[stabmaster]

well i think i got a bit "took." It's probably a wash, though.

I bought a 300D with 163k miles non-turbo STICK. I don't know how easy it is to find the manual tranny 300's, but I wanted one, i finally found it, and i got ahold of it. I made the deal with a guy in L.A. and didn't see it.. just talked about it. I know that's a mistake, but there was some issues with the transaction that made it take like 2 months (I really just wanted to finalize the deal- i know money only goes 1 direction, so i had to get ahold of some sheetmetal before it was out of style).

Anyways, it's a '81 300d w/ 163k.. for $2350. Seems like a good deal. The paint job is shot, the chrome is dead... and ther are some things that need serious attention (window track, brakes, etc.). Tires are funky, there's a small rust patch on the rear quarter, and 4 rust spots on the bottom of each window. The dash is cracked.

On the better side, the interior is superb (aside from the dash), suspension, engine, and tranny are excellent. The thing gets really really good mileage compared to my 300d turbo automatic (which is in keen shape for mileage). It's fast... faster than the 300d turbo 'cause the stick makes it faster where it counts (off the "line"). Most of the electrics work, but the ignition is a little "off", so you have to toy with it to get the stuff to work (but alas, they do). The a/c and heater work great, but some buttons are missing. The vehicle seems to be weatherproof (no leaks)

So if you think about it.. the thing is dead on if you don't mind looks, and fixing small dollar items (aside from the tires). Great fuel economy... It would be difficult to sell the way it appears... but what the heck..

ANyways i just wanted to get that off my chest.

I'll post some pictures of it soon, when i have a chance.