Highlights

Well preserved Japanese-market car imported
Original white paintwork with correct red leather interior
Desirable 150bhp 2.5L straight six model
Imported and registered in UK in March 2025
Low displayed mileage of 41,606 km (25,852 miles)
Nearly 32,000 invested in mechanicals and cosmetics since UK arrival
Recent voluntary MOT March 2025 with no advisories

The Appeal

Paul Bracq’s ability to extract a beautiful pillarless coupé from the handsome but rather boxy W114 saloon’s profile is a masterpiece of automotive design. These ultra-reliable, beautifully engineered four-seat cars make excellent grand tourers, particularly when fitted with the fuel-injected straight-six engine as here.

This 1971 example has an interesting backstory. A period identification plate from Western Automobile Co. Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, suggests it was originally supplied to the Japanese market, a nation often associated with high maintenance standards and, of course, salt-free roads. It arrived in the UK in March 2025 and has since received approximately £1,500 in cosmetic bodywork and paintwork improvements, along with around £400 in mechanical inspection and attention. The vendor reports that it starts, runs and drives nicely. There is a recent but expired MOT from March 2025 which shows no advisories.

The car retains its original colour scheme and looks smart in white with a red leather cabin. It’s usable rather than concours, but the signs of age are light and don't detract much. A fine, well-specified example of these highly usable classic Mercedes.

The vendor says:

“A particularly attractive and well-preserved 1971 Mercedes-Benz 250 CE pillarless coupé, offering timeless styling, an interesting Japanese-market history and the opportunity to acquire an increasingly sought-after classic Mercedes-Benz that is ready to be enjoyed by its next owner.”

070826 Mercedes 250CE. HHR 685K. 003.JPG 1.82 MB

Key Information

Mileage: 41,606 km (25,852 miles) indicated
Country of registration: Originally supplied to Japan; UK registered March 2025
Technical inspection status: exempt, last test expired March 2026 with no advisories
Technical specs: 2.5-litre six-cylinder petrol, four-speed automatic transmission
Paperwork: Japanese distributor identification plate present

070826 Mercedes 250CE. HHR 685K. 035.JPG 1.76 MB

The Detail

Original factory colour scheme with white paintwork in good order for age
Some light age to note to exterior including light paint chips and tarnish to chrome
Sits on steel wheels with body colour chrome hub caps in good order
Underside as shown with no structural or other advisories on March 2025 MOT
Appealing red burgundy leather interior with matching carpets
Interior shows some light colour fade to seats and age to fittings but well kept
These include cracks to cream Bakelite steering wheel
Fitted with modern stereo
Vendor states the headlining is in very good condition
Dashboard is said to be free from cracking with slight peel to vinyl trim as shown
Vendor staqtes bodywork is not concours but considers it very presentable for age
We are told that the car starts, runs and drives very well
Recent £1,900 of cosmetic and mechanical work advised by seller

070826 Mercedes 250CE. HHR 685K. 132.JPG 1.82 MB

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions.

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

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✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it's always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.

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