Owning an old Merc as a cruiser? Other options?

[jstanovic]

I haven't had a cruiser for many years due to kids/work/life but been keeping my eye on the market for a V8 for a while. I watched the prices of ZG/ZH fairlanes go from $3-5k to $15-20k and ZC/ZD fairlanes from $20k to $40k so I missed the boat on them!!! Even the Valiants are $15k+ for something V8.


I went for a cruise with a few mates and their cars last night and it was awesome, got me fired up to check out what's on the market again. My budget is $10k and would prefer V8 but not sure if my budget would get that.



I have been checking out the 60/70s Mercedes and they seem to be great value. Lots of chrome, comfy interiors and plenty seem to be in good condition for easily under $10k - $10-15k will get you a one owner clean example. Some have even had 302W transplants done which would be great.



Anyone owned one or played with one? I remember someone on here had a W123 ? model and was putting a V8 into it.



Any other options? I'm not a brand snob so will look at anything. Must have 5 seats with seatbelts, fit my 198cm body in it and be V8(possibly consider a 6). Prefer a steel bumper car, something that is pretty standard. Not too fussed on paint but needs to be reasonable and not cop bait or a pile of ****. And the missus has to approve!!!


Something like this would be perfect if it was here in WA:
https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/det...6418992/?Cr=22

[MercuryT]

BMW 750 for the win.

Still looks beautiful.

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by MercuryT

BMW 750 for the win.

Still looks beautiful.

Think you'll be struggling to get a decent E32 in that price range.

There's one early model for sale at $15K with about 200,000km on the clock and another about $10K with no details.

[MercuryT]

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

Think you'll be struggling to get a decent E32 in that price range.

There's one early model for sale at $15K with about 200,000km on the clock and another about $10K with no details.

Yeah fair enough, I thought be cheaper than that.

I just think older BMWs look much better than old Mercs who haven't aged well at all.

But each to their own!

[Citroënbender]

Volly 240 wagon with a transplant? XJ with a 350?

Benzes of the '70s are great for hiding rot, in expensive to repair places.

Consider your engine fuelling and control - will it be K-Jet, downdraught carbs, CD carbs, monopoint FI or full EFI?

[351@GT]

Originally Posted by jstanovic

Something like this would be perfect if it was here in WA:
https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/det...6418992/?Cr=22

that just says road trip to me! still wa rego'd aswell!

[hayseed]

Originally Posted by 351@GT

that just says road trip to me! still wa rego'd aswell!

^^^^^^What He said^^^^^^

[oldel]

I like those W108s. A mate had one he got for $3k back in 1996 ish with original everything, inc 3.5L v8. There's not much original about the one just linked, paint would't be so I'd be worried about filler, and interior definitely is not either. So it's not just the engine that's different, everything is, so that's why it's cheap.

BMW E38 740iL is what I want for a cruiser under 10k these days. Or Barra swapped XJ6 series 2 or 3 project. (E: BMW was at their quality and reliability peak in 1988-1995 so the E38 was their last great car, though the 1996 5er E39 wagon is still something I like)

Ages ago I was into mercs as I remember what friends and family has late 90s (like w108s, w116s on the cheap) and I almost thought about getting a W114 for 13k in 2012, or even in 2015 I thought about getting a W124 or W126.
But I ended up in BMWs (mainly through smaller ones like e30, e36 and onto 5 series 4 drs), instead of w114/w124. A big part of that is checking out useful forums and parts suppliers before throwing money down. Seemed like a lot more DIY stuff for the BMWs.

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by oldel

BMW E38 740iL is what I want for a cruiser under 10k these days. Or Barra swapped XJ6 series 2 or 3 project. (E: BMW was at their quality and reliability peak in 1988-1995 so the E38 was their last great car, though the 1996 5er E39 wagon is still something I like)

I had an E38 735iL Highline - great car but a few reliability issues and the 3.5L V8 crapped out it's timing chain guides at about 130,000km

I'd be keen on an E38 750iL with the SOHC V12, basic engine just lots of cylinders sans variable valve timing.

[jstanovic]

Haha dont worry I've thought about it, even got a mates trailer lined up!!!


Yeah that one has definitely been fiddled with, but provided it's not a rusty piece of crap, it would be hard to beat as a family V8 cruiser.


I'm not sure on the jags, a bit love/hate depending on my mood haha! a few still around with 350s.


Volvo just doesn't appeal to me...


Haven't looked at the beemers yet.

