With Paul Bracq styling, the W114 is among the prettier designs to come out of the Mercedes factory over the past century or so. And in 250C coupe form, that is surely even more of a true statement.
This car doesn’t disappoint in that respect with a brand new five-coat dark red paint job perfectly melting around the body’s curves. In fact, in 2020 after being imported from California, this 1972 model went through an extensive restoration process in the hands of AT Technicians and Woodham Mortimer.
Several modernised parts place this car as something of a resto-mod although all the original parts are included with the sale. As it is, this stunner of a luxury German coupe is in near-perfect condition with very few signs of use and even fewer that one can spot with the naked eye.
History and Paperwork
First registered in 1974
Originally a Californian model
Left-hand drive as expected for a US car
Purchased and imported to the UK by current owner in 2020
Bought with the goal of a complete restoration
Full restoration undertaken by Mercedes specialist, AT Technicians and Woodham Mortimer
Many photos of the restoration process
Invoices for previous work done
Original Owner’s manual with the car
Comes with a California Touring map
Copy of HMRC imported vehicle checks email
V5c included
MOT and tax exempt
The Interior
Fully restored interior, in the original style
Mix of tan leather and Alcantara
Original parts with the car
Inside this luxury German Coupe from the 1970’s lies a fully retrimmed cabin. Tan leather and Alcantara covers much of the interior including the seats, carpets, headlining and door cards. Throughout the cabin, the upholstery looks to be in pristine condition. We certainly struggle to find any marks.
Breaking up the light brown ocean is the black leather that covers the dashboard and centre console. Sitting proudly on this dashboard is a number of controls and buttons, all of which look to be clean and show no signs of wear.
Whilst the original steering wheel does reportedly come with the car, an aftermarket model is currently fitted. This wood-rim wheel with gold spokes certainly catches the eye. Behind it sits the elegant instrument cluster.
In the equally well upholstered boot sits a fresh spare wheel with the car’s original jack and a lug wrench.
The Exterior
Gorgeous, spotless red paint
Very straight body, excellent W114 styling
Seemingly new BBS aluminium wheels
From the exterior, one can tell that this 1972 Mercedes-Benz 250C has been through a blood, sweat and tears restoration. If not from the modernised headlights with diode optics, one should notice the seemingly spotless dark red paint as proof of this car’s recent work.
In fact, the brilliant W114 coupe body shape is decorated in a brand new five-layer coat of dark red paint. Perfectly showing off the car’s curves, this colour definitely suits the model. Much like the paint, the body panels themselves benefit from a painstaking restoration process which involved stripping the car and preserving the body panels, much like one can see from the restoration process photos.
As aforementioned, new up to date headlights have been fitted to the car for better nighttime visibility. The original models do come with the car however. Elsewhere, other details look incredible on the car, especially the chrome fixtures; all of which seem to shine and reflect the light as if they had just left the factory.
The car sits on a set of BBS 15-inch aluminium wheels which present beautifully and look great with the car. These wear a brand new, matching set of Goodyear tyres. Much like the headlights, the original rims come with the car for those that prefer a standard look.
Underneath, the car looks almost pristine. During the restoration project, the car had any corrosion removed with new metal welded in place. This took place mostly under the cabin and boot area of the floor.
The Mechanics
All running gear has been fully serviced
Many updated parts
Stainless steel exhaust should sound great
Under the bonnet, of this 250C sits the uprated 2.8-litre version of the M130 straight-six engine. In this iteration, the power plant was capable of around 130hp from the factory. That power is sent to the rear wheels via an automatic three-speed transmission.
Said gearbox was fully serviced during the car’s restoration in 2020, as too was the rear axle differential. The engine however had all parts checked and restored. This followed a rebuild featuring two new Weber carburettors and a full engine tune.
Elsewhere, the brake system was overhauled with new discs, pads and hoses. Furthermore, comfort essentials like power steering and air conditioning along with the generator have been updated to modern standards. Finally, peek under the car and you will spot a shiny stainless steel exhaust system running from the engine to the rear.
Summary
Having undergone an extensive restoration, this 1972 Mercedes-Benz 250C sits in a gorgeous condition. Furthermore, with small modern touches, it is a unique car, especially on British roads. As a result, the owner mentions the attention they get when driving this model on weekend joy rides.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
