For Sale; Styria's 6.9

[Michel]

Hi everyone, I am bumping this thread for a couple of reasons. First of all, there will be some changes in regards to previous advertising and, secondly, I would like to rekindle interest in the car.

First of all, the little bit of rust that had been evident in both sill panels has been removed. The car is largely , or should I say, almost rust free but respraying the car (which it needs) will clear up the rest. The price that I had been quoted by Michel's Jerry was 'mate pricing' and may no longer be available, but it would have pushed the total figure, including work by myself, to somewhere near the $14k. figure - a very cheap overall price given the condition of the car otherwise.

In the meantime, I have also handed in/reserved the plates GJ 2211, so the car will be sold with a 'blue slip' only - in other words, the twelve months registration will be the responsibility of any future owner. Also, the steering box has since been replaced and this is one 6.9 that "stays up" and starts at the turn of the key each and every time. Regards Styria

And the price Son...
Tell them the price Son........

 

[Styria]

Well Father, father, the total price, as indicated, should be no more than $14k. all up at the outside - even we could re-spray the car for myself, but money has to be an issue - but what a car it would be. I even have a 'hot' exhaust system sitting in the shed at the moment. Regards Styria

 

[Styria]

..........and I am still enamored by the idea of a duo tone paint finish on a 6.9. As I have said previously, the 6.9's should have had single colour as an option, plus an exhaust system that should have spelt FAST straight from the factory.

I know removal of the 6.9 badge was an option, and I have reason to believe that in Europe, at least, owners did not want anyone to know that there was a great big donk of an engine sitting under the bonnet - you know, sheep in wolf clothing etc.

I have a different theory on this. When in Euripe, I noticed that many Mercedes Benzes did not have the model designation on the bootlid and I reckon I know why. It's not that the owners are being coy about engine size, but it's more a matter of wishing to disguise the fact that there is only a 'pimple' of an engine trying to perform a herculean job. Ever thought about that ? I might be a bit cynical, but I reckon that's the answer ! Regards Styria

 

[chrisp]

Hi Styria,

The 6.9 looks great - I'd love to come and see it...

Regards,

Chris

 

[Styria]

Hi ChrisP, thank you for your comments. The pictures of the car are somewhat flattering, although I have always made it patently clear that a re-spray would be needed to turn it into a really nice car. Thus, if you were to see the car, please do not be disappointed by its exterior appearance. Regards Styria

 

[s class]

styria, in reference to your suggestion for the reason of the model deletion - back in the ear of the W124's, here in South Africa, model badge deletion gained in popularity - and if one saw a 124 without a badge, it almost always turned out to be a 200. hmm.

 

[Styria]

Hi S-Class, there must obviously two schools of thought, accompanied by two options - brilliantly put, isn't it. I look at it this way - popular folklore would have you believe the tale of 'wolf in sheep's clothing' by deleting the badge for that reason plus, of course, you did not want your motorist rival to be aware of that 'big donk' lurking under the bonnet !

Yet, I am thinking that if I shelled out the big bucks, the equivalent of Rolls Royce money, I would at least want that 6.9 badge to tell everyone just how much you have just paid for your 'flying machine'.

It certainly did not have the looks of a Rolls Royce or Bentley, the interior looked like any 450 in later years (they shared the burr walnut interior and optional leather in the 450), so reallly nothing was different, there was nothing to let the world know that you had a very expensive little baby on your hands. So, why would you delete the badge ?

If, on the other hand, you want to be the 'showy' type but could not afford the big engined model, what better way was there to show that you had arrived (without really arriving) than to delete the badge - that way, no one was the wiser. In Europe, well Austria anyway, you see quite a lot of Mercs without the badge on the boot lid. My friend has the large Peugeot Saloon with the almost mandatory Diesel engine, and it goes very well, believe me. I did ask him, however, was it the four (turbocharged) version or the V6. He had absolutely no idea, except to state its horsepower. Overthere, it's all about 'PS', they don't seem to care about cubic capacity.

Anyway, I have said it before, the 6.9 needed something special to set it apart from the smaller engined models. That didn't happen, and this is reflected in the comparatively poor re-sale values on offer. Unless you're in the know, nothing sets the 6.9 apart. My opinions ! Regards Styria

 

[John S]

I always thought that the 6.9 badge was a delete option because the model was released at a time of economic downturn, and a display of ostentatious wealth or extravagance by the boss would not have gone down well with the workers.

 

[chrisp]

That's a very interesting point - makes sense.

I expect a lot of the fleet limousine companies order de-badged models in order to make their passengers feel more special than the smallest diesel engine available would otherwise do.

 

[Styria]

I always thought that the 6.9 badge was a delete option because the model was released at a time of economic downturn, and a display of ostentatious wealth or extravagance by the boss would not have gone down well with the workers.

Hi JohnS, probably another anecdote that could be added to the folklore - who knows.

Anyway, it gives me no end of pleasure to advise that my car will be going to a good, new home. Thank you everyone for their interest. Regards Styria

 

[GreaseMonkey]

I always thought that the 6.9 badge was a delete option because the model was released at a time of economic downturn, and a display of ostentatious wealth or extravagance by the boss would not have gone down well with the workers.

I knew a company chairman, a family connection, in London who had an Ikon Gold and black leather 6.9 bought new in 1979 and deleted the badge for that exact reason.
He usually, not always, was chauffeur driven to factories and suppliers around the country, and his reasoning was that as he would have to spend a lot of hours travelling he wanted the comfort and high speed capability.
A lot in similar positions would have opted for the Rolls Royce, but given the political climate in Britain at the time, very us-against-them, unions against management etc, the 450SEL without the 6.9 badge was thought the best car for the job without upsetting anyone.
Great car, he clocked up a huge mileage in the next five years, then traded it for a 500SEC.
Nice car, but not in the same league.
Chris M.

 

[Michel]

Well done Godfather !

Lucky he (or she) who has purchased it...

As you know I had my eyes on it, but for reasons you know of, I couldn't snap it...

 

[John S]

Congratulations Styria, having only a 2 car garage precluded any serious interest from me, but it was a tempting car.

 

[chrisp]

Lucky he (or she) who has purchased it...

Ah, that would be me then. And very pleased I am too!

 

[-bb-]

Well done mate.

 

[BenzBoy]

Ah, that would be me then. And very pleased I am too!

Congratulations; you have joined the Big Litre Club. Very exclusive.
Regards,
Benz-Boy

 

[Michel]

Ah, that would be me then. And very pleased I am too!

Congratulations Chris...

That was a good buy...

 

[chrisp]

Thanks gents. Looking forward to many happy (l/100) km together!

 

[GreaseMonkey]

Maybe you will want to contribute to our attempt to finish the planet's oil supply sooner rather than later and bring it along to Berrima on March 15th - see thread regarding TopKlasse Pub Lunch Day Out type story.
Ther will be few more dinosaurs along on the day, for a good feed, and a good time had by all swapping yarns.
Chris M.

 

[abl567]

ChrisP come along, you will enjoy it