Highlights
- Rare four-cylinder petrol variant of the 'Fintail'
- Believed to have been used for Embassy work in London
- Participated in the 'Classic Safari' in East Africa in 2011
- In current ownership for eight years
The Appeal
The Mercedes-Benz 190 'Fintail' is a distinctive classic that combines timeless German engineering with elegant 1960s styling. Inspired by the increasingly extravagant cars seen in the USA, the W110s took gentle styling cues while maintaining the upright, rather sophisticated stance that the company kept in its vogue.
The W110 quickly became celebrated as one of the most durable cars on the market, and gained a reputation for racking up impressive mileages, particularly as taxis and limousines. While many of these models were used as taxis and worked to exhaustion, good survivors still sporadically pop up from time to time, and this intensely handsome car is exactly that.
This 1964 four-cylinder petrol variant, believed to be of South African specification, has been cherished throughout its life rather than subjected to commercial use. With its nicely presented bodywork, good paintwork, and original MB-Tex interior, it's a real mid-century classic - and is bound to charm its lucky new keeper.
The W110 quickly became celebrated as one of the most durable cars on the market, and gained a reputation for racking up impressive mileages, particularly as taxis and limousines. While many of these models were used as taxis and worked to exhaustion, good survivors still sporadically pop up from time to time, and this intensely handsome car is exactly that.
This 1964 four-cylinder petrol variant, believed to be of South African specification, has been cherished throughout its life rather than subjected to commercial use. With its nicely presented bodywork, good paintwork, and original MB-Tex interior, it's a real mid-century classic - and is bound to charm its lucky new keeper.
History and Paperwork
- First registered in 1964
- Believed to have been South African specification, initially used for Embassy work in London
- First owners kept the car for 40+ years
- Subsequently owned by Keith and Norah Ashworth, who used it on the 'Classic Safari' in East Africa in 2011
- In current ownership since 2017
- MOT exempt
- Has been garaged at the owner's home
- Comes with full history, bills, MOTs, etc. from first owners
The Condition
- Original, unrestored condition
- The vendor notes the 'completely solid' bodywork
- This does seem well-presented in the photographs, with no signs of perforating corrosion
- Has a few dents and scrapes, but nothing overly intrusive
- Paintwork is generally well presented with age-commensurate wear
- Brightwork contrasts nicely
- Original interior with bench seats in Mercedes MB-Tex
- Upholstery appears free of rips and tears
- Instruments are clean and legible
- Carpets and floor mats show some wear
- Features period radio
- Ribbon speedometer
- Distinctive and rare model
The Mechanics
- 1897cc four-cylinder petrol engine
- Four-speed manual transmission
- Engine believed to have been rebuilt around 2011
- Reportedly mechanically standard throughout
- We've no reports of any mechanical issues
- The vendor reports that the car keeps up well with modern traffic
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