Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[pooh]

Hi everyone
I'm new here and new to the world of Classic cars....Although I have owned A moggie minor and a Saab 99 and work in a college M/V dept (most of our cars probably qualify ) as such I can lay my hands to most tools and I am a reasonable mechanic....I was also a welder for 25 years so I can use a Mig.

I am very interested in getting a basic estate pre 72 and a diesel for a trip round Europe with wife kids (2) and dogs (large x2). After europe it would be used for all my car needs from supermarket shopping to trips of 450 miles everyso often.

I am thinking of a Mercedes diesel but there is a world of chassis and body styles all with their own number....could anyone give me advice on what to look for re series numbers, where to buy one, and any help on what good or bad points to look for.

[Rick]

Hi welcome to the forum

I've only had more recent M-B estates (W124 series), I found this site which had a useful list of model codes going right back

http://www.mb-parts.net/mercedes_models.htm

How about a fintail Merc estate, they are nice looking cars (IMHO)

Rick
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[poodge]

"How about a fintail Merc estate"
Says he!Where do you find one?AFAIK,these were only made in 190 and 230 guise,and built in Belgium(Coune?).they weren't all that common in their day,so finding one now would be nigh impossible. You would be the only one on the block with one though.
that leaves only the later W113 estates,and they are getting harder to find too.
Other large wagons :Peugeot404/504,Citroen Safari,Vauxhall Cresta,Ford Zephyr/Zodiac,Volvo 245.But ,apart from the Peugeot, petrol powered.
If you could stand the slow progress,how about a VW Kombi?Kids and dogs could chase each other around in the back:).
There's always an American barge,but you'll need to tow a tanker along if you're going any distance.

[ka]

Have you considered the Vito, they do come as a minibus style, and as a crew cab( which may be more useful for the dogs and luggage in the back) are diesel, go like the proverbrial, and are very frugal.

Kim

[Rick]

[pooh]

Ok that helps....I wondered why there were so few for sale. I welded a few VW combis in my time....nice to drive if a little juicy...Rust and cost tend to put me off...But it is a thought