Description
Mercedes-Benz 230 S “Fintail” – Historic Rally Argentina 1962 Replica
This 1965 Mercedes-Benz 230 S is an evocative example of the famous executive saloon from the W111 generation, known as the “Fintail” for its distinctive rear fins. It is presented with a correct period livery, inspired by the winning car of the 1962 Gran Premio Turismo d’Argentina, driven by the all-female Swedish duo Ewy Rosqvist and Ursula Wirth.
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Mechanical and Performance
• Engine: Replaced with an original M180 2. 3-litre unit, inline six, around 120 hp
• Transmission: Four-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
• Indicated mileage: 16, 949 km (not certified)
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History of the Example
• Originally destined for the Italian consulate in Cairo (Egypt)
• Engine replaced in 1979 at 207, 574 km at Mercedes-Benz Rome
• Restored in 2006 by Valerio Bettoja, former president and founder of the Mercedes-Benz Club Italia, who applied the current rally livery
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Equipment and Features
• Painted sky blue with a contrasting white roof, numerous historic stickers and number 57 on both front doors
• Red leather interior, with a bespoke lower dashboard to house rally instrumentation, auxiliary controls, diamond-plate aluminium floor, fire extinguisher in the passenger compartment
• 15” steel wheels with General Ultimax Comfort tyres (also an additional set of 5 wheel rims plus tyres)
• Behr original air conditioning system
• Additional modifications: extra lights, twin-tone horn, non-original power steering
• Documentation included: original invoice, which originals manuals, spare parts catalogue, spare key, miscellaneous documents, ASI, ACI Storico and FIVA certifications
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Recent maintenance:
• Engine oil and filter change
• Other work: brakes replaced, front brake hoses, steering tie rods, front wheel bearings, gear oil and differential oil, brake fluid
• Historic workshops: Mercedes-Benz Barberi e Cerini
