Marque: Mercedes - Company History & Models - Cars By Brand
Mercedes
The granddaddy of the automobile, no other car maker has stood the test of time as well as Mercedes. Mercedes-Benz was the amalgamation of the founders of the motor car, Karl Benz and Gotleib Daimler in 1926 where the emphasis was always on quality and exacting engineering – a philosophy that the company still adheres to. Apart from its road vehicles (and commercials) Mercedes was also hugely…
Mercedes E Class W124 Series
RATING:
PRICE: £500-£5500
Fast Facts
- Produced:
1985-92 - Bodywork:
W124 four-door saloon five-door estate (‘T’) coupe cabriolet - Engine:
200 Overhead camshaft four-cyl 1997cc 109bhp; 200E Overhead camshaft four-cyl 1997cc 122bhp; 230E Overhead camshaft four-cyl 2299cc 136bhp; 250D Overhead camshaft five-cyl 2497cc diesel 90bhp 260E Overhead camshaft six-cylinder 2599cc170bhp; 300E Overhead camshaft six-cylinder 2960cc 190bhp; 300E Twin overhead cam six-cylinder 24 valve 2960cc 231bhp - 0-60 mph:
7.5-15.5sec - Top Speed:
115mph-145mph - MPG:
18-35mpg
PAST: Hugely respected range of saloons and estates that are still regular sights on our roads. Usual line up with range topper 500 launched in spring ‘91 with 319bhp. CE coupes and cabriolets launched in October ‘92, slingshot-saloon estate and coupe E36 AMG arriving in the summer of ‘94. Range re-badged E Series in 1993 and continued in production until 1996.
PRESENT: Prestigious saloons with classic good looks providing top performance, integrity, durability and plenty of space. Relatively affordable still, too. Estates are super practical and long-lasting. 24-valve 300 and AMGs exhilarating. Four-wheel drive ‘4-Matic’ versions technically interesting, with electronically-controlled all-wheel drive.
FUTURE: AMGs are only starting to gain classic status, others almost bangers so buy/cost up with care. Originality can be wanting on many cars too.
Mercedes ‘New Generation’ Saloons
RATING:
PRICE: £600-£6000
Fast Facts
- Produced:
1967-76 - Bodywork:
Four-door saloon Engine - Engine:
200 Overhead camshaft four-cylinder 1988cc 95bhp; 200D Overhead camshaft four-cylinder 1988cc 55bhp; 220 Overhead camshaft four cylinder 2197cc 105bhp; 220D Overhead camshaft four-cylinder 2197cc diesel 60bhp; 250 Overhead camshaft six-cylinder 2496cc 130bhp; 280 Overhead camshaft six-cylinder 2778cc 140bhp - 0-60 mph:
220 16 sec; 250 12.5+ sec, 280 11.5+ sec - Top Speed:
80-110mph - MPG:
17-25 mpg
PAST: Cleaner swinging 60s replacement for much loved Fintails but with crisper styling and upgraded mechanics such as trailing arm rear suspensions, all round discs and a lot of S-Class DNA. Base 200 never officially sold over here but they turn up. Five-speed manual ‘box available but as rare as they are desirable. Range survived until 1976 before being replaced by similar theme W123 range.
PRESENT: Taxi! Well, they were hugely popular as them thanks to their sturdiness and space. A highly pleasant all rounder that’s dead reliable although car lacks the character of the older Fintail.
FUTURE: Difficult one this – prices have hardly moved since we last covered this manufacturer over five years ago so value is better than ever. However restos are usually uneconomic as a result.
Mercedes ‘New Generation’ Coupes
RATING:
PRICE: £2000-£9000
Fast Facts
- Produced:
1969-76 - Bodywork:
Two-door coupe - Engine:
250 Overhead camshaft six-cylinder 2496cc 157bhp (twin carburettor); 280 Overhead camshaft six-cylinder 2746cc 185bhp (fuel-injected) - 0-60 mph:
250 (twin carburettor) 13.5+ sec; 280 (fuel-injected) 9 sec - Top Speed:
250 (twin carburettor) 115 mph; 280 (fuel-injected) 125 mph - MPG:
15-20+ mpg
PAST: Sleek coupe, with attractive ‘pillarless’ styling that’s practical and comparatively scarce, yet still affordable for a classic Mercedes. Increasingly appreciated for its design and a good one is bound to appreciate further down the years. Solid if not exciting performers even in fuel injected form that surfaced in 1968. Range lasted for a decade and has since aged well.
