HIGHLIGHTS
- Genuine 77,177 Kilometres
- Luxurious vintage motoring
- Reupholstered seating done to a high standard
- Right hand drive from the factory in Germany
- Well-engineered, solid build
- Power steering
THE APPEAL
The Mercedes W110 model was originally introduced in 1961 as a more affordable version of Mercedes-Benz W111-series cars. W110 features a shorter bonnet and round headlights. They were initially only offered with four-cylinder engines. However, in 1965 the W110 entered its second series and was offered with a 2.3-litre M180 inline-six, as seen in this example, giving the previously economical car an increase in both power and refinement.
The 230 was the only W110 variant to feature a six-cylinder engine but as this dual-carburetted inline six generated 103hp, packed plenty of punch and was ultra-reliable, it was later used in the 230S models. The same engine was used a lot on the estates so quiet a rare find in the saloon.
This model was also the first series of Mercedes-Benz cars to be extensively crash tested for occupant safety.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
- Spent the first four years of its life in Germany
- Factory-made right-hand drive
- Genuine 77177 kilometres
- UK V5 present
- Small file of receipts for work done
This W110 was originally bought and owned by a member of the British Service in 1966 who was serving in Germany. The first owner then brought the vehicle back to the UK and re-registered it in the UK with a 1969 number plate (H reg).
The original owner then sold the car on, and it has had 4 owners since the 1970’s.
There is an invoice showing repair work which was done to the body in 2010. The then owner drove the car a little bit too far into their garage and damaged a wing. The original wing and inner wing were both repaired at a far greater cost than a simple replacement and the results are impressive. We were not even sure which wing had been repaired, even with close inspection.
The front bumper was replaced according to the invoice, and this looks like it was from the factory.
Looking at the historic MOT’s going back to 2006 we can see all advisories have been dealt with. There have been lights not working, a few weeping bushes but nothing major.
The car comes with a folder of documents including cylinder head work and other services that have taken place over the years.
THE INTERIOR
- Floor operated wash wipe
- Reassuring clunks from all four doors
- Reupholstered seating with springs in perfect condition
- New rear parcel shelf in period ‘German Loop’ imported fabric
- Dashboard in great condition
- Front seat belts
- Passenger headrest
- Immaculate boot area
The original seat frames are in place and the current owner had them all restored with new material and padding that matched the original. They are professionally made and extremely comfortable.
The back carpet on the parcel shelf below the rear window has been replaced. The current owner sourced the correct pile from Germany. It’s aptly called German Loop.
The headliner is near perfect condition apart from an area on the rear driver’s side. There is a tear near the window that could have been caused by condensation. It’s unclear how it happened as the car appears bone dry. This isn’t visible from inside, just when you look through the window. The aluminium fitting for a curtain is still in place.
The Mercedes has one slight area of welding on the check strap on the driver’s door inner sill area of the body. The door was opened in a strong wind, and it put a strain on the metal surrounding the strap, so it was reinforced with a small plate. We couldn’t see any other repairs and the vendor hasn’t found anything in his ownership either.
All the interior controls work as they should, and the tactile switches are in excellent order with very little signs of wear.
The radio is a replacement. It does work we are told, but as there are no speakers fitted, we didn’t try it. The vendor didn’t want to make holes in the new rear panel as it had just been carpeted.
The original front seatbelts are in place and there are some inertia belts in the boot which could be fitted with a bit of jiggling, but the originals are very clean condition and comfortable when adjusted.
THE EXTERIOR
- New seals around the boot area
- 4 x matching Firestone tyres
- Original wheels and caps
- Lovely chrome work
- Deep black paintwork
The car rides on its correct 13-inch steel wheels with chrome rings and hub caps.
Chrome work is vibrant and in good condition. The rear bumper comes in two parts and one side has been flawlessly refurbished to match the passenger side. The brightwork on the fins has also been re-chromed by a company in the UK. There is a light crease on the rear passenger side bumper chrome, the current vendor hasn’t tried to repair it.
There is a dint on the passenger side roof at the front where it looks like something has dropped on it. There are also a few light chips on the footwell areas but other than that the paintwork and body are in excellent shape.
We particularly like the attention to detail Mercedes put into this car. For example, the petrol fill cap located in the back number plate keeps the flap open by a clever use of slotting into place between the springs.
THE MECHANICALS
- Rear wheel drive
- 0-60 in 12.1 seconds
- Front disc brakes
- 4 speed automatic column shift gear lever
- Silky smooth 2.3 litre straight six petrol engine
- Trailing arm rear suspension makes for a smooth ride
The engine started first time and has a lovely tone. The vendor drives the car regularly and tells us it is smooth, quiet and has a lot of pulling power. The W110 had a 0-60 time of 12.1 seconds when new and a top speed of 105mph so they were quick on the uptake even though it was a heavy car.
According to the paperwork the car has undergone cylinder head work to allow the car to run happily on unleaded petrol.
New tie rods have been fitted by the current owner. They were professionally custom made and modified from genuine stock and fit perfectly taking out any play that came up on an MOT advisory.
The current owner commissioned a major service. All the oils were changed with new filters and new hoses including water and fuel lines.
The twin Weber carburettors were replaced two year ago added by the current owner. These are the genuine Weber type used when new.
SUMMARY
The W110 230 was called the "Fintail" (German: Heckflosse) Mercedes. This was because of the rear end design, drawn up initially to appeal to a US market. At the time competition was fierce between companies to see who could build the biggest fins, like the Chevy Belair or the Cadilac Eldorado to name just two.
The German car designers showed great restraint when competing in the market and chose to remain understated. Time has shown they made a wise decision as these cars are unfussy and timeless in their design.
The Mercedes 230 W110 fintail is an extremely well-engineered car which is solid and reliable.
They are a car you can trust and dare we say it, a “solid” investment.
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