1989 Mercedes W126 Barge Goodness!
Discussion
Well, I started out my quest for a useable classic W126 Merc on the hunt for a 560 SE/SEL. I found a stunner with 94,000 miles on it but was beaten to it by some pop star type chap. I still yearned for the full fat V8 Merc but alas, found only one other and it was a dog.
Anyway, a 300 SE came up, this is the lowly 3.0 I6 with 185bhp, I wasn't that interested. Then I thought, I may as well take a look at the old girl, just for s
ts and giggles. And I was presented with an absolutely stunning 'Champagne Metallic' (Jewish Racing Gold) barge with an unmarked mushroom hide interior.
I took it for a drive and the old straight six is creamy smooth and it actually has 'adequate' power. What got me though was the interior - I'd describe it as 'elegantly basic'. Lots of nice wood, a few essential controls and now't else. It is such a refreshing change from a modern car with a billion buttons, flashing lights and gizmos. Plus it feels like it is made from granite!
The car had only covered 54,000 miles and had one owner from new. I've now but another thousand miles on it and loved every minute of it. It is booked in for a full service and I've fitted a full new exhaust as it was still on it's original one and it was rotten.
I've given it a full once over and a good clean and I really have to admit it is immaculate. It still needs a couple of jobs doing - there is a very light crease in the rear panel and the top of the bumper is showing a little bit of corrosion and needs replacing. I've also unplugged the original cassette player and plugged in a more modern stereo (which actually goes well with the dash!) so I can play my music though the ipod.
I have to admit, I've fallen in love with it! The view out of over the beautifully curved bonnet, the way the Mercedes emblem is like a gun sight. The way it can just effortlessly cruise in near silence all day, the look and design of the dashboard, the comfy leather seats and the old fashioned slushy 4 speed auto just make it the most relaxing car I've ever driven.
I still have my eye out for a 560 though, I must have one at some point!
I did take some photos under the bonnet but I left my camera at home, I shall stick those on later.
As usual, any comments appreciated.
Anyway, a 300 SE came up, this is the lowly 3.0 I6 with 185bhp, I wasn't that interested. Then I thought, I may as well take a look at the old girl, just for s
ts and giggles. And I was presented with an absolutely stunning 'Champagne Metallic' (Jewish Racing Gold) barge with an unmarked mushroom hide interior. I took it for a drive and the old straight six is creamy smooth and it actually has 'adequate' power. What got me though was the interior - I'd describe it as 'elegantly basic'. Lots of nice wood, a few essential controls and now't else. It is such a refreshing change from a modern car with a billion buttons, flashing lights and gizmos. Plus it feels like it is made from granite!
The car had only covered 54,000 miles and had one owner from new. I've now but another thousand miles on it and loved every minute of it. It is booked in for a full service and I've fitted a full new exhaust as it was still on it's original one and it was rotten.
I've given it a full once over and a good clean and I really have to admit it is immaculate. It still needs a couple of jobs doing - there is a very light crease in the rear panel and the top of the bumper is showing a little bit of corrosion and needs replacing. I've also unplugged the original cassette player and plugged in a more modern stereo (which actually goes well with the dash!) so I can play my music though the ipod.
I have to admit, I've fallen in love with it! The view out of over the beautifully curved bonnet, the way the Mercedes emblem is like a gun sight. The way it can just effortlessly cruise in near silence all day, the look and design of the dashboard, the comfy leather seats and the old fashioned slushy 4 speed auto just make it the most relaxing car I've ever driven.
I still have my eye out for a 560 though, I must have one at some point!
I did take some photos under the bonnet but I left my camera at home, I shall stick those on later.
As usual, any comments appreciated.
The Nur said:
Keep me in mind when you sell it. I'm only 24 but there is something about these old Mercs that magnetises me to them.
I'm 25 and I'm on my second - old Mercs rock!This looks like an absolutely awesome car OP and I think the Jewish Racing Gold is probably the best colour for these big old Mercs - I guess the six cylinder still hustles the barge along at a reasonable (juicy) pace...
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