Finback Newbie Questions

[alinke]

Hi, been looking to get a vintage Mercedes for awhile. After doing some research, the finback, 4 door is the car. Was wondering if anyone knew of any for sale in the California Bay Area (I'm in Santa Clara).

Also was wondering how much maintenance these typically entail. I'm not completely worthless on car maintenance but am by no means an expert. Any other insight on things to look out for on finbacks (any years than are better than others, etc.) would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Al

[finback]

I am not aware of any bad Finbacks. 220SEs are the fastest (except for the 300SEs which seldom have manual trannys). Diesels are the most durable and surprisingly nimble (again with the manual tranny). Air conditioners were dealer installed and not a strong point. Oil change intervals are short and there are a batch of grease fittings. Obviously, look out for serious rust.

Best of luck.

John Kuhn Bleimaier

[alinke]

hey thanks for the advice, for a finback in good condition, what should I expect to pay, looking for something in 4 doors, maybe the 300se

[finback]

Prices are hard to predict. Four door sedans are always a bargain in comparison with cabriolets. This is on account of emotional appeal rather than objective value. However, the tail fins were only found on the sedans and, thus, they have a very special draw. There are relatively few Finbacks in outstanding condition. Ironically this is because the cars were originally so robust that they were literally run into the ground in many instances. I understand that some outstanding survivors have been purchased by collectors from abroad where the Finback market has been hot. To go out on a limb, I think that a well preserved 300SE should sell for $13,000. Not too many of them were imported. But, look out for the pneumatic suspension, unique to that model. It could be complicated to work on.

John Kuhn Bleimaier

[alinke]

hey thanks for the advice, that will help me get started. I did see a rather beat up one for $1300, not even sure if it runs. I'm hoping not to have to go the fixer upper route but if I do, let me know if anyone knows of a good restoration place in the Califronia Bay Area

[Richard P]

Try eBay (wince....!!)

http://motors.listings.ebay.com/Mercedes-Benz_200-Series_W0QQfcclZ1QQfclZ3QQfrppZ50QQfsooZ2QQfsopZ2Q QsacatZ6329QQsocmdZListingItemList

and also look at the 300 section.

Good luck - they're mighty fine cars.

By the way, have you seen Chris Johnson's website www.300se.org ??

Cheers
Richard