Description
This three owner Mercedes W115 220/ 8 was purchased by the original owner in 1969, who was the general manager of Barclay's Bank Bulawayo in Zimbabwe. The second owner was Christopher Carver from Zimbabwe, who originally purchased the car in 1976 and exported the car to the UK in the 1980’s and owned it until I purchased it four and a half years ago. I had always wanted a ‘Stroke 8’ Mercedes and this one appealed to me in particular, as it started life in the same town that my mother originates from.
The car is finished in beige with a green MB-Tex / vinyl interior that looks as good as leather, but has stood the test of time far better. The mileage is a documented 189200 miles. The engine is a 4 cylinder 2. 2 petrol engine with a 4-speed manual gearbox. The car is both tax and MOT exempt and qualifies for classic car insurance – circa £150 per annum.
The car has a full service history record – some stamped and some self-serviced. There is a vast history file accompanying the car: the original service booklet and handbook; magazines; a repair manual; numerous maintenance receipts; original parts manual; the original Rhodesia logbook; previous MOTs and even some published articles written by the previous owner. The car was also originally fitted with air-con from the factory. However, the previous owner had the compressor and all related ancillaries removed in order to reduce on weight (ancillaries include two very heavy cast iron/ steel protective plates). All available parts will be included with the car if the new owner wishes to reinstate the air-con.
The car is not in concourse condition, as it has been used its entire life and maintained by myself and the previous owner to keep it in a good and roadworthy condition. The car would benefit from light and localised restoration, but has actually been in the same cosmetic condition since I have owned it. I have kept the car stored under a very costly 4-layer breathable cover, which I shall include in the sale.
The car is 49 years old and is in good condition considering that it has never been fully restored. As you can see from the photos, I have actually used the car for weddings and it has always suited the role, despite not being concourse. The car starts, runs, drives and stops well. In terms of immediate issues:
• The gear linkage needs adjusting/ replacing, as it occasionally gets stuck in 3rd gear, although there is a simple technique to get it back out and I have lived with it.
• There’s a small manifold gasket that needs replacing, but has been repaired with exhaust putty that has held out.
• Everything works on the car and only the washer fluid foot operated button has been removed and could easily be reinstated.
• There are areas of localised rust and evidence of remedial body repairs.
• The subframe mount bushes could do with replacing. However, they have never failed the previous MOT and have only been noted as an advisory.
I have priced the car very sensibly and please bear in mind that this is the earlier and much rarer original 1960’s version which has:
• Pop-out quarter light front windows
• Slender style chrome bezel steering wheel
• Low back seats - no headrests
• Flat and slender rear lights
• Slender ‘pool ball’ type gear knob
I am in no desperate hurry to sell, but will accept a sensible offer from the right buyer.
