Remember the '59 Cadillac? American cars featured the tallest, most outrageously over-the-top tail fins the World had ever seen in 1959, the high water mark of a design craze that rapidly waned during the early Sixties. At the Frankfurt Auto Show in September, Mercedes launched its line of brand new models; surprisingly, even this ultra-conservative old-world manufacturer jumped on the bandwagon--belatedly, perhaps--and added very small maritime appendages to the rear fenders of its new sedans, which were built in this form until 1968 and became known as the "Fintails."
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Also known as the "S-Class" (short for the German term Sonderklasse = Special Category) cars, the six-cylinder Fintails were luxurious sedans, built to order for a well-off clientele, unlike the more pedestrian Diesel taxicabs or 4-cylinder sedans.
Back in the 1960s, you didn't just walk up to your friendly neighborhood M-B dealer and drive home in a new S-Class. Far from it: you had to fill out the option sheet, leave a cash deposit, and wait 6-8 weeks for your new Mercedes to be manufactured to order, especially for you.
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The 1967 Mercedes 230S Sedan presented here, Chassis No. *111010-12-095238*, is one of 11,176 units built during the model year. Several extra-cost options, among them tinted windows, rear center arm rest, automatic transmission with floor shifter, power steering, and radio, brought its price tag to $5,685 f.o.b. Los Angeles.
The car was purchased new on November 26, 1966, at Jim Slemons Imports in posh Newport Beach, California, by a Gentleman residing on Balboa Island, who enjoyed and babied it for 38 years, until 2005, the second owner continuing the exemplary maintenance regimen.
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Befitting a true collectible, all factory books and manuals are still present. The tan vinyl pouch contains:
- Pink KARDEX (Build Sheet)
- Metal Protect-o-Plate
- Owner's Manual
- Service Booklet
- Electric Wiring Diagram
- U.S. Dealer Directory
- Delivery Prep Fold-out
- Parts Catalog "A"
- BLAUPUNKT "Heidelberg" Radio manual
- AAA Report of Speedometer Calibration
To this day, the Mercedes is still registered to its irreplaceable, original-issue, late 1966 California black-and-yellow license plates, complete with period "Marx Mercedes - Costa Mesa" frames.
Let's inspect the car closely now, starting with the engine bay.
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Residing in a spotlessly clean engine compartment is the heart of the Benz, the M180 2,281cc straight-six, coupled to Mercedes' own 4-speed automatic transmission.
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This legendary power plant presents itself 100% stock and original and is numbers matching to the car's build sheet. Its 135 horses (SAE) provide lively forward motion, certainly helped by the car's relatively low curb weight of just 2,970 lbs.
Recent work included installation of new front brake calipers, rotors, pads, and hoses, tie rod end, thermostat, radiator cap, transmission mounts, plugs, ignition switch, and radial whitewall tires. Valves, carburetors, and timing were adjusted. A wheel alignment was performed.
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Moving on to the car's exterior, we are struck by the classically beautiful lines of its coachwork, which has survived the past 42 years in outstanding condition. Finished in its original color of Dark Green (factory code #268 "blaugrün"), the paint looks a mile deep and is very attractive, indeed. It's smooth and glossy and there are no bubbles, dents, or scratches; you'd have to get out a magnifying glass to spot any imperfections. The original tinted glass all around is in prime condition, apart from the windshield, which shows a hairline crack at the outer edge of the passenger side and a couple of rock chips. Abundant chrome and brightwork is in very good to excellent condition throughout, including the damage-prone bumpers, which shine brilliantly.
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Mercedes' Cognac (code #120) interior is every bit as clean and well-preserved as its exterior. Its originality speaks volumes about the devoted care this show-worthy S-Class has always received.
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Door panels und headliner are free of any rips or tears. Apparently, nobody ever smoked inside the Benz; it was always garaged and kept away from harmful UV radiation when not in use.
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A timeless masterpiece of German industrial design, the 230S dashboard is exciting to behold. Dash pad is free of hairline cracks, the natural walnut wood, still original, remains intact. All gauges, lights, and switches work flawlessly, even the unique, upright, thermometer-style speedometer and the VDO/Kienzle clock.
Note the rare, optional SL-style floor shifter for the 4-speed auto trans.
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Cockpit details:
- "Captain of the Road" steering wheel
- Elaborate gauge cluster
- Flawless dash top
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The S-Class is legendary for its roomy accommodations. Captain's chairs for driver and front passenger are firm, clean, and utterly comfortable, even on 500-mile journeys.
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More details:
- Richly embossed, hard-wearing, original MB-Tex: looks just like leather, but not a single cow had to die for it!
- Vintage KANGOL retractable seat belts, front and back
- Oatmeal carpeting, factory original, topped by vintage Kokosmatten for added protection
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Rear seat bench provides space for three adults. There's also a retractable center arm rest.
A fond memory: As kids, we used to fight over who would straddle this arm rest in my rich uncle Waldemar's S-Class during high-speed trips on the Autobahn. That was a few decades before government mandated 3-point belts, children's seats, and multiple air bags. And I'm still here to tell the tale. Guess I'm one lucky son of a gun!
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Rear cabin close ups:
- Immaculate rear door panel, unused ash receiver
- Wear-free floor coverings and bench seat
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Test drive, anyone?
Sure thing, but let's inspect trunk and undercarriage before we go.
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Huge trunk appears impeccable with like-new gray rubber floor mat. Check out the original, yellow jacking instructions decal inside trunk lid.
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Factory tool roll, spare and jacking equipment are all accounted for.
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Beneath the mat, there's a perfect, rust free trunk floor. Vulnerable side compartments are undamaged as well.
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Deep down below, we experience the true hallmark of a life-long California car: A 100% rust and damage free undercarriage. This car has never needed corrosion repair; there is no trace of non-factory undercoating or spray can artistry. Even the works-applied, protective Cosmoline wax, once completely transparent but now aged to a caramel brown tone, is still visible. Fabulous!
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Are you ready to experience what it's like to chauffeur a vintage S-Class?
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Wednesday, January 14 was another perfect day in San Buenaventura-by-the-Sea. In fact, around noon, the temperature hit 82 degrees, confirming our decision to remain in the Golden State forever, despite floods, earthquakes, fires, nuts, flakes, and the occasional riot.
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The 230S starts easily, idles quietly, drives as smooth as one could wish for of a Sixties luxury car. Even in 2009, it is the ideal freeway cruiser, with plenty of oompah music on tap, powerful GIRLING disc brakes, secure handling, and easy power-assisted steering.
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There's no rattling or creaking; the Mercedes' welded unibody is as solid as a rock. Driving position is relaxed, visibility excellent. The BLAUPUNKT Heidelberg Stereo sounds fantastic. There are no ill manners to note, no smoke, no fluid leaks, no overheating.
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A vintage S-Class such as this one must rank high on the list of ultra-stylish, family-friendly classic cars. Its bank vault-like construction ensures that it'll be around for another 43 years, spare parts are easily available and reasonably priced, as is classic car insurance.
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To find a fully pedigreed, rust free 230S survivor from California, sporting its original black license plates and being fully up-to-date on maintenance, must be a lucky event, indeed.
Here is a heirloom-quality, collectible Mercedes Benz that'll look as good in front of your home as it does on Rodeo Drive.
Addendum:
We sold this black plate California Benz in February 2009 to a customer in Southern California.
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