Quite apart from their incredible build quality, there were several things that were significant about the timelessly solid Mercedes-Benz “W115” models, launched in 1968.
The car was styled by Paul Bracq, who had previously designed the iconic ‘Pagoda’ roof Mercedes SLs, and the W114 featured a number of styling cues carried straight over from the iconic sports car, namely the fluted wheel arches and vertically stacked front headlamp lenses, along with its narrow A-pillars and steeply curved windscreen.
This example is a 1974 230-4 that has spent most of its life in South Africa until it was imported here at the start of 2023. It is believed to be a completely original example and was owned by one family for many years.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
Imported from South Africa
Built on Mercedes-Benz’s behalf by Car Distributors of East London in South Africa’s Cape Province
Manufactured in 1974
Tax and MOT exempt
Requires first registration with DVLA. The vendor is a former South African resident and is more than happy to assist with the registration process.
Original SA RC1 document was lost during transportation so a Mercedes-Benz heritage certificate has been provided in its absence in order to assist the new owner in registering the car.
NOVA and all other import paperwork has been completed and duties paid.
Mercedes-Benz handbook
Supplied new by John Williams Motors of Bloemfontein
Several years of service history stamps from main dealers and Mercedes-Benz specialists in the city
THE INTERIOR
Original tan leatherette interior
Excellent overall condition with no tears or damage
Excellent condition
Retro radio-cassette
Original tools
Excellent door cards, headlining and dark brown carpets, with protective overmats
Three-dial VDO instrument panel
Later-style soft-finish steering wheel
The dash itself is free from cracks or damage
Period Panasonic radio-cassette player.
THE EXTERIOR
Pale Cream paintwork
All original
Good chrome, with some minor pitting marks
Excellent underneath, with no signs of welding
Very good paint with a few very small areas of paint damage and stonechips, but nothing substantial
Minor bubbles in paintwork below rear bumper
THE MECHANICS
2,248cc OHC 4cyl
Four-speed manual
Drove well on test with smooth transmission and steady temperature
Will be fully serviced prior to sale
Comprehensive recent brake overall – new discs, pads, liner and master cylinder
SUMMARY
This is a grand and stately car that epitomises the very best of Mercedes-Benz build quality from an era where it made some of the finest and best-engineered cars in the world. This one is wonderfully originally and very well-presented throughout.
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.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
