Seriously considering a 6.9

[craigb]

Just looking for ideas, particularly on price and useability. Have had the 280s on gas for some time, great commuter but particularly for towing without sls it has been a bit of an issue. I know I can fix that with a bit of effort but a 560SEL 'found me' and after some rust repair I have just returned from a trip towing a vintage car interstate and it really is the right tool for the job with a big torquey engine, long wheelbase and a bit of weight in it. Was more than happy with 17l/100km given we didn't have time to hang about and towing was done at 100/110 km/h - how much more would a 6.9 use? But then I can really only afford to have so many cars on the road at once and if old enough the SA historic rego scheme works well for that. We still have the modern car on full rego but for the amount of use second cars get it is not that much of a hassle to fill in the log book for journeys and the combined reduction in rego and insurance makes it a lot more affordable. So triggered of knowledge of a deceased estate car that will most likely be available, I am thinking that the 6.9 might provide those values from the 560 but older and i think much more collectable item to have sitting in the shed. So regardless of this particular car just wondered what people thought as a tow car come occasional use and 'cruiser' when we run down to the family farm etc.

And as for this car that I have briefly seen, sitting down but apparently in use up to a couple of years ago. Appears rust free with OK paint, most likely a UK car with velour interior that is not perfect but not bad. I know that potentially I could be up for a few thousand on suspension but knowing of the PO, most likely a fairly well looked after car. I don't like the idea of ripping widows off but also I don't want to pay way above market value - even if that seems like not a lot of money. The only real sale I know about is the NSW car on ebay bidded up to around $11k, but know from a reliable source it had lots and lots spent on it - similar higher output engine car. Carsales is never a good indication with asking prices. Any other known sales? I think to settle my conscience I might suggest it go on ebay and I can bid on it along with anyone else - small community Adelaide and stories go around with little basis on truth - particularly if my predictions are correct and 6.9s could really increase in years to come.

Anyway, any advice appreciated. I know I am not around here that much but know this is the centre of the 6.9 universe and the best place for this info.

Also a rust free manual 280s on straight gas but with all bits to put back with a sympathetic conversion done may be available...... never raced....... maybe the odd sprint! A good car though that would be looking for a good home but need to work out if I am going down the right road first.

[Big_Richard]

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[craigb]

Thanks for that, just the sort of info I was looking for. I knew about the nla on parts, but having a rare vintage car I am used to finding ways to recon unavailable bits. I like the idea of a 6.9 but unfortunately can't use occasional tow car as an excuse to justify it!

[Big_Richard]

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[Mforcer]

That is very surprising to read. One of the things I really appreciate about my 450SE is the simplicity it has through good, simple engineering.

Perhaps the 6.9 pushed the chassis to much so that they had to compensate with the hydraulic suspension?

There is no question that the M100 engine is impressive, and something I have never had the pleasure of driving, but I have never wanted more than the M117.

[WGB]

The trick with a 6.9 vs a 450 is the extra reputation of the 6.9 which will always ensure that money spent on it is possibly going to be repaid if you think in the long term.

I have been to MBWA meets and there have been some lovely 450's there but everyone will make a beeline for my 6.9.

Having said that a 6.9 will need more maintenance and more particularly must be driven regularly.

I personally prefer to drive a good 450 (with the exception of the urge reduction) plus it is also much easier to store a good steel sprung 450 if not driven often.

All this talk is making me get interested in my 450 again.

Bill

[craigb]

Glad you made that point Bill. I do think of myself as a car collector and part of that is almost like a share broker speculating and part of the fun. The 6.9 has a reputation that far exceeds it current price tag I think. People who know nothing about benzes know about 6.9's . Also going back through history it is the big performance models that always have best value I think. Is it a Vauxhall 30/98 of the future? Perhaps not the same racing pedigree but certainly a big fast tourer. And to collect a car I don't think it has to involve that speculative side to it, you might just like to drive it etc, but for some of mine it is part of the fun. Eg. I like my Pagoda for a number of reasons but one of them is speculation that it will rise in value. On the other hand my '68 Alfa 1750 GTV is twice the fun to drive but I don't see it having anywhere near the same potential, and I don't know why because it is great to drive, very high spec for '68 and it that year you could have bought 3 of the new model Kingswoods with the same money apparently. So it sounds like a 450 makes more sense but I reckon the price diff between a good one and a good 6.9 is not a long way apart at the moment but into the future I think that will change disproportionately.

I'm not saying that the 'mystique' around the 6.9 or pagoda is misplaced, there is a lot to what attracts people to any one model and all part of the fun of speculating. And I am not that hard nosed about it all, I grew up selectively buying cars that a) I liked but also b) I could see some capital gain if I put my skills to work (and got fun and satisfaction out of it). I don't think I ever ripped anyone off but it did pay for my hobby and allowed me to build up a collection over time. Lots of very ungrand stuff too, like a euro Escort (probably about 25 years ago) saw for sale for ages locally, mainly paint and bits of rust would have turned people off, did some welding, panel beating and spray painting and made a few thousand and did this a number of times - I love fixing cars and hate seeing one wrecked.

Will still have a look at the 6.9 if it becomes available and will just be a straight impulse buy if I do - cant make any other excuses! The 450 sounds good but having had the 560 I don't think I would want to do the trip I have just done with any less grunt and it would be down a fair bit wouldn't it? Still, will see what is around and keep an open mind.

Thanks for all the comments though.

[Big_Richard]

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[TJ 450]

Well, I'm going to offer a differing opinion...

I find the 6.9 to be an extremely good vehicle, in a league of its own when it comes to comparisons with its stablemates. The extra complexity doesn't bother me in the slightest, as they are extremely well engineered to begin with.

Once sorted, you can literally just get in it and drive it anywhere without the worry of things failing unpredictably.

NLA parts is indeed something that might be of some concern, although cars from other makes are plagued with this issue anyway.

I agree that the 6.9 isn't suited to towing anything other than a large box trailer to the tip, if that.

The 560SEL would be a more refined vehicle, however.

Tim

[craigb]

Yep, sounds like I need the 560 for towing and a 6.9!

I know it is probably on here elsewhere and no doubt better brains than mine have worked on this but what is the issue with the NLA parts for recon? This is coming from someone who has made body, firewall, seats, dash, windscreen, steering wheel, pedals etc. etc. from casting machining etc! Valves is it that are the problem? Can't they be sleeved with stainless like a master cylinder, shafts hard chromed or machined from billet etc. etc.? I know that can be expensive but with such an international audience here, these things get cheaper with numbers but you need some sort of commitment or maybe buy in too. With the amilcar if someone is making something they tend to send an email off to UK/france/germany etc and check for interest there. Work as complicated as complete manufacture of cylinder heads, superchargers, gear sets, and currently a complete cylinder block is underway with sectioning etc of an old block, patterns, recasting a blank or two, sectioning that to see all water ways etc right and currently someone in India I believe negotiating production of the final product. I know it is a bit different in technology but I guess the point trying to make is nothing impossible!

[Andreas]

Craig you can call me if you like. You can still take one of mine for a burn again.
A good working 6.9 is a bit nicer than a 450 in regards to suspension. But it cost you more to keep in good working order. But i just love my 6.9s

My mercedes mate just loved the 6.9 and he sells mercs for a livng and races them two.

Andreas