After a near miraculous lucky break I have acquired a 1991 126Bis, 1 owner 22000 miles, totally unmolested and original. There is a main dealer full service history plus every recieipt for every part fitted, including the original warranty, wallet and all handbooks etc. It has been dry-stored since 1999 and could do with a polish, but i cannot see any rust anywhere on the car! The sills and underside are as fresh as the day she was born. The interior is a bit faded, but the doorcards still have some of the delivery covering on. The petrol guage read empty, so I put a gallon of re-leaded petrol in, changed the battery, plugs and leads, checked the oil, which looks fresh, and water. She started straight up!
Now heres the tricky bit; after about 5 mins, i THINK the starter motor fired the dog back into the flywheel and stalled the engine. Now, the dash lights dim but the starter or solenoid dont engage, there is a small drip of clear water from the bellhousing joint. The rear wheels both turn freely in all gears when jacked up, so i believe she may start up with a bump. My dilemma is this. From an impartial standpoint if possible, should i get down and dirty with the old girl, or swap her for my original goal, a good aircooled model. I am fine with the oily bits, and i could even manage an engine swap I think, but if anyone wants my Bis i am more than willing to consider a straight swap. Thanks in advance for any thoughts!
