Owning an old Merc as a cruiser? Other options?

[Yellow_Festiva]

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

Mint condition museum car sold for $18.5K

https://www.shannons.com.au/auctions...F8704FOAV721T/

Prior to the 1997 refresh they virtually didn't change styling from 1967

Check out the video, the interior controls look like a VCR from the 1980s, digital dash etc.

Love the rear passenger leg hole feature - you could almost recline the seat to a sleeping position

[Ford17]

How about a Fairlane, but without the chrome bumpers?

Some will still come with carby V8's.

This looks alright - a little over budget, but the price is negotiable:
https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/sout...man/1238672787

[Falcon SXR8]

Originally Posted by Ford17

How about a Fairlane, but without the chrome bumpers?

Some will still come with carby V8's.

This looks alright - a little over budget, but the price is negotiable:
https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/sout...man/1238672787

Thats a nice rig. My dad had one when i was growing up, identical to that one. Zj sportsman with the 302. I would love one if i had the shed space

[NX74205]

Originally Posted by smoo

Go for it. Under rated and valued cars in the wake of the price boom seen with even the most mediocre US and Aussie cars. Solid cars providing they aren’t plagued with rust.

I've got to say I'm insanely jealous of your collection. I've always dreamed of owning a classic S-class, and I hope to be able to do that some day. I just can't decide between the W116, W126 and W140, so I might do what you did and get all three!

[MercuryT]

Originally Posted by Tommie

Yeah, I had a series 2 XJ with the 350 conversion many years ago. Looked sleak a beautiful even all those times it left me stranded on the side of the road... Lucas mystery wires did me in...

Jags are sweet as.

Old Mercs are colder and more boring than my ex wife.

Yes being stranded isn't ideal!

But at least next to a beautiful machine!!

[Crazy Dazz]

Yes, this is a Ford forum.
Sad thing is that the prices of ****ty old Fords have reached truly insane levels.

If you just want a nice v8 Lane or Monty, there are plenty of cheap but nice ones from the 90's and 00's. But if you're looking at pre 80's, forget it.
$10k will get you a busted *** Falcon, in a model you never wanted to begin with, the engine and tranny long gone, that some muppet has dismantled, left to rust, and is now selling as a "project".

Have to laugh at those complaining of finding rust in an old Merc. Have you looked at a pre-90's Ford? Look for one with a nice paint-job, because that will at least old the rust in place.

I'm no fan of mercs, and really don't think I'd ever have one. but you can't deny they were better engineered, better built, and better equipped. Especially during the 70's.

As a general rule, parts for euros are expensive and hard to find. But its also increasing hard to find parts for old local Ford's that aren't egregiously priced pieces of crap. If old mate doesn't sell his project as is, he'll flog the parts for $20k on ebay.
Plus if you're looking for parts for an international car, there's a whole world out there to scour.

[smoo]

Originally Posted by NX74205

I've got to say I'm insanely jealous of your collection. I've always dreamed of owning a classic S-class, and I hope to be able to do that some day. I just can't decide between the W116, W126 and W140, so I might do what you did and get all three!

All are impulse buys. But I know a bloke who is close to selling a near on immaculate 126 420SE in the South West WA if you are interested. I’d be banking on a good W126 series regardless of engine for an affordable but safe buy as far as classic cars go. They have a huge global fan base and values for good examples are rising.
The W140s (especially the S600) despite bad stigma are a better car in all aspect but don’t carry the following earlier models command.
I did have the chance of purchasing a W108 300SEL with the 6.3 V8 back in 2012 for $35k NZ, before the German cars started to really take off in price. An Aussie buyer bought it, and it would be a six figure car now.

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by Crazy Dazz

Yes, this is a Ford forum.
Sad thing is that the prices of ****ty old Fords have reached truly insane levels.

If you just want a nice v8 Lane or Monty, there are plenty of cheap but nice ones from the 90's and 00's. But if you're looking at pre 80's, forget it.
$10k will get you a busted *** Falcon, in a model you never wanted to begin with, the engine and tranny long gone, that some muppet has dismantled, left to rust, and is now selling as a "project".

Have to laugh at those complaining of finding rust in an old Merc. Have you looked at a pre-90's Ford? Look for one with a nice paint-job, because that will at least old the rust in place.

I'm no fan of mercs, and really don't think I'd ever have one. but you can't deny they were better engineered, better built, and better equipped. Especially during the 70's.

As a general rule, parts for euros are expensive and hard to find. But its also increasing hard to find parts for old local Ford's that aren't egregiously priced pieces of crap. If old mate doesn't sell his project as is, he'll flog the parts for $20k on ebay.
Plus if you're looking for parts for an international car, there's a whole world out there to scour.

