Featured in the 1965 feature film Heroes of Telemark - starring Kirk Douglas and directed by Anthony Mann
Acquired by the previous owner from the film company in 1965 and they later restored the car to an exceptional standard
One owner from from 1965 until 2022
Following a number of years in dry storage, a program of extensive mechanical recommissioning was carried out and the car is now ready to drive once more
The Appeal
During the 1930s, Mercedes-Benz created some of the most technologically advanced cars in the world. One of their last new passenger cars before their attentions were diverted towards wartime production, was the Type 230 n, more commonly known as the W143. It boasted fully independent suspension, a powerful straight-six engine and a range of body styles.
This 1937 example has lived a particularly fascinating life, having been featured in the 1965 feature film Heroes of Telemark - starring Kirk Douglas and directed by Anthony Mann. Laterly purchased by the previous owner, painstakingly restored at their home in Oslo and cherished for a number of years, the car has now been extensively recommissioned following a period in dry storage and remains in fantastic condition.
For those seeking a storied pre-war Mercedes-Benz that’s ready to enjoy, this W143 certainly fits the bill.
The History and Paperwork
Featured in the 1965 British war film Heroes of Telemark - which told the true story of those who sabotaged the Norwegian Heavy Water Plant during the Second World War
Some photographs from the film set showing the car are included
Norwegian copy of the film
Detailed photographic of the restoration also provided
Workshop manual included
Acquired by the previous owner from the film company in 1965
Restored at the then owner’s home in Oslo
After they moved to Spain in 1996, the took the car with them and it remains there to this day
It stood unused for many years until the Norwegian owner died in 2022
The present owner, a close friend, has recommissioned the mechanicals and the car is now ready to be used once more
The Interior
Previously restored and still in fantastic condition
Copious ornate woodwork
Cloth upholstery with corduroy-like finish
VDO instrumentation
Additional water temperature gauge mounted discreetly below the dashboard
Inside, all is in very good order, with the older restoration and interior retrim still holding up well.
The cloth upholstery has a corduroy-like finish to the seats and door trims. All is in great shape, with just a few slight marks to the driver’s seat base from use, but the seller will be cleaning this before the sale. The carpeting has come away in a few places, such as around the pedal box but it still presents well, isn’t holed, excessively worn or stained and a roll of new original carpet is provided.
There’s a great deal of woodwork, all of which presents really well with no damage we could discern. The dashboard is particularly ornate, with a selection of large VDO instruments complemented by a discreet later gauge for water temperature, mounted underneath. All the switches, handles, trims and controls are in fine order too and we understand everything to be in good working condition.
Besides a sizable boot, we also find an additional luggage trunk making this car the perfect choice for longer road trips and the previous owner seemingly used this car to cover some quite large distances at times during their long custodianship.
The Exterior
Four-door limousine body style
Two-tone beige and brown bodywork
Excellent bodywork and paint
Full length sunroof
Rear mounted luggage rack with travel trunk
Vented wind screen
This four-door limousine is amongst the grandest of the W143s and it looks fabulous in this period-correct beige and brown colour scheme. The car also boasts a full length sunroof made from an Everflex-style material. The vendor informs us that this operates correctly and seals shut as it should. There is also a vented windscreen which hinges open at the bottom. The vendor demonstrates that this also functions well.
Having been dry stored and in Spain’s dry climate since 1996, the bodywork remains in excellent order. The original restoration included stripping the car back to its bare chassis and wooden framework and ever since a great deal of attention has been paid to the car’s preservation.
The paint is immensely smart and we understand a few areas were tidied up, along with the badges and trim, during the recent recommissioning, but there are some small chips in the paint around the R/H rear wings. All the brightwork looks marvellous, as do the various badges and light units.
The Mechanics
2229 cc straight-six petrol engine
Four-speed manual gearbox
Two radiator filler caps supplied - (one with and one without the three-pointed star)
Recent mechanical work included:
Cylinder head skimmed / refurbished and fitted with a new gasket
Replacement period-correct water pump
Refurbished distributor
Refurbished fuel pump
New brake pipes and wheel cylinders all round
Braking system overhaul
Oil and filter change
New six volt battery fitted
Reportedly boasting a top speed in excess of seventy miles per hour in period, the W143 had impressive mechanical underpinnings, the most significant of which being its all-round independent suspension. The engine was impressive too and this example is said to be running well on all six cylinders. All presents well under the bonnet, with a light patina to the engine block.
Summary
For those seeking a capable pre-war motor car, they don’t get much more technologically advanced and therefore usable on today’s roads than this Mercedes-Benz W143. In single ownership from 1965 until 2022, this beautifully restored and recently recommissioned example is eminently worthy of your consideration.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased. Car & Classic may refer a shipping company that also deals with import/export paperwork. Prices start at €150+VAT within the same country or €400+VAT for moves across borders. For more details, email [email protected].
