Highlights
- One of approximately 1,100 California coupes produced
- Elegant light metallic blue finish with beige leatherette interior
- Owned by the same family since 2007
- Stored in a closed garage since acquisition
- Only four owners since leaving the factory, according to available records
- Maintenance, inspections, and all fluid replacements completed less than 500 km ago
- Professional specialist inspection completed in October 2025, with report available
- Valid MOT through January 2028
The Appeal
The California coupe is among those atypical and exclusive Mercedes models that hold a special place in the brand's history. Designed particularly for West Coast American buyers seeking a 2+2 coupe better suited to warm climates, these models were stripped of their soft convertible top to create additional space for a small rear bench seat, complemented by a removable rigid roof. Approximately 1,100 examples were produced, most destined for the French market and equipped with speedometers calibrated in kilometers.
This beautiful example in light metallic blue has had only four owners during its 56 years of existence. It joined its current owner's family in 2007 after being purchased from a friend. Shortly after this acquisition, the 2.8-liter six-cylinder sedan engine in the vehicle was replaced with a similar 2.8-liter engine from a sedan. Over the following 19 years, the car was carefully preserved.
The seller indicates that after several years of storage due to health reasons, the car was recently returned to service. This work included a complete overhaul, replacement of injectors and spark plugs, renewal of all fluids, inspection of power steering, transmission and differential, as well as belt replacement. The car is reported to have covered less than 500 km since this recommissioning. It is offered with a valid French MOT through January 2028 and an independent inspection report completed in October 2025.
The car shows some minor cosmetic imperfections on the exterior, while the beige leatherette interior appears well-maintained. It is equipped with an original Becker car radio, adapted for FM reception and Bluetooth. A rare period Becker shortwave adapter is also present in the glove box.
This example of this rare California coupe has benefited from extensive restoration work and recent maintenance, while retaining the characteristic elements of its original configuration.
The seller states
"Its stunning color and striking visual impact make it a model that will certainly turn heads. Designed for comfort, it is equally at home on winding country roads as in urban traffic. Behind the wheel, you'll appreciate its remarkably effective and responsive steering and braking. Thanks to its generous torque and progressive power delivery, every acceleration becomes an invitation to travel, combining power and smoothness. An icon of style and performance, ready to deliver a unique driving experience with every kilometer."
History and Documentation
- First registered in 1970
- Four registered owners since first registration, according to HistoVec
- Owned by current family since 2007
- Registration document in current owner's name
- Certificate of ownership issued by a notary
- Stored in a closed, temperature-controlled garage
- Replacement 2.8-liter M130.980 engine from a sedan with 80,000 km, installed in 2008
- Odometer reading 30,529 km; total mileage believed to be higher
- Vehicle off the road for approximately two years, from 2021 to 2023
- Complete overhaul completed less than 500 km ago
- Professional specialist inspection completed in October 2025, with report available
- Invoices available for work performed
- Valid MOT through January 2028
- Standard French registration
Recent work completed less than 500 km ago
- Oil and fluid changes:
- Engine
- Transmission
- Differential
- Power steering
- Brakes
- Clutch
- Coolant
- Replacement of air, oil, power steering, fuel, and cabin filters
- Replacement of all belts
- Lubrication of running gear
- Replacement of injectors
- Replacement of spark plugs
- Replacement of several hoses
- Replacement of brake master cylinder, reservoir, and several hoses
- Replacement of rear differential compensation spring
- Replacement of several bushings, including those on the engine, transmission, differential, and rear struts
Condition
- Rare California version with rigid roof and without original soft top
- Light metallic blue paint in good overall condition
- Some signs of wear visible, including minor scratches and marks
- According to available information, recent MOT inspections revealed no major defects
This sale is subject to Car & Classic's terms and conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also accept the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller, which means that consumer rights arising from European consumer protection legislation do not apply. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic's terms and conditions.
✓ We require that non-refundable fees be paid if you are the successful winner of the auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our FAQs and terms and conditions for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is "sold as is", on an "as is, where is" basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are provided for informational purposes only and it is customary to conduct a full vehicle inspection before purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final offer or bid price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want the transaction to run smoothly, just as you do, and that's why cars and motorcycles registered in the UK and listed for sale on Car & Classic are subject to an HPI check to verify they have no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and are not subject to a financial lien, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also verify whether vehicles are registered as written off as a result of a total loss claim at the time the listing is placed on Car & Classic and we provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) to assist you. The presence or absence of a label does not, however, guarantee the vehicle's status and it is always helpful to conduct a full vehicle history check before making an offer on it.
✓ Buyers are responsible for collection or delivery of the vehicle. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes. If you wish, we can recommend a third-party transport company that can assist you. For more details and to speak with the team, email auctions@carandclassic.com.
