Highlights
- Restored by previous keeper, a Mercedes restoration specialist
- Sparing use and careful storage since completion
- Factory correct car in very good order
- Genuine UK RHD car from first registration
- Only three registered keepers from new
- Rare to find this correct and in this condition
The Appeal
While Mercedes-Benz’ sports cars tend to grab the attention, we have a real soft spot for the W115 and W115 saloons. They are yet another handsomely understated Paul Bracq masterpiece and their unburstable durability makes them excellent dailies or cherished classics.
Most have been driven hard, so few survive as well as this 1971 220. It has had just three keepers from new, the first for most of its life, and the vendor believes the low displayed mileage is probably correct. It was extensively and well restored by the previous keeper, a classic Benz workshop, before the vendor acquired it in 2022. It has covered very few miles since that work was completed and has always been carefully dry stored when not in use. We are told it has always been reliable.
The result is a very good car indeed. Finished in creamy white with black interior, it is a factory-standard car that looks barely half its age. Even close inspection of the photos reveals only extremely minor indications of use.
This car would suit a marque collector or, alternatively, someone who wants a reliable, dependable and stylish classic saloon to share with family and friends.
The vendor says:
“Bought in May 2022 because it had a total body renovation and Mercedes of the era are bulletproof mechanically but still rust. A touch of nostalgia here as we had a 1964 Fintail 190d in Nicaragua which had hit a cow and won the contest. All over the developing world you can still find these cars working as taxis but there are very few in good condition. There is not much paperwork except from its earliest days. I cannot verify this but was told that it remained in the same family for most of its life and was kept undercover - it is a genuine UK car from first registration. Then sold on to a new owner who left it outside for some years before being bought by the previous owner - a Mercedes restoration specialist who restored the bodywork and interior. There was a minor issue with fuel tank residue blocking the fuel filter but that was fixed by the vendor. The only work I have done on it is replacing a sticky needle valve to improve starting.
“On the open road it is surprisingly nimble round corners despite the soft suspension. It is not quick but capable of keeping up with traffic and these days it is near impossible to get anywhere quicker than others on the road. My grandchildren love it and spend hours playing in it because it is a throwback to an earlier era- mechanical not electrical. Not necessarily a collector's item but one of extremely few that have been well looked after.”
History and Paperwork
- First registered in the UK 2nd April 1971
- Three registered keepers from new
- Current keeper since May 2022
- Believed to have remained with the same family for most of its life
- Previously keeper was a Mercedes-Benz restorer who renovated the car
- This work covered the bodywork and interior
- Original service book included, suggesting genuine low mileage
- Limited paperwork beyond early documentation
- Car reported to have been reliable since purchase
- MOT records indicates sparing use since restoration completed
- Vendor reports intermittent odometer issue that may affect these figures
The Condition
- Restored bodywork and interior by Mercedes-Benz specialist before vendor acquired car
- Finished in off white paint which presents very well in photos
- Bodywork is straight and well kept with good, flush panel fit
- Chromework in good order with slight pitting to some components as shown
- Driver's door mirror needs refitting but all components are present
- Sits on factory steel wheels with painted hub caps and chrome finish
- Black vinyl interior in very good order following recent restoration
- Factory standard interior with black carpets and well kept door cards
- Dashboard, switchgear and dials are in good order as shown
- Fitted with Philips period-style radio cassette as shown
- New carpets fitted throughout
- Front and rear seats show minimal signs of wear, supporting the low mileage claim
The vendor says:
“I doubt if there is a better example of this series available. It is as close to perfect as can be and the quality of the work suggests it will not need further attention for many years.There is very light pitting on the chrome work but a polish will sort that, The mirror of the driver's door needs refitting but it is all there.
“I am no expert but this looks like a genuine Mercedes spec. It has new carpets and both front and rear seats show little sign of wear, again suggesting the low mileage.”
The Mechanics
- M115 2,198cc 4cyl petrol engine
- 4-speed automatic transmission
- Intermittent odometer issue reported (speedometer functions correctly)
- Minor fuel tank residue issue fixed by the vendor
- Current owner has only replaced a sticky needle valve to improve starting
- Engine bay would benefit from cleaning according to the vendor
- All mechanical systems reported to be in good working order
The vendor says:
“With the sole exception of an intermittent odometer (not the speedo) everything works as it should. The 4-speed autobox is sluggish, but manual shifting tends to wake it up a bit, yet it is still like driving a sofa, which copes competently with winding roads. The engine bay could do with a clean up.”
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 is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own 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.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ 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 on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓ 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..
