Hello all!

I have been looking around sporadically for years for a W108 (had one a while back but had to give it up due to a move). Ran across one that is the typical "looks good on the outside", but there are "issues". The owner is not exactly great at communicating either, as I have requested more pics and am not getting anywhere. I'm seeing some major tin worm at some pretty important structural areas. It's about 3 hours away and I'm probably going to give it a once over regardless, but I have my doubts...if everything else looks good, does it make sense? Walk away? Run away? I'm not a cut/weld guy, so this would be something I would have performed by a pro. Asking price is under $6K.

 

run away unless you plan on having some metal shop fix all that rust.

The rust in on frame/suspension parts.
Which when driving could FAIL causing handling issues aka you end up in ditch.
Spring could punch thru.
Shock could punch thru.. etc etc...

Not worth it unless you really love it and have deep pockets.

 

Yeah that was my take as well…Pans and rockers are one thing, but when it’s suspension and frame rusted like that it’s bad and you can have an instant low rider. I could probably get it for less than asking, but then it’s do I drop $5-10k to get it repaired or just buy a better example? Probably will let this one go…

 

It's an awesome looking model but all that rust and the fact the owner is reluctant to communicate would leave me looking elsewhere.
W108 is '65-'72.

Restomodding is a thing I have always wanted to do to an old 50's MB. Lots of folks are doing EV conversions too. Are you looking to keep an older car with an ICE or go the way of the future/current EV trend?

GL to you!

 

Yeah I think I'm going to have to wait on this one...I did get a video of the interior finally and everything looks pretty good...wood, mb-tex, etc. as well as the chrome, paint... but I'd have to get an extremely good deal to move forward (like, FREE) ...thanks for the feedback!!

 

I would love to restomod one with more modern mechanicals...I have a real soft spot for the W108 sedans (the coupes and 'verts are out of my range anymore). I wish I had a little more experience with metalwork, but this is WAY beyond what i would want to "learn and experiment" with. I think at this point I put this on the shelf and wait some more...these models are going up in price, but not too quickly so I probably have a little time before they get out of reach. I just can't see spending $5k for this car at this point.

 

Thanx for your reply.
I don't work on cars either and would only be handing 'whatever shop' a check card for payment. A lot of places are so backed up anyway it seems like you'd have to find a serious enthusiast to even take on a project like that.

Good luck to you

 

Thanks! Have a good one everybody!

 

resto-mod should be spelled RUST-o-MOD
as that is usually when people do it when original car is badly rusted and easier to put it on new frame from newer car or customer frame.

 

It's scary how nice that looks from the surface. This should be sold as a 'parts car'...and trust me, I don't say that lightly about w108/w109 cars.

 

Yeah I really love these cars, but it's not my time yet...will wait for a better situation down the road. Besides, I just learned we need a new AC unit, so there goes the car budget!!

 

I have been looking around sporadically for years for a W108 (had one a while back but had to give it up due to a move).

 

Pans and rockers are one thing, but when it’s suspension and frame rusted like that it’s bad and you can have an instant low rider. I could probably get it for less than asking, but then it’s do I drop $5-10k to get it repaired or just buy a better example? Probably will let this one go…