PRESENT: As we said, hardly an exciting driver’s car but no worse than many other cars of that era plus it’s a Mercedes that will cruise over the ton all day in top security and comfort. Soft riding so handling is fairly ponderous but these were never GTs.
FUTURE: If you want a two-door instead of the four-door saloon then fine but the latter are better value and more versatile. That said prices of the CEs are steadily moving away from saloons so the market is there.
Mercedes 190
RATING:
PRICE: £500-£5000
Fast Facts
- Produced:
1983-93 - Bodywork:
Four-door saloon - Engine:
190E 1.8 Overhead camshaft four-cylinder 1797cc 113bhp; 190 2.0 Overhead camshaft four-cylinder 1997cc 90bhp (105bhp for ‘85); 190E 2.0 Overhead camshaft four-cylinder 1997cc 122bhp 190 2.3-16 Twin overhead camshaft four-cylinder 2299cc 185bhp; 190E 2.5-16 Twin overhead camshaft four-cylinder 2498cc 197bhp; 190E 2.6: Overhead camshaft six-cylinder 2599cc 160bhp - 0-60 mph:
7.5-12 secs - Top Speed:
110-145mph - MPG:
Petrol: 24-35 mpg
PAST: Launched in 1983 to compete with the 3 Series BMW and the first ‘hip’ Mercedes for a long, long time, although still remained the top choice for mini-cabs, too! Cosworth tuned models for 1984 are as good as the similarly-badged Ford Sierra and more discreet. Smooth running six pot 2.6 for 1987, with a stripped out base 1.8 model for 1990 (LE special in ‘93). Replaced by the C-Class in 1993.
PRESENT: A brand new breed of modern Mercedes to appeal to new buying base, but still with old school Merc quality as standard. Cosworth twin-cam 16-valve versions are especially enjoyable. Rear seat legroom is not generous, and interior trim is fairly basic in nature. No estates!
FUTURE: A bit of a sleeper and we reckon will remain so for foreseeable future – except the Cosworths which are already rising in value. There are some really nice 190s around still too at good prices and they make cracking daily drivers.
Mercedes 190SL (W121) Coupe & Roadster
RATING:
PRICE: £8000-£22,000+
Fast Facts
- Produced:
1955-63 - Bodywork:
Two-door coupe/roadster - Engine:
Overhead camshaft four-cylinder 1897cc 120bhp - 0-60 mph:
13 sec - Top Speed:
105+ mph - MPG:
20-28 mpg
PAST: A sort of affordable ‘300’ and much cheaper to run too care of mildly tuned 190 four-cylinder engine with twin carbs and sportier floor change gearbox. Servo brakes from ‘56 along with RHD cars and a factory hardtop. Replaced by Pagoda range in 1963.
PRESENT: Classical looking 300 clone that’s as affordable as a 190. Not exactly speedy but as you’d expect a good cruiser while less taxed suspension is far easier to handle. As always the SL is beautifully built and looks super classy – much less flash and brash than some of the more modern Merc SLs!
FUTURE: These cars are already blue chip classics and prices at the top end reflect this. Rust can be a worry and restorations can be 300SL dear to the superstructure but the oily bits are everlasting and spares and support pose few worries either.
Mercedes 230SL/250SL/280SL (113)
RATING:
PRICE: £7500-£25,000+
Fast Facts
- Produced:
1963-71 - Bodywork:
Two-door coupe/convertible - Engine:
Overhead camshaft six-cylinder 230SL 2306cc 150bhp; 250SL 2496cc 150bhp; 280SL 2778cc 170bhp - 0-60 mph:
230SL 10.5 sec; 250SL 10 sec; 280SL 9 sec - Top Speed:
120+ mph - MPG:
230/250SL 16-22 mpg
PAST: Nicknamed ‘Pagoda’ models because of their distinctive, sloping hard top roof design, the SL replaced the old 190 with new square-cut look, servo disc/drums (all discs on 250SL of ‘66), power steering and an auto; five-speed manual on options list but rarely found. 2.8 six (280SL) for ‘68 giving 170bhp. All were replaced by R107 range in 1971.
