Buyer's guide
Seek examples with complete documentation, original coachwork, and thorough mechanical restoration by specialists familiar with pre-war Mercedes engineering. Verify provenance carefully as these rare machines warrant significant investment and should demonstrate proper maintenance history.
Common issues
| Issue | Severity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Carburetor complexity and fuel system corrosion | High | Original systems require specialized knowledge for proper restoration and tuning |
| Mechanical fuel pump failure | High | Parts availability extremely limited; modern replacements may compromise authenticity |
| Transmission synchronizer wear | Medium | Overdrives particularly susceptible to wear requiring complete rebuild |