I'm patient in finding my projects, usually to the extent that they fall in my lap. In this case, 3 years ago curiosity paid off. While traveling on business I called on an ad in the paper, and went to see this car. The same day I bought it for $550 and drove it the 270 miles home. I've yet to do any bodywork on it, but I have done some repair after a few electrical mishaps.
This one is a 1962 model by the VIN, but titled as a 1963, a common situation with imports in the 60's as they were titled when they were imported, not when they were built.
This is a 1973 Thing owned by my wife since before I met her. She'd driven it in the past, but it was sitting on a farm in non-running condition. It took a battery and some gasoline stabilizer to get it to start again. Replacing the fuel pump allowed it to run properly for what may be the first time since she acquired the car. Running perfectly now, but not drivable as it is in need of further brake work.
This car did not start out as a project. I bought a 1984 Mercedes 300TD for business use. I used it for a few years for deliveries and travel. It was ideal for this use. It has a very efficient 5 cylinder turbo-diesel engine and is the station wagon version of the 300 series.
Earlier this year I bought a 1978 300D. This is the sedan version of the 300 series. It was at a dealership, and I haggled for 2 of their cars for 200 over what they wanted for this one. It was in near mint condition. Unfortunately, after an impact with a dump truck on the highway, the body could use some work. I credit the car with keeping me alive with nothing worse than a broken collarbone. Unfortunately, I never got a picture of the car before the impact, but I may include before and after shots once the repair is complete.
Three weeks before the accident, I bought a 1984 300D for the engine parts to repair the 300TD. The parts car is now going on the road as a daily driver, and will also supply parts to repair the 1978. It will also supply parts for the 300TD as originally intended