[oldel]

I always wanted a ZC/ZD fairlane myself. Used to be able to get one around $5k, I sat back in horror as well when they shot up in price, as well as the cars I threw away (escorts, mazda RX3 and RX4).
If I lived on a farm and could store cars I would have at least $80k worth of cars that only cost me $1500 or less each. (if I bought a house when I should have I'd have a 500k house that cost me $130k too)

So I was drowning my sorrows and looks for cars on the cheap a few years ago and a car that's sometimes undervalued here (at least a few years ago), was the dodge phoenix. I got into chryslers and other weird things like citroens after following the canadian YT channel "cold war motors". Apparently the USA/Canadian 'Plymouth Fury 3' was sold here as the Dodge Phoenix. Early ones are like "Christine" from that movie, later ones like 1965 have stacked headlights like a ZC/ZD Fairlane. They seemed cheaper than most chryslers here and cheaper than old Fords etc. You can get a 70s version for $10k easy.
E: nice 65 version for $13k https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/lily...nix/1240223700

[Crazy Dazz]

If you are looking for Chrome and a V8, then yes 70's Mercs are very affordable. They seem mostly to sell for what they are. Rather than the ridiculous premiums attached to old Fords, Holdens, and Yank Metal.
If I were to guess, I'd say its because there's less dreamers. There's undoubtedly a few collectors of old Mercs, but they would cherry pick the best and be done.

[Jack91]

I think just wait. The market has to crash soon. I dont think anything is actually selling for those ridiculous prices, and you can just about cut someone in half on a lot of those cars if the seller actually wants to sell. There is no realism in classic car prices now. 35k for a crappy zc fairlane 500 or 45k for a good 68 camaro/chevelle/impala etc. Makes no sense at all.
Im so bitter because ive restored 3 of the bigger value cars and sold them just before the recent price hike (of course). Not bitter about the money i could have had, but they just arent good cars and dont deserve to be up there with mopars or good yank muscle.
In saying that, if you really want a stacked light 'lane, then buy that. Youll probably get an ok project for 10 and its still safer money (in my opinion) than an old merc.

[Polyal]

Im a bit of a fan of the "finnie" version of those old Merc's, just seems to be a good blend of styling.

No idea on the realities of it, but surely it could only be a little bit worst than owning a Ford of the same vintage. You wont get parts as quick but there is so much online you can usually find some info.

[smoo]

Go for it. Under rated and valued cars in the wake of the price boom seen with even the most mediocre US and Aussie cars. Solid cars providing they aren’t plagued with rust. The ‘70s models are good enough for daily drivers. I also have a VG valiant and not a chance I’d daily that unlike the Mercedes models of the same era.
Don’t discount the 2.8 injected 6 that you can get in the 116 and 123 chassis.
They go just as good as the V8s thanks to the 8 running a three speed auto with very tall gearing.

I have a several, 280SE, four wheel disc brakes, self level hydro rear suspension, independent rear, 185hp, cuts out at 6750rpm and sounds grouse. Currently refurb some period correct 14” alloys to get rid of the hub caps.






They aren’t chrome bumpers but also consider the ‘80s 126 series. I have the 560 version Euro spec (300hp) not the detuned 265hp sold in the Aus market. Good examples of these are rising in value. You might be better off looking for a pre facelift/pre 1986 280se or 500se.



Also have that W140 V12 coupe. A few posts above mention E38, don’t bother. The Benz V12 has around 80kw on the BMW. The Benz M119 V8 is just as strong as the BMW V12. That V12 coupe weighs 2.3 tonne and has no drama smoking the 18s off the line. The V12s are solid engines with a huge flat torque curve.
E32 V12s are a bit temperamental. If an E32 look out for a 740i. Just as much performance as the under whelming V12 and the M60 V8 is probably the most reliable engine BMW have put out the last 30 years.

Also consider BMW E28 535i.

As for parts I go to FCP Euro, Pelican Parts or Rockauto. I think rockauto don’t deliver to Aus anymore after the recent GST changes for online goods.

[Citroënbender]

Rockauto have resumed Australian delivery, they emailed clients to say so about the beginning of this year. There was a token discount on the first “new” order placed.

Edit: 5% discount code, until 2nd March WELAU2, entered in the “How did you hear about us” info box.

[smoo]

Originally Posted by Citroënbender

Rockauto have resumed Australian delivery, they emailed clients to say so about the beginning of this year. There was a token discount on the first “new” order placed.

Edit: 5% discount code, until 2nd March WELAU2, entered in the “How did you hear about us” info box.

Well that is good news. They don’t have the best range for Euro gear but are the cheapest for parts and shipping.

[NX74205]

Originally Posted by smoo

Go for it. Under rated and valued cars in the wake of the price boom seen with even the most mediocre US and Aussie cars. Solid cars providing they aren’t plagued with rust.

I've got to say I'm insanely jealous of your collection. I've always dreamed of owning a classic S-class, and I hope to be able to do that some day. I just can't decide between the W116, W126 and W140, so I might do what you did and get all three!

[smoo]

Originally Posted by NX74205

I've got to say I'm insanely jealous of your collection. I've always dreamed of owning a classic S-class, and I hope to be able to do that some day. I just can't decide between the W116, W126 and W140, so I might do what you did and get all three!

