[Rafael1703]

I'm very proud and happy to present to you the newest star that was added to me and my father's humble old Mercedes collection here in Portugal!

It's a 1980 300SD! Imported all the way from the USA in the mid 2000s.

It is Midnight Blue over Bamboo MB-Tex and it has 144k miles (supposedly 😅).

This is an actual dream come true as I think this era of Mercedes is when they were built TRULY like tanks! We already own 2 W201s, 2 W124s and a W140 but IMO, the 123's and 116s seem to be the ones that are truly made more like an industrial tool rather than a personal vehicle! 😊

*** A rather interesting detail is that, even though I'm from Portugal, 3 out of our 6 old Mercs are from North America (1987 300D Turbo, 1990 190E 2.6 and now this 1980 300SD !)

I'm very excited to begin this exciting journey and look forward to share it as it goes!

My father was the one to go see the car and it will only come to it's new home by late next week if everything goes well, so I've still not seen it in person. I'm quite excited though!

To the pictures!

(These were not taken by me, but rather by the seller of the car)

 

[ianrandom]

I love them. Just the best, epic styling and a great drive. Never seen a diesel one this, didn't get them here.

 

[Rafael1703]

She arrived yesterday!

And so the adventure of a 1980 American W116 in Portugal starts! 💓

 

[SteveDuNord]

Very cool, congratulations!

Will you keep the US style front bumper?

 

[Rafael1703]

Very cool, congratulations!

Will you keep the US style front bumper?

Thanks!

I intend to keep the US Bumpers, yes

I know most people dislike them but I like them a lot ahah

They make the car look more imposing somehow 😅

 

[ianrandom]

Noooo 😅

 

[Rafael1703]

Dedicated this weekend to cleaning the interior 😊

 

[Rafael1703]

This week I dedicated some time to restoring the console wood

BEFORE:

AFTER:

BEFORE:

AFTER:

FINAL RESULT:

Now to the dash wood!

 

[SteveDuNord]

Doing a grand job. The lacquer makes all the difference!

 

[Rafael1703]

Today I polished the Dashboard Wood panels

Now all the wood is shiny

 

[Rafael1703]

Here's a video were I do a quick walkaround of the car

Don't mind the shineless wood panels. This was recorded before I restored those

 

[Rafael1703]

 

[Rafael1703]

Today I took the old lady for a sunset

 

[Rafael1703]

Yesterday I got some presents for the old lady 😊

• BOSCH US-Spec headlights, already converted to H4, meaning it no longer uses sealed beams, but rather a "regular" H4 bulb.
• Electronic Climate-Control Servo conversion kit from Hamilton Motor Company, designed is Stuttgart and made in the USA, to replace the infamous servo that always cracked over time.
• Hood Star
• Hood Pad
• Back Windows seal
• Windshield Wiper "rubbers"

I truly think the US-Spec headlights are gonna make a very big difference in how the front of the car looks, as I much prefer those to the European ones the car as at the moment. And they are in much better shape as well 😊

 

[ianrandom]

I can't bear those bumpers. They look like something from a cartoon, to me. But I know you like them and it's your car.

 

[Rafael1703]

I can't bear those bumpers. They look like something from a cartoon, to me. But I know you like them and it's your car.

I like them, yes

On the R107s and W116s I am on that 1% of people that actually really prefers the US-Spec 😅

That's one of the reasons that made me buy these original US-Spec headlights

To me, the European headlights look much more bland and less detailed in design.

 

[ianrandom]

I do find them completely unbearable on both those models. A travesty to be honest.

But you're not alone, I've seen demand for the US spec stuff on the Continent before. Funny isn't it, both parts of the world wanting what the other has.

I do quite like the US dual headlamp look though.

Of course the would would be so boring if we all liked the same thing.
We can definitely agree on both liking the W116. I only wish I could afford one now.

 

[Rafael1703]

 

[Rafael1703]

Weeks ago I crossed paths with a much younger sibling

 

[Dikdaan]

Very nice indeed. I spent some time in Algarve in July great beaches but no 116 hahaha...