Highlights

One of approximately 1,100 California coupés produced
Elegant light metallic blue finish with beige leatherette interior
Owned by the same family since 2007
Stored in a closed garage since acquisition
Only four owners since leaving the factory, according to available information
Servicing, inspections and all fluid replacements carried out less than 500 km ago
Professional specialist inspection completed in October 2025, with report available
MOT valid until January 2028

The Appeal

The California coupé is one of those atypical and exclusive Mercedes models that holds a special place in the marque's history. Designed particularly for buyers on the American West Coast seeking a 2+2 coupé better suited to warm climates, these models were stripped of their soft roof to create additional space for a small rear bench seat, completed by a removable rigid roof. Approximately 1,100 examples are believed to have been produced, most destined for the French market and equipped with speedometers calibrated in kilometres.

This fine example in light metallic blue is said to have had only four owners during its 56 years of existence. It joined its current owner's family in 2007, having been purchased from a friend. Shortly after this acquisition, the 2.8-litre six-cylinder saloon engine fitted to the vehicle was replaced with a similar 2.8-litre engine sourced from a saloon. Over the following 19 years, the car has been carefully preserved.

The seller indicates that after a period of inactivity due to health reasons, the car has recently been recommissioned. This work included a full service, replacement of injectors and spark plugs, renewal of all fluids, inspection of the power steering, gearbox and differential, as well as belt replacement. The car is said to have covered less than 500 km since this recommissioning. It is offered with a French MOT valid until January 2028 and an independent inspection report completed in October 2025.

The car displays some minor cosmetic imperfections on the exterior, whilst the beige leatherette interior appears well maintained. It is equipped with an original Becker car radio, adapted for FM reception and Bluetooth. A rare period Becker shortwave adapter is also present in the glove box.

This example of this rare California coupé has benefited from extensive restoration work and recent attention, whilst retaining the characteristic elements of its original configuration.

The seller declares

"Its stunning colour and striking visual impact make it a model that will certainly turn heads. Designed for comfort, it is equally at home on winding country roads as it is in urban traffic. Behind the wheel, you'll appreciate its remarkably effective and responsive steering and braking. Thanks to its generous torque and progressive power delivery, every acceleration becomes an invitation to travel, combining power and smoothness. An icon of style and performance, ready to deliver a unique driving experience with every kilometre."

History and Documentation

First registered in 1970
Four registered owners since first registration, according to HistoVec
Owned by the current family since 2007
Registration document in the current owner's name
Certificate of ownership issued by a notary
Stored in a closed, temperature-controlled garage
Replacement 2.8-litre M130.980 engine sourced from a saloon with 80,000 km on the clock, installed in 2008
Odometer reading 30,529 km; total mileage believed to be higher
Vehicle off the road for approximately two years, from 2021 to 2023
Full service completed less than 500 km ago
Professional specialist inspection completed in October 2025, with report available
Invoices available for work carried out
MOT valid until January 2028
Standard French registration

Recent Work Completed Less Than 500 km Ago

Oil and fluid changes:
Engine
Gearbox
Differential
Power steering
Brakes
Clutch
Coolant
Replacement of air, oil, power steering, fuel and cabin filters
Replacement of all belts
Lubrication of running gear
Replacement of injectors
Replacement of spark plugs
Replacement of several hoses
Replacement of brake master cylinder, reservoir and several hoses
Replacement of rear differential compensation spring
Replacement of several bushes, notably those on the engine, gearbox, differential and rear struts

Condition

Rare California version with rigid roof and original soft roof removed
Light metallic blue paintwork in good overall condition
Some signs of wear visible, notably minor scuffs and marks
According to available information, recent MOT tests have revealed no major defects

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to Car & Classic's terms and conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also accept the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller, which means that consumer rights arising from European consumer protection legislation do not apply. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic's terms and conditions.

✓ We require that non-refundable fees are paid if you are the successful winner of the auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our FAQs and terms and conditions for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is "sold as seen", on an "as is, where is" basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are provided for indicative purposes only and it is customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle before purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final offer or bid price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want the transaction to run smoothly, just as you do, and that's why cars and motorcycles registered in the UK and listed for sale on Car & Classic are subject to an HPI check to verify that they have no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and are not subject to a financial charge, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are registered as written off as a result of a total loss claim at the time the listing is placed on Car & Classic and we provide write-off category markers (Cat C/D/S/N) to help you. The presence or absence of a marker does not, however, guarantee the vehicle's status and it is always useful to carry out a full vehicle history check before making an offer on it.

✓ Buyers are responsible for collection or delivery of the vehicle. Importing vehicles may incur additional customs duties and import taxes. If you wish, we can recommend a third-party transport company that can assist you. For more details and to speak to the team, email auctions@carandclassic.com.