1969 Mercedes-Benz 250C Pillarless Coupe (W114) LHD
133
Winning bid
£15,000
1969 Mercedes-Benz 250C Pillarless Coupe (W114) LHD
Highlights
Resprayed in original white finish
MOT to July 2023
Inspected and serviced by independent specialist
Fewer than 9,000 built
Power assisted steering fitted
The Appeal
There was a time when Mercedes-Benz not only built beautiful and advanced cars, but cars so well engineered that they’ve become a watchword for quality. The W114 series of cars was one such model. Offered as saloons and coupes, they have become a touchpoint for engineering excellence and refined elegance.
This 1969 250C is presented in very original condition, with a gorgeous specification and excellent recent history. As such, this is a unique opportunity to acquire a superbly crafted machine that is rapidly appreciating in the world of classic cars.
With almost every internal surface encased in deep blue upholstery, the cabin provides an excellent contrast to the bright white paintwork.
The material of the seats, dash-top and door cards all presents very well, appearing to be original and in very good order. As you would expect, there are some scuffs, some evidence of age and wear and some light marks and creases in places. The headlining is similarly good, looking to be tight with no evidence of sagging. It does wear some marks commensurate with its age though. However, for a 53 year old interior, it looks very well indeed.
Complementing the seats and door cards, the carpets and over-mats are in a similar deep blue tone, and appear to be in good overall condition.
Looking at the internal trim, everything appears to be solid and period correct, apart from the stereo, which we think may be a 1980s addition. There is a small hole in each of the rear compartment’s side panels where a small item of trim is missing. Otherwise, everything appears to be present and correct. Some of the cabin brightwork, particularly on the door cards, has some notable surface corrosion and pitting, but still operates as it should.
We’re told by the owner that the dashboard instrumentation and driving controls all function correctly, and certainly they present well. They wear some blemishes and marks corresponding to the vehicle’s age, but are very legible and eminently usable. The only thing noted by the owner is a slight crack in the dash above the central air-vent. Wood veneer runs across the fascia and seems to be in fine fettle, with no evidence we saw of cracking, delamination or warping.
Original steel wheels with hubcaps and whitewall tyres
Pillarless coupe styling
Finished in shimmering white paintwork, which the vendor assures us has been professionally resprayed, this lovely pillarless coupe benefits from elegant and timeless styling. As you can imagine, the paint looks to be in very good order, while the body panels, light lenses and windows all appear to be straight, well-fitted and undamaged.
The paintwork is beautifully accentuated by the original brightwork, which wears minor marks and blemishes and some light pitting in places, but gives the car a real sense of character and history. At the front, there are removable driving spotlights which the owner added purely for styling reasons. These can be easily wired in permanently or removed, depending on the preference of the new owner.
Underneath the vehicle is nice and clean and very straight, with no evidence we could discern of any damage or notable corrosion. A small amount of welding has been carried out to the underside by Merx (an independent specialist) prior to the MOT. There is the usual minor surface corrosion present on some of the drivetrain elements. Otherwise the underside looks to be in excellent condition.
Wheels are the period-correct steel items, dressed with classic body-colour and chrome hubcaps. These are shod with stylish whitewall tyres, which the owner tells us have good tread.
Recent full professional inspection and maintenance
Power assisted steering fitted
The 2.5-litre inline-six in this W114 is a peach of an engine. Known for its characterful engine note and fine performance, it’s the perfect companion for this sophisticated coupe. Mated to an automatic transmission, it offers the kind of smooth and unruffled progress that suits the character of the car.
When the car was imported from Ireland, the current owner had it sent to an independent specialist (Merx in Welwyn Garden City). They carried out a full inspection, service and a number of maintenance tasks before the car was put through an MOT. Some of the work carried out includes: new brake discs and pads to the rear, new callipers all round, new brake hoses, adjustment of the parking brake, new fuel pipe and a new copper brake pipe. The owner tells us that the garage owner is happy to speak to any potential buyers about the vehicle.
Few cars are as elegant or well engineered as the W114. In coupe form, it’s a truly beautiful car. It’s no surprise to us that they are increasingly sought-after and still held in such esteem.
This example has been nicely maintained and clearly cherished. Having been dry-stored, recently fully inspected and serviced and benefitting from a lovely specification, it’s sure to become someone’s pride and joy…
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