A comical series of events happened to me (after a stint in hospital) involving my 280SEL, two insurance companies, lots of reading of PDSs (especially the microscopic font area), a damaged left rear door, a paucity of doors located near me, a superfluity of doors in WA and SA, terse correspondence and maybe a little crying. After some weeks I arrived at the door of a local recluse with the promise of a door. I was on the trail of a bargain and not to be intimidated.
What was revealed was a silver 450SEL, with, yes, the correct door. And all the other doors, my expert eye detected. A complete car in fact. Would he release one door for my purchase? Yes, but for a little extra (!) I could have the whole car. A deal was struck and the car trucked home.
What did I end up with? A 1977 450SEL, 137k, four lovely Rial wheels, sunroof and a boot full of front suspension tie rods, balls joints etc. Quickly assessing it as too good to wreck, I looked seriously for rust. Three small patches, none in the firewall or sills. But it had velour interior, no SLS, no tacho, lh door mirror or cruise control. Later I learned this is maybe a UK import, and illicit runs up and down my street at night revealed a tight rattle free chassis, spongy brakes and a loud, raucous V8, smooth and smoke free, but a little fuelly.
Simultaneous to my thought that I now have to wreck a good car, the phone rang. It was my Dad, calling regardless of expense with the news that a supplier he knows of has a door for me. Phew...
Now the 280 SEL is in for some bodywork and then for a service, I find myself pondering the new car. What the hell will I do with the 450?
Mrs Scotty is sort of unimpressed with another car in the compound, but I'm still allowed inside so it can't be all that bad. She likes my SEL but would like something smaller. I suggested an SE, being precisely 100ml shorter than an L and therefor able to fit into the spare garage space. She suggested I try again.
So, I have now developed a need for a really good 450. Looking through TK I am upset to have missed out on the SE that went to Singleton or wherever. I have had this problem with other car makes in the past and the symptoms last for years.
I need a fix of a good 450!!
Scotty
What was revealed was a silver 450SEL, with, yes, the correct door. And all the other doors, my expert eye detected. A complete car in fact. Would he release one door for my purchase? Yes, but for a little extra (!) I could have the whole car. A deal was struck and the car trucked home.
What did I end up with? A 1977 450SEL, 137k, four lovely Rial wheels, sunroof and a boot full of front suspension tie rods, balls joints etc. Quickly assessing it as too good to wreck, I looked seriously for rust. Three small patches, none in the firewall or sills. But it had velour interior, no SLS, no tacho, lh door mirror or cruise control. Later I learned this is maybe a UK import, and illicit runs up and down my street at night revealed a tight rattle free chassis, spongy brakes and a loud, raucous V8, smooth and smoke free, but a little fuelly.
Simultaneous to my thought that I now have to wreck a good car, the phone rang. It was my Dad, calling regardless of expense with the news that a supplier he knows of has a door for me. Phew...
Now the 280 SEL is in for some bodywork and then for a service, I find myself pondering the new car. What the hell will I do with the 450?
Mrs Scotty is sort of unimpressed with another car in the compound, but I'm still allowed inside so it can't be all that bad. She likes my SEL but would like something smaller. I suggested an SE, being precisely 100ml shorter than an L and therefor able to fit into the spare garage space. She suggested I try again.
So, I have now developed a need for a really good 450. Looking through TK I am upset to have missed out on the SE that went to Singleton or wherever. I have had this problem with other car makes in the past and the symptoms last for years.
I need a fix of a good 450!!
Scotty