All are impulse buys. But I know a bloke who is close to selling a near on immaculate 126 420SE in the South West WA if you are interested. I’d be banking on a good W126 series regardless of engine for an affordable but safe buy as far as classic cars go. They have a huge global fan base and values for good examples are rising.
The W140s (especially the S600) despite bad stigma are a better car in all aspect but don’t carry the following earlier models command.
I did have the chance of purchasing a W108 300SEL with the 6.3 V8 back in 2012 for $35k NZ, before the German cars started to really take off in price. An Aussie buyer bought it, and it would be a six figure car now.

[383hq]

Originally Posted by smoo

Go for it. Under rated and valued cars in the wake of the price boom seen with even the most mediocre US and Aussie cars. Solid cars providing they aren’t plagued with rust. The ‘70s models are good enough for daily drivers. I also have a VG valiant and not a chance I’d daily that unlike the Mercedes models of the same era.
Don’t discount the 2.8 injected 6 that you can get in the 116 and 123 chassis.
They go just as good as the V8s thanks to the 8 running a three speed auto with very tall gearing.

I have a several, 280SE, four wheel disc brakes, self level hydro rear suspension, independent rear, 185hp, cuts out at 6750rpm and sounds grouse. Currently refurb some period correct 14” alloys to get rid of the hub caps.

image

image


They aren’t chrome bumpers but also consider the ‘80s 126 series. I have the 560 version Euro spec (300hp) not the detuned 265hp sold in the Aus market. Good examples of these are rising in value. You might be better off looking for a pre facelift/pre 1986 280se or 500se.

image

Also have that W140 V12 coupe. A few posts above mention E38, don’t bother. The Benz V12 has around 80kw on the BMW. The Benz M119 V8 is just as strong as the BMW V12. That V12 coupe weighs 2.3 tonne and has no drama smoking the 18s off the line. The V12s are solid engines with a huge flat torque curve.
E32 V12s are a bit temperamental. If an E32 look out for a 740i. Just as much performance as the under whelming V12 and the M60 V8 is probably the most reliable engine BMW have put out the last 30 years.

Also consider BMW E28 535i.

As for parts I go to FCP Euro, Pelican Parts or Rockauto. I think rockauto don’t deliver to Aus anymore after the recent GST changes for online goods.

Someones being watching Patrick Swazye movies..

[Yellow_Festiva]

What about an old Daimler??

Check out this 1973 Daimler Double 6 Vanden Plas LWB Auto.
https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/det...SSE-AD-6375039

Check out this 1980 Daimler Double 6 Auto.
https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/det...SSE-AD-6240499

Check out this 1974 Daimler Double 6 Vanden Plas LWB Auto.
https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/det...SSE-AD-6400728

That last blue one looks mint....

God I wish I had some play money!

Sent from my LG-M700 using Tapatalk

[GasoLane]

Originally Posted by Yellow_Festiva

God I wish I had some play money!

Having owned a couple of V12's you'd need it to keep up with the Lucas electrics and the fuel bill.

[hayseed]

Originally Posted by GasoLane

Having owned a couple of V12's you'd need it to keep up with the Lucas electrics and the fuel bill.

[XByoot]

If your budget is 10K your in a tight spot mate, your likely to invest in a 30k money pit. The Early Mercs are cool, personally the Ford variety are even cooler. A mate has an early 60’s Mercedes in his shop at the moment, car looked decent, original and a good project. I’ll be there tomorrow with a bit of luck and I’ll post up a few pics of what’s left after he started digging. Sills, inner and outer, chassis rails, rear quarters, A pillar I think, rust everywhere. They are cool cars, I like it, but for a budget run away farther than forest gimp. Like Citroenbender said, great for hiding rot.

The funky old Bosch mechanical injection looks really interesting to me, I’d love to convert one to EFI or learn about the original system, but paying to get a specialist to sort that stuff won’t be cheap. I have a feeling head corrosion can be an issue too, so another area for money to disappear fast mate. I think that’s why a lot of guys go for the Aussie stuff, relatively simple and robust. Repairs are well documented and a good knowledge base. That being said I think old Merc panels etc are very well supported too.

I’d save up a bit more, sit on my hands, join a few FB pages and keep a look out for a good car. The Ford P5 P6 Marquis and LTD don’t seem to get a lot of coin? Not exactly a 60’s look but maybe worth a look? Vals are the best value by far for Aussie stuff in my book, the early Falcons like the XK,L,M and P are also good buying in 4 door variety, great cars but won’t be a V8 for 10 K in either a Val or early Falc.

By the way, “old Mercs” as in the Ford variety are the coolest thing of that era. Big money but the cool factor is off the scale. Just amazing customs. Even the 60’s T Birds had a great look, that space age dash was wild, I love them, but not cheap if your paying people to maintain them these days, but what is?