I supply particular components to the X series Falcon brigade and you should see them squeal about prices, the fact we still manufacture to suit these circa 50 year old cars from the original plans with the original components and it's made in Melbourne - they still whinge about $150.

The irony with people who own cars worth circa 6 figures, people have a value they assume something is worth then get offended when they find out the actual cost.

Buy 30,000 of them and I'll do em for $30

[MethodX]

I was thinking 70's or WB statesman.... (yeah i know youre all Fordians)

But man havent they shot up in value...

[smoo]

Originally Posted by Crazy Dazz

As a general rule, parts for euros are expensive and hard to find. But its also increasing hard to find parts for old local Ford's that aren't egregiously priced pieces of crap. If old mate doesn't sell his project as is, he'll flog the parts for $20k on ebay.
Plus if you're looking for parts for an international car, there's a whole world out there to scour.

Not anymore. That was true back in the 1980s & '90s when specialised workshops were the only ones that could work on or figure out the jetronic or motronic injection systems, and before online shopping opened up a whole world of easily accessible and significantly cheaper parts.

If anything, the opposite is true in dealing with the Australian cars for the reasons you list (check out what Valiant Charger parts are going for). Globally for every one person interested in or chasing parts for an older Aussie model there would be at least 100 more doing the same for a 911, S Class, E30 or 2002 etc.

You can buy nearly everything OEM for BMW, Mercedes, Porsche from the dealer going right back to the 60s models. From major mechanical items right down to window & door rubbers or interior switches and clips. If not then an aftermarket parts supplier will have it.

Perhaps OP would be better off with a NA-NL Fairlane/LTD. Still affordable. Sure to rise in value in the future due to affordability of older models pushing those out of the market on a limited budget.
Sweet looking tanks and wouldn't look out of place in an Aussie and Yank car cruise like a Euro will.

https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/det...-4933351/?Cr=7

[Citroënbender]

One of the things which gave me fits trying to help a 560SEL owner, was sunroof mechanism parts. It did seem (three years ago) that they were NLA through all the usual channels, and NOS was priced on a rather predatory basis rather than to fund reproduction down the track.

[Polyal]

Originally Posted by smoo

Not anymore. That was true back in the 1980s & '90s when specialised workshops were the only ones that could work on or figure out the jetronic or motronic injection systems, and before online shopping opened up a whole world of easily accessible and significantly cheaper parts.

If anything, the opposite is true in dealing with the Australian cars for the reasons you list (check out what Valiant Charger parts are going for). Globally for every one person interested in or chasing parts for an older Aussie model there would be at least 100 more doing the same for a 911, S Class, E30 or 2002 etc.

You can buy nearly everything OEM for BMW, Mercedes, Porsche from the dealer going right back to the 60s models. From major mechanical items right down to window & door rubbers or interior switches and clips. If not then an aftermarket parts supplier will have it.

Perhaps OP would be better off with a NA-NL Fairlane/LTD. Still affordable. Sure to rise in value in the future due to affordability of older models pushing those out of the market on a limited budget.
Sweet looking tanks and wouldn't look out of place in an Aussie and Yank car cruise like a Euro will.

https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/det...-4933351/?Cr=7

Very true, when I had my 74' Alfa GTV there were heaps of online stores overseas doing quality parts cheaper than I could buy second and from Australia.

[Pis-ton broke]

i think about an old cruiser as well. i like these old jags, they are the 420 jag and mark ten jag(same body). of coarse a v8 or what ever could replace the dohc i6. in there day they were one of if not the largest bodied cars.
https://www.hemmings.com/blog/2015/0...ar-mk10-sedan/

street machines 2020 jan issue, has a big custom lead sled jag with 1949 MERCURY style front end. https://www.whichcar.com.au/features...chev-big-block

this is a 420g , g is the compact version. https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/det...-5773394/?Cr=0

these old jags used to go for 5k and less, they have gone up .

[Tonz]

nice 3.8 Jag with engine swap and few mods always looks good

[383hq]

Originally Posted by smoo

Go for it. Under rated and valued cars in the wake of the price boom seen with even the most mediocre US and Aussie cars. Solid cars providing they aren’t plagued with rust. The ‘70s models are good enough for daily drivers. I also have a VG valiant and not a chance I’d daily that unlike the Mercedes models of the same era.
Don’t discount the 2.8 injected 6 that you can get in the 116 and 123 chassis.
They go just as good as the V8s thanks to the 8 running a three speed auto with very tall gearing.

