I once owned a 1971 300 SEL. The car soon had issues I couldn't resolve and I sadly sold the car. Ever since I've pined over that car. The feel of the leather, the feel of the ride, the class and quality of its construction. I remember washing it every weekend, searching for original replacements parts and I had the idea that, piece by piece, I would have the car in mint running condition.

It was love, but it wasn't to last.

Since that time I've had a Mazda that froze up, a station wagon that looked good but got 8 MPG, a Saab I loved almost as much as the SEL but sold because I wasn't driving for a while, a Subaru I hated, and now a 2004 VW Jetta Wagon, which I also despise.

The other day I drove past a mercedes 1973 450 SLC with 73k sitting on the side of the road. The sign says "Runs Good," which isn't exactly inspiring, but the car looks like something I desperately need in my life. I've been finding myself driving past just to look at it, and I've been thinking about selling my VW and slapping down the $4k for the SLC without knowing the first thing about it.

Are they gas or diesel? Do they get horrendous MPG? Would I end up pouring money into it as engine components began failing like dominoes? Would it get me from the East Coast back to the West Coast? Is it the worst idea I've had in years but, like most bad ideas, it's cuteness is blinding my intelligence?

Words of advice or caution before I go back out there and test drive it?

 

You guys were really helpful! Thanks a lot.