Dear Richard,

I have just had an opportunity to inspect, in detail, the 500 SEC that I purchased via you about a month ago. I must say that I am absolutely delighted at what I have found - even more pleased with the vehicle than when I collected it. Many thanks for your personal service and the genuine and realistic descriptions you provide for potential buyers.

I look forward to seeing the advert on your site for the W123 230E which I sent through a few days ago.

On the basis of my experience, I would thoroughly recommend MercSeller to anybody who is seriously interested in obtaining a good example of proven German engineering.

John Mason

Richard

Funny thing happened today.

Whilst cruising along in your signwritten w201 diesel around the M25 near Leatherhead I was flashed from behind by a young fellow in a scruffy Silver w123 series estate (W registration) who signalled me to pull over as soon as possible.

On reaching Clacket Lane services I turned in and parked up. He followed and pulled up beside me.

He jumped out eagerly and asked me if I was Richard from Mercseller! I told him that I was one of your VIP clients and gave him an orange card (as usual promoting your business for you free of charge!). His shabby looking W reg TE had seen better days and he was keen to find out if I could help him sell it on your site. I explained that you had sold a few of my beloved classics and recommended that he call you. I did not insult him with regards to his old banger!

He mentioned that he would now prefer to have a vertical headlamp model and that he regularly browsed your site and had done so for some considerable time. He said that whilst it was an excellent website the pre '76 prices for the w114/w115 & w108 were far too high in his opinion due to "some twat called Ian Stratton!!!" who, he went on to say, had upped the ante on price on the pre '76 market place for vertical headlamp cars.

I looked him straight in the eye and replied " I'm Ian Stratton and far from being a 'twat' once had the largest fully restored collection in the UK of pre 1976 classics. How about you?"

He turned bright red and apologised, then swiftly said " I've got to go to the toilet. Nice to meet you Ian. See you later"

Unbelievable isn't it. I stand accused of upping the ante by some inexperienced muppet and he's driving a naff w123. What can one say?

Comments please from Lee Hopcroft & Mark Wogan if possible. Anyone else feel free to make a statement!

All the very best

Ian

Comment By Mark Wogan...For the information of the strange (w123 driving) young man who is in the habit of approaching strangers on motorways.

I've now bought 2 w114/5 from Mr Stratton and have found them both to be cars worthy of the money I paid. If the price of this model seems to be rising it is only as a result of a wider range of people become aware of it's style and driveability. If Mr Stratton has examples that seem to the uninitiated highly priced, they should perhaps take a closer look at the quality of what he is selling. This man doesn't buy rubbish and nor does he sell it... and is not a twat.

A Dream Car, Thanks to Mercseller.com...Over the years I have discovered two types of engines that I prefer, low compression ratio turbocharged ones and straight sixes, but all I could do was dream about having both at once. Now, thanks to Richard, I own a very nice and discrete twin-turbo E320. Many thanks, Mercseller.com, great people to buy a car from. Nick H.

Richard,

I would like to thank you for the quality time that you me offered today. I now have a greater confidence and desire to source my classic merc 'to be'. Your knowledge and friendliness is you're greatest asset and I am pleased that I picked up the phone and called today.

I look forward to talking to you soon and learning from you in my search.

Regards

Subhash Sreedharan
Business Logistics Manager
Worldstone Group

Last Friday, 2nd April, I was involved in the full Mercseller experience. I had agreed a few weeks back to buy Richard's delightful 1983 Petrol Blue Metallic 280E auto W123 series, the nicely registered PYE 93Y. After finally arranging a mutually convenient date we met at lunchtime in Watford for a leisurely drive down to Billericay to collect the car. I say leisurely but those that have met Richard will know that his continuous mobile conversations with existing and potential Mercseller clients mean that very little that he does is leisurely! The drive down to Bill Schrader's in Billericay was a delightful insight into the Mercseller way and into Richard's character itself. Richard is a wealth, as we all know, of information on all things Mercedes and is charming host and a great raconteur of film making anecdotes and explanations. The drive flew by, unlike the traffic on the M11! We arrived at Bill Schrader's farm deep in the Essex country. First descriptions are always difficult so let's just say that if Bruce Springsteen had come from Essex instead of New Jersey it wouldn't have been the Cadillac Ranch he wrote about. Bill Schrader must have between 40-60 Mercedes of all types gently resting in the Essex wilderness, some are customer cars being currently worked on, some are awaiting their turn under Bill's capable hand and others are just slowly, but gracefully, becoming as one with nature.

