1976 Mercedes Benz 230/4
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Guide Price £10,000 - £14,000
Highlights
∙Dry stored for 17 years
∙Family owned since 1982
∙2 owners
∙Original paint
The Background
First launched in 1968, the W114 and W115 Series known as “The Stroke 8” definitely deserves a spot as one of the most iconic Mercedes of all time. This is not just for its innovative engineering design but also for its immense popularity with nearly 2 million units produced and not forgetting the extremely reliable 4 cylinder engine.
The W115 uses a straight 4 cylinder and straight 5 cylinder engine which ranged in displacement from 2.0 - 2.4 litres and these were sold as the “200”, “220”, “230”, and the “240”. The Mercedes was an upmarket executive mid-sized saloon as it was somewhat smaller than the S-class.
In 1973 the W114/W115 was face lifted with small changes like a lower bonnet-line, a simpler front bumper with single piece design as well as a new front grill. The quarter-windows in the front doors were removed and most noticeably this is where the signature ribbed tail lights come in. They were designed this way to minimize dirt accumulation.
One of the most famous things that pretty much explains the durability of the Mercedes is that of the Greek taxi driver. He covered an amazing 4.6 million kilometers in his 1976 Mercedes 240D. This car was donated to the Mercedes-Benz museum collection in 2004 with the achievement of the all-time highest Mercedes mileage record.
The History
First registered on the 1st February 1976 this lovely Mercedes-Benz 230/4 has had just 2 owners. The first owner kept the car for 6 years when it was then sold to the current seller's family.
This is where it gets interesting…..The Mercedes-Benz has remained with the same family since 1982. It was purchased by a family member who then sadly passed away a number of years later. It was then passed down to another family member who sadly passed away and so on to another family member. The car was never really used and it was decided to put it into dry storage around 2000. That member of the family sadly passed away leaving the car to the current seller, who brought it out of storage 17 years later in 2017.
Upon bringing the 230/4 out of storage it was obvious that it would need a careful inspection to check everything. The car was given a full service and any work needed was carried out. Recently it has had a set of new tyres and a new heater fan fitted.
Originally the car came with a black leather interior and after the time in storage there were some splits to the seats, so the seller sourced a complete biscuit/tan interior and he also had new carpets and door cards fitted.
The vendor has made the tough decision after being in the family for so long to part with the Mercedes-Benz simply because he has no place to store the car and feels it would be a shame to store it outside and not get used.
The Paperwork
The V5 is present and shows as mentioned just 2 owners
To give the new owner some reassurance the 230.4 passed an MOT In November 2020 and flew through with no advisories.
Sadly any other paperwork for the Mercedes has been lost over the years.
The Interior
Inside the W115 the interior, as already mentioned, has been replaced from the black factory option to the biscuit/tan option. This fits in perfectly with the metallic green exterior and also gives a much lighter and brighter appearance inside the car. There are a few slight marks on the seats which are just age related and to be expected. The door cards and carpets have been replaced for new and are therefore in excellent condition.
All the switches are reported by the seller to be in working order and the car is also fitted with central locking which again is working correctly. The seller did mention that the clock doesn't work and the fuel gauge, although it works, it does bounce around a little until it's settled. The odometer is showing 81,444 which would match up with the overall condition of the car. The Mercedes also retains the original radio which is in working order along with the electric aerial. The seller is unsure about the cassette side as he has no tapes to try it with.
Inside the boot area is the spare wheel and also the original tool kit and jack. Along with this the seller has included two spare hubcaps, a spare headlight lens and a car cover.
The Exterior
This lovely 1976 230/4 is finished in what is believed to be Silberdistel Metallic (Thistle Green Metallic) and as far as the seller is aware the car has never received any paint work, or been in any accidents.
From the front the classic W115 lights are free from any cracks and the chrome on the bumper shows no signs of pitting or corrosion. There are a couple of small dinks in the grille where the seller has confessed to moving the car back in 1982 whilst his parents were away on holiday….. This didn't go according to plan and the result was a couple of small dents to the grille.
Moving to the sides the Merc is very straight and all the panel gaps around the doors are uniform and true. The chrome trim along the roof and swage line of the car is bright and free from any corrosion.
Around to the rear and the huge boot aligns like the rest of the panels on the car. The chrome trim and badges are all in excellent condition and the rear light lenses are free from any cracks.
As mentioned earlier, the tyres have recently been replaced and so are in excellent condition. There are some slight kerb marks to the wheels which shouldn’t take too much to make good again should the new owner wish to. The colour coded hubcaps are all matching and in good condition.
The Mechanics
Mercedes fitted the W115 with an M115.951. This is a 2.3 litre 4 cylinder engine which produces 110 Bhp. This was mated to a 4-speed automatic gearbox.
Having had a service not so long ago the Mercedes starts up with the first flick of the key. There are no nasty or unwanted noises from the 2.3, it just gently ticks over as it should. The seller reports that the car pulls well and goes through all the gears smoothly. The suspension on the Merc is fine and soaks up any bumps well to give a comfortable ride.
The Appeal
To find a 230.4 that’s been in one family for close on 30 years and stored for 17 of those and yet still in this condition is quite rare to say the least.
This is a car that could be for the purists or maybe one for someone to subtly modify, as there is a growing trend and a great following for these cars.
Whether you intend to enjoy a bit of 70’s motoring on a daily basis, or just at the weekend for the odd classic car rally, it really is a well presented example.
** The photos in this listing have been provided to us by the seller **
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
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Vehicle specification
- Year 1976
- Make Mercedes
- Model 230.4 W115
- Colour Green
- Odometer 81,444 Miles
- Engine size 2307
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Location Hertfordshire
- Country United Kingdom
21
bids
- Ni•••• £13,000 30/03/21
- le•••• £12,750 30/03/21
- Ni•••• £12,500 30/03/21
- le•••• £12,250 30/03/21
- Ni•••• £12,000 30/03/21
- le•••• £11,750 30/03/21
- Ni•••• £11,500 30/03/21
- le•••• £11,250 30/03/21
- Ni•••• £11,000 30/03/21
- le•••• £10,750 30/03/21
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