PRESENT: One of the most desired Mercs ever, these fine grand tourers are stylish, well-engineered and long-lasting if properly maintained. Some reckon ‘sixes’ not that much quicker then a good 230SL which is nimbler.
FUTURE: Prices went through the Pagoda roof years ago and good ones always command high prices. Don’t buy on the cheap as structural condition is crucially important and mechanical ailments can be costly to repair.
Mercedes 300 (W186/W189)/300S (W188)
RATING:
PRICE: £6000-£20,000
Fast Facts
- Produced:
1951-62 - Bodywork:
300 Four-door saloon (short and long wheelbase) and cabriolet 300S Two-door coupe and roadster - Engine:
Overhead camshaft six-cylinder 2996cc 115bhp (carburettor-fed 300) - 0-60 mph:
16+ sec - Top Speed:
100+ mph - MPG:
15-25 mpg
PAST: Large, luxurious and extremely rare cars, especially the exclusive 300S coupes and roadsters. Early 300 versions featured twin Solex carburettors but rare 300S used triple jugs. Servo brakes for ‘54 with auto option a year later along with needed rear suspension revise. 300D doesn’t mean diesel but limo with power steering for ‘58. Although a manual (column)change ‘box was listed all UK cars were autos. 300S uses shorter platform, 150bhp engine or 175bhp and it’s dry-sumped for the 300SC!
PRESENT: Fine old stately ’six light’ Merc saloon offering excellent performance for 1950s, especially, and fuel-injected examples (1956 on). Cabriolets are rare four-door drop heads with 300 roadster pretty sensational for its day.
FUTURE: Rarity means they will always command high prices while legendary build and craftsmanship means restos may not be too horrendous but always costly.
Mercedes SL
Fast Facts
- Produced:
1989-2002 - Engine:
2.8/3.0/3.2/5.0/6.0 - 0-60 mph:
5.9sec - Top Speed:
159mph - Power:
193/231/228/308/389bhp
Back in 1996, it was possible to spend £102,400 on a new Mercedes SL. Now you can pick this silky smooth convertible up for as little as £7500. Born in 1989, these were truly modern Mercs, so banish any idea of creaky classic motoring. Tremendous advances in electronics endowed the two-seater with a pop-up rollover bar to protect you if you overturned, and the latest in anti-skid controls to prevent that from happening in the first place. The hood now retracted at the touch of a button (and, of course, it came with a hardtop as well). Top of the range was the V12 SL600, which gave 408bhp from its 6.0-litre engine and accelerated to 60mph in six seconds. Now these cars are down to around £12k, while the V8 SL500 and the six-cylinder SL280 and S320 are well below that. This was still the era of impeccable Mercedes build quality, so what should you worry about? “The engines are very sound, even the V12,” says Michael Lavers, boss of SL specialist Silver Arrows Automobiles in south west London. “The only thing that will kill them is neglect, or bad luck.” To guard against the neglect, the best method is a rigorous inspection of servicing. Then it’s just a question of not being too cheap. “The difference between a good one and a bad one is not a huge amount,” says Lavers. “A good one is a bargain, a bad one really isn’t”. Lavers, perhaps surprisingly given the pedigree of the SL line, is a huge fan of this one. “They’re stupendously capable and extremely comfortable; one of the great grand tourers. It’s not a racer but there’s beautiful engineering and everything works. And boy, are they good value”.
