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I've just bought a converted W108 280SE. Its got a 240D engine in it.
Somebody asked why a while back; well here in the UK fuel is now so incredibly expensive I had to have a classic car that could run on veg oil. Diesel here is now the equivalent of $10 per (imperial) gallon!
We also have a law here that pre-1972 cars don't pay road tax (which is the equiv of $360 a year just to be able to use your car on the road!).
There are very few diesels of pre-1972 vintage that are practical for everyday use, and a converted W108 seemed to fit the bill nicely as I wasn't prepared to do a conversion myself.
Anyway, its been converted quite well by the previous owner. Being RHD the battery is more or less in the same position as std, as the brake servo is on the opposite side to LHD cars. The engine mounts are originals that have been cut in half and re-welded at an angle. Pretty they ain't, but they work!
The rear axle is stock and seems well matched for the conversion. It'll do 80+mph (eventually!) and I get 30-40mpg on veg. The exhaust is half original (mufflers) and half 240D (manifold & header).
The floor mounted auto shifter has been taken out and replaced by a manual 4 speed. An aftermarket vacuum cut off has been fitted to the IP and I've wired the glow plugs to the low fuel light to let me know when to fire it up.
I happen to work for a company that uses various oils for the food industry. Guess who has all the rejected waste oil for free?!!! The engine runs well with no modifications at all on a 90% oil and 10% gasoline mix even at sub-zero temps here in Britain. It does need a fair bit of cranking on a cold morning however! I'm doing 50 miles a day and so far so good.
It needs paint and a little bodywork but that aside its providing nearly free motoring in style - I love it!
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