1971 Mercedes 250S W114 - CA car with 90K miles - All original paint & interior

1971 Mercedes-Benz 200-Series Cognac Additional Info:

Here up for bids on eBay is this incredibly well preserved Mercedes 250S. Bought new at Jim Slemons Mercedes in Newport Beach California, the car has had 2 owners from new. The car is exceedingly original - from the paint, to the interior, to the brightwork - just an amazing example of a very well cared for Mercedes.
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Finished in Beige Gray (DB181), the car wears all original paint that still looks terrific. The paint finish still shows excellent gloss and depth with no age related fading or checking, it's immediately apparent that the car has always been garaged. On close inspection you'll some small touched up chips on the nose but otherwise prepare to be impressed. The car is pretty remarkable, showing an arrow straight body with perfect panel fit and no damage, not even a door ding. I have gone over the car from top to bottom and have found zero rust issues anywhere - no bubbling, no blistering - no problems. Tires are Kelly radials with good tread, all 4 wheelcovers are in great shape as well.

The Euro lights were added, they show some light fading on the chrome surrounds, otherwise they're in good shape. The remainder of the car's brightwork is original and in perfect condition with no pitting or tarnishing anywhere.

Tail lamps are both mint, the bumpers front and rear are in terrific condition with all original chrome that looks like new.

All of the car's glass is original and crystal clear with no delamination or hard water spotting. You'll notice the correct and original wiper blade holders, oftentimes long gone on these cars.

The anodized trim surrounding the windows is in outstanding condition with no hazing or clouding. All of the window seals and cloth bindings are holding in there remarkably well after 45 years.

W114 trunks often serve as a litmus test for the car's history. One look underneath the mat tells it all.

The interior may look restored but it's all original. From the carpet to the upholstery to the headliner, it's simply fantastic.

Switchgear all operates correctly - horn, wipers, signals, etc - everything is working as it should. All of the gauges are operating and show consistent readings. The clock is working but loses a couple of minutes a day. The original Becker radio works great and has good sound through 5 factory speakers. Ashtrays are unused.
If you've been in the market for a W114 or 115 you know to ask about the climate control system. This one operates just as it should with both fans working and a functioning AC system. The vacuum operated plenums move correctly, the sliders move freely and the heater works well. The AC blows cool, not ice cold, but I wasn't that motivated to have the refrigerant filled in the month of October.

Beneath the armrest you'll find that the center cushion is still present, most of these go missing. The car comes with a nice selection of original manuals plus the data plate and data card.

The Macassar Ebony wood trim is in beautiful condition. Dash pad is totally undamaged with no cracks or heat warping. Almost all of these dashes at least developed problems around the speaker grill. Every seen one this perfect? No, neither have I.

Untouched back seat with original Kangol seat belts and a clean parcel shelf with no sun fading.

From floor to ceiling, the car is a time warp back to 1971.

All windlacing still looks like new. The sills are a potential trouble spot for rust on these cars, not an issue here.

Door panels are clean and unmarked. Windows wind smoothly and all of the locks work. All of the weatherstripping on the car is original and still soft and pliable. There's 2 flaws in this interior; an area of discoloration on the driver's door arm rest (1st photo below), and a small split on the top of the passenger side rear door panel (3rd photo below). That's it.

This Mercedes runs and drives as well as it looks. The car starts instantly and runs down the road without a squeak or rattle. The car shifts precisely, brakes well, runs cool and has a firm, solid suspension. The motor runs strongly with great throttle response and good power. The car was recently serviced with fresh fluids, it's tuned and ready for the road.

Nice original details everywhere you look.

All original wiring that hasn't been messed with. The dual Zenith carbs are super clean, not fuel stained like most.