Worth The Asking Price? 1982 Mercedes-Benz 240 TD Wagon
Some classics rewrite the rule books courtesy of their extraordinary preservation level. They will typically command a premium price when they hit the market, but this 1982 Mercedes-Benz 240TD Wagon might set a new benchmark. There is no questioning its overall condition and presentation because it is simply stunning. However, the price might cause many to draw a deep breath. The seller listed the Mercedes here on Facebook Marketplace in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. The price? Are you sitting down? It could be yours for $65,000…and that is not a misprint!
It is hard to know where to start with this Mercedes, but it is probably worth tracing its history. This is a Euro-spec classic that was ordered by and delivered to an elderly lady owner located in Lake Como, Italy. The area’s climate is ideal for steel preservation, making the Wagon’s rust-free status unsurprising. The exterior exhibits no evidence of problems, while the underside is as clean as you could ever hope to find on any car of this vintage. The first owner ordered it in a shade called Mango Green, a color that wasn’t available to North American buyers. The paint is spotlessly clean, with no evidence of flaws or defects. The high preservation level suggests it was protected from UV exposure when not cruising the streets of Lake Como. It is unclear when it found its way to California, but the listing suggests it was only recently. The trim is spotlessly clean, and the glass is crystal clear. I am prepared to go out on a limb and state that I believe that this could be the best 1982 240 TD left on the planet because there is nothing deserving criticism.
Lifting the hood reveals this Wagon’s 2.4-liter four-cylinder diesel engine that is teamed with a four-speed manual transmission. These Mercedes diesel engines are typically flexible, but with this one only producing 71hp and 101 ft/lbs of torque, progress won’t be particularly fast (to be polite). It will struggle to top 90mph, but cruising at 70 on the open road is an achievable goal. The seller claims that this classic has a genuine 50,000 miles on its odometer. They don’t mention verifying evidence, but the vehicle’s overall condition makes the claim plausible. They describe the engine and transmission as smooth, and with no signs of fluid leaks or other problems, this Merc should be a turnkey proposition.
The seller does themself no favor with their interior shots, which don’t provide an overview. However, piecing the supplied images together seems to indicate that it is in as-new condition. The dash and pad are spotless, the console is excellent, and the carpet around the driver’s feet is free from wear and marks. I question whether the back seat has ever seen occupants, and the rear cargo area is free from the wear and scuffs typically found in classic Station Wagons. The incredible level of preservation extends to the factory Tool Kit, which remains wrapped in its original plastic. The safety triangle and first aid kit are both present and in pristine condition. The new owner receives air conditioning, power front windows, and what appears to be an aftermarket radio/cassette player.
I’m pretty sure I know what the overwhelming response will be to this 1982 Mercedes-Benz 240 TD Wagon. Its condition is undeniably stunning, making it worthy of finding a spot on a Mercedes showroom floor. However, the seller’s price is even more extraordinary, limiting their pool of potential buyers. If it finds a new home, I believe it will be headed to a museum or a collection of pristine classics owned by someone of the caliber of Jay Leno. Do you agree?
Auctions Ending Soon
2006 Ford Mustang Saleen S281 SCBid Now1 days$15,000
2002 Subaru Impreza WRXBid Now4 days$100
1975 Chevrolet Corvette ConvertibleBid Now4 days$3,000
1964 Ford F-100 Camper CustomBid Now4 days$500
2006 Jeep Wrangler SportBid Now6 days$4,000
Comments
On the one hand, it’s been driven less than 1200 miles a year at all. On the other hand, it’s so slow that it probably takes the better part of a year to cover a thousand miles.
How slow? So slow that Consumer Reports deemed it a ‘No Buy’ because it was too underpowered to keep pace with traffic. So slow it ran the quarter-mile faster than it ran 0-60. 51.5-pounds-per-horsepower slow, versus the 1979 Rabbit Diesel’s 37-pounds-per-horsepower. SLOW.
It’s a museum piece or, perhaps, suitable for use in one of those ‘golf cart’ communities that octogenarians favor.
I cant get over the condition of the Mercedes wagon. Its unreal how well preserved it is. Ive driven a couple of non turbo diesels with an automatic from this time period and they were painfully slow. I would think the 4 speed manual might help a bit. I would just stay in the slow lane, enjoy the fall foliage, get a running start on any upcoming uphill grades and have fun with it. Although Id do everything I can to preserve that carpeting so as not to wear or stain it. This is just beautiful and somebody is going to get one beautifully preserved Mercedes with this.
Nope. I had a 240D sedan with manual. 0-60 times exactly the same as the automatic. You measure acceleration times with a sundial.
These old diesel Mercs re one of the very few cars that you can take out financing over 100 years and still be driving it when you make the last payment.
And if your kids don’t want it after you are gone, will it to Keith Richards because he will be the only one left alive to drive it after the end of days.
Such a handsome vehicle. Back when design had beauty and purpose. A 71 horse diesel barely kept pace when traffic was lighter and the speed limit was 55. Would give me a reason to take only the two lanes.
Had a ‘67 200d (55hp) and a ‘72 220d (60hp) both with manual trans. 0-60 in 2 days…..Can’t imagine how slow they would have been with the available automatic! By comparison, the 71hp in the 240D must have been positively sprightly!
Suppose the asking price is a typo with one too many zeroes?
It may be in nice condition but is nothing more than an old used car.
Had an 81 wagon. Maybe the slowest modern car I’ve ever owned. Cool car but I’m pretty sure this guy put an extra zero on the price.
Lovely car, but it has to be slower than a Walmart cashier.
I have driven these in both manual and automatic versions. They are glacier slow. These vehicles will last for many years and miles if properly maintained. That’s their main attribute. This particular Mercedes is pristine and certainly demands a premium price for it to change owners and additionally, wagons and highly coveted. But I can’t see anyone coughing up sixty five large for it.
Our younger son had a 240 D as his first car. It was exactly what we wanted for him- a slow tank. He graduated to faster vehicles but that MB kept him alive while learning.
I could see a 300 approaching this $$$, but hella no on a 240. This makes molasses in January look fast.
People ragging on the Mercury Monarch above, because it was slow? Here’s the ultimate road block on wheels.
I have owned a 300TDT. I worked for Mercedes Benz and I have owned 12 of them. from 108s to a new 95 S420. I know the brand, and prices. this price is outrageously high for a ‘gray market’ car with a replaced odometer that shows 50,000 miles. first, with no documentation showing the mileage to be real, it’s anyone’s guess what the real miles are. while the car is nice, that it is gray market affects the ACV of the car. my guess is that it’s worth 1/4 to 1/3 asking. but there might be someone who like pea green and small diesel engines. not me.