Mercedes-Benz - 220D - 1969

GENERAL

We present an extraordinary unit of the legendary Mercedes-Benz 220 D W115 from 1969, belonging to the very first units built of the historic /8 (Strich-Acht) series. Launched in late 1967, this generation, designed by the renowned Paul Bracq, marked a real breakthrough for Mercedes-Benz by introducing a completely new platform, with an independent rear suspension of semi-trailing arms and construction conceived to deliver the exceptional levels of robustness and durability that would make the /8 one of the most emblematic Mercedes-Benz models of all time.

The 2.2-liter OM615 engine delivering 60 horsepower in this version became one of the benchmarks of diesel engineering of the era, decisively contributing to the legendary reputation for reliability and indestructibility that these vehicles still carry today. Early W115s are especially valued by enthusiasts and collectors because they retain numerous details and configurations that were later changed.

This 1969 unit is particularly interesting precisely because it belongs to this early production phase and preserves several of those characteristics. Notably, the steering-column gear lever and the exceptional three-abreast front bench seat, an original configuration extremely difficult to find today. In addition, numerous period-specific elements are preserved, including its original interior and the restored Becker Grand Prix radio.

We are, therefore, dealing with a W115 very different from a conventional unit: an early series with a particularly singular configuration, substantial investment already made, and a thorough modernization. An excellent opportunity to add a historically significant Mercedes-Benz with personality to a collection and, especially important in this auction, with a deliberately very attractive reserve price.

BODYWORK AND PAINT

The vehicle has been partially restored 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 aligned with the original aesthetic of the early W115s. No modifications have been made to modernize its look, maintaining the sober and authentic character of this late-1960s Mercedes-Benz.

To complete the presentation, it rides on new whitewall tires, perfectly in keeping with the aesthetic of high-end Mercedes sedans of the era and which particularly enhance the presence of this unit.

MECHANICS

One of the main selling points of this vehicle is the extraordinary investment made in its restoration and modernization, exceeding 20,000 euros in total. This amount covers the full package of work performed on the car, not only its mechanicals, including interventions in mechanics, bodywork, painting, interior and various components and elements of the automobile.

Mechanically, a thorough restoration and maintenance process has been carried out. An integral inspection and restoration of steering, suspension, brakes, transmission and differential have been performed. In addition, numerous components have been replaced, including silent blocks, shock absorbers, seals, hoses, hydraulic elements and various wear-prone parts. The fuel injection pump has also been restored and numerous components have been replaced with new, original parts.

The prospective owner thus starts from a solid base that has received substantial investment and deep modernization, avoiding the need to tackle from scratch many of the costly jobs typically required to restore a classic car of this age. The invested amount represents a particularly relevant added value, both in terms of the car’s current condition and the financial effort already made on the unit.

As a car built in 1969, it must always be borne in mind that this is a historic vehicle more than half a century old. Despite the important restoration and modernization carried out, a classic car cannot be equated with a new vehicle nor considered entirely free of routine maintenance, adjustments or improvements 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 hard-to-find elements in an early W115. Notably, the elegant steering-column gear lever, a typical feature of late-1960s Mercedes-Benz and much less common today than in later configurations.

In addition, one of the most exceptional features of this exemplar: the exceptional three-abreast front bench seat. This original configuration, today very uncommon in the classic market, gives the vehicle extraordinary personality and is one of the details that makes this early series particularly interesting.

The cabin also keeps the aesthetic purity of the early production years by preserving its original configuration without a front headrest and adds 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 adding significant historical and aesthetic value to the cabin, currently commands a market value close to 1,000 euros 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 and in-force Technical Inspection (ITV). It also retains its original maintenance book, a document of immense interest to any collector, providing information on the unit’s history and representing an important element of authenticity and traceability.

The preservation of original documentation together with the early configuration and period elements this unit maintains adds significant value for buyers seeking a classic Mercedes-Benz with identity and features characteristic of its production period.

PICK-UP

The car can be picked up in the Province of Seville, Spain. The vehicle must be collected from the seller’s facilities within a maximum of 7 days from the date of adjudication. Otherwise, a daily storage fee of 25 euros will be charged to the buyer at the time of collection.

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, incorporates the uncommon steering-column gear lever and the exceptional three-abreast front seat, retains numerous period elements, and has undergone investments exceeding 20,000 euros for the entire vehicle.

The result is a W115 with a particularly special configuration, far from a standard unit. It is precisely the small details that make certain examples increasingly sought after over time, and this unit preserves several features that identify the early /8 and are increasingly difficult to find gathered in a single automobile.

Moreover, the future owner benefits from a particularly important circumstance: a large part of the economic effort and the work needed to restore the vehicle has already been completed. The total investment exceeds 20,000 euros and covers the set of interventions made on the unit, from mechanical and bodywork to paint, interior and various components. Restoring an early W115 to a similar level starting from an unrestored unit would presumably require a very substantial investment.

For this reason, and in order to finally facilitate the vehicle’s adjudication, the reserve price of this auction has been reduced and deliberately set at an especially attractive level relative to the investment made. After several previous auctions in which the car came close to reaching the reserve, we believe this new opportunity allows the market to access a particularly interesting unit under highly competitive purchase conditions.

For a collector or enthusiast who values the early W115s, this may be an especially appealing opportunity: an early unit, with an uncommon configuration, numerous original elements, a 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 appreciates the details that really matter in a classic Mercedes-Benz and wants to seize the chance to acquire an early and singular /8 without having to shoulder again the major costs of such a restoration."