Author Topic: Why You Should Invest in a W111 Coupe  (Read 7879 times)

perry113

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Why You Should Invest in a W111 Coupe
« on: June 03, 2015, 01:29:38 »
Peter Perry
1970 911T Bahia Red
1972 911T Albert Blau
1963 220seb coupe barn
1965 230SL Light Ivory automatic
1966 230SL Havana Brown 4 speed Barn Find
1970 280SE living 3.5 donor car

wwheeler

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Re: Why You Should Invest in a W111 Coupe
« Reply #1 on: June 03, 2015, 14:31:01 »
Thanks for posting! I have sort seen that trend as well. I wonder what the future holds for the earlier coupes? I am sure a rise in the cost of spare parts will also be coming soon. Always interesting what the business world thinks about certain cars. My only complaint is that they usually print misleading facts such as the below:

"Bracq updated the car in 1969, and on these later vehicles, the traditional upright Mercedes grille was squared off and lowered for a more sporting appearance, and additional luxury trim—more leather, more wood veneer—was added inside."

The grille part is certainly correct except that I understand it was ultimately done for DOT regulations. But the other? Had more plastic yes, but not more wood veneer in fact less. Leather was the same and not sure about the options. Headrests, A/C and three point seat belts are about the only options I can think of that are more frequently seen on the later cars. However, you can easily update an earlier car with these if you desire. As has been discussed here before, there is also a significant drop in chrome "bling" in the later cars.

Anyway, nice to know these cars are finally getting the appreciation they deserve.   
Wallace
Texas
'68 280SE W111 coupe
'60 220SE W128 coupe
'70 Plymouth Roadrunner 440+6

mbzse

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Re: Why You Should Invest in a W111 Coupe
« Reply #2 on: June 03, 2015, 15:29:14 »
Quote from: wwheeler
.../...complaint is that they ../... print misleading facts such as the below:

"Bracq updated the car in 1969.../..."
He he, my chief complaint is that by 1969 Mr Bracq was long gone from M-B, and was busy designing a coupé for Simca...  as well, fact is Bracq was never "head of car design" that was Mr Friedrich Geiger
/Hans in Sweden
.
/Hans S

wwheeler

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Re: Why You Should Invest in a W111 Coupe
« Reply #3 on: June 03, 2015, 20:51:02 »
That is an interesting point. Funny how people in general try to find only one person to blame or in this case, credit. With something as complex as an automobile, a team is involved coming up with the final product. The fact is probably that one person comes up with this feature and the other person some other feature. Sure the head man approves it, but it is the team that provides the inspirational designs. I have always found it confusing when they talk about who designed the W111 coupes and cabs. My understanding is that Bracq wasn't a strong player as he was with the W113.

Anyway who cares. We love the car because of the design of the complete final product, not because a particular person was involved.   
Wallace
Texas
'68 280SE W111 coupe
'60 220SE W128 coupe
'70 Plymouth Roadrunner 440+6

Benz Dr.

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Re: Why You Should Invest in a W111 Coupe
« Reply #4 on: June 03, 2015, 23:05:55 »
The truth is, the 111 coupe is more car than a 113. And for less money in most cases.
1966 230SL 5 speed, LSD, header pipes, 300SE distributor, ported, polished and balanced, AKA  ''The Red Rocket ''
Dan Caron's SL Barn

1970  3.5 Coupe
1961  190SL
1985   300CD  Turbo Coupe
1981  300SD
2013  GMC  Sierra
1965  230SL
1967 250SL
1970 280SL
1988 560SEC

perry113

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Re: Why You Should Invest in a W111 Coupe
« Reply #5 on: June 03, 2015, 23:56:01 »
Thanks for posting! I have sort seen that trend as well. I wonder what the future holds for the earlier coupes? I am sure a rise in the cost of spare parts will also be coming soon. Always interesting what the business world thinks about certain cars. My only complaint is that they usually print misleading facts such as the below:

"Bracq updated the car in 1969, and on these later vehicles, the traditional upright Mercedes grille was squared off and lowered for a more sporting appearance, and additional luxury trim—more leather, more wood veneer—was added inside."

The grille part is certainly correct except that I understand it was ultimately done for DOT regulations. But the other? Had more plastic yes, but not more wood veneer in fact less. Leather was the same and not sure about the options. Headrests, A/C and three point seat belts are about the only options I can think of that are more frequently seen on the later cars. However, you can easily update an earlier car with these if you desire. As has been discussed here before, there is also a significant drop in chrome "bling" in the later cars.

Anyway, nice to know these cars are finally getting the appreciation they deserve.   

Great points here.
The truth is the earlier 220seb has more chrome and wood, more details under the microscope than did any of the 280se low or high grille cars. Look at the interior rear view mirror and front seat levers used to fold the front seats forward between the cars as an example. The lack of rubber moldings on the bumpers and no side reflectors, the design of the interior door handles and door panels and the shape differences of the exterior mirrors. The same holds true for the differences between the 230sl and 280sl.
The market has always viewed the 3.5 V8 cars but with good reason pertaining to drivability and overall performance.
I feel regardless of what W111 model it is these cars are all incredible machines. They represent the best built cars that money could buy in that era. Better built and more reliable than any Rolls Royce of the same generation.
Peter Perry
1970 911T Bahia Red
1972 911T Albert Blau
1963 220seb coupe barn
1965 230SL Light Ivory automatic
1966 230SL Havana Brown 4 speed Barn Find
1970 280SE living 3.5 donor car

hoodude

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Re: Why You Should Invest in a W111 Coupe
« Reply #6 on: June 26, 2015, 22:22:35 »
There is a gorgeous 280SE on BaT this week,at auction...it will certainly have a reserve price,but it's original owner and appears,in the very good pictures,extremely nice. Even floor mounted shifter!
I'd seriously consider but my otb is depleted due to a recent muscle purchase...
Cheers,
RE

perry113

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Peter Perry
1970 911T Bahia Red
1972 911T Albert Blau
1963 220seb coupe barn
1965 230SL Light Ivory automatic
1966 230SL Havana Brown 4 speed Barn Find
1970 280SE living 3.5 donor car

hoodude

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Re: Why You Should Invest in a W111 Coupe
« Reply #8 on: June 29, 2015, 03:41:17 »
Huh,found another one listed on BaT,but it's an eBay listing..but like Jack said in the movie "wait till they get a load of me"
It's red over red! ..with a 4.5 engine..and it's very well done too..just looking at the pics it grows on you even tho you'd think never no way no how but it's got something going,and betcha up close in real life it stuns and in a good way..the bid is already over sixty. Oh yeah,it's a cab...
I'll try to put up a pic,can't link due to iPad limitations..but maybe Perry can assist.
Cheers,
RE