・1 owner from new ・South African import now in the UK
・All import paperwork complete and full MOT
The Background
Mercedes introduced the W114/W115 series in 1968. The soberly styled three-box saloon - and its sibling coupe - were designed by Paul Bracq. They were the first post-war Mercedes to be given a fresh suspension design, in this case, semi-trailing arms at the rear and a ball-jointed system up front - a layout that would not be changed until the 1980s. This was also the first series to incorporate Bosch electronic ignition.
The main strength of the cars was their solidity, serviceability and huge reliability. Indeed,one particular example (a Greek 240D taxi actually) holds the record for the highest recorded mileage seen by the Mercedes factory so far; 2.9 million miles on the clock.
A fresh import to the UK, this car has lived all its life in South Africa, where, it would seem, it has been very well looked after. Although the climate there can be punishing to both the exterior and interior of cars, this example remains vivid and fresh looking in its colours and materials, suggesting it has been garaged all its life.
The vendor specialises in bringing vehicles in from South Africa as he used to live there and still has many contacts in the classic car industry, where he worked both out there and in the UK.
As a result of his knowledge, all of the essential import paperwork has been carried out - and carried out properly - by somebody who knows what they're doing. That includes the NOVA declaration, all of the VAT and tax paperwork and also a UK MOT certificate. To register the vehicle, all the new owner will have to do is send these off to the DVLA with the first registration fee. The vendor is happy to help with this process but has not registered the van in the UK yet in case the eventual auction winner wishes to export it again.
There is also a recent service sticker in the top corner of the windscreen (as well as the car’s lovely condition) suggests that it has been very well cared for.
We are fairly used to seeing Mercedes of this era still on the road, but rarely in this beautiful condition. Most every aspect of the exterior speaks of careful ownership and usage. The paint is in largely excellent condition. There is the odd – very small – trace of surface corrosion on one or two edges,and a little on the rear valance, as well as a small chip near to the handle on the passenger side, but the overall condition of the paint is excellent. Both in terms of consistency of colour (no fading or bleaching) and gloss, the overall impression is very pleasing. Panel fit too is very good, with consistently narrow shut lines and no rippling along the flanks.
One of the car’s best features has to be the chrome work, which shows no signs of pitting or discolouration. All the large items – grill, mirrors and bumpers – are in good shape and mounted straight, with the rubber sections of the latter fitting snugly to the metal sections. There are a couple of very small dents in the brightwork, but nothing to spoil the overall impression.
As with the bodywork, it’s important to stress how the South African heat hasn’t been allowed to degrade the interior of the car. Looking at the top of the back dashboard through the windscreen, you will see neither cracks, ‘caramelizing’ of the plastic, nor fade to the black finish. The seats and armrests too, both front and back, retain all of their deep tan colour, with only a generally light patina across the material. Seat cushions are also still supportive and the seat backs are firm. What little wear there is around the cabin appears to be from the gentle rubbing of the years rather than harsh treatment or neglect. Some of the door seals have perished, but the door cards appear to be in good shape, showing no significant warping and with nice crisp edges and joins in the contrasting materials.
The engine bay isn’t especially pretty, but everything is in the right place and looks sturdy and capable. Components and ancillaries look a little weathered, but everything looks clean and free of corrosion. Hoses and wiring appear especially good, with hoses, cables and their fastenings looking relatively new - certainly not vintage Sixties. The engine block itself shows no signs of leaks, and, encouragingly, there are no areas of accumulated grime in crevices or hard to access areas. The metal around the engine bay looks to be very good in the main (there are one of two edges showing very light surface rust).
The underside of the car looks similarly solid and inner wheel arches look sound. There appears to be a good layer of underseal and suspension components appear sturdy and serviceable.Merc230_106.jpg2.83 MB
The Appeal
There’s something very cool about driving such an understated classic – especially one as tidy as this. It’s something about not having to ‘try’. Coupled to that, this Mercedes drives very well and is simple to maintain.
Notice to bidders
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