Mercedes 300SL (W198) Gullwing AND Roadster
RATING:
PRICE: £55,000-£200,000+
Fast Facts
- Produced:
Gullwing 1954-56; Roadster 1956-63 - Bodywork:
Gullwing Two-door coupe (doors hinged at centre of roof); Roadster Two-door (conventional style doors) - Engine:
Overhead camshaft six-cyl fuel-injected 2996cc 250bhp - 0-60 mph:
Gullwing 8+ sec; Roadster 7+ sec - Top Speed:
Gullwing 145 mph; Roadster 130 mph - MPG:
15-25 mpg
PAST: Developed from Le Mans winning racer and launched at the New York Motor Show in 1954, the extremely rapid 300SL Gullwing was a true supercar of its time; just 1400 built so has been a blue chip classics for decades. Replaced in 1956 by 300SL Roadster, with lower sills, and revised (lower pivot) rear suspension to tame tricky handling. This model was ultimately a little slower, but much easier to drive and to live with. From March 1961 discs thankfully replaced drum brakes on Roadster.
PRESENT: A fantastic car – even if highly skilled hands are required to cope with the wicked handling imparted by a swing-axle rear suspension design that makes a 911 seem positively docile!
FUTURE: Lovely cars: exclusive and MEGA expensive today – if you can find one for sale. Restos are cripplingly costly and complex so beware.
Mercedes 600 Limousine (W100)
RATING:
PRICE: £9000-£30,000
Fast Facts
- Produced:
1963-81 - Bodywork:
Four-door saloon four/six door limousine Landaulet (with folding rear section of roof) - Engine:
Overhead camshaft V8 6329cc 250bhp (fuel-injected) - 0-60 mph:
10 sec - Top Speed:
115 mph - MPG:
12-15 mpg
PAST: Announced in 1963 but with production commencing a year later, this is a limo of classic proportions and status in every way. New V8-powered, this 18-20-footer (depending upon body) that had everything and the kitchen sink: hydraulic seats, front/rear air con, self-levelling air suspension, adjustable dampers, limited slip differential, power assisted steering and dual-circuit, servo-assisted brakes (with discs all round) – the list goes on. Limousine versions feature three rows of seats with standard central glass division.
PRESENT: A car still fit for Presidents and one that still hugely impresses with its forward thinking, all round ability and performance. Hardly a classic for frequent use but one that puts a Rolls to shame.
FUTURE: A classic for sure – just don’t even think about trying to restore one. And where are you going to park it?
Mercedes C126 S Class Coupes
RATING:
PRICE: £1000-£8000
Fast Facts
- Produced:
1981-91 - Bodywork:
Two-door coupe - Engine:
380SEC Overhead camshaft V8 3839cc 204bhp; 420SEC Overhead camshaft V8 4196cc 218bhp (231bhp from late 1987); 500SEC Overhead camshaft V8 4973cc 231bhp (265bhp from late 1987); 560SEC Overhead camshaft V8 5547cc 300bhp - 0-60 mph:
380SEC 9+ sec; 500SEC 8 sec; 560SEC 7 sec - Top Speed:
130+ 150+ mph - MPG:
15-25 mpg
PAST: Launched in 1971 to replace old S Class-based sportsters and much more agreeable for the vast majority of users. Similar mechanics to the saloons – most were the high-powered versions although there’s a massive range to choose from. Range ran for more than a decade.
PRESENT: Quietly spoken, sophisticated, good looking tourers, that provide performance and prestige a plenty; few cars offer so much Merc metal for your money. They boast all the poise and pace of the magnificent S Class but in a smaller more stylish package.
FUTURE: Classic status is assured but get in there quick while values remain unnoticed. Sadly too many have been tarted up and blinged; originality will count for future desirability. Like the S-Class they are cheap to buy but equally S Class-dear to service or repair let alone restore, which is pretty hard to justify given their current values.
Mercedes Fintails
PRICE: £1000 - £22000
Fintails are Pagodas for the family man, costing just a fraction of SL prices. So, what are you waiting for?
These days, C and E Class Mercedes are commonplace, but back in the 1960s and ‘70s, you had to be affl uent to own a three-pointed star. When the ‘Fintail’ was introduced in the UK in 1959 it cost almost £2000 for the base model – a sum which would have bought you a 3.8 Jag Mk2 with change for a bloody good holiday back then!
Nowadays, Fintails sell for a comparative song, simply because Merc saloons don’t hold their values the same sway as SLs and Pagodas. So, if you want a tough, beautifully engineered family saloon that’s sadly an all too rare sight on our roads, and is therefore more exclusive than a Pagoda, think Fintail!
