W108 New Car Survey

[DickLewis]

Hello friends,

I am off a little bit from the normal stuff of my Pagoda but I want to solicit some thoughts.  I just purchased my 1972 280SEL 4.5 sedan which has 14,000 original miles.  It has been parked in a barn for the last 24 years.  I purchased it from the same gent from whom I bought my 250SL.   The interior and engine and wood and frankly everything is perfect (my guy did all the hoses, belts, brakes, etc.) but the paint.  The car suffered from bat poop even though the car was covered.  The original children of the owner touched up the many paint points and at 20 feet it looks awesome.

Here is the question.  Most of my cars are original and many of my friends think I should leave it this way.  I tend to agree.  This is a remarkable car with its miles.  What do you wonderful friends think?  I plan on showing it and driving it.  But I think down the road I may regret that.  Remember I change cars a lot.  Ideas? 

Thanks in advance for your thoughts!

Dick

[wwheeler]

You ought to get together with 280SE guy here on this forum. He's got a very nice original '71 280SE W108. There are many things to go over for a car in long term storage. If you haven't started it yet, I would also flush the entire fuel system. I would vote on originality but need to drive it some in good weather.

[Benz Dr.]

If the paint will clean up then you might be able to save it. If it's heavily damaged then you will have to paint it. The rest of the car will probably be OK except where fluids are in contact with metal surfaces. Think coolant, brakes, fuel, AC and grease points.

  Great cars. They made about 10K units so they're not common today.

[DickLewis]

Thanks. 

[Cees Klumper]

If I were you I'd drive it as-is for a while, then make the decision. No need to decide already now it seems.

[ja17]

Great find. Keep as original as possible. Yes 280SEguy is a great resource for you and not too far from you.