Reader Submissions: From Tractors To A Classic Mercedes Coupé

From Tractors To A Classic Mercedes Coupé

By Petrolicious
December 23, 2014

Owner and Photographer: Hermann Snorri Hoffritz

Year, Make, and Model: 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230CE

Location: Selfoss, Iceland

I’ve always been interested in two things: cars and photography. They go well together. I grew up driving tractors on a dairy farm, but the first car I drove on a regular basis, after I got my driver’s license, was my parent’s 1993 Mercedes 220E. It was very rusty, the suspension was worn, the exhaust was held up by a bit of wire and every gear change with the 4-speed automatic had a chance of breaking your back. But driving that car had left quite an impression on me. I couldn’t look at all the Toyotas, Hyundais, Renaults, Peugots and whatever people were driving to work and back everyday without feeling sad for the owners. I knew that I didn’t want to own anything but an old Mercedes as my first car.

A year later I drove past the local Toyota dealership and saw a beautiful 2-door W124 parked on the lot. I went to check it out and found that it was a 230CE from 1987 that had been driven only 165,000 kms and whose previous owners included an older German gentleman, a younger German gentleman, a local gentleman, and an older woman (who sold it to the dealership the day before). I wanted it. I needed it.

It would be mine but only after I managed to convince my father that it wasn’t going to break down, explode, or otherwise disappear after a week of ownership. I bought it for 350,000 ISK, which is around $3000, plus 50,000 for a set of 17″ alloy wheels that came with it. Why the old lady owned a set of 17″ alloy wheels remains a mystery.

The hubcaps were quite scratched when I bought the car. So I used them for one winter, then sanded them down and spray-painted them black. I did the same with the grille and replaced the glass in both headlights because the right one was cracked and didn’t look right with new glass on only one side. Next came the resurrection of the handbrake, new brake pads, rotors, ball joints, rear wheel bearings, and a new intermediate lever. So now the car is almost like new until I get it repainted.

I love the simplicity of it. The only optional extra is the sunroof, the windows are manual and there is no ABS or airbags. It doesn’t beep or make noises to babysit you like most modern cars do. It doesn’t assume you’re a moron. The only thing it does for you is shift gears. It carries me to school and back everyday in comfort and luxury while the 2.3L four-cylinder engine (with mechanical fuel injection!) has plenty of power to go fast. If you want to. I prefer cruising, though. Did I mention how gorgeous it looks? I also love the little ’80s quirks such as the automatically retracting antenna and the “butler arms” that pass you the seatbelt if you’re sitting in the front seat. I don’t know anybody that doesn’t smile when the car hands him his seatbelt. These cars are truly timeless.

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Ddutch
Ddutch
5 years ago

I love these W124 series Mercedes Benz cars. They represent a passed time when the attention of development of a the car was put into durability instead of useless gadgets like widescreen infotainment screens. When design was timeless and not a piece of toy-like rubbish, that already looks outdated and utterly ridiculous when its just over a few years old, like most modern day Mercedes Benz cars. Its a true classic, a pure representation of what Mercedes Benz once stood for. I much prefer the simple design of the original hubcaps over the AMG wheels. A set of classic original ‘Gullideckel’ wheels would make the car perfect. 😉

SteveLittlefield
SteveLittlefield
6 years ago

I just purchased a 1988 300ce. The car cost $53,000 in 1988, but mine cost only $5,000. It is a solid car, but needs restoration. The overhead cam in-line 6 runs very well, but the front & rear suspension needs to be completely restored. The front seats will cost about $2,500 to rebuild and reupholster. Like every other car that I own, I will invest much more in my CE than it’s worth. But I don’t care. I plan to attend to all of the details on this car. The build quality is very impressive. These W124s are relatively easy cars to rebuild, from what I have experienced so far.

Parts from Mercedes are way too expensive. It’s impossible to avoid buying some parts from MB, but if you get German parts from OEM suppliers like Bosch or Ate, the prices are very affordable. I can’t wait to start rebuilding this car in the Spring. Meanwhile, it sits out of the weather in a dry storage building.

tapz
tapz
9 years ago

Great photos of Bruno Sacco’s masterpiece!
I have to say, though, that I think the original hubcaps look best in the end. Same with the amber indicators in the front. That’s the thing with such a clean and minimalist design, though; you really start to notice all the little details…

Frantisek Simon
Frantisek Simon
9 years ago

more of those HERE! Just dont be so attached to GASOLINE things, let the diesel breathe too.

F.

Tanner Bond
Tanner Bond
9 years ago

W124 is one of my favorite body styles. I had a 92 300e with 386k on the clock when I traded up to a 96 W202. Really wish I hadn’t gotten rid of it. Hold on to that car!

Jono51
Jono51
9 years ago

As the saying goes, ‘nobody ever regretted buying quality’ and it’s good to see you recognising this early in life! It took me a while to work out.

Ae Neuman
Ae Neuman
9 years ago

timeless elegance is the w124.
this is one of mercedes all-time greats.
wonderful cars that have that carved-from-solid feel.
congratulations !

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