Enthusiasts Blogging Our Favorite Classifieds
It’s pretty amazing when generations of cars come together in value; right now, there are 4 generations of Mercedes-Benz S-class models that all seem to hit market for around the same amount. From the beginnings of the “Sonder” Class Mercedes with the W116 through the W220 cars that are only just over a generation old, there’s a tremendous amount of luxury available in these super sedans and coupes. So what would be your choice? We’ll go by age this time, starting with the W116:
I always wonder why cars that are eco-friendly have to look so overtly different from a normal vehicle, oftentimes appearing as the automotive equivalent of a Birkenstock. Not being one to shout about my accomplishments, I like to do things a little bit more discreetly. In this case, if I was looking to gain a little bit more economy in my daily travels, I would choose a car like this 1983 Mercedes-Benz 300SD that is for sale in Florida. This vehicle comes to us by way of an estate sale. There’s not a whole lot of information to go on, but from the looks of things, this could turn out to be a very good buy.
I’ve said before that the W116 is a love/hate car for me; most times, I see them and they just look like any tired old Benz; a bit out of proportion and over-bumpered. But then I see a great example, like some of the Euro-spec 6.9 models I’ve written up in the last few weeks, and I get a bit giddy. Though not really my dream car by any means, I can imagine cruising up to a Cars and Coffee event, or a German Car Day somewhere in my massive Benz. That vision is helped when I see one in full European trim; the slim bumper lines and cleaned up light clusters make it so much better. But while most of my adoration is levied upon those 6.9 models, this car might just change that. Compared the largest engine fitted in the W116 6.9, this car seems downright puny with only a 2.8 liter inline-6. What helps that, though, is the manual transmission and some of the missing luxuries that help lighten the load. Top it off with some AMG bits, and my does this car look tasty!
One of my automotive guilty pleasures is a base spec version of any particular model of vehicle. I find something appealing about a vehicle in its purest form with minimal frills. Such is the case with this Mercedes-Benz 260SE for sale in Germany. The lowest form of W126 S Class the US received at the time was the 300SE, with a larger version of the M103 inline-6 that we see here. But while our cars came with everything from automatic gearboxes and climate control, this S class is equipped with cloth seats, hubcaps and a 5-speed manual gearbox. Seems out of place in a large luxury sedan such as this, but for some who lament the decline of three pedal cars, it makes this über cool.
Ask anyone what their favorite classic Mercedes-Benz may be and no doubt many will point to the 300SL Gullwing. This limited production sports car put Mercedes-Benz on the map in the United States shortly after the end of World War II and established its reputation as an innovator in automotive engineering. One of my favorites from years gone by in the Mercedes-Benz portfolio is a dark horse to many. Sure, even the uninitiated may instantly recognize the W111 Coupe as a Mercedes-Benz. Few, however, know of a powertrain combination that was available late in the production run that would make this classic an ultimate sleeper. This would be the 280SE 3.5 Coupe with the rare 4-speed manual option. A mere handful made it to the US and production figures are said to barely break into the three figures. This 3.5 Coupe for sale in Texas was sourced from California, having been stored for a number of years. It’s not in pristine condition, but is far from a basket case.