From a young age, the distinctive “stacked-headlight” design of classic Mercedes-Benz sedans held a special allure for me. There was something undeniably captivating about their presence on the road. My family even owned a well-loved 1962 W111 220SEb, a car whose aesthetic I always admired, though the thought of owning one myself seemed distant. My automotive tastes leaned towards the smaller and sportier side of the spectrum.
My first personal vehicle, a 1988 Saab 900 Turbo, was an exciting car but unfortunately plagued with unreliability issues due to its age. It was soon replaced by a 1989 BMW 325is, a high school graduation gift and a true driver’s car that could handle almost anything I asked of it. Tragically, my time with the BMW ended abruptly when it met an unfortunate encounter with a tree. While I escaped unharmed, the loss of that car felt deeply personal.
Following the BMW incident, I embarked on a daily Craigslist search, armed with a budget of $2000 and an open mind. Sporty cars were no longer a necessity, and I found myself drawn to the idea of a comfortable classic sedan. An E28 BMW 5-series or a Mercedes-Benz sedan from the 70s or 80s seemed like appealing options. Weeks turned into months with no promising leads until one evening, an intriguing ad appeared: 1966 Mercedes – $1325. While Mercedes-Benz models from this era occasionally surfaced, they were often either heavily rusted projects or priced far beyond my budget. Clicking the link with low expectations, I was met with the image of a remarkably well-preserved W108.
The small Craigslist photos suggested a car in exceptional condition, possibly even “mint.” The price seemed almost unbelievable; a typo perhaps? A figure of $13,250 felt far more realistic for a Mercedes Benz W108 in such apparent shape. Given the late hour, I decided to wait until morning to contact the seller, spending a restless night dreaming about the potential classic Mercedes in my reach. The next morning, after a night filled with anticipation, I called the seller. No answer. I tried again – still no response. Concern began to creep in; had the car already been sold despite the ad being posted just hours before?
An hour later, I made one final attempt. This time, the phone was answered. Thirty minutes later, I stood before the car. In person, it was nearly as impressive as the online photos suggested. The paint could benefit from a buff, and minor rust spots were visible near the wheel wells, but nothing alarming. The interior of this 44-year-old Mercedes Benz W108 was surprisingly well-maintained. The wood trim showed some dryness, lacking its original luster – a detail that might be scrutinized on a $13,000 car, but at $1325, it was insignificant. The seats, headliner, and carpets were all in excellent condition, free of rips, tears, or fading.
After a thorough inspection, the seller shared the car’s history. Originally purchased in Germany in 1966, this Mercedes Benz W108 remained there until 1994 before being imported to the US. It served as a weekend car for its elderly original owner. The current seller was representing the original owner, technically making me only the second owner of this classic gem.
The Mercedes Benz W108’s history was impeccable, and its cosmetic condition was remarkable. The only remaining question was its mechanical health. I was handed the keys and soon found myself behind the wheel. Having prior experience driving my father’s W111 (essentially the coupe version of the W108), I felt comfortable. The car drove beautifully, offering a distinct vintage feel combined with the convenience of power steering and brakes. The only noticeable issue was a somewhat pronounced clunk in the transmission. However, research indicated this was a common characteristic of W111 and W108 models and generally not a cause for major concern.
At that moment, the decision was made. Given its history, condition, and incredibly attractive price, passing on this Mercedes Benz W108 was simply not an option. Shortly after, I was driving it home, still in disbelief. While I had been proud of my E30 BMW, this W108 was in a different league altogether.
If I had to describe the Mercedes Benz W108 in a single word, it would be “classy.” It exudes a presence that is neither aggressive nor ostentatious. It commands attention with understated elegance. Driving a W108 doesn’t elicit negative reactions; instead, it draws smiles, stares of admiration, and curious questions. In the three months of ownership, I’ve experienced nothing but positive attention and appreciation for this classic Mercedes. The most frequent question is invariably, “What year is that?”, typically followed by a compliment.
My friends often joke about the W108’s generous trunk space, suggesting it could “fit plenty of bodies!” or labeling it a “Mafia car!” However, the most heartwarming reaction came from a young child who, while being strapped into a modern car seat, spotted the Mercedes. He erupted in excitement, pointing and jumping with a wide grin. His mother, noticing his enthusiasm, smiled and waved, which I happily reciprocated. These small moments of shared appreciation are part of the unique joy of owning a car like this.
Would I recommend a Mercedes Benz W108 to someone seeking a primary vehicle? Perhaps. While mine has proven remarkably reliable, it is still a classic car. The likelihood of encountering mechanical issues is inherently higher than with a modern car. I use mine as a daily driver and have even tackled mountain roads with minimal problems. With consistent maintenance, there’s no reason why a well-maintained W108 cannot continue to grace the roads for many years to come.
However, as a second car, I would recommend a Mercedes Benz W108 unequivocally. It is an exceptionally rewarding car to own. The build quality and driving experience foster a growing affection with each drive. The W108 era represents a time when Mercedes-Benz engineered cars for discerning individuals rather than simply catering to luxury markets. It lacks superfluous luxury features, focusing instead on clever engineering that enhances the driving experience. Combine this with the positive public reception, and you have a car that approaches automotive perfection, especially when acquired for the incredible price of $1325.
