Enthusiasts Blogging Our Favorite Classifieds
Even though it’s old enough to be considered a classic, the W116 Mercedes-Benz S –class seems to lack the following that its predecessor, the W108 or its successor, the W126, have garnered. Today, we’ll take a look at two W116s which appear similar on the surface, due to their golden huge, but are, in fact, rather different. First up is this 280S for sale in Germany equipped with a 4-speed manual gearbox, a combination we never saw here in the US market.
While values rise on the R107 Mercedes-Benz SLs, their successor, the R129, has stayed rather stagnant in the market. This isn’t all too surprising, as it is still riding borderline classic status. But as the years press on and the styling cues continue to evolve, the R129 will certainly establish its place as a desirable classic. This 1997 SL500 is one of the rare 40th Anniversary Editions, which featured six spoke Evo II alloy wheels, Crimson Metallic exterior over parchment leather and chestnut wood trim. With just under 40,000 miles on the clock, this is a good way to stand out from the rest of the R129 crowd.
Last week I wrote up a very clean, well-traveled BMW 524td, and commented that its looks and efficiency might help it supplant the Mercedes-Benz W123 diesels as my stinking and smoking cruiser of choice. While I did like that car, I think I’ll keep my E28s loud and fast and leave the highway trundling to the Benzes, especially when they can cover mileage like this one. Having spent its 33 years with a single owner in Florida, it’s covered an incredible 432k miles. Everything about is a testament to why these are some of the most revered automobiles in the history of the machine. Top Gear may have shown the indestructability of the Toyota Hilux, and I’m of that tribe as well, but holy cow these things are incredible. 80s BMW interiors rarely look like this with a quarter of the miles. With no reserve and a great history, it’s a fun idea to think of DDing this intrepid traveler in pursuit of a million miles.
It was an interesting Wagon Week last month, featuring more utilitarian choices than normal. We began with a Mercedes-Benz 230TE equipped with a 5-speed manual and ended with a 1980 Volkswagen Passat L Variant. We’re back this week with another 230TE equipped with a third pedal, this time on the other side of the pond. This 1992 model is in much better nick, having covered only 30,000 miles. It might only be a four cylinder model, but good W124 estates aren’t getting any easier to find. If you know anyone in Europe who could hang on to this for two years until it’s legal for US import, keep reading…
I was sitting at my local pub yesterday, watching football while winding down my weekend, when suddenly a glint of chrome across the block caught my eye. It was a W111 Mercedes-Benz Coupe. Sitting in the passengers seat, a dog stuck his head out the window as the car passed through the intersection, looking pleased with life. Wouldn’t you be cruising around in such a classic? Besides a vintage British roadster, I can’t think of anything better to enjoy these crisp fall days here on the East Coast than with a pillarless Mercedes-Benz coupe. This 280SE for sale in California was repainted about a decade ago, but wears a mostly original patina.