My eyes rested upon PYE 93Y and a warm glow spread all over, OK poetic licence, but the car looked a treat! Freshly rejuvenated at the hands of bodywork expert Roger and purring, do Mercedes purr?, gently after being serviced and given the mechanical once over by Bill Schrader. The car was exactly as described by Richard in his advert on the mercseller.com website. I didn't expect the car to be any different as my many telephone conversations with Richard had already assured me that he was a genuine, honest and decent chap. Albeit a wee bit eccentric, but only in that charming and quintessentially English way.

A quick test drive around the leafy lanes of rural Essex confirmed to me just how good a well sorted and finely fettled W123 series 280E can be. Taut handling, responsive twin cam engine, comfortably ensconced in finest
Stuttgart cowhide and above all that feeling of well-being that only the view through the three pointed star can give. Oh and the air conditioning did work too!!

After another hour or so back at Bill Schrader's where PYE further benefited from a host of last minute fixes and adjustments it was time to find my way
back to Hampshire as darkness had by now firmly enveloped the Mercedes heaven that is Bill Schrader's farm (discovered by w114/w108 guru Ian Stratton). Cash was exchanged and the keys to PYE were mine to cherish, as was the rest of the car!

Goodbyes were bid to Bill who was still working on a customers car at 21.05! Bill is a find to treasure. His work is exceptional and his customer care, like Richard's, goes above and beyond the call of duty. I followed Richard towards home along the M11 to the M25 where we waved our farewells as our paths split. PYE was playing its twin cam tune and was well with the world, well, my little piece of it anyway.

The whole day had been a sheer delight, never have I enjoyed giving over a large sum of money without blinking or having any regret! I trust Richard doesn't become a victim of his own hard earned success. I have witnessed first hand how he tries manfully to give every caller the right amount of time to fully satisfy their every question and request. I wonder if he ever sleeps?

For those of you who have dealt with Richard, and I realise that is now a huge number, you will understand and agree with my views on his straightforwardness and integrity. For those thinking of using the Mercseller service I can only give it my humble, unreserved recommendation.

Richard Selwyn-Barnett? ... Top bloke alright!

Finally I forgot to mention that he kindly donated his period Becker Mexico Radio Cassette which Bill fitted free of charge to replace/upgrade the original Blaupunkt radio which was now 20 years old!!

Classic w114/w115/w108...an era never to be repeated...Richard, Just a thought with some relevance. The stolen w123 cars should be replaced by w114/w115 sedans as they are most unlikely to be stolen again as they are not desirable to the thieves.

The pre 1976 era was in my humble opinion MB's finest hour and certainly an era which can never be repeated or even copied.

The trouble is finding really good sound solid models that are totally rust free and have never even been welded (not like in the old days in the eighties!).

My bargain hunting days are not yet over so don't breathe a sigh of relief just yet, however I'd like to hear from other Mercaholics if they agree with my views on the pre '76 era.

One of my Kent cars is shortly coming available having been fully restored (close to factory standard). It is a w114 pillarless coupe in Dark Metallic Blue with Blue Cloth Upholstery and the all important front centre armrest. I've changed a few of the 1975 features (got rid of louvred rear tail lights in favour of smooth pre 1973 ones and the padded wheel has gone too in favour of retro bakelite with chrome horn inlay).

Also new springs, calipers, vacuum under seats and front double bumpers plus period Blaupunkt radio,

Rare option of electric windows all round plus working electric sunroof with NO ROT finishes it off.

I'll be asking top money approx £6,500, but try to find a better example, especially underneath which is where they all rust!

My conclusion after nearly 20 years around the classic Merc marketplace is that these vastly underated coupes/sedans deserve better recognition and are destined to be more valuable as each month passes.

Let's face it, they will never manufacture any more and so as cars gradually deteriorate the very best ones surely will appreciate in value, like most of my remaining collection.

The rumour that I'm starting to buy back my old cars is partly true.

Only the very best will be considered especially the 250 w114 sedan that Mark Wogan bought, which you convinced me to sell last year, against my better judgement!

I've upped the ante on prices on w108's nationwide by labelling them with 'The Cool Factor'. Sorry to other bargain hunters but they deserved it!

Anyway I will not ramble on as always, I'll leave you in peace.

Soon back from Russia and may pay a surprise visit to GB next month. Wait and see.

Ian

The governments War Against Motorists continues and will not win them votes in the next election!