The allure of classic Mercedes-Benz vehicles is undeniable. There’s a certain prestige, an engineering pedigree, and a timeless design that sets them apart. So, when the opportunity to acquire a 1984 Mercedes presented itself, my interest was immediately piqued. It all started with a missed phone number and a second drive-by, but what I discovered has the potential to be a rewarding classic car project.
After initially losing contact, I revisited the location and managed to secure the phone number for the seller. Speaking with her, I learned the 1984 Mercedes belonged to her late husband. She recounted that he used it as his daily driver, a testament to its reliability, even for a 60-mile round trip commute on the highway. This detail immediately suggested a car that was regularly used and likely maintained, at least until recently. Intriguingly, she mentioned purchasing it for him as a birthday gift from the original owner, indicating a potentially cherished history.
Parked in the garage for the last two years following her husband’s passing, the car has been sitting idle. However, prior to considering a sale, the owner proactively took it to a local Mercedes-Benz repair shop – the same one I trust with my own 1985 380SE. This speaks volumes about her commitment to ensuring the car is in good order. According to her, the mechanic gave it a clean bill of health, stating it was in perfect running condition after addressing the issue with the air conditioning compressor, which apparently had a part fall off. This professional inspection is a significant plus, offering reassurance about the vehicle’s mechanical state.
The asking price is $1800, which, frankly, sounds almost too good to be true for a running classic Mercedes. She indicated she might be firm on the price, which is understandable given the recent mechanic’s inspection. While she mentioned I was the first to inquire, she also noted the car’s inconspicuous location and less universally desired color might be factors in its availability. Adding to the narrative, she pointed out some light hail damage on the upper surfaces, a result of a significant hailstorm back in May 2002. Honestly, minor hail damage is negligible to me, especially considering the asking price and the car’s age. Plus, with a less common color, it’s likely to be less noticeable anyway. Crucially, she emphasized the car is rust-free, a critical factor for any vehicle of this era, and especially for Mercedes-Benz models of the 1980s.
She did mention it smokes a bit, attributing it to being stationary for two years. Naturally, my mind jumps to potential head gasket issues, a common concern with older cars. However, I’m optimistic that if it were a serious head gasket problem, the Mercedes-Benz mechanic would have identified it during their inspection. Furthermore, the fact that it made a 30-mile trip to and from the shop suggests it’s in reasonably sound mechanical condition. She also correctly pointed out that diesel engines, which I suspect this 1984 model is, can sometimes produce some smoke, especially older ones. My knowledge of diesels is admittedly limited, making a thorough inspection all the more critical.
One question that lingers is about the transmission. Should I expect the gear changes to be similar to my 380SE? My 380SE has a noticeable firm shift from first to second gear, with smoother transitions thereafter. I’m curious if the 190, assuming it’s a similar model, would exhibit comparable shifting characteristics.
Tomorrow afternoon, I’m scheduled to see the car in person. If it lives up to its description and passes a careful inspection, I could very well be adding another Mercedes-Benz to my collection – perhaps even a “baby Benz” as some affectionately call the 190 series. The prospect is certainly exciting.
