LPG 6.9 for sale on Grays

[Oversize]

I saw this one back in 2002 (ish) at a car dealer showroom at 1 Neerim Grove, Hughesdale, VIC.

I didn’t have the money to buy it (and a few alarm bells were ringing), so I had to keep looking. From memory it was around $10k.

https://www.graysonline.com/lot/0001-20007618/classic-cars/1979-mercedes-benz-450sel-6-9-ltr-v8

 

[Oversize]

The car actually inspired me to seriously consider LPG on a 6.9 with my own unique mods. I’m kinda glad in a way that didn’t work out!

 

[Oversize]

 

[Michel]

As you can see from the VIN it is a factory LHD converted.

 

[motec 6.9]

From my own experience with a LPG 6.9 impco 300 mixer is largest you can fit under bonnet without mods. And its designed for a 3.5 to 5 litre engine. Larger impco mixers don't fit and at the time Gas Research carbs were very expensive

 

[Oversize]

Completely correct & that’s why I was looking at other mixers on offer at the time....

BTW the auction ended not long ago. It ended at just over $40k with the reserve not met!

 

[Oversize]

Meanwhile an XE ESP 351 sells for $150k! And I had one....

 

[motec 6.9]

I had a white XD ESP 5.8 4 speed Feb 82 build

 

[aussie 6.9]

What is the explanation of the LHD vin ? Surely nobody would waste money converting a car when you can buy a factory RHD.

 

[Michel]

What is the explanation of the LHD vin ? Surely nobody would waste money converting a car when you can buy a factory RHD.

Could have been an immigrant who's only way of getting money out of his country would have been a car of high value in those days.

 

[c107]

Could have been an immigrant who's only way of getting money out of his country would have been a car of high value in those days.

There was a converted 500SEC from Lebanon at the salvage auction last week and I imagine it was the same story.....

 

[Michel]

Sold for $40K plus...

 

[Styria]

Surprisingly enough, those were substantial asking/reserve/sale prices. I am not so sure if ever I would like to have a gas powered 6.9 as my own - wouldn't you just be killing its value. I tend to think that the 6.9 engine is a perfectly useable and reliable engine, plus with gas even though say half price, the range and gas consumption would not appeal to me. Also, just observe all those rubber hoses and hardware under he bonnet - far from attractive. Regards Styria

 

[c107]

Surprisingly enough, those were substantial asking/reserve/sale prices. I am not so sure if ever I would like to have a gas powered 6.9 as my own - wouldn't you just be killing its value. I tend to think that the 6.9 engine is a perfectly useable and reliable engine, plus with gas even though say half price, the range and gas consumption would not appeal to me. Also, just observe all those rubber hoses and hardware under he bonnet - far from attractive. Regards Styria

An LPG car would be an instant no for me unless I am buying as a parts car. Some of those conversions were shockingly bad, and as a classic car fuel consumption is not the issue that it is for a daily commuter.

 

[Patrick_R]

Agree Bryce.
I have seen some of the worst conversions done to Silver Shadows, and all have been butchered beyond economical repair.
What a shame.