Mercedes’ first S-Class luxury saloon has timelessly elegant styling and broad appeal.

‘Maud’ has been owned and maintained by the same enthusiast/engineer owner for the past 16 years.  The car is in great, useable condition and would make a very stylish classic for someone willing to look after it in the manner to which it has become accustomed, continuing an ongoing programme of care and improvement.

Forming part of a much larger collection of cars, over his 16 years of ownership, the car has been the subject of a slow but continuous programme of (mainly mechanical) improvement, which has included rebuilding the entire braking system with new discs and pads and rebuilt callipers, servo and master cylinder. The suspension has also been completely renovated with new rear axle compensator spring, kingpins, tie rods, drop links etc. 
 
 Only OEM parts used and the last jobs included overhauling the fuel system (including a rebuilt warm-running device and new fuel pump), together with rebuilding the alternator.

A lack of use and additional vehicles limiting space has reluctantly brought a very genuine and handsome example of this classic Mercedes saloon to auction.

Finished in its original MB-Tex trim on the seats and door cards, the spacious interior presents itself particularly well and is in pretty amazing condition for a 50-year-old car.   For those with an eye to detail, gentle refinishing of some elements of the interior woodwork would really finish things off nicely.

The headlining shows no signs of damage or sagging though has some light staining to the rear.  The replacement carpets are in excellent condition and the interior chrome showing just the right amount of age-related patina.

This dark blue Mercedes saloon is in wonderful overall condition for its age with no dings or dents.  It has been subject to restoration work in prior ownership, including new sills, inner wing and rear wheel well repairs – and a full respray.  

No further welding or remedial work is required, which is a testament to the quality of the work completed over a quarter of a century ago.  After so many years, there is inevitably the odd imperfection and chip to the paintwork here and there, including a little fading on the roof and boot, but the pictures show that ‘Maud’ is still looking very sharp and stylish in the original colour.

The wheels, (matching) tyres and exterior chrome are all in great condition and a testament to 1960s Mercedes engineering prowess.   

After 55 years of service, the door seals are showing their age a little and a there is a small depression and (sealed) hole in the rear centre of the bonnet where a previous owner had fitted a mascot / badge, however none of this detracts from the overall presentation of the vehicle 

Prior to his long-term ownership the car has had the more powerful and more reliable engine from the 280SL fitted which starts well every time, and runs without smoke, and quietly, yet purposefully, as these engines should when properly maintained.  Oil, fluid changes and other service items have been replaced per schedule.

Mechanically the car has been thoroughly overhauled and continually fettled throughout the last 16 years with new brakes, suspension and many other OEM parts as previously mentioned.

One look under the bonnet shows a very clean and cared for engine bay, with underneath the car being in a similarly good and clean condition.

There are opportunities for further improvement that the current owner highlights, including a non-working dashboard clock and a fuel gauge which under-reads by about 25%.  There is a slight drivetrain vibration between 50 and 55 mph, which the owner believes will be simply cured, if required, by having the propshaft re-balanced. The car has ample power and so the kick-down solenoid has never been wired up to the accelerator switch, but this is a simple task and you can manually downshift using the unusual column-shifter if needed.

The car is reported to be an absolute joy to drive, with a great ‘armchair’ ride, ample power, positive gear changes and effective stopping power from all-round disc brakes.

A beautiful car in a beautiful colour and in beautiful condition, that would make a very stylish and comfortable choice for someone looking for that iconic classic to use and enjoy while continuing to enjoy the opportunity for further detailing and minor improvements. 

The other good news is that it’s ULEZ, MOT and Road Tax exempt.