Classic V modern classic

[kvz2000]

Hi All ,
just looking to start a conversation about above subject , I don’t think there is a right or wrong answer but I’m interested to your thoughts or experiences .
I have a beautiful unrestored Mercedes W114 280e I love it but have owned it now for 5 years which is a record for me and starting to have a crave for something else , the old Merc has fantastic history ( first owner was a French gentleman that kept the car for 33 years covering just 16k miles ) then one other owner before me , I’ve spoken to both families and can verify it’s 52k miles .
it gets fantastic attention when out and lots of people wanting to chat about it , it drives perfectly and the original straight 6 twin cam engine had 187BHP from factory and can quite easily keep up with modern traffic .
my issue is that although I enjoy driving it I don’t really get any great thrill or excitement, I’m no boy racer but when I drive our modern Mercedes i love the comfort and acceleration and probably the modern extras like heated seats , bluetooth etc .
Anyway I am thinking about changing the old car for something like a Mercedes AMG ( any model ) or a Jaguar XKR or similar , it’s all about pros and cons I suppose , huge increase in running costs of the modern car with road tax , insurance and any potential repairs way in excess of the classic tax / mot exempt classic but I would love the look and performance of the newer car .
Unfortunately I can’t have both so the old Merc needs to be sold to allow me to buy the newer car , or a swap would be great but very difficult to achieve to get something that keeps Both parties happy .
interested to here the experience of anyone that owns and AMG or similar and what to look for and what to avoid .
cheers

 

[zipdip]

Stick with the old car AMG's are ten a penny but a good condition 114 will always turn heads,have you anymore photos.

 

[ChrisHGTV]

Stick with the old car AMG's are ten a penny but a good condition 114 will always turn heads,have you anymore photos.

I would have to agree, that’s gorgeous! I have a weekend semi-classic Alfa which is much quicker than my Merc and although I love it, it’s ultimately quite frustrating to drive in the UK at least. Ive got a friend with an Alfa 4C and he’s finding it frustrating as well, once the novelty of hard standing starts wore off (Although it hits 60 in 4.3 I got bored after about 3 launches!). Could you do a kind of rolling Restomod on the Merc to modernise it slightly?

 

[kvz2000]

Stick with the old car AMG's are ten a penny but a good condition 114 will always turn heads,have you anymore photos.

 

[kvz2000]

That’s it in France with first owner , then when I bought it in Eire .

 

[kvz2000]

That’s it in France with first owner , then when I bought it in Eire .

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Hi All ,
just looking to start a conversation about above subject , I don’t think there is a right or wrong answer but I’m interested to your thoughts or experiences .
I have a beautiful unrestored Mercedes W114 280e I love it but have owned it now for 5 years which is a record for me and starting to have a crave for something else , the old Merc has fantastic history ( first owner was a French gentleman that kept the car for 33 years covering just 16k miles ) then one other owner before me , I’ve spoken to both families and can verify it’s 52k miles .
it gets fantastic attention when out and lots of people wanting to chat about it , it drives perfectly and the original straight 6 twin cam engine had 187BHP from factory and can quite easily keep up with modern traffic .
my issue is that although I enjoy driving it I don’t really get any great thrill or excitement, I’m no boy racer but when I drive our modern Mercedes i love the comfort and acceleration and probably the modern extras like heated seats , bluetooth etc .
Anyway I am thinking about changing the old car for something like a Mercedes AMG ( any model ) or a Jaguar XKR or similar , it’s all about pros and cons I suppose , huge increase in running costs of the modern car with road tax , insurance and any potential repairs way in excess of the classic tax / mot exempt classic but I would love the look and performance of the newer car .
Unfortunately I can’t have both so the old Merc needs to be sold to allow me to buy the newer car , or a swap would be great but very difficult to achieve to get something that keeps Both parties happy .
interested to here the experience of anyone that owns and AMG or similar and what to look for and what to avoid .
cheersView attachment 122227

That’s a really lovely car.

What is it that appeals about an AMG? That might help others to guide you.

The C 55 AMG would make a good introduction to AMG. Handsome car, very quick, sounds fantastic, very reliable and relatively affordable running costs. They’re also a rare sight. Lovely cars, but may not be what appeals to you in an AMG.

 

[kvz2000]

I would have to agree, that’s gorgeous! I have a weekend semi-classic Alfa which is much quicker than my Merc and although I love it, it’s ultimately quite frustrating to drive in the UK at least. Ive got a friend with an Alfa 4C and he’s finding it frustrating as well, once the novelty of hard standing starts wore off (Although it hits 60 in 4.3 I got bored after about 3 launches!). Could you do a kind of rolling Restomod on the Merc to modernise it slightly?

I’m sure I could , really need to get the finger out and arrange a few small jobs , I’m sure the drivers seat would benefit from the an upgrade as it’s a bit “springy“ and I’d like a retro looking stereo with Bluetooth, both relatively easy jobs to get done I guess .

 

[kvz2000]

That’s a really lovely car.

What is it that appeals about an AMG? That might help others to guide you.

The C 55 AMG would make a good introduction to AMG. Handsome car, very quick, sounds fantastic, very reliable and relatively affordable running costs. They’re also a rare sight. Lovely cars, but may not be what appeals to you in an AMG.

Hi , I guess it’s the performance really and it would be a complete change from a classic , I’m a huge Merc fan and have read all about the birth of AMG , either the C , E or SL models would appeal , not the S though . My biggest fear is buying one thats been thrashed as any major engine works would require specialist mechanics but that’s down to doing plenty of research before buying which I have no worries about . The SL AMG’s seem less expensive probably due to less demand but they would suit me and I think less likely for them to have been abused .