BUYING WITH CONFIDENCE

CONCOURS £18,000-22,000+ 1 CHECK THE HISTORY

Lavish rebuilds aren’t as common as they are among Pagodas and R107 SLs, but expensive history files usually accompany the best.

2 WHICH MODEL IS IT?

Coupés often command more than saloons (they’re much rarer), and post-1973 cars sometimes fetch a premium, especially if fuel-injected.

3 KEEP THINGS ORIGINAL

Despite ghoulish efforts by a few warped imaginations, mostly in the US, mods are generally frowned upon. Low-mileage originality is king.

GOOD £10,000- 18,000 1 COLOUR COUNTS

Beige and brown were popular in their day, but darker greens, blues and reds have aged better and now offer broader appeal.

2 CHECK OUT ITS EXTRAS

W114s were ahead of their time, and most buyers appreciate spec options. Desirable extras include electric sunroof and air-con.

3 ENSURE IT’S TRIMMED

A strong valuation needs a complete interior. Retrimming is possible (in leather or MB-Tex), but replacing dials and switchgear is tough.

USABLE £5000- 10,000 1 WATCH THE BODGES

Body imperfections stick out like a sore thumb, because many are well cherished. Mediocre welding or cheap resprays should slash value.

2 CUT THE CARBS

Twin carbs, where offered, are notoriously fiddly to set up, so rough running might not be a cheap fix. Fuel injection is easier to live with.

3 LOOK FOR LEAKS

The bulletproof drivetrains soldier on but this can mask internal wear. Be wary of oil leaks, clunks or excessive emissions.

PROJECT £3000- 5000 1 WHAT DOES IT NEED?

Mercedes has a reputation for supplying quality parts for many older Mercs, but they come at a price and often require overseas shipping.

2 AVAILABILITY

Rough examples needing full restoration are scarce; shabby runners offer better choice and value – as long as they are complete.

3 BE REALISTIC

Power steering, crash safety kit and various electrics makes any resto a big undertaking; a decent finish is difficult to achieve at home.