W115 1971 mercedes-benz 220 Gas

This is the ad from last fall that attracted me to the car. I purchased the car as a winter project.

“I'm testing the water on selling/trading my 1971 Mercedes 220 with a nice story. I'm the 3rd owner. Original owner, local college professor and ID State representative bought it while in Germany and shipped it back to the US where he drove it until he was unable to, and it was parked but still maintained. He passed in 2003 the last year indicated on the plates. The 2nd owner was given possession with the sale of the house, towed it to his shop where it sat, then passed to me. The mileage is accurate, 144k, original owner kept meticulous records of miles, gallons and price/gal. in a notebook. There is still plastic wrap on the visors and the roadside kit! Hubcaps and emblems are all here. So, here's the good: I put new tires on it 2 years ago to get it home, the carburetor has been professionally rebuilt but needs to be put back on and the interior is flawless. The bad: it will need the tank drained, a battery, fuses replaced, paint is faded some needs overall general maintenance. Open to just about any offer or trade.”

Service records.

A folder full of service records primarily from the local MB dealer. The incredible additional documentation is two log books Dr. Wesche recorded all gas purchases with gallons and cost as well as the repairs supported by dealer receipts.

Since purchasing I have done the following:

All fluids and filters replaced.

Oil and filter

Automatic Transmission filter and fluid

Power Steering Fluid

Radiator Fluid

Brake Fluid

Calipers are free and have plenty of life in the pads. In bleeding the system, the original flex hoses at the calipers had internally swollen preventing flushing. I replaced all 4.

The alternator is new due to a bad diode in the original. The car is equipped with AC which required removing the AC mounting bracket from the engine with the compressor attached (an all-day project). While removed I also replaced the water pump since it was easily accessible.

I replaced the original AC compressor with a new one (not rebuilt) and included with the car is a new expansion valve and dryer. I do not have the appropriate tools to evacuate the system and charge with 134 Freon.

I sourced a NOS gearshift indicator cable (connects shift lever to indicator on dash). Its installed but will need adjusting.

The paint is original single stage 181H beige-gray. Shows well. Included is a jar of touchup paint. I touched up a dime size chip in the front driver’s fender. Aside from a small dent in the right rear fender the car has no other major damage. Idaho is a dry high desert, and the car is rust free including the areas under the interior carpet and trunk mat (minor surface rust only) and undercarriage.

As stated in the original listing the interior is immaculate aside from a drooping headliner. The factory carpet has aftermarket pads on top. The fading marks on the original carpet suggest the car has always had pads on top. I sourced OEM($$) front and rear glass seals and a replacement headliner which are included with the car. I can’t find a reliable source here to pull the glass and R&R headliner. Dash and speaker grill are free from cracks. The steering wheel does have some cracks (typical for these cars). Overseas purchased MBs were required to have the red a safety triangle when parked. It is a present and is included with the car. The car has the original first aid kit. The clock does not work.

The working radio is aftermarket but with the car came a Becker Europa AM/FM radio (mono) which I believe is the original. Function is unknown.

Cruise control was not an option in 71 but the car has what appears to be a dealer installed aftermarket (vacuum type like the early 123s) installed. Function unknown.

After getting the car running, I took it to Oscar, semi-retired master MB mechanic and long-time friend for final tweaking. Cylinder compressions are 155,155,155,153. New plug wires, a set of points and the car runs well. I have driven the car approximately 500 miles including on the interstate at 70mph. It tracks well with no strange noises or vibrations

I’ve made every attempt to document the car. The car is 53 years old, appears to have had a loving care. It is sold as is without warranty

Clear Idaho title in hand in my name. Cash or certified check only.

Happy to answer questions: Fred 2088614765