Mercedes-Benz - 220D - 1969

GENERAL We present an extraordinary unit of the legendary Mercedes-Benz 220 D W115 from 1969, belonging to the early units produced of the historic /8 series (Strich-Acht). Released at the end of 1967, this generation designed by the renowned Paul Bracq represented a real revolution for Mercedes-Benz, introducing a completely new platform, with independent rear semi-trailing arm suspension and a construction conceived to offer the exceptional levels of robustness and durability that would end up making the /8 one of the most iconic Mercedes-Benz models of all time. The 2.2-liter OM615 engine and 60 horsepower powering this version became one of the benchmarks of diesel engineering of the era, decisively contributing to the legendary reputation for reliability and indestructibility that still accompanies these vehicles today. Early W115s from the initial production years are especially valued by enthusiasts and collectors, as they retain numerous details and configurations that were later modified. This 1969 unit is particularly interesting precisely because it belongs to this early production stage and preserves several of those characteristics. Notably, the gear lever mounted on the steering column and the exceptional three-place front bench seat, an original configuration that is extraordinarily hard to find today. Add to this the preservation of numerous period-specific elements, including its original interior and the restored Becker Grand Prix radio. We are, therefore, looking at a W115 that is very different from a conventional unit: an early series with a particularly singular configuration, significant investment already made, and a thorough update. An excellent opportunity to add to a collection a historical Mercedes-Benz with its own personality and, especially important in this auction, with a deliberately very attractive reserve price. BODYWORK AND PAINT The vehicle has undergone partial restoration while preserving its originality as much as possible. The bodywork has been completely repainted in its factory original color, currently presenting an elegant, clean appearance fully in line with the original aesthetics of the early W115. No modifications intended to modernize its look have been introduced, maintaining the sober and authentic character of this late-1960s Mercedes-Benz. To complete the package, it rides on new whitewall tires, perfectly suited to the look of high-end Mercedes sedans of the era and which especially enhance the presence of this unit. MECHANICS One of the main selling points of this vehicle is the extraordinary investment made in its recovery and update, totaling over €20,000. This amount corresponds to the complete set of works carried out on the car and not solely to its mechanical section, including interventions in mechanics, bodywork, paint, interior and various components and elements of the automobile. Mechanically, an exhaustive restoration and maintenance process has been carried out. There has been a comprehensive inspection and restoration of steering, suspension, brakes, transmission and differential. In addition, numerous components have been replaced, including control arm bushings, shock absorbers, seals, hoses, hydraulic elements and various wear-prone parts. The injector pump has also been restored and numerous components have been replaced with new original parts. The future owner thus starts from a base that has received substantial investment and thorough updating, avoiding having to tackle from scratch a large portion of the costly work that is usually required to restore a classic car of this age. The amount invested represents a particularly relevant added value both in terms of its current state and the economic effort already made on the unit. As befits a car manufactured in 1969, it must always be kept in mind that this is a historic vehicle with more than half a century of age. Despite the substantial restoration and updating carried out, a classic car cannot be equated to a new vehicle nor considered completely free from the small maintenance, adjustment or improvement tasks that may be needed over time and with use. This is precisely part of the nature and appeal of historic vehicles. INTERIOR This unit preserves several of the most emblematic and currently difficult-to-find elements in an early W115. Notably, the elegant gear lever mounted on the steering column, a typical feature of late-1960s Mercedes-Benz and far less common in later configurations. In addition, it has one of the most special features of this example: the exceptional three-seat front bench. This original configuration, now very uncommon in the classic market, gives the vehicle extraordinary personality and is one of the details that make this early series particularly interesting. The cabin also maintains the aesthetic purity of the early production years by retaining its original configuration without a front headrest and incorporating front seat belts as a period accessory. Much of the original upholstery is preserved, having been partially restored only where necessary, thus maintaining the vehicle’s authentic character. Special mention deserves the original Becker Grand Prix radio, fully restored and functioning perfectly. This original element, in addition to contributing significant historical and aesthetic value to the cabin, currently has a market value close to €1,000 in the classic car market. DOCUMENTATION On the administrative and historical front, the vehicle is up to date and ready to drive, with its fully valid ITV (vehicle inspection). It also retains its original maintenance book, a document of great interest to any collector, providing information on the unit’s history and constituting an important element of authenticity and traceability. The preservation of original documentation together with the early configuration and the period elements that this unit retains add important value for those buyers seeking a classic Mercedes-Benz with identity and characteristics of its manufacturing period. PICKUP The car can be collected in the province of Seville, Spain. The vehicle must be retrieved from the seller’s premises within 7 days of it being awarded. Otherwise, a daily storage fee of €25 will apply, to be paid by the buyer at the time of pickup. OTHER INFORMATION This unit offers a combination especially hard to find today in a Mercedes-Benz W115: it belongs to the early production series, preserves original characteristics from the early years, includes the little-used steering-column gear lever and the exceptional three-seat front bench, retains numerous period elements and has undergone an investment of over €20,000 in the whole vehicle. The result is a W115 with a particularly special configuration, very far from a standard unit. Precisely the small details are what make certain examples especially sought after as time passes, and this unit preserves several of the features identifying the early /8s and which are increasingly difficult to find gathered in a single car. Moreover, the future owner benefits from a particularly important circumstance: much of the economic effort and the work required to recover the vehicle has already been completed. The total investment exceeds €20,000 and covers the set of interventions carried out on the unit, from mechanics and bodywork to paint, interior and various components. Restoring an early W115 to a similar level from an unrecovered unit would presumably require a very substantial investment. For this reason, and with the aim of ultimately facilitating the auction’s conclusion, the reserve price for this auction has been reduced and deliberately set at a particularly attractive level relative to the investment made. After several previous auctions in which the vehicle came close to the reserve, we believe this new opportunity allows the market to access an especially interesting unit with very competitive purchase conditions. For a collector or enthusiast who values the early W115s, this may be an especially interesting opportunity: an early unit, with an uncommon configuration, numerous original elements, substantial investment already made and a reduced reserve price. Finding all these factors together in one vehicle is not easy today. A unit for someone who can appreciate the details that truly matter in a Mercedes-Benz classic and wants to seize the chance to acquire an early and singular /8 without having to assume again the significant costs of a restoration of this magnitude."}

Stima:€15,000

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