In a message dated 9/28/2006 5:47:22 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
So my wife spotted an old Mercedes in town the other day. Tonight we took a ride over to check it out. It turns out to be a 280C, my wife says the guy who owns the lot its on says its a '75. Its dark blue with a tan interior. The driver's seatback cover is munched where the shoulder belt would rub but otherwise the interior appears good. Its an auto trans. The outside looked good but it was dark. I'll be headed back Saturday for another look. Supposedly they want $1800 but would take $1600. We need a third car, its been a rough week carpooling. We also need something for my wife to drive that gets better mileage than my 12mpg pickup (although a tuneup should get the pickup closer to 18mpg). So what kind of car is a 280C? I realize there'll be alot of coupe specific stuff which is $$ but is it relatively powerful (remember I drive a 190D)? Hows the economy? If it could do 19-20mpg I'd be pleased. My wife LOVES the look. I'd found a couple 115 cars earlier this year but the right car never seems to come up at the right time. Curt, The dual Solex carbs would turn me off this car with NO other pros or cons! In addition, 1975 was one of the worst years for smog modifications that killed power. Witness the 8 to 1 compression and the US horsepower rating of 120 (Calif HP 123??). Earlier models were rated 160 HP DIN, 180 SAE. The smallish gas tank in the coupe (17.2 gallons) would be a bone of contention for anyone commuting other than steady state. Nitske book shows 18.75 mpg at 62.5 MPH If you like the style, I would hold out for a 280CE with fuel injection. Maybe even spot one with a 5 speed stick. US versions were 185 DIN HP yet they got the same mileage and much better performance compared to the 280C. Regards. Jim Friesen Phoenix AZ 79 300SD, 262 K miles 98 ML 320, 146 K miles
