W108 350SE - How much for a good one?

[Futuresounds]

Hi folks,

I've just seen a really clean looking 280SE (3.5) Saloon in Ireland for about £2500. It strikes me as a bargain, as I've recently noticed these cars going for £4500 and more on eBay and other sites. I've just made a preliminary email enquiry to check it out. The basic info shown is: 100K miles on the clock, and 2 previous owners, made in late 1971.

Might I be a bit naive in thinking I can use this car all year round as a second runabout, probably putting no more than 3K miles on it a year. Are spare parts an issue?

I have a slight reservation about the front seats, as they don't have any headrests, not great for whiplash! Maybe I could fit a different pair in afterwards.

Any comments welcome :0)

Thanks,

Enda.

 

[74merc]

To get a decent one of these, I reckon you'd have to pay at least £6,000. Spare parts won't be a problem but rust will, especially if you use it all year round. However, if you keep on top of the maintenance, it would make a fine daily driver.

 

[Futuresounds]

Hi 74merc, thanks for your advice, I probably look like an idiot now, but I don't have a garage for it; I was going to have it waxoyled and resin polished, and hope for the best!

 

[74merc]

If it were watertight, keeping it outside might not be a problem. Lift the carpets in the front and back and check for dampness and signs of rot. If it's dry, throw a bucket of water over it and check again. I've got a 1971 220 which is the baby brother of the 108 you are looking at. I'd love to use it as a daily driver but unfortunately it's not watertight.

 

[KillerHERTZ]

Body parts will be a problem to get hold off unless you want to buy £££

It took us 2 years to track down some 2nd hand wings & doors which are rust free.

They ether need to be garaged, or used all the time rather than left out to rot.

 

[Futuresounds]

Cool, thanks again 74merc; I wasn't able to get through to them today, hopefully tomorrow. That's a seriously good question, re. watertight issues.

 

[KillerHERTZ]

Cool, thanks again 74merc; I wasn't able to get through to them today, hopefully tomorrow. That's a seriously good question, re. watertight issues.


No way of telling from that pic, have a good long look when you view it!

This was ours when we got it:

After removing grill etc:

Not major, but make sure you have a long detailed look. Great classic cars which turn heads EVERYWHERE!

 

[74merc]

Futuresounds, are you based in or around Dublin? If you are serious, I'd bring the car to someone like Ben Lichtenberg in Wicklow for a checkover. That looks really cheap unless it's a complete shed.

 

[corned]

It doesn't look too shabby, but a terrible picture for sure!

If it's solid (and watertight), then my advice is go for it. That would make a lovely runabout and I would be very envious! The colour is really smart, too.

 

[Futuresounds]

74merc, good call, I'll ask the garage if that could be an option, it'd make for a great test drive also ;0)

 

[Futuresounds]

Wow, I see what you mean! Looks like you're handy with cars, would love to have those skills... Will keep you posted.

No way of telling from that pic, have a good long look when you view it!

This was ours when we got it:

After removing grill etc:

Not major, but make sure you have a long detailed look. Great classic cars which turn heads EVERYWHERE!

 

[Futuresounds]

yeah, I really like the green, I wonder what colour the interior is! I'd need to upgrade the front seats for safety, but lets see how the initial enquiries go first. Cheers..

It doesn't look too shabby, but a terrible picture for sure!

If it's solid (and watertight), then my advice is go for it. That would make a lovely runabout and I would be very envious! The colour is really smart, too.

 

[mattc]

If it is nice you might want to delete the link and ask Killerhertz to do the same...would be a bugger to find someone else liked the look and got it first!

p.s. nice looking ride

 

[Futuresounds]

Thanks for the tip, how do I delete or edit the old post I wonder, i just looked for the edit option and couldn't find it!

If it is nice you might want to delete the link and ask Killerhertz to do the same...would be a bugger to find someone else liked the look and got it first!

p.s. nice looking ride

 

[bismarck]

Just wondering if you bought the merc,make sure the sills and boot wells are in good order.Would make a very practical run around and cheap to tax and insure.Am based in dublin and have some spares if you are stuck.