it around? Maybe a Ford or GMC truck diesel might be a better match.( Yeah, I know I'm talking heresy here!) And where to find a 5 speed? I can't even find one for my 250. Besides the air suspension, other special equipment includes hydraulic power windows and seats and an early type of electronic climate control. As for myself, when I get a garage like Jay leno's, I can start adding Mercedes 600s to my collection. I'll try to get a look and take some pictures ASAP.

Happy Motoring, Mark

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DrDKW

Leathermang, am new to this forum but 300TD wagon suspension is being discussed on the Diesel board next door.

In my experience of owning old mercs I've seen monroe shocks going into '70's 114's .... and GM a/c compressors that bolt onto 123's

One common conversion is adding 240 manual shift trans. to 300D's..... using 240 clutch hydraulics & pedal, bell housing and gear box... am not sure which differential is used, and purchase of euro 300D flywheel is required...... One fellow who does this is Chuck Cummings of "All Mercedes" at (203) 975-0441 in CT.

E-bay had a 600 that fetched $80,000 in original, documented and well maintained condition... apparently they came in different length versions, some might be longer than others.

But if that PA car is stripped to the bone, it sounds like opportunities for reconstruction would be unlimitted.... I'd speak with stretch limo manufacturers like "Maloney" in Michigan... "Picasso" and others for advice on springs & shocks, keeping the merc pumpkin and axles intact.

Could the 300D pull the 600? Hell, you guys wouldnt believe the pitifully small engine in the IMOG truck.... otherwise, a good used 450SE engine would be excellent improvement, assuming the wiring could be done.... am diesel prejudiced, but would never throw anything but stuttgart engine into mercedes.

-sorry for the rant, but this is an exciting topic

Mark, Keep in mind this option : If you , having known the guy, and being in the right place at the right time, can get it at a bargain price.... and that is not too out of reason since projects like this are not what everyone would want to take on.... or able to.... then just sell the parts .... and use the profit to buy whatever you really want to play with....

Could a 300D engine pull a 600 with any degree of performance? I bet that IMOG has a top speed of about 65. Where could one find a different ratio rear end for a 600? Actually, dropping a 560SL engine in that 600 would make sense, but I'm not going to do it. If I had the place, time and money I'd keep it all original. Got too many projects already!

Happy Motoring, Mark

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DrDKW

Leathermang,
I thought about that, I just don't have the covered storage space to keep something like this intact while I reassemble it or part it out. (Maybe if I sell my house, cash in my IRA and buy a warehouse and move all my stuff and cars and outboards and vintage audio and a small trailer to live in.....)
The late owners' mother is now living in his home so there's no rush to sell the 600.
I need to get a look anyway. I've never seen a 600 in person, not even a dissassembled one!

Happy Motoring, Mark

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DrDKW