Mercedes Maestro Needed - A Different Type of Barn Find

My apologies for posting the need for a German guru on the "beauties from the boot" forum, but my experience continues to remind me that the web of mechanics for all marks is ever overlapping.

A very close, personal friend of mine has found herself with an itch to resurrect an old friend. In this case, her subject of desire is a custom 1985 Mercedes Station Wagon, fitted upon a W 123 chassis with a manual, unleaded-fuel engine (very rare: delivered to San Francisco directly from Stuttgart). I can relate, as my mother fell victim to a Red, 1984 turbo diesel that she still cherishes as her favorite car (held amongst many classic alfas, jaguars and even ferraris my dad would bring home for show and tell).

Upon the announcement of the mystery car being a "300TD" I'm sure a few readers have since gone to another thread, nevertheless my intent remains. As what tends to happen, the beloved Mercedes was enjoyed for years and years, spending a majority of its time touring the hills of the Napa Valley. The wagon continues to hold a special place with my dear friend, however, the car has been left ignored more or less for the past 5 years in a un-insulated barn in the hills of Spring Mountain. The barn is critter-friendly, and I'm told the last attempt to turn over the engine came 4 years ago with an explosion of kleenex within the ducts - undoubtedly a mouse had made a warm home for his family.

In my best estimate I would assume most the interior of the car will require some work. As to the extent of that work, that is where I turn to you. The car will undoubtedly require a flatbed if it is to go anywhere. Ideally there is a classic mercedes mechanic in the vicinity who would be interested in spending some time with the wagon. Time is of little to no concern, but what is important is that we're comfortable with the mechanic's character and intent. Clearly the wagon is of sentimental value and won't be clearing 7 figures at pebble beach come August, but we are somewhat sensitive to the slippery slope that could evolve depending on how far along the old wagon is.

I greatly appreciate your responses and recommendations for Mercedes Maestro's in the greater Bay Area.

Cheers


Bullitt: Time starts now.