Highlights

• Rare factory-built limousine, only produced from 1969 to 1973
• Comprehensive restoration completed in 2006
• In storage since 2009 and in need of recommissioning 

The Appeal

The W115's handsome, three-box proportions, evocative grille and comfortable cabin already has plenty of prestige. You could argue it already felt distinctly limousine-adjacent. Of course, it was also a Mercedes-Benz product, which meant a very durable, rugged, even rather utilitarian character. It was still over-engineered to the point of madness, capable of racking up extreme mileages with little concern.

Of course, that was sort of selling point was relatively scarce for the elite - but it was an excellent business prospect. Mercedes pitched this car largely for the luxury hotel trade, at a time when celebrities would sail to the likes of the Arabella Bogenhausen Hotel or the Ritz-Carlton in discerning comfort. Their durability and reliability made them the perfect pick-up car, and while only a small number were built, many were still in use for decades.

This fine example has been with its current owner since 2005, and in that time has been comprehensively restored at significant expense. Since 2009, it's been kept in storage - and now is ready and waiting to be recommissioned and returned to the road. These limos are a very rare find, and with its unusual spec, will no doubt prove quite the curiosity for the dedicated enthusiast.

The History and Paperwork

• First registered in 1972
• A rare factory-built limousine, produced from 1969 to 1973 - largely for the hotel trade
• In current ownership since 2005
• Fully restored upon purchase, completed in 2006
• Kept in storage since 2009
• Not serviced since and in need of recommissioning
• Mileage indicates 20,119 on a five-figure odometer
• V5 available, along with bills from restoration and MOTs from 2005 to 2010
• Comprehensive catalogue of photos from the restoration specialist, documenting the strip down and rebuild

The Condition

• Delivered to a reputable restoration specialist in 2005; stripped to bodywork, repaired, welded, repainted, and interior refitted
• Since then the car has spent some 16 years in storage and has garnered a little patina
• Some corrosion around the lower arches and areas of the sills
• Paintwork carries light wear, but nothing overly intrusive
• Brightwork has garnered some gentle signs of age 
• Some moss has developed in gutters and seals
• Colour-matched wheels present and correct
• Some corrosion to the underside, though the vendor notes the car is solid
• Interior is largely in good condition; leather work replaced during restoration in 2005
• Headliner, visors and grab handles have discoloured 
• Some discolouration and staining to the leather
• Underside has peeled away from the fold out seats
• Carpets appear in good order
• All instruments are clean and legible

The Mechanics

• 2.2-litre OM615 Diesel 4-cylinder powerplant
• 4-speed automatic transmission
• Good engine bay with age-commensurate patina
• Mechanically standard with no known modifications
• Not properly driven since 2009, and in need of recommissioning
• As a result, some mechanical work will be required to get the car restarted 

 

BEFORE YOU BUY