http://www.flickr.com/photos/39774459@N08/3823687475/http://www.flickr.com/photos/39774459@N08/3824488150/http://www.flickr.com/photos/39774459@N08/3824488598/A little more detail on this special limited production (2 pieces) Crayford Mercedes
http://germancarsforsaleblog.com/2-unique-mercedes-77-450sel-estate-91-koenig-300ce/It was recently sold on Ebay (June 2009) for a princely sum of USD$9000
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120439640449&viewitem=Heres the ebay description before they take it off
History From the introduction of the W116 body to its end, approximately 20 Estate Wagons were built. Two famous owners were Sophia Loren and Rolf Harris. Today only 3 USA LHD wagons are known to survive, The total of 20 built includes 280SE and 350SE models. This car may be one of only 2 or 3 450SEL estate wagons in existence! This one was sold on July 12 1977 by Chariot Motors in Poughkeepsie, NY. It was prepared by Harpers of Detroit and sold to a gentleman in Fraser Michigan. Later on it traveled to the Boston Area where I understand it was used for many years by a Mercedes Dealership in Cohasset Massachusetts. It shows 42,431 miles- the odometer works but I have no way to verify the mileage. I have the original books, warranty, data plate, hang tag etc. The maintenance book was filled in only once, in June 1980, at 16,799 miles. Condition
The car is not perfect, but it still looks great and turns heads. The acres of red paint and loads of chrome tend to overwhelm everything else! It handles great and drives like a Mercedes, and has no problem on the freeways. Interior The leather is very good, but some of the carpet pieces are disintegrating. The dash is completely free of cracks and the wood trim is excellent. The car has a correct and working Becker Mexico AM/FM casette. For some reason I can't seem to fit the spare into its compartment- perhaps the spare is supposed to be a smaller size. The sunroof, windows, and door locks are all in working order. Chrome The chrome is overall very nice. The alunimum trim has the typical clouding but not bad. There is some pitting in the roof rack Body No dents. There some problem spots with rust: 3 places inside the left wheel wells, a spot by the fuel filler (under the paint) and a spot on the left side of the car also under the paint. There are some stress cracks in the paint on the left corner of the tail gate. The car was re painted many years ago. It still has a good shine but is certainly not perfect. Miscellaneous The tailgate lift pistons are new- I had to have them made. They are very similar to the originals, and I also still have the original pair. The electric antenna and turn signals do not work.. There is no rear wiper blade. The tires (Firestone Afinity) are near new. Mechanical The engine runs strong and the car rides great. It definitely needs the exhaust system partly or completely replaced. The A/C belt is not present- I don't know if the A/C system needs work or not. Recent work The car has a completely new fuel system including pump, filter and damper. The fuel injection system including fuel distributor, nozzles, and warm up regulator were just replaced at a cost of over $2500.00 Feel free to ask any questions- best way is to send an eBay message and I will call you. This is a wonderful car- My original intention was to totally restore it, and based on the price of new Benz Wagons- it is well worth investing some serious $ in. Buyer arranges and pays shipping. If you are not in the USA and wish to bid, please contact me first! You must make all the arrangements. You can click on any of the pictures below to enlarge!
