The W123 Mercedes-Benz gets a lot of credit for solidifying the reputation of the brand in the 1970s and 1980s as a maker of indestructible vehicles. But it’s predecessor, the W115, gets a little bit overshadowed in the process. Those familiar with the breed, however, revere them. Nicknamed the “Strich Acht” or “stroke eight,” this range of sedans and coupes was built from 1968 through the end of 1976, overlapping W123 production a bit. Available with a range of four and six cylinder petrol engines as well as the OM617 inline five cylinder diesel towards the end of production, these Benzes proved rather popular, with just under two million manufactured. This final year 1976 240D for sale in California is a very low mileage original and would be an excellent choice for someone looking for a classic they can use regularly.
Year: 1976
Model: 240D
Engine: 2.4 liter inline-4 diesel
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Mileage: 39,372 mi
Price: Reserve auction (asking price $17,900)
CLICK FOR DETAILS:Â 1976 Mercedes-Benz 240D on eBay
903 Medium Blue/Blue MB tex
4-spd manual gearbox, no AC, Manual windows.
Full handbooks, data cards.
Fully documented mileage.Purchased new by George Tillson on 4/30/76 and sold to second owner in CA in 2006 showing 25k miles.
An amazing survivor. Spotless fully original interior. Perfect dash pad. Spectacular original carpets and package panel.
Original MB Coco mats.
Perfect headliner and visors.
Cigarette lighter never used.
Factory decals still on seat tracks.
Spare original keys.
Spotless door jambs.
Becker Europa Radio.
Spotless trunk area w/original unused spare tire and tools. Perfect trunk floor. Original date coded trunk seal. Tool roll.
Fully original paint except hood.
Hood, door, fender and deck lid bolts never disturbed.
Superb external brightwork. Ziebarted when new hence zero rust.A joy to drive with excellent power and no steering freeplay.
We made an effortless drive from Los Angeles to SF area after pickup.
Just serviced and new belts, new front brakes, new pinion seal and shift bushings.A potential MBCA National class winner in un-restored condition.
Call Roy Spencer @ 650-343-7980 with any questions. Global shipping gladly arranged.
Sold new in 1976, this is a part of the last batch of W115s sold here in the US. These Mercedes have stayed relatively affordable throughout the years, acting as a nice starting point for folks to get into the classic Mercedes-Benz hobby. Closing in on $20,000, this is lofty territory for a W115 diesel, especially when it isn’t the upmarket 300D with the five cylinder diesel. I’m not quite sure the market is at that point yet for these cars, but if any example was going to bring that kind of cash, it would be this one. The only thing holding this particular car back for some might be the manual transmission. But then, for economically minded buyers, it might be a bonus. I’d suspect somewhere around $13,000 to $15,000 might be a more realistic price point for this 240D.
The following is a video from Mercedes-Benz regarding the W115 series and its evolution:
-Paul
First, the condition of this car appears to be amazing. I don’t remember the last time I saw one of these cars, let alone one in this condition. It has to be as close as you can get to driving one off of the showroom 37 years ago.
Second, the usual caveat for a 240D: “as long as you’re not in a hurry,” The manual transmission helps in this regard, but not that much.
Third, I question the viability of this car as a daily driver. Not because of the car, but because of the asking price. There is a healthy premium included in the asking price based on the incredibly low miles of this car. If one were to purchase this car and start driving it every day, the money spent on the low miles is effectively tossed out the window.
Finally, is this car ready to be considered as “Collector Status?” Since I don’t have the resources to actually have a collection, I can’t really say.
All good points, Kevin. Particularly regarding using this as a daily driver. The value proposition just doesn’t make sense. Given the amazing condition, low miles, no A/C, and of course the optimistic asking price, this one is destined to sit in a garage until it’s time to leave for the occasional car show.