Dark Bordeaux Red, Tan leather interior, 4-speed column change auto, power steering, servo brakes, front discs, walnut fascia, rear armrest, manual windows, original 14 inch steel wheels with trim rings and hubcaps, original radio, inertia reel seatbelts, only two owners from new.
£SOLD
This is one of the most desired Mercedes models of the 1960s, beloved of film stars and the very wealthy when new, and a lasting style icon which shows most modern cars up to be passing fads and slaves to ever changing fashion. The flowing lines of its Paul Bracq designed coachwork are seemingly even more beautiful now than when it was new, and it is presented in a colour scheme which shows it off to perfection. Few models from any maker, old or new, have anything like its presence.
This example was ordered new by a gentleman in Kent, who kept it until his death in 2009. Little is known about its time with him. A classic car dealer purchased it from the deceased estate, along with a number of other cars, including a Mercedes Pagoda SL and several Rolls Royces. Whilst it was in his possession the dealer had the car repainted in its original colour, and informed the second owner at the time of purchase that there had been no significant rust on the body panels prior to the repaint. Eight years on it remains in excellent condition with only minor patination, which bears this out. Interior trim, woodwork and brightwork is similarly in excellent condition.
The second and latest owner, a gentleman from Derby, acquired the car in December 2009, and fairly soon realised that the engine, though in good working order, was quite worn. Knowing that the short-lived M129 2496cc engine in this model had a reputation for not being one of Mercedes best designs, rather than having it rebuilt he commissioned a well known classic Mercedes engine specialist to supply and fit a reconditioned M130 2778cc unit, as fitted to the subsequent 280SE model. This was a straight swap, giving an extra 30bhp, but more importantly the replacement is probably Mercedes best engine design of its era, benefitting from the lessons learnt with the shortcomings of the M129 design. The change has been notified to DVLA and the V5 amended so the documentation is correct and up to date.
Between 2012 and 2016 he carried out a programme of repairs and reconditioning with the same specialist. This included reconditioning the power steering pump, full overhaul of the front disc and rear drum brakes, new fuel injection pump, new offside kingpin, new alternator, new indicator stalk, reconditioning of the brake servo and a major refurbishment of steering and suspension. He also had electronic ignition fitted. The result is a car that starts reliably, runs extremely well, and is a delight to drive; not something that can by any means be taken as read with many cars of this age, even Mercedes.
It has also been undersealed and Waxoyl injected to all the sills and box sections using a high pressure compressor and suitable injection probe. The massive chrome bumpers have been replaced with top quality stainless steel items.
As a model of its period the W111 drives and handles superbly, with very few concessions being necessary due to its age. The gorgeous straight-six engine provides smooth reliable performance via the four speed auto gearbox, and has absolutely no trouble keeping pace with modern traffic, and the steering, brakes and suspension are well up to anything demanded of them. It makes a perfect entrant to classic car tours and shows, or even a daily driver for those who like to make a statement with their mode of transport. It does of course qualify for free historic road tax, and is old enough to get into the paddock car park at the Goodwood Revival.
We have carried out a comprehensive mechanical check in our own workshop. Any significant faults found have been remedied, and any required maintenance has been carried out. A schedule of this work will be supplied with the car, along with our own warranty, details of which can be supplied on request.
Click HERE for detailed technical and historical data about this model
To enquire about this car telephone: 07980 241177 or 01625 260913 or email: info@ccbenz.co.uk
