Vendor supplied images

Highlights

Highly original and smartly presented late model W115
Attractive Pastel Blue paintwork with very well preserved interior
Economical diesel motor with relaxing automatic gearbox
Practical daily driver or unusual weekend classic

The Appeal

The Volkswagen Beetle may be the original people’s car but Mercedes-Benz’ remarkable W115 saloon can surely lay claim to turning it into an idea that reached around the world. For a certain moment in time in the 1970s and 80s wherever you went on the planet, there would be W115s at work, busy equally as taxis and high end executive expresses.

That is quite an achievement for Paul Bracq’s unassuming three box design. But it is testament not just to the impeccable build quality of these cars but to the fact that there was a W115 for everyone, from economical diesels to rocketship V8s.

This smart Pastel Blue example is a timely reminder of why these cars were so successful. Highly original and very well preserved, it is the handsome classic you could easily push into daily driver duties. A US car unusually equipped with the economical diesel engine, it fits perfectly into the current vogue for unexceptional, yet somehow entirely exceptional, classics.

The History and Paperwork

Sold new into the USA market
Recently imported from Bakersfield, California
Nicely specified from new with air conditioning, sunroof and automatic gearbox
Original and full set of factory handbooks
Facelift model with lower bonnet and wider, lower front grille
Vendor states that the mileage is 34,830
Unfortunately we know little of this car’s service or maintenance regime

The Interior

Very original interior in remarkably preserved condition
Smart dark blue hardwearing MB Tex trim
Seats in very good condition with barely any signs of fading or wear
Rear seat is well kept with centre armrest
All seats appear to retain good support and shape
Door trims similarly retain their colour and show only very light signs of use
Driver’s door trim has two small tears and crack in the door bin
Small mark on nearside rear door card but not unsightly
Other door trims appear undamaged and with good fittings
Dashboard is uncracked and clean with complete set of original switchgear
Switchgear shows some signs of its 48 years but it is light and the decals remain clear
Dials have slightly misted plastic faces, the left hand side being more affected
Factory four spoke plastic steering wheel showing lights signs of wear but presentable
Original stylish Becker factory fitted radio
Optional air conditioning but untested
Manual windows all round
Rubber boot mat in good condition
Carpets very presentable with good colour and no visible holes, marks or stains
Headlining appears to be original with only light marks visible

The Exterior

Appears to be finished in the attractive shade of Pastel Blue
Matching body colour hub caps with fetching white wall tyres
Optional driving lights
Facelift car with longer, lower grille and bonnet
Close up photographs indicate that some or all paintwork has been repainted
Paintwork is in very good condition with no obvious scuffs or deterioration
Bodywork tells a similar story with straight panels, consistent panel gaps and no visible corrosion
Some of the wheel arch return lips indicate that light skimming of filler has been used in places
Tinted glass in good condition and appears to be original with no damage visible to screen
Chrome work also appears to be original and is well kept with no obvious tarnishing or pitting
Lights are complete and present well with good colour and no visible cracks
Manual steel sunroof with optional Perspex wind deflector fitted
Photographs of the underside show a clean, well presented car with no visible structural issues

The Mechanics

2,404cc 4cyl OM615 Mercedes-Benz diesel engine developing 62bhp
4spd automatic gearbox
Evidence of new components including exhaust rear section
The Mercedes-Benz diesel is particularly noted for its durability - at this mileage this car is barely run in

Summary

Classically styled by Paul Bracq and a staple of the world’s roads thanks to its incredible durability, the W115 Mercedes-Benz is the car we’ve got so used to seeing that we forget just how brilliant it was.

This unassuming and smartly presented example provides the reminder we need. Whether pushed into distinctive daily duties or preserved for weekend indulgence, it looks very tempting.

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.

All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.