Most experts agree: the most durable Mercedes cars ever built are those of the "New Generation" W114/115 series, introduced at the Frankfurt Auto Show of 1967.
Devoid of black boxes and electronic gimmicks whose failures eventually relegate even rust free late-models to the boneyard, Mercedes' New Generation cars were as solid as Sherman tanks and destined to live forever.
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Exceptional longevity, utility, and value convinced Edwin, a gentleman from Santa Barbara, to take possession of a brand new Mercedes 220D on May 13, 1969, just a few weeks before Neil Armstrong set foot on the Moon.
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Edwin's '69 Mercedes was one of the last cars to receive the highly cherished, irreplaceable California black-and-gold license plates, which it still carries, front and back!
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Edwin intended to get his money's worth from his Benz; he pledged to grow old with it and keep it for the rest of his life; and he did!
Quite understandibly, he was very upset when the original 2.2-liter, 60-horsepower Diesel engine expired prematurely in 1973. Edwin filed a warranty claim with Butt's Buick, the local Mercedes-Benz dealer; however, the factory in Stuttgart declined his request. Determined not to spend another dime with Daimler's heirs, he asked his son Bruce for advice.
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Bruce owns a reputable automobile repair shop in Santa Barbara, and did what any proud American in his shoes would have done: remove the moribund Teutonic oil burner and replace it with a chunk of Detroit iron, an engine he was certain would last a lifetime inside the Mercedes' healthy body. The transplant was done to such a high standard that everything looks bone stock to the casual observer, just like it came this way from the factory!
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What found its way into the extremely clean engine bay? Why, it's a genuine, All-American, corn-fed 5-liter Ford small block V8! This one features about four times the power output of the original M-B Diesel and runs on unleaded gasoline. Due to some ingenious packaging, even the original Ford cast iron exhaust manifolds could be accommodated. Power disc brakes and power steering were retained as well.
Battery and water pump have just been replaced.
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Examining the Mercedes' sleek body lines, be assured that everything you see here is factory original. The car has never been apart and the doors still close with the characteristic Mercedes-Benz bank vault sound.
There has never been any rust anywhere, nor has this car ever been involved in an accident, we guarantee it!
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Most of the glossy 'Horizon Blue' (code 304) paint was applied at the factory in Germany, back in '69; as far as we are able to establish, just the decklid has ever been refinished. There are no scratches or bubbles anywhere, just a few shallow door dings here and there, too insignificant to show in these photos.
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Complimenting the classic appearance perfectly are the stock, date-coded 6 x 14" steel wheels, complete with painted and polished factory aluminum wheel covers. Road rash? None. Tires all around are radials of the dimension 195/70 14, with plenty of tread left.
Take a peek beyond the wheels and check out the virginal inner wheel wells!
Clean? You bet!
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220's interior exudes all the Gemütlichkeit of the Obersalzberg Bratwursthaus in Bavaria. Solid elegance is the main theme; richly embossed blue MB-TEX (instead of cheap Naugahyde), a sparkling clean headliner, chrome-plated fittings, and the traditional square weave carpeting provide a cozy atmosphere.
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Seated in the captain's chair and looking ahead, we admire that big "ocean liner" steering wheel. The dash top is beautifully preserved, with just a few hairline splits; heater levers look perfect and move smoothly. Instruments, lights, switches, windows: everything works flawlessly, except the clock.
A special treat awaits when you're ready to start the car, as the original starting procedure of the Diesel has been retained: turn the ignition key, then pull the glow plug heater knob and the engine comes to life!
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Seats are wide and firm, covers are flawless. Side panels, carpeting, weatherstripping . . . everything proves to be fantastically preserved and ready for another 38 years of use. Leg room even for extremely tall people is in a class of its own; even an NBA athlete will be able to stretch his legs in this Mercedes!
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There is also plenty of room in the rear passenger compartment, even for full-figured and long-legged people. The build quality of the W115 is unsurpassed; a brand new Mercedes-Benz could not hold a candle to the achievement of the /8-series. Sad but true: they don't make 'em like this anymore.
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Ready for the test drive?
So are we, but before we take off, there are two more areas to inspect: the trunk and the undercarriage!
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The cavernous trunk is big enough to swallow several bicycles at once. Its rust free floor is still protected by the original gray rubber trunk mat.
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The spare, jacking equipment, and all the remote corners, usually neglected, are clean as a whistle.
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Undercarriage is still showing factory paint and remainder of protective, semi-transparent Cosmoline wax coating. You're looking at the proverbial, 100% rust free California car!
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Let's drive!
Saturday, December 1, 2007 turned out to be another perfect day in paradise. In the early afternoon, we took the Mercedes on a road trip from San Buenaventura via Channel Islands to Pacific Coast Highway.
Clark Kent--yep, this car has a nickname--scoots right along, its true nature hidden below a virtually impenetrable armor of Teutonic steel.
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Clark Kent's road manners are impeccable. Front end is tight, the power steering very precise, and the power-assisted 4-wheel disc brakes anchor the car with the authority of a parachute. No question, this is a super solid, super clean, and super safe car!
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Best of all, you can instantly turn Clark Kent into Superman. Just push your right foot down to the metal and . . . holy smokes, Lois Lane! . . . this unassuming "Diesel" will light up its hind donuts and shoot forward in a haze of rubber.
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Admiring looks, thumbs up, and many smiles along the way confirm what we knew all along: everybody loves this car! Being one of the finest, best preserved 220s in the country, it deserves a new owner who will cherish it forever.
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A magnificent Hot Rod in disguise, a fun car, a reliable daily commuter, an adult toy, Clark Kent is smog exempt and qualifies for utmost affordable classic car insurance.
It's the best of all worlds!