Seriously, how about a classic Jap car? Not a V8 but some are pretty cool.

[Citroënbender]

I’d suggest a left-field option, Citroën CX Préstige. LWB cruising with the softest ride of all. Needs fully functional AC front and rear as radiant heat is high.

Mostly the “Citroën experts” aren’t needed, a good “thinking” workshop is all; hydraulics share a lot with RR which are also comfy but double the budget.

[smoo]

Originally Posted by XByoot

If your budget is 10K your in a tight spot mate, your likely to invest in a 30k money pit. The Early Mercs are cool, personally the Ford variety are even cooler. A mate has an early 60’s Mercedes in his shop at the moment, car looked decent, original and a good project. I’ll be there tomorrow with a bit of luck and I’ll post up a few pics of what’s left after he started digging. Sills, inner and outer, chassis rails, rear quarters, A pillar I think, rust everywhere. They are cool cars, I like it, but for a budget run away farther than forest gimp. Like Citroenbender said, great for hiding rot.

The funky old Bosch mechanical injection looks really interesting to me, I’d love to convert one to EFI or learn about the original system, but paying to get a specialist to sort that stuff won’t be cheap. I have a feeling head corrosion can be an issue too, so another area for money to disappear fast mate. I think that’s why a lot of guys go for the Aussie stuff, relatively simple and robust. Repairs are well documented and a good knowledge base. That being said I think old Merc panels etc are very well supported too.

I’d save up a bit more, sit on my hands, join a few FB pages and keep a look out for a good car. The Ford P5 P6 Marquis and LTD don’t seem to get a lot of coin? Not exactly a 60’s look but maybe worth a look? Vals are the best value by far for Aussie stuff in my book, the early Falcons like the XK,L,M and P are also good buying in 4 door variety, great cars but won’t be a V8 for 10 K in either a Val or early Falc.

By the way, “old Mercs” as in the Ford variety are the coolest thing of that era. Big money but the cool factor is off the scale. Just amazing customs. Even the 60’s T Birds had a great look, that space age dash was wild, I love them, but not cheap if your paying people to maintain them these days, but what is?

Seriously, how about a classic Jap car? Not a V8 but some are pretty cool.

There is some truth to this but mostly a glass half empty outlook.

The Bosch injection systems aren't hard to work with once you get your head around them. DIY tutorials are well supported online. But most of all they are a reliable system. I bought a pressure gauge & fitting set online for around $200. Thats about the only specialised tools needed to work with it.
Much like what CB says with the Citroen stuff, they have a bad rap in this part of the world because old mate down the road who is used to working on Holden 202s can't figure them out and declares them heaps of **** because they are bit beyond him and the 1930s tech he's used to.

As for rust - they all have their spots, best to figure out where they are view in person (plenty of buyer guides online that include common rust areas).

You could pick up a decent W126 or W116 for $10k and have a reliable cruiser to use everyday. Not something that needs tens of thousands thrown at it, just turn the key and drive. They aren't overly expensive to buy at the moment (as opposed to W108s, R107, W123, 114 & 126 coupes that have shot up in value).

I second CB suggestion of CX Citroen. Damn cool cars.
Im on a couple of Valiant groups - I occasionally see what looks to be decent VE-VGs slant/hemi 6 for sale under $10k. Nothing wrong with any of them - currently doing up a hemi 6 with Holley EFi to go in my VG.

[Mechan1k]

Originally Posted by Yellow_Festiva

God I wish I had some play money!

You and me both.

[Yellow_Festiva]

Something more local to you:

Check out this 1983 Jaguar XJ6 Auto.
https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/det...SSE-AD-5253533

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[Dr Terry]

I hate to be picky, but this is a FORD site & most of us here would be Ford fans, but not that many years ago if somebody said "Merc" they were talking about a Mercury, Ford's other brand.

Go to an All Ford Day & ask about a 1949 Merc & see what answers you get.

To me a Merc is a Ford & a Benz is a Mercedes Benz. If you abbreviate Mercedes, wouldn't it be Mers ?

Dr Terry

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by Dr Terry

I hate to be picky, but this is a FORD site & most of us here would be Ford fans, but not that many years ago if somebody said "Merc" they were talking about a Mercury, Ford's other brand.

Go to an All Ford Day & ask about a 1949 Merc & see what answers you get.

To me a Merc is a Ford & a Benz is a Mercedes Benz. If you abbreviate Mercedes, wouldn't it be Mers ?

Dr Terry

No one outside of Ford enthusiasts, and older ones will know about Ford's Mercury brand, it's irrelevant to Australia.

As far as I'm concerned Merc is short for Mercedes Benz.

The only two cars I know in this brand are Cougar XR-7 and Maurader based on the last Crown Vic.