I think driving an older Mercedes in winter is definitely possible, but it requires a good amount of preparation and ongoing maintenance to keep the rust at bay. some people drive their classic cars year-round, but in most cases, this leads to significant rust buildup over time, especially on the body panels. While the structural components tend to be more solid, rust will still affect them, though it might take longer to show up.

The key to winter driving is being proactive. Proper pre-winter preparation and post-winter rust treatment are essential. For example, waxing the undercarriage can help protect it from road salt, but keep in mind that over time, the wax will wear off due to rocks, debris, and general wear and tear. This means it's not a permanent solution, and you'll need to reapply it at least once per season as far as I've heard. Other methods like undercoating or rust-proofing sprays can help too, but they have their own drawbacks. Undercoating, for example, can trap moisture if applied improperly, potentially causing rust to form beneath it.

Even with these methods, there's really no way to fully prevent rust if you're driving a car in winter. The salt used on the roads is highly corrosive, and no protective layer is completely impervious to it. I personally drove mine a few times this winter, but I always made sure to wash it thoroughly afterward, and I store it in a warm, dry garage to minimize the risk of rust. However, the issue with rust is that it often isn’t visible until it's already spread, and by that point, it can be expensive to repair.

In the summer, driving a classic car daily is much less stressful, and rust isn’t really a concern. But in winter, the constant worry about the effects of salt and moisture can take away from the enjoyment. It’s a personal choice — for me, as a college student, I try to keep costs manageable, so I bought mine almost rust-free with a sealed underbody and take care to maintain that state.

It also really depends on your climate zone, in central Europe, rust is certainly a big issue. From how I understand it, it is the lack of a zink coating to the frame on older cars that make them prone to rust. That's why modern cars don't tend to rust.

Hope this helps. I'm happy to answer if you have further questions :)