History
After the rounded Pontons, Mercedes decided to sharpen up its styling with its late 50s replacement, adding a touch of Americana with its rear fi ns – this worked, too, as the car (W110/112 series) was quite popular in the States. Initially the 190 was the mainstay, using running gear carried over from the Pontons, including a single cam four pot but ohc with a column four-speed transmission, with fl oor or auto optional. A refresh in ’61 saw styling changes plus front discs, with power steering optional from 1964. Part of the 1961 range revamp included the delightful 300SE using a detuned SL sports car engine for a minimum of 160bhp fuelinjected power. Other technical advances we take now for granted included anti-squat, self-levelling air suspension. The 300 was available as a saloon, coupe and cabriolet, as was the lower rung 220/230 six-cylinder range with fuel-injected SEs. Sixes were usually identifi ed by their stacked headlamp treatment and are considerably larger.
In October ’65 the 220 range was replaced by the 250,with a 2496cc engine, all round disc brakes and self-levelling suspension. The 250S boasted two twin choke carbs for 110bhp, SE fuel injection and a cheaper 230S was also available. The Fintail range lasted until ’68 when they were replaced by the square cut W108/W109 range which lasted well into the mid-1970s. This line up was fi rst seen as the 250, 280 and 300 some three years earlier which ran alongside the Fintail.
Driving
It’s to the car’s credit that Fintails don’t really feel their age. Sure, they are tank-like but, with fuel injection, self-levelling suspension and so on (depending upon model), can still cut it on modern roads, especially when it comes to cruising if not cornering; it’s worth remembering that the car was successful in both racing and rallying. Performance from the 190 and 200 (95bhp, with 145lb.ft of torque) is moderate and downright sluggish in diesel form, but the sixes perform much better plus some boast five-speed transmissions for relaxed cruising.
Their durability and ‘modern makeup’ means that, if you can stomach the low 20s mpg (except the diesel, naturally), they make great daily drivers and, for their era, were very safety conscious. Add supreme comfort and space and they make, sensible, satisfying alternatives to a Mondeo, Vectra 406 etc.
Prices
There’s a definite split when it comes to prices. The saloons are the cheapest and you can pick up a project for around a grand or less, and a good car for say £4000-5000; there’s little difference
between a four or six pot car as it’s condition that counts above all else because – as one leading specialist put it to us – it costs as much to restore a Fintail as it does an SL. Thanks to their style, it’s the coupes and cabriolets which hold the most appeal and so boast higher values, with top cars going for well over £20,000. But, in general, “Fintail prices are going nowhere” remarked one leading classic specialist to us.
Mercedes G-Wagen (G460)
RATING:
PRICE: £1000 - £45,000+
Fast Facts
- Produced:
1982-90 - Bodywork:
Three-door/five-door estate (four-wheel drive) - Engine:
230GE Overhead camshaft four cylinder 2299cc 125bhp (fuel-injected) 280GE Twin overhead camshaft six-cylinder 2746cc 150bhp (fuel-injected); 300GD Overhead camshaft five-cylinder 2998cc diesel 88bhp - 0-60 mph:
230GE 16 sec; 280GE 15 sec; 300GD 23 sec - Top Speed:
80-100mph - MPG:
11-25mpg
PAST: Launched to compete with the Range Rover in 1982 but without the style or ability (except off-road). No-nonsense, angular 4x4 estates, in short wheelbase and long-wheelbase forms, and with legendary Mercedes-Benz toughness built-in. Usual manual and auto versions available – most opted for the latter. Revamped during the 1990s, albeit now made to special order, but still the fundamentally the same vehicle.
PRESENT: Competent both on and off-road but colourless. Difficult to know its buying base as a classic Mercedes; perhaps best seen as a working one that’s a dependable daily driver although they did prove fairly popular to custom and modify in their day.
FUTURE: At present we can’t see one having great future classic status and there’s enough around to negate any rarity potential for a good many years yet. Hugely dear to maintain or repair as well so buy with care.
