Dan, why do you think the 6.3 is declining in popularity (in the US)?
I have had this chat with the locals. I imagine cars have their first peak in 'value' when those who grew up admiring them can finally afford them. But then after years, like now, the 6.3 becomes a bit scary as who can repair them?! finally, a second peak comes when collectors realise numbers of such cars become quite scarce. Here in Australia, 6.3s are pretty scarce, and I think they have reached a climbing phase. Personally (and I think ive got good contacts to fix them as I cant!), id be too scared to own one. The 6.9 however, seems a more manageable automobile for an aspiring classic car owner.
Again, as for the values, I think the MBs are just catching up to domestic products. Each country has its own home grown bias for cars. Here in Australia, Mercedes fans often shake their heads when they see similar aged Holdens or Fords which aren't anywhere near the same quality as our cars, sell for obscene values. In the US you have your various brands and muscle cars, and in the UK, you have Rollers, Jensens, Jags and so on. Now, as numbers thin out, our cars are finally picking up.
I dont see much of a problem with this car, its very clean and straight. Despite attempts, you will not be able to put together as nice a car as this with the resto of a cheapo 116 without a massive investment (of time and money).
