My 300E is very similar to the one you described except that it is an '88. The manual transmission was put in about 700 '86's and about 300 '88's. My car is in absolutely EXCELLENT mechanical condition, but probably only a 7 or 8 cosmetically. It is completely rust free, but I have hit a deer and it had light repair on the drivers door before I got it.

I feel that my car is a real gem. As you, I am a manual transmission fanatic. That is why I looked for two years until I found one of these with a manual.

Although I don't see these cars as collectibles or classics, I REALLY hate to see one altered. As you have learned, it is a great car and the manual makes it faster and MUCH more fun to drive. Yes, the top speed is listed as 144 and I feel quite sure that my car will go that fast as I have had it near there with plenty more left.

My friend Paul (Suginami) has a two cam 124. That engine has about 15% more power than our single cam engines, but of course, has an automatic. After riding in mine he commented that the manual makes it come alive.

Today, unless you can find an enthusiast buyer, the car is not worth much more than an equivalent a/t model, but who knows? Maybe some day there will be a premium. If that day ever comes, a rust free unmodified example will definitely be the desirable car that will bring the extra cash.

As you've discovered, it's a fun car to drive if you're a stick shift enthusiast. Why not get something else to play with and leave the 124 untouched as a fun daily driver?

It's your car and your business, but if the day ever comes when they start bringing a premium, then the fewer original cars that are available will make mine more valuable.

BTW, there is no way this transmission would hold up behind a stout V8 unless you tiptoed around with it, and what fun would that be?

Enjoy,