1971 Mercedes Benz 250 - Incredible benchmark example of an all original CA car

I am offering my incredibly well preserved Mercedes 250. I purchased this car to use as an interim classic during a period of rotation of my collector car inventory. Having now purchased a number of new cars to my collection, it is available for the next owner to enjoy.

Sold new at Jim Slemons Mercedes in Newport Beach California, the car had just two owners prior to my purchase. This is an exceptionally well cared for Mercedes that displays reference quality paint, interior, and chrome, and drives every bit as good as it looks.

The original factory applied paint in Beige Gray (DB181) shows no age related fading or checking, and presents very well with a nice even gloss over the entire car. This is clearly a car that has always been garaged, and other than a few touched-up chips on the nose there is no damage, no rust issues, no bubbling, no blistering - nothing. The body is arrow straight, with perfect panel fit, factory gaps, and a vault-like clunk to the doors, which can be shut with the slightest of effort. All four wheel hubcaps are painted the same Beige Gray, and present in excellent condition as well.

The front headlamp assembly’s were switched for the much prettier, and desirable European version by the previous seller, and show some very light fading on the chrome surrounds upon close inspection, otherwise they are excellent with perfect glass. The remainder of the car’s brightwork is in perfect original condition, with no pitting or tarnishing to be found anywhere. The tail lamps, and both front and rear bumpers present as close to new condition as is possible, with beautiful all-original chrome throughout.

All of the glass is original and crystal clear, and the original decals are present on the windshield. The anodized trim surrounding the windows is in remarkable condition, with outstanding original window seals and cloth bindings.

The interior, from the carpet, to the upholstery, the dashboard, and the headliner are absolutely amazing. The original Becker radio looks new and has good sound through five factory speakers. The steering wheel is glossy with no cracks, and ashtrays are unused. All of the dashboard gauges are operating correctly, with the exception of the clock, which reads slow by a few minutes per day. The Macassar Ebony wood trim is beautiful, and displays a wonderful gloss across the entire face of the dashboard. The dash pad shows zero damage with no cracks or heat warping, and even the speaker grill is remarkably intact. All of the windows wind smoothly up and down, and all door locks work faultlessly. The only flaw in the entire interior is a small split-like crack on the top of the passenger side rear door panel. I have also added two beautiful new front Coco Mats, to protect the superb original carpets.

The factory air-conditioning is fully operational, but blows cool, not cold. I have not attempted to recharge it because the required R12 refrigerant is no longer available in California, and the weather in Northern California has been chilly throughout my ownership.

Mechanically, this Mercedes runs and drives, as one would expect given its superior cosmetic condition. It starts instantly, and runs down the road without fault. The gearbox shifts precisely, the brakes stop the car quickly and smoothly, the suspension is firm and solid, and the engine runs cool. The car has been recently serviced, and I also had my mechanic replace the original fuel hoses with new items for safety’s sake. The wiring appears original and in excellent condition, and the dual Zenith carburetors have been adjusted for optimum performance during a recent service at my local Mercedes specialist. This is a strictly original, well preserved Mercedes everywhere you look, and can be shown with pride, or used as daily transportation.

Please email me through eBay if you would like to receive any specific photographs not covered within the 24 photo limit.