Hello. Newbie with a W123.
Discussion
Hello all - first post to introduce myself and my car. This is my 1981 Mercedes 200 (W123) which I've had for about 3 years now. I've been thinking a lot lately about changing this and getting a Jaguar XJ6 Series 2 or 3; they seem like very good value classics, but I'll have to consider the mpg.
Chris.
Chris.
king gorgeous! 
TickingTappets said:
Hello all - first post to introduce myself and my car. This is my 1981 Mercedes 200 (W123) which I've had for about 3 years now. I've been thinking a lot lately about changing this and getting a Jaguar XJ6 Series 2 or 3; they seem like very good value classics, but I'll have to consider the mpg.
Chris.
Thats Fantastic, any chance you could post a few more pictures Chris.
Thank you much for all the nice comments - here are some more pictures I took this evening after a quick wash. (The car, not me) I'm torn at the moment, because I do love this car but I also really fancy something else like maybe a red BMW CSi or a series 2 or 3 Jaguar XJ6. What is it about cars?
Chris.
Chris.
sinbaddio said:
Lovely, lovely car. Was it this condition when you bought it or has there been a labour of love?
Thank you. The car was laid up in a garage near Croydon - I think it had been a trade in. I took a bit of a gamble because the floorpan had a hole in it about 2/3 feet long parallel with the sill and I didn't know if it had any other problems waiting for me. The car cost me £1000 - the welding cost just £400, and it has passed each of its MOT's without problem and has been much complimented about its structural condition, so I got lucky I think.Mechanically she seems strong and has taken me and the sheepdogs (spot the collies, Percy and Maggie in the car) on some long tips around the country without concern.
Although the paintwork does look very good it does seem to need a lot of maintenance to keep the shine and I daren't cut it again. Can anyone recommend the best wax (carnauba?) which will give the best/longest shine?
Well, for some time now I've been looking for a series 2/3 Jaguar XJ6 to replace the old Merc, and on Good Friday I travelled to the Midlands to have a look at one that appeared to fit the bill. Described as low warranted mileage, outstanding body, and an interior like new, it seemed very well priced at £3000.
The ticket from London wasn't cheap and, being a one way ticket I had bought, I thought the chance of me returning on the train was slim - I'd be making my homecoming with panache in a beautiful silver XJ.
The chap picked me up from the station and we made the 10 minute trip to his house where the car was waiting, and I began my inspection. I had emailed prior to going up because the photo seemed to show the drivers door in a slightly lighter shade of silver, but I was assured it was the lighting. And that was the first thing I noticed - a definite different shade that pointed to a respray or a retro fitted door. Not a good start. However, the car's structure was really strong, only surface rust, and no obvious hidden horrors.
The interior, described as 'like new' was ok; just ok - not 'like new' though. A Jaguar surely wouldn't have been in the showroom with badly cracked veneers on the facia, and a front carpet ringing wet from a leaky door or badly fitted rubber windscreen seal. The tyres needed replacing soon so it was all a bit disappointing, and the only thing that was going to make me buy the car was the thought of having to get back home on a bank holiday in the rain on public transport. I was very close to taking a punt, but new it would be just that, and bravely told the chap that this wasn't the car for me.
Although he had kindly picked me up from the station on the way, I guess he was a bit miffed at not having made the sale, and I was duly pointed in the general direction of a bus stop near his house for my return home.
I know I made the right decision, though, and today spent quite a few hours giving the W123 a Spring cut and wax and she got plenty of nice compliments as I was doing this. I also put on some new rear pads and, in doing so, discovered quite a large bit of rot that will need new metal welded in before July's mot.
I would still love a series 2 or 3 XJ, but I've decided that it will have to be perfect for me - a nice period colour, the interior, hopefully a period vinyl roof, the old style wheels etc.
It will have to be nice car for me to give up my W123.
The ticket from London wasn't cheap and, being a one way ticket I had bought, I thought the chance of me returning on the train was slim - I'd be making my homecoming with panache in a beautiful silver XJ.
The chap picked me up from the station and we made the 10 minute trip to his house where the car was waiting, and I began my inspection. I had emailed prior to going up because the photo seemed to show the drivers door in a slightly lighter shade of silver, but I was assured it was the lighting. And that was the first thing I noticed - a definite different shade that pointed to a respray or a retro fitted door. Not a good start. However, the car's structure was really strong, only surface rust, and no obvious hidden horrors.
The interior, described as 'like new' was ok; just ok - not 'like new' though. A Jaguar surely wouldn't have been in the showroom with badly cracked veneers on the facia, and a front carpet ringing wet from a leaky door or badly fitted rubber windscreen seal. The tyres needed replacing soon so it was all a bit disappointing, and the only thing that was going to make me buy the car was the thought of having to get back home on a bank holiday in the rain on public transport. I was very close to taking a punt, but new it would be just that, and bravely told the chap that this wasn't the car for me.
Although he had kindly picked me up from the station on the way, I guess he was a bit miffed at not having made the sale, and I was duly pointed in the general direction of a bus stop near his house for my return home.
I know I made the right decision, though, and today spent quite a few hours giving the W123 a Spring cut and wax and she got plenty of nice compliments as I was doing this. I also put on some new rear pads and, in doing so, discovered quite a large bit of rot that will need new metal welded in before July's mot.
I would still love a series 2 or 3 XJ, but I've decided that it will have to be perfect for me - a nice period colour, the interior, hopefully a period vinyl roof, the old style wheels etc.
It will have to be nice car for me to give up my W123.
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