I think I have found my convertible
 

1965 220SE. White with a navy top and I think the interior used to be blue. A retired MD was having it restored and died during the process. The engine has been rebuilt and it lacked getting new trim, a paint job, new exhaust system, brakes, transmission work (minor), some suspension stuff I didn't understand and new interior (the dash is finished --OMG its beautiful). The restoration has stopped and the estate doesn't want to complete the project. I have made the executor an offer and have a "gotcha" quote to complete the resto. The thing has about seven touring badges on the grille from different countries. Cross your fingers:D

Sounds awesome, good luck!

Good Luck!

w114?

Thanks, I just had my runner call ten people from all over the US today and frantically ask them what they were asking for their 220 ses for sale so that I could ballpark the offer. I hope I am close--I just happened to notice the car in a warehouse and if I don't get it it will likely get put on ebay or something

Keep lookin high and low then for that car. If you do not get it, you may find it for sale somwhere out there.

W111 body.

I hope you get it, JD. Can't wait to see the pics.

I have been casually looking for about a year. We came close on a 190 SL, but my mechanic wouldn't let me buy it because of the fuel injection. I really need the four seats so this thing would be perfect! (slow, but talk about cherry)

The only pic of it I have I just took and the wheels and spindles are off and it is sitting on top of the wheels as they are layed horizontally out on the warehouse floor. The hood is off and it is otherwise wrapped in plastic, but I know what they look like cleaned up.

I meant AFTER you get it and finish the restoration, of course. I know it would be in good hands with you. It sounds terrific.

Which transmission?

I don't know #'s but it is an automatic and shifts on the column.

I'll cross my stiletoes for you!

Teehee. It is really for my wife. She has wanted one for ever. Her father has a 300 SL and a 190 SL and a 280 SE cabriolet (?right #s) and we thought we would go that route, but we started to look for one after she quit speaking to him a while back:D

My mother had an 86 560 SL and then I had an 88 for a short while, but we want to go old school and cruise slow with the top down:cool:

Get it fixed by June and I'll let you give me a ride in it, generous man that I am. I'm going to MUW for a couple of days.

I just looked up the model. Gee, that is a great looking machine. I sure hope you get it!

B

Good luck. If you like the car and it is vetted by your mechanic, don't waste time.

I had a mint, beautiful 230SL bought right from under my very nose.

It took me weeks to get over it.

I'm glad to hear that all your diligent searching will pay off with what sounds like a "omg it's awesome" car. :D

The guys have lots of parts for these cars and have an online catalog of parts, so you can see what you need to finish the resto. estimate:

http://www.millermbz.com/

I've got my fingers crossed for ya. Good luck. :)

Oh one of the MB magazines did an article on them awhile back. They are so classy!

I can't wait to hear if you get it.

That body style cabriolet is one of the most beautiful cars ever produced.

Man you guys' anticipation is making me nervous. Tell you what, I have never posted a pic here (save pms and emails to people I have met) but I will go take a few of the car on monday and post them. I would be curious to see what some of you would have offered vs. what I did, given what I have been quoted for finalizing the resto. I will say this much--I wouldn't have offered a cent if it weren't for the guy who was doing the resto--think six months waiting list......

Thanks for all the previous info on the 190s btw JHIII--it was just too much of a gamble with the fuel delivery problem.

Pretty neat car... I found this:
http://philadelphia.backpage.com/automotive/classifieds/EnlargeImage?oid=oid%3A619297&image=oid%3A619296

Not sure if it'll help ya. That looks like a fun family-out-cruisn' car.

Good Luck! :)

Good choice.
 

My favorite old Benz, along with the 3.5 coupe (W112). It'll hold it's value as well.

It is a small world apparently with these cars, cause my helper called that guy earlier today. Swear.

The right resto person can really make or break owning and/or buying a car like that. At least you know what the car is right now, and can see the progress with your own eyes. I can't imagine buying a "restored" car from one of those fancy auctions, too many variables in play.

Now all you need is some of the cool fitted luggage they used to sell, specific to the model that fits in the trunk. These folks are down under, but I think they sell the correct style luggage and also deal with the W111.

http://www.mbspares.com.au/default.asp?d=133740&p=17935

Glad I could offer some info, that's what this place is for. I agree about the fuel delivery issue on 190SL cars, the fuel injection is way more reliable and less fire prone. Your mechanic seems like a good guy, most people would have goaded you into buying the car so they could fix it for you.

What's the latest on this car, JD? Anything new? We're anxiously awaiting good news.

Steeltoes or stilettos ?

I've often wondered myself... I think you're on to something. ;)

Waiting for the siblings to agree. None of them wants it, but I think they smell blood. I made a fair offer and doubt they would get what I am offering for the car in its current condition, but the difference is that the work that has been done thus far has been done by 'my' guy, so he would be the best one to complete the job and probably for less money than someone who would be starting from scratch. I should know in a week or so.

Well, we'll be anxiously waiting to here that you have been successful in your quest. It is often hard trying to settle estate issues with kids who could care less about the assets themselves, but who, as you put it, "smell blood."

Good luck!