Mercedes Pontons
RATING:
PRICE: £2500-£30,000+
Fast Facts
- Produced:
1953-62 - Bodywork:
Four-door saloon; two-door coupe and cabriolet - Engine:
180 To 1957: Sidevalve four-cylinder 1767cc 52bhp; ‘57on: Overhead cam 1897cc 74/78bhp; 190 Overhead cam four-cylinder 1897cc 84/90bhp; 220S/SE Overhead camshaft six-cylinder 2195cc
120bhp/130bhp 180D (diesel) Overhead valve
four-cylinder 1767cc 43bhp - 0-60 mph:
12-32secs - Top Speed:
68-108mph - MPG:
25-40mpg
PAST: First real all modern Mercedes-Benz featuring unitary construction, and overhead camshaft engines (although a side valve diesel remained). Much improved rear suspension in ‘56, OHC engines a year later with similar diesel for ‘61. Rare Hydrak automatic clutch for ‘58 is best to avoid due to parts availability - or lack of to be precise.
PRESENT: Arguably the car which set the tone for all other Mercedes, these well-engineered, classy mid-range saloons (also extremely rare coupes and cabriolets) were way ahead of their time; six-pot cars can easily cope with modern motoring. Diesel versions are pretty tardy, but gutsy and relatively frugal.
FUTURE: Not expensive for what they represent and a better choice than many mainstream alternatives. Bodywork can suffer from corrosion damage; careful checks are needed when buying although parts supply isn’t bad at all.
Mercedes S Class
Fast Facts
- Produced:
1965-72 - Bodywork:
Four-door saloon coupe cabriolet - Engine:
250 Overhead camshaft six-cylinder 2496cc 130bhp; 280 Overhead camshaft six-cylinder 2778cc 160bhp; 280SE 3.5 Overhead camshaft V8 3499cc 200bhp (fuel-injected); 300SEL 6.3 Overhead camshaft V8
6329cc 250bhp (fuel-injected) - 0-60 mph:
7.5-15 sec - Top Speed:
110-135 mph - MPG:
12-20 mpg
PAST: Start of the stylish big Mercs from Stuttgart, identifiable by their ‘stacked’ headlamps, and deliberately looking sleeker than ‘Fintails’ although similarly sized overall and giving an early taste of Fintail replacements. Model designations hard to fathom. In each case, ‘S’ refers to ‘S’ Class. Versions with fuel injection incorporate the letter ‘E’ within the designation Long wheelbase models by the letter ‘L’ with 3.5 V8 arriving in ‘69 (300SEL) featuring 600-like appointments.
PRESENT: If you look at the S Class as a down-sized 600 you won’t be wide of the mark. Rare coupes and cabrios are distinguished, albeit dropped in 1971.
FUTURE: An easier to own and store alternative to the 600 although values won’t be as good. Buy the best you can from the outset.
Mercedes SE Coupes and Cabriolets
RATING:
PRICE: £5000 - £30,000+
Fast Facts
- Produced:
1961-71 - Bodywork:
Two-door coupe/cabriolet - Engine:
W111 (220SE, 250SE) Overhead camshaft six-cylinder 220SE 2197cc 120bhp 250SE 2496cc 150bhp; W111 (280SE 3.5) Overhead camshaft V8 3499cc; 200bhp W112 (300SE) Overhead camshaft six-cylinder 2996cc 195bhp - 0-60 mph:
220SE 12.+ sec; 280SE 3.5: 9+ sec; 300SE 10+ sec - Top Speed:
108-125 mph - MPG:
15-25 mpg
PAST: A hard Mercedes to fathom but perhaps the best compromise for classic car fans after style and sensibility? The W111, first shown in 1961, has the look and style of the old Fintail drophead yet underneath (as from 1969) it featured the latest S Class platform and running gear, including a meaty V8, which spelt a 911-beating 130mph! UK cars all had auto, power steering and higher appointments than others.
PRESENT: High quality, elegant models, which have stood the test of time, both aesthetically and in terms of longevity well. Look classical but are fairly modernish to drive. And beautifully built – of course.
