No, it's not blessed. Not by a long shot. This 1968 Mercedes SE Sedan is a barn find that was actually never lost. It's just been in the barn since 1982. And it seems to be getting more holey but not holier.

This was the first "S-class" Mercedes. The 280 saloons (the S and the SE) are full size, 4-door, luxury cars with great comfort for five riders. Powered by a new 2.8 liter, fuel injected six cylinder engine both models offered good performance and plenty of refinement. The 280SE had a more powerful engine which produced 160bhp. The 280SE remained in production until 1972.

This car has the 2.8 liter straight six, automatic transmission, air conditioning, black leather interior, Becker Europa radio, original paint, and 99,173 miles.

Unfortunately, rust never sleeps. It's not a fixer upper but it is worth its weight in parts. Here's what's good.

The drive train is sound and restorable; the engine ran and the car drove into the barn when we parked it. The leather and other interior parts not including the floors are in nice condition (you can see some spills on the leather but there are no tears or rub throughs). The air conditioning and radio worked when we parked it.

Here's what's not: The exhaust rotted and fell off in about 1996, probably about the same time the first holes appeared in the floor. Any horizontal sheet metal you find below the belt line is likely held together by paint and iron oxides. The tires are more than 30 years old. At least they hold air for a while. The battery is more than 30 years old. It doesn't hold air at all.

Craigslist shows just these 4 photos, so I chose the four best, of course. All 15 images can be seen on Photobucket.

Prices for these cars average $4,800-5,400 when they "look and drives nice." This one might be worth half that so I'm asking $2,400 or best offer. Bring your own trailer. Delivery available.

you are here: www.dickharper.com/garagesale/keyscar.htm