w111 1971 mercedes 280se 3.5 v8

[merc280se]

Hello,
need some advice on a 280SE 3.5 v8 dark green with fin tails. My dad has had this car sitting in the garage for 20 years. The car was driven in and parked and has not moved since. I don't have the technical skills/time to get it on the road myself, so do i sell it as is or do i pay some one to fix it up first?
Has anyone had experience working on these especially ones that have been sitting for a long time.

Any advise would help

[74merc]

It depends on what needs done to the car to get an MOT on it. If there is any rust then you are probably looking at major £££s to get it sorted. Otherwise, if it's rust free it should be relatively easy to get it sorted mechanically, as parts are easy enough to come by.

[merc280se]

Hello,
thanks for the reply, it will need a new bonnet, but everything else is in good condition.
My main worry would be the engine, although it was running when it went in, it has stood for so long, with out use.
I guessing it would need a full strip down and rebuild, (engine had done about 63,000 miles) before i try and start it.
If i just put new fluids and a battery and try to start it, is it likely I'd ruin the engine?

[74merc]

The engine should be ok. I'm no expert on this but I have read that you should remove the spark plugs and pour some engine oil down into each cylinder and leave for a while. Disconnect the ignition coil lead and turn over several times to unstick the pistons. Once unstuck you could then try starting. Also, the petrol in the tank will have gone off so you should drain it then put some new stuff in. It would be useful to change all engine fluids too. What colour is ther car? I am considering buying one.

[merc280se]

It's a dark green and it's the four door model.