Mercedes-Benz 240D Auto

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Launched to replace the iconic W110 ‘Fintail’ saloon range, the 114 Series was the first ‘all new’ Mercedes-Benz to appear post war.

It arrived in 1968 with a fresh, clean look styled by Paul Bracq, mastermind behind the gorgeous ‘Pagoda’ top SLs and the massive 600 Grosser. It was freshened up in 1973 when the W115 was introduced, with its lower bonnet line and a wider and lower grille, while an elegant coupe was also available alongside.

Over 1.8 million were built as saloons, some 126,000 of which were fitted with the bullet-proof 72bhp 2.4-litre 4-cylinder diesel engine as fitted to this car on sale today. Superbly engineered and beautifully made, they were famous for their ability to amass colossal mileages, the current record being held by a Greek taxi which has covered a mere 4,600,000 kilometers (2,800,000 miles)!

This 1975 diesel automatic shows 99,000 miles on the clock although sadly the vendor hasn’t sufficient paperwork to warrant this - not that it matters unduly, it’s probably still got a couple of million miles left under its wheels! In sound and original condition, the V5 shows a total of seven previous owners and we are advised that its last MOT expired in September of last year.

The vendor, a true Mercedes fanatic, purchased it in 2013 to use and improve, but as it is still such a long way from the top of his ‘to do’ list, has decided to pass it on as is. As you can see, it does require some work, particularly to the front seats, but it should be fairly straightforward to get an MOT and start using the car, attending to the cosmetics as and when you please.

The pleasure in driving these diesel W115s comes through the quality of the controls, superb ride and lovely airy cabins rather than their overtaking ability, although on the plus side they don’t have to stop at the pumps very often. They just ooze Cold War chic and turn a lot of heads not just among car buffs, but also among the retro ‘hipster’ brigade who seem to be everywhere at the moment. The new owner may well find himself the unwitting 'style king' of his neighbourhood merely by dint of being seen at the wheel. Cool.