Hello, I am new to the site and also a new owner of my late father’s 1969 Mercedes 280S. I reckon I’m still in shock at his passing. I sure don’t want to do anything to mess up his car! He was the second owner (since ‘76) and kept it immaculate, to the point of putting a hand made half cover over the roof and windows (tied to the door handles) if it would be parked in the sun for more than a few minutes.

Anyway, I remember it had a round ball gearshift lever knob when he bought it (it is a four speed manual) which he didn’t like and switched out for a more modern looking one. I wondered how important that is to originality because I’m pretty sure I can find it in a box somewhere in his garage.

I’m just starting slow working on his car. It is in great original condition and I’d love to keep it but I hope I am worthy. I used to tune up and adjust the valves on my ‘71 Volvo 164 but it was my dad who balanced the carbs...he was a much better mechanic than me!

It also needs the rubber seals around the doors renewed.