Restoring a 230sl in the UK

[JC50UK]

I've got a 1964 230SL in original condition been in family for 30 years but not really used. Right hand drive, automatic on 3 owners.  Very original.   For a full factory restoration I've been quoted £180k.  Shipped to Poland?   Is it worth it when the 230sl's are valued less than the 280sl's.  It feels that 230sl's are deemed a lesser car due to their value?   I am slightly emotionally attached to this car and had a naive expectation that £100k may do the job?   Not sure if I should just sell it and buy an entry road worthy good condition 280sl for around £150k?  Any views or comments? 

[Colingo]

Wow - I thought Poland was an economic place for restoration. Presumably this is for concours ++.

I've just got my 64 230, prices are about 30% off a 280. I'm not looking to do a concours number, I'd be afraid to park it. I couldn't justify this level even though I'm converting mine to electric.

[JC50UK]

How much are you getting quoted for a conversion?   I drive a Tesla MX and seen a few conversions at Fully Charged Live over the years, so it has crossed my mind, albeit I'd would like just a calm classic drive in a pagoda.  Yes I think it's for the top end factory refurb.

[Colingo]

I've had a spectrum of 50-100k. I did briefly look at Hemmel's and Everrati's ready to go conversions but they're a bit like your Polish restorers. Like you I have an electric car. I think the serenity of electric drive will be very well suited to the Pagoda. The engine and gearbox in mine has done 115k - still runs OK, but for how long and with what reliability? The plus side is that I'm looking at 200→240BHP with only 1300kg so there should also be brisk performance when needed.

[JamesL]

Welcome

What sort of resto are you after. If you’re after showroom condition, sure you could get to that number (ask Stickandrudderman how many hours they can get in on a a full body resto). Depending of course on what they find in the body work (ie how rotten is it) - most other stuff, from interior to engine rebuild is largely a known quantity price-wise and you have (I guess) a reasonably complete car
But…
If the car is in decent shape and has the wear and tear of being in your family, and you’re happy to drive something that’s original and bears the marks of life, get the mechanicals done well, get a really good detail, and drive it.
And
If electric is your thing, do that and keep the change.
It’s nearly 60 years old.

[JC50UK]

Thanks James

It's not currently running and the I was given the whole things needs rebuilding report when I had it properly surveyed.  Albeit it looks ok.  But it has been just standing for 25 years +

This forum is encouraging me to get it mechanically sound and working and safe so I can drive it around and then take it from there.

Just need to hope that I get an honest and fair price for engine to be fixed and other requirements done - guessing that could be 30k+?

Justin

[David Robinson]

Have you tried http://www.cardockclassics.com/
There is a thread on them here

[Paul & Dolly]

Hi Justin,

As James said, it depends on what level of restoration you are thinking of, and the car condition.

There are several businesses here on site, or advertised in the Mercedes Benz Club "Gazette" magazine, that could give you an opinion.

Do you know the condition of the bodywork ? if it has been in your family for 30 years then there should not be too many surprises. Wetre there any mechanical woes before it was laid up ?

Good luck

Paul

[JamesL]

Thanks James

It's not currently running and the I was given the whole things needs rebuilding report when I had it properly surveyed.  Albeit it looks ok.  But it has been just standing for 25 years +

This forum is encouraging me to get it mechanically sound and working and safe so I can drive it around and then take it from there.

Just need to hope that I get an honest and fair price for engine to be fixed and other requirements done - guessing that could be 30k+?

Justin

Hopefully, it’s been stored in a dry place (and rodent free) and wasn’t rusting away before storage

If it’s been sitting, the fuel system will need draining and cleaning. Possibly a new tank.
FI pump will likely also be a bit gummed up and in need of (specialist) work.
If you assume the gearbox is ok but 8n need of new fluids etc. assume radiator is in need of a recore as a min.
Engine rebuild is normally a known quantity and do-able if the block is standard. Go to someone who knows the engines, not your local garage.
The rest, shocks, rubbers, tyres, pipes, etc will need replacing. Brakes will need a pads, lines etc

The search function will help you get your head around brining a car back to life.

I’d like to think £30k woulD be close to enough but parts prices are rising and labour rates are not as low as they were when Stick did my rebuild.
But…
You’ll have a perfectly driveable (in all traffic conditions and in lane 3 of the M6) car that puts a huge grin on your face for that money.


Caeveat… if the front end is rotten, putting a nice new engine on rusty mounts and frame is silly so then things could get really pricey… one thing you could think about… if the engine and box are out/subframe off, do any repair/resto work in the engine bay etc while it’s accessible. You might be able to avoid pulling it all out again should you opt to do more work later. But it depends on what you want from the car and is the juice worth the squeeze (cost of concours type resto worth it to you)?

It’s very rare to cover the cost of a restoration from a sale.

[JC50UK]

Thanks James