German Car Zone

Any Crayford owners on this forum? I am restoring a 1975 W116 280SE Estate. Originally Thistle Green, it has been repainted a bright green, but otherwise fairly original. The alloys are not M-B wheels (copies), the interior is fairly tidy and after a bit of tuning and sorting it drives well. I use it regularly doing small jobs now and then - today I am going to fit a left-hand door mirror - but it will get a full on bare metal respray to 'Thistle Green' eventually. I know where the other three in Australia are, and two more in England, any others out there? Or any other W114s?
All the best,
Chris M.

Welcome to GermanCarZone!

I believe I once posted an article about the Crayford Estates (W114/W115 and W116 models) but I need to check to be sure. They're from a magazine you've probably heard about: Mercedes Enthusiast, a UK-based magazine which I've eagerly awaited each month when I was in the UK.

Do you also own that gorgeous C107 SLC in your avatar? I love those so much. People generally prefer the R107 SL but I always though the SLC was just way more elegant and "pimp".

Hi.
Yes I found your previous post about the W114s etc, which is what gave me the idea to write the above, and I do have a copy of that magazine too.
There are 10 W116 Crayford wagons known to various web-site forums and clubs, four of them here in Australia, but I would be interested to know if any others survive. I have heard different figures between fifteen and twenty originally built.
And yes the 450SLC is my Sunday car, totally original and clean, no add-on chrome wheel arch trims or 'pimp' 'bling' added. And yes they always were a very classy car. I had been looking for an SL convertible for my wife, but she had worries about them looking a bit too 'posy' and conspicuous, and she found this advertised locally. When we had a look it was too good not to buy.
There are others, and a couple of old Model T Fords, but that's for another web forum!
All the best,
Chris M.

Awesome! The Mercedes SLC together with the W116 S-Class is just one of those forgotten classics from Mercedes-Benz. Even in enthusiastic Mercedes circles these two cars are so often ignored or "disliked" for some reason. Not by me! I love the SLC and I totally adore the W116 S-Class. We have a W126 300SE from '86 in our family but it's not being used so we're going to sell it soon.

As for other Crayford owners, I am not aware of any on this forum. I also recall reading that most of them either remained in the UK or where produced for celebrities or by special order, hence they're practically unheard off in Germany or the rest of Europe. We tend to be more familiar with brands like Universal of Belgium which was famous for converting "Fintail" Mercedes' into estates or Binz of Germany which also made a few estates but was more famous for its coachwork / hearse conversions.

Great to have you on these boards. Do stick around.

Yes, you're right about the Crayford's being expensive and exclusive, priced similar to a Rolls Royce Silver Shadow (that is double the cost of a 450SE sedan) in mid 1970s would explain why not many sold.
There are two known in Germany, one a recent import from the USA.
These may (or may not?) be the same two cars previously known to have been at Meilenwerk for some restoration, see;
MEILENWERK - Home
and yes the W116 is a great classic, and I suspect the values will soon start rising fast for good ones, look at the earlier W108s now.
I am looking for a good 450SEL 6.9 next, but they are already getting expensive.
I will keep in touch on this forum, but if you are inetersted in more about the Crayford wagons here in Australia, you will find more at;
OZBENZ - Australian Mercedes-Benz Forums • Index page
or;
W116.org - Index
both excellent Australian forums, there are a lot of M-B enthusiasts here.
Regards,
Chris M.

Thanks for the high quality information and the links! Will check them out when I find some time. I've heard of the Meilenwerk and am planning on visiting as soon as I find some time.

Keep in touch and check out my last three picture threads here:

http://www.germancarzone.com/car-picture-threads/

Some samples which might interest you.

This is a local 280SE W116 and he always attends the yearly car shows. I am in love with this car. The perfect condition and the luscious green color make it a very appealing ride.




A base 280S with a 4-speed manual transmission. For sale incidentally so if you want to risk importing this baby let me know. I can contact the owner at the next car show (if he's still got it and I recognize him!).






Pimped 450SE...

Nice cars, I am currently trying to buy a 450SEL 6.9 from a local owner who does not know what a rare car he has, he thinks it is an old 450SEL.
Clean, low kms, Inca Gold with black interior.
My dream car, I will post the story if I get it.
Meanwhile that top one reminds me of a mint 6.9 in England for sale, also in what they called Cypress Green, see;
Car Detail
Thanks,
Chris.

Wow! The dealership Charles Ironside has a very good reputation. I met some classic car enthusiasts while studying in the UK and that place was always mentioned as having quality cars and service. They're even recommended by Mercedes Enthusiast magazine. If you buy a classic 450SEL 6.9 from them you can be sure it is one that has been cared for all its life.

Great looking car. I love the W116 S-Class. By far my favorite S-Class ever.

Hey Guy's

Does anyone have any info on values for the Crayford Estates? I am in the USA and one has come up for sale. I am very interested in buying but have no clue just what these things are worth.

I well remember them as a kid. I lived very close to where they were built in the UK.

Any info would be great, there seems to be very little on the web.

It appears that this particular example may well have an interesting history in print - over here. The color is burgundy / deep red.
Thanks - Chris..

Hey Guy's
Do any of you have info as to the value of the Crayford Estates. There is a 450 Version for sale here in the USA and I am seriously interested in it. Seems it may have a well documented history - in print, but the present owner does not know anything about this.

It is Burgundy / Deep Red Color with tan interior. Seems completley original but needs a little work.

I have no clue what it may be worth. I lived close to where they were made in the UK as a kid and remember them well and with affection.

Is there a registry for these things??

Thanks for any and all info you can share.
Chris..