1972 Mercedes-Benz 200-Series

250/8 (W114) Sedan

6 - Cyl.

Automatic

Gasoline

Low-Mileage Original: 1972 Mercedes 250/8! Experts agree: the most durable Mercedes cars ever built are those of the New Generation W114/115 series, dubbed Strich Acht ('Slash Eight') in Germany, and introduced at the Frankfurt Auto Show of 1967. Manufactured for almost a decade, until 1976, and devoid of black boxes and electronic gimmicks whose failures eventually relegate even rust free late-models to the boneyard, Mercedes' New Generation cars are as solid as Sherman tanks and destined to live forever. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) The car proudly presented for auction here is a W114 model, representing the top-of-the-line offering for the U.S. market. It's a very exciting find, as it can rightfully be called a reference quality Mercedes. Even jaded Southern Californian car guys like us have not seen a better New Generation Benz in many moons! Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Aside from its breathtaking condition (or perhaps because of it), this car was recently selected to star in the production of the upcoming movie "To be Friends," produced by Rick Sawyer, written by the brother of movie star Aaron Eckhart ("Batman", "Towelhead"), and filmed in Santa Barbara county, on the picturesque Gaviota Coast. Mr. Sawyer personally purchased the car from its original Lady owner. We have no doubt that its value will get a healthy boost, once the movie is being released. Manufactured during the month of August, 1971 in Stuttgart-Sindelfingen, this '72 is a genuine US model. Sold brand new at BUTTS BUICK, Santa Barbara's long-time Mercedes-Benz dealer, to the proverbial "little old Lady," the car has retained its original, 6-digit blue-and-gold California license plates as well as its original window sticker, showing a quite-hefty MSRP of $8,151.00. That's twice the money one had to pay for a Chevy Impala, back in the day! Extra-cost options include Air Conditioning, tinted glass, the BECKER Europa AM/FM radio, and whitewall tires. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) For 37 years, this Mercedes remained with its original owner, who drove the car very sparingly, just around town, accumulating very few miles. As of today, the odometer reads a scant 64,182: that's an annual driving average of less than 1,700 miles! Let's have a look at the engine compartment now. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Inside a spotless engine bay rests Mercedes' indestructible M130 power plant, engine number *130923-12-014396*. A bit of esoteric knowledge, no doubt, but in 1972 the US-market 250/8 came right from the factory with the bigger 2.8-liter heart of the "Sonderklasse" 280S in order to meet the newer, more stringent EPA standards. This 2,786cc overhead cam unit manages without computers, electronic throttle sensors, or fuel injection--it features dual downdraft ZENITH carburetors instead--and develops enough power from its 157 SAE horses to cruise at triple-digit speeds on the Autobahn, all day long; the factory claiming a 118mph maximum speed for the 250. Click on any of the above images for a full-size view This low-mile car can boast of an absence of fluid leaks. Mercedes' advanced four-speed auto trans makes for relaxed highway travel. There's power brakes and power steering for ease of handling, and air conditioning--which has just been converted to 134a refrigerant and blows ice cold--to make things nice and comfortable inside. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) 250's coachwork is all original. The car has never been involved in a fender bender, nor has it been exposed to harsh climatic conditions. Ergo, there's no corrosion to be found anywhere. Glass is in perfect condition, and so is most of the brightwork. Note the characteristic 250 dual font bumper blades. Everywhere you look, the legendary build quality of the New Generation cars is evident. Doors close like those of a Swiss bank vault. Fit and finish is outstanding. Yes, sadly, they don't make 'em like this anymore, not even at Daimler-Benz. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Incredibly, the car's paint is the original, factory applied Horizon Blue (factory code 304G). There may have been a little inpainting or touch up here or there and it sports a few minor dings, but overall, this looks like an original-paint automobile, 38 years old, and still displaying its very glossy, smooth factory finish. Just amazing! Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Factory 6x14in. steel rims wear a set of brand spankin' new High Speed radial tires of the correct size 195/70-14H and the classy stainless-steel-and-matching-paint hubcaps. Notice how clean the inner wheel well is! Let's have a peek inside now. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) The interior exudes all the Gemütlichkeit of the Bavarian Obersalzberg Bratwursthaus. Solid elegance is the main theme; richly embossed blue MB-TEX, chrome-plated fittings, real Zebrano wood accents, and the traditional square weave carpeting--protected by a set of coco mats since day one--provide a cozy atmosphere. Legroom is immense. Even a 6'8" giant finds plenty of space and will agree that the 250 is one of the most comfortable cars in the world, Rolls Royce saloons included. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Super clean headliner is getting a bit loose at the rear window, but is much too nice to replace. Both interior lights work. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Cockpit featuring Mercedes' traditionally oversized steering wheel. Dark blue dash top is very nice, apart from the speaker grille. Click on any of the above images for a full-size view With the exception of the old analog clock, all gauges and switches work flawlessly, including the radio and horn. Ash receiver is clean. Notice mileage on odometer. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) You're looking at all original front seats. MB-Tex is just like leather, yet no bovines had to give their skins for it. No other material in the World seems to be as durable. Notice center console pad--usually missing, here, it's in perfect condition. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Rear bench mit three sets of KANGOL lap belts. Right at the top of the seatback, there's a bit of sun-induced wear, but it's nothing to write home about. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Ready for a test drive? So are we, but before we leave, let's inspect trunk and undercarriage. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Cavernous trunk is as large as an USC dorm room. Large rubber mat is factory original and beautifully preserved. More importantly, there's absolutely no rust underneath that mat. Click on any of the above images for a full-size view Original tool roll and jack. Original, date-coded spare with bias-ply tire. Perhaps the biggest enemy of any Benz of the period was the devilish rust, since the science of rust protection had not evolved to today's state-of-the-art level just yet. We've seen lots of /8 cars, their mechanical systems and interiors wonderfully intact, being carted off to the boneyard because of terminal rust damage. Sad! This life-long California resident is the rare exception. It has never seen road salt, long winters, snow or ice. Everything presents itself as it left the factory gates, thirty-eight years ago; we can proudly call this a reference-quality undercarriage! The true enthusiast's heart will beat faster looking at the pictures that follow, as the state of preservation is almost unreal. Look at all those high-resolution pictures below and enjoy! Click on any of the above images for a full-size view Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Tuesday, September 14, was another wonderful day in San Buenaventura and we headed for our favorite neighborhoods to "feel out" this fine Mercedes. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Not surprisingly, perhaps, but a vintage Benz, even one with four doors, is quite the attention magnet. People look, wave, make favorable comments. Wow! Driving the car is a very pleasurable experience. In fact, we've hardly ever driven a car that's four decades old but has remained so eminently useable and prestigious. Due to an anniversary, we took the gals out to a fine restaurant that night and the valet parked the 250 in the most prominent spot, making us feel a bit like celebrities. That valet has good taste! Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Superior ride without any rattles or noises--mute testimony to the car's low mileage. Under hard acceleration, the 250 sounds like a sports car. 4-wheel disk brakes anchor the big Benz with authority. Cruising at 75, the 250 feels as relaxed as a jogger during a warm-up session; it truly was made for long distance travel at a high rate of speed! Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Still somewhat of a bargain in the US, the /8 models are uniquely qualified to serve as prestigious and comfortable classics, on a daily basis if so desired, without any worries regarding dependability. Being a 1972 model, this one's smog exempt in the Golden State and qualifies for utmost affordable collector car insurance. How does $60 per year sound, for full coverage, mind you? Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Despite its affordability, this is not an entry level Mercedes that should be driven like a Hyundai; rather, it is one of the finest, all original cars of its kind in the Country, and deserves a new owner who will cherish and preserve it. You couldn't restore one to this fine original condition for all the money in the World. A car is original only once, and in the long run, it surely pays off to buy the best original example you can find! Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Opportunity's knocking. Are you ready to answer? You are most welcome and encouraged to view this fine automobile in Ventura, by appointment, during the auction, or have someone inspect it for you. Please, direct all inquiries to bill@californiaclassix.com or call us at (805) 653-5551. TERMS OF THIS SALE By bidding in this auction, you declare that you have read and accept the Terms of this Sale as outlined below. If you have any questions, please ask them before you bid. After the auction has ended, the sale is final. Please, only bid on this car if you are serious about owning it and have the necessary funds readily available! We require payment of the full amount within 7 days of the end of the auction. The car comes with a clear California Certificate of Title. It is smog exempt and sold "as is, where is" with no warranty stated or implied. You fully understand that you are not bidding on an "option to buy" this vehicle. You bid to own! There are no contingencies. We ship worldwide. For more information about Californiaclassix, please click on the link below: About Auction Presentation, Image Hosting, & Copyright © 1999-2010 by Californiaclassix.com™. All Rights Reserved. Californiaclassix.com™ is a Registered Trademark. In compliance with eBay's Rules and Regulations, no part of this presentation may be reproduced without written permission of the author. E-mail inquiries to the webmaster@californiaclassix.com.