I have a several, 280SE, four wheel disc brakes, self level hydro rear suspension, independent rear, 185hp, cuts out at 6750rpm and sounds grouse. Currently refurb some period correct 14” alloys to get rid of the hub caps.

image

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They aren’t chrome bumpers but also consider the ‘80s 126 series. I have the 560 version Euro spec (300hp) not the detuned 265hp sold in the Aus market. Good examples of these are rising in value. You might be better off looking for a pre facelift/pre 1986 280se or 500se.

image

Also have that W140 V12 coupe. A few posts above mention E38, don’t bother. The Benz V12 has around 80kw on the BMW. The Benz M119 V8 is just as strong as the BMW V12. That V12 coupe weighs 2.3 tonne and has no drama smoking the 18s off the line. The V12s are solid engines with a huge flat torque curve.
E32 V12s are a bit temperamental. If an E32 look out for a 740i. Just as much performance as the under whelming V12 and the M60 V8 is probably the most reliable engine BMW have put out the last 30 years.

Also consider BMW E28 535i.

As for parts I go to FCP Euro, Pelican Parts or Rockauto. I think rockauto don’t deliver to Aus anymore after the recent GST changes for online goods.

Someones being watching Patrick Swazye movies..

[Franco Cozzo]

Aside from the mileage this 560SEL looks the goods:

Check out this 1988 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL Auto.
https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/det...SSE-AD-6440570

Bit out of budget but I love the Cosworth 190E

https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/det...AG-AD-18417580

[Citroënbender]

Check the nearside bottom corner of the rear glass opening.

[Polyal]

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

Bit out of budget but I love the Cosworth 190E

https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/det...AG-AD-18417580

An auto? Shame

[jstanovic]

Getting a bit new and lacking personality for me!!

[ebv8]

a mate's mum have a W123 merc
its slow and feels like your driving a pillow but its cool
and its only worth about $3500
i put dibs on it when it goes forsale

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by Citroënbender

Check the nearside bottom corner of the rear glass opening.

No different to any 1980s F100 on our roads - except they're worse

It's a ****box but you ain't gonna care for $12,500 when you drive it to work and the accounts lady opens her door into it in the work car park or you park it under trees and it's got sap and bird **** all over it.

I'm handing out passports for the ****box nation

You'd get it for less than $12,500, that's the oldest trick in the book, I want $9K for my car, I'll advertise it for $12,500 and 'negotiate' down and the bloke throwing cash at me thinks I'm the best bloke in the world

Don't ever advertise a car for what you want to get for it, but be realistic with your initial fake news pricing.

[MercuryT]

Jaguar XJ8.

Straight Pipe it and have the best cruiser going around.

Keep your cheque book handy (does anyone have one these days?!)

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by MercuryT

Jaguar XJ8.

Straight Pipe it and have the best cruiser going around.

Keep your cheque book handy (does anyone have one these days?!)

Yes, half the automotive industry still pays their 30 day accounts in cheques and it's ridiculous

[jstanovic]

Jags are out, missus really doesn't like them, I'm 50/50. Benz mid 70s 450SLC is also ticking boxes for me and the missus!
https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/det...5792957/?Cr=10

I'm also keen on an XE/XF S-pak manual, straight and un-molested.

[oldel]

Originally Posted by jstanovic

Jags are out, missus really doesn't like them, I'm 50/50.

Shame, I think they're the best looking old cheap "chrome bumper" cars around.
Nu Koops in rockingham is selling barra N/A engines and gearboxes with wiring and throttles pretty cheap ($500 for a barra and 4spd auto, $750 for a barra and 5spd manual).
I've always wanted to do that, so I guess I can't live vicariously through you

[eb2fairmont]

Originally Posted by jstanovic

Jags are out, missus really doesn't like them, I'm 50/50. Benz mid 70s 450SLC is also ticking boxes for me and the missus!
https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/det...5792957/?Cr=10

I'm also keen on an XE/XF S-pak manual, straight and un-molested.

+1 on the xf. I own 3 107 slc's. They make xb coupes look like they're rustproof.

[MercuryT]

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

Yes, half the automotive industry still pays their 30 day accounts in cheques and it's ridiculous

But can't I buy a fridge? Sorry Benz

[jstanovic]

Originally Posted by eb2fairmont

+1 on the xf. I own 3 107 slc's. They make xb coupes look like they're rustproof.

😳 that’s a shame as they have a lot going for them

[roKWiz]

The Benz is hard to beat. So says Maren Morris.

https://youtu.be/m9md97nN_SQ

[anobserver]

Here is an example of what ten large can get you...

https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/kedr...dan/1235876982

Neat and practical with four doors. Low mileage, but cannot imagine how to get parts for it.