FUTURE: Scarce in the market and as a result highly desirable, with price tags to match (especially the sought after cabriolets). Can prove to be expensive to run and restore but the values will always remain strong
Mercedes W107 Roadster (SL) AND Coupe (SLC)
RATING:
PRICE: £6000-£18,000
Fast Facts
- Produced:
1989-1993 - Bodywork:
Two-door coupe, Targa and cabriolet - Engine:
Air-cooled flat six with dual spark ignition; 3600cc 250bhp - 0-60 mph:
5.7secs - Top Speed:
162mph - MPG:
25mpg
PAST: Launched in 1971 to replace the wonderful Pagoda, the W107 has even eclipsed that classic for desirability and durability. Based on a 97ins platform and now with S Class suspension it was right from the word go. Twin Cam 280SLC (‘74-’82) not for UK but a 280 SL surfaced in the 1980s. 230s came in 1977, same year as big V8 450s (no manual option) that was later badged the 500 when revamped in 1980. The W and R 107’s design lasted up until 1989!
PRESENT: This range is dripping with future classic status thanks to its style, performance, durability and usability and prices are reflecting this. Six pots are fast but reasonable to run and all cruise fabulously while handling is equally adept although a tad soft.
FUTURE: The fact dedicated specialists are sprouting up tells you everything and prices are on the move so buy now – but beware as most of the cheapies on sale are rubbish.
Mercedes W116 (‘Second Generation’) S Class
RATING:
PRICE: £3000-£10,000+
Fast Facts
- Produced:
1972-80 - Bodywork:
Four-door saloon - Engine:
280 Overhead camshaft six-cylinder 2778cc S 160bhp SE 185bhp; 350SE Overhead camshaft V8 3499cc 195bhp; 450SE Overhead camshaft V8 4520cc 217bhp; 450SEL 6.9 Overhead camshaft V8 6834cc 286bhp - 0-60 mph:
280SE 11+ sec; 450SE 10.5 sec; 450SEL 6.9: 7+ sec - Top Speed:
115-140 mph - MPG:
12-20mpg
PAST: Second stab at the limo S Class cars for the 1970s that also ran into the next decade with ability and longevity to spare. Built on the enviable reputation of their predecessors, but arguably the best of them all. 450SEL of 1975 was hailed as best car in the world at one point and still shames many moderns with its hydropneumatic suspension, brutal 286bhp pace and forward thinking.
PRESENT: Still a quality act that has stood the test of time well and have proved to be impossible to wear out. Most have automatic transmission, all wear PAS while the handling is superb for size and age of the car. A true sports saloon that’s arguably the best modern Merc yet. Dear but easy to run and repair.
FUTURE: A great car to buy and enjoy rather than restore due to the lowly values and high costs but this S Class will have its day in the sun and not before time, we reckon.
Mercedes W123
RATING:
PRICE: £1000-£4500
Fast Facts
- Produced:
1976-85 - Bodywork:
W123 four-door saloon five-door estate (‘T’) C123 coupe - Engine:
200 Overhead camshaft four cylinder 1997cc 109bhp; 230 (1980 on) Overhead camshaft four cylinder 2299cc 136bhp; 240D Overhead camshaft four-cylinder 2399cc diesel 72bhp; 250 Overhead camshaft six-cylinder 2525cc 140bhp; 280 Twin overhead camshaft six-cylinder 2746cc 185bhp (fuel-injected); 300D Overhead camshaft five-cylinder 2998cc diesel 88bhp (turbo 120bhp) - 0-60 mph:
12-18sec - Top Speed:
95+ mph 110+ mph - MPG:
16-30 mpg
PAST: Faithful 70s replacement for the W114 with a more modern look and a roomier 110in wheelbase that again drew from S Class experience and a good deal of DNA. The 250 uses single cam engine while diesels now have benefit of a turbo for added guts. For the 1980s, all new 2.0 and 2.3-litre petrol units arrived.
PRESENT: Strong and dependable cars if unexciting and ponderous. Styling very similar to that of contemporary larger S Class and has that same hewn from solid feel too. Not fast or sporting but a good choice as a daily driver, especially the yeoman-like estates (T stands for Transporter, not turbocharged by the way!).
FUTURE: Hardly the stuff dreams are made of but careful buying can bring home a bargain; prices are generally affordable all round and this Merc is easy and cheap to own if you use a good specialist.
