Value of a 1966 W111 230 FINTAIL?

[imagesinthewind]

I've got a line on a 1966 230 Fintail that is in decent-for-its-age condition.
Light Blue, no rust I can find, fair interior, good overall body.
Needs some turtle wax.
Haven't driven it yet but the current owner says it's got dual carbs and
runs well.
Says he's had it up for $4500 and just lowered to $2900 in order
to get it sold. New brakes, new starter, manual 4 speed.

For those who know me, TOM is interested in it.
So, I cannot refuse him.
Doing some research on it. It's a cool looking car. . .
And born the same year as me.

So, if the thing runs well, what would the value be?
If it's got easy to fix mechanics (and it's a 1966, so it's not a complicated engine), what would the value be?
Oh, and could it be a W110 chassis? It's just got 230 on the trunk, not 230S, but it's a 6 cyl.
Thanks to all,

[todds]

Yup, a 230 with no "S" is technically a W110, although there is very little difference between the two in actuality. Mostly cosmetic stuff, like one headlight per side instead of two and different taillights/chrome/etc. I'm quite happy with mine. Some people have problems with the carbs and convert them to webers, which is fairly expensive but I think the original zeniths are nicer if they're clean and operating as designed. The m180's are very strong engines durability-wise, but they have the adverse traits of being somewhat slow and noisy (although not compared to a diesel!). The cars handle and brake really well for their age.

[imagesinthewind]

Thanks Todd.
What would this be worth?

[todds]

That sounds like a fair price if the car is rust-free, which is by far the #1 concern with these cars. Check the condition of all the fluids (brake, coolant, oil, tranny) and if any of them are not good that's a good way to get the price down, also expect maintenance records from a mercedes specialist and see that the valves have been adjusted. Make sure the clutch and brakes aren't worn down. If all this stuff checks out and the body/interior are in good shape then $2900 is a good price for what would be a reliable and fun driver.

[Scutch]

Yes, I agree. Check for rust under the wheel wells, near the headlights and along the rockers. Check for blue smoke from the tail pipe as a sign of top end wear.

If the rust is minimal then that sounds like a pretty good price for a 4 speed manual. They seem to have more value than automatics. I would pay more for a manual than an automatic.

Absolutely take it to a mechanic that knows old mercedes and get the whole truth so you know everything before you make an offer and buy. You can get this done for under $100, but it will buy you a whole lot of info.

[Todd Miller]

If it's a w110, it'll have single headlights and short hood and fenders. The w111's have longer hood and fenders and then quad headlights (over-under headlights).

Inspection on a lift is a must (as others have mentioned). These cars rust terribly and generally, the left trunk well is really bad. Floors can rot from the inside out as the windshield and back glass gaskets dry out and leak. The floors rot through and sometimes the undercoating under the car will still be intact, but the inside of the car will be all rotted out. Lift the mats or carpets and check, especially in the rear foot wells.

Differential and rear transmission leaks are common, as are power steering box leaks because the seals are baked hard now due to age/heat/mileage.

If the car is as described, in my opinion, $2,900 is a great deal. Especially for a car in light blue, which is a great color on them. Estimate a grand to redo seat upholstery in MBTex, and another grand to do the carpets in German Square Weave.

In Oct. '06 I got $6,400 for a w110 diesel in white with red interior and 4 on the column, and in Oct. '07 I got $5,000 for a w110 200 in silver with black interior and 4 on the floor......if that gives you any idea of top value.

These are fantastic cars and make wonderful daily drivers if your driving is mostly city. They are not the greatest out on the freeway because even with the largest radial tires made (185/80-13's), they are so low geared in the rearend that they are wound up tighter than bark on a tree at freeway speeds. You can opt for a set of 14" steels with beauty rings and original hupcaps, or the big one-piece pie plates, and a big tall set of 14's to bring the rpm's down quite a bit and still have that stock tall tire/whitewall look.

[have mercy]

Rust is a killer not as bad as 50s Rear surport is real in a very place for them to rust. if you see undercoating beware and front bumper mount try jack hoes anynose stop,dollar to ex pipe suck in value job, valve adj very inportant to valve seals tend to go bad so you could have some blue smoke and not show on spark plugs timing to i think book says nothing under 100oct. so i used to advance timing a little you can move bolt clamps on dist.

[300SDog]

From classic/collectible potential the 6cyl 230 w/ 110 chassis is considered an oddball. MB ran short on 4cyl gasoline engines during that era yet had bumper crop of newly developed 6cyl m180 230 power plants. So they shoe-horned em into economy short-wheelbase sedans.

Meanwhile ultimate classic 110 will always be the 4cyl gasoline 190c equally roadworthy today as it was 40+ yrs ago with respect to performance, economy and maintenance simplicity. Easily the ultimate economy MB sedan thats ever been built.

Honestly Ginny, I'd pass on this plain jane 230 unless y'all *must* have fintail Benz. Otherwise longer wheelbase 230Sb or 220Sb is better car with the same engine. Whereas 4cyl gasoline engined 190c represents highest and best use of the 110 frame.

Todd Miller, are folks really paying $5-$6k USD for w110 diesels?? Strikes me these buyers gotta have balls of steel daring to take such slow vehicle on the road anywhere. Gasoline 190c is ultimate w110 says me, arguably sets standards for automobile design even today.

[Todd Miller]

Yes, those are the 2 cars I've sold. In fact, when I was trying to sell the 200 gasser, a large number of prospective buyers were dying for the diesel version.

There's just a whole slew of folks out there thinking, "I want a vintage Mercedes diesel because I can drive it for free on biodiesel or WVO."

Mind you, both of these cars were extremely nice when finished.

I didn't find the 200 diesel that slow at all. Just hold 'em to the floor and let 'em spool up. They make decent power.

I think a 230 in the w110 chassis would be a hoot. I love the w110 body and it would be crazy to have a twin solex'd hundred-something horsepower (with probably at least that much torque) up front. Put a 4.5 V-8's rear swing axle under it, and it would be a great road car!