This! Coming out of a hay barn or not, this 1972 Mercedes-Benz 250C has beautiful lines – it’s an attention-getter! Known internally as a W114, this coupe is one of only 8K copies built over a five-year span. It’s located in Bethesda, Maryland and is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $8,000, reserve not yet met.
The W114 (six-cylinder engine) gets lumped in with the W115 (four-cylinder powerplant) and the total production volume for both exceeded 1.9 M copies between the years of ’68 and ’76. Total coupe’ count was only about 67K units or 3.5% of the total – and I think that’s one of the reasons they are such standouts, they’re just not the common. Some descriptions rendered by auto critics have included “classic and understated” – I have to agree!
Parked in the aforementioned hay barn for fourteen years, this 250C has cleaned up pretty well. The seller claims that the finish is a repaint in the original lacquer shade and then adds, “A spectacular color combination and a rare Sunroof W114. Very little rust on the undercarriage… there is some rust in the inside rear quarters behind the rear wheels, as well as the lower rear driver’s door threshold…” OK, truth in advertising but all of that said, the body still presents itself as being sound. Additionally, the chrome, body trim, and prominent M-B grille show no signs of distress.
Power is provided by a 128 net HP, 2.5-liter in-line six-cylinder engine married to a four-speed automatic transmission. The seller adds, “We have driven the W114 enough to know that it runs and drives safely, with all electrics working properly, as are brakes and wipers. This W114 has been modified with power steering, which works perfectly, and the air conditioning (unknown, although the blower fan operates properly and compressor clutch does engage) is original to the car. True mileage is unknown, as it is a 5 digit odometer“. The original carburetors have been replaced with Webers but the rebuilt Zeniths are included in the sale.
The interior is claimed to be in good condition but it is certainly eye-catching in its resplendent red leatherette upholstery and split-free dash pad. There is some distress with the console bolsters and the wood veneer trim, but the rest of it is in fine shape. The installed radio is non OEM but a rebuilt, original unit is included.
This 250C is an iconic design and just as the simplicity of old domestics is appreciated, so is the functionality and all-business attitude of this terrific Teutonic coupe’. The reserve is unknown but regardless, I bet this one sells and someone is going to get themselves a real classic, don’t you think?
These are handsome cars in the C114 form. The shape of the pillar-less design carried over to the C123 car in 77 which has also been well sought after. This was probably one of the most engineered cars in the world when this series debuted in the late 60’s. It was Mercedes first true IRS rear suspension and this chassis served as the base for the R107 SL convertible in 72. Although both models shared the inline 6 engines the V8 could only fit into the R107 chassis due to the widening of the inner fenders. They also drive like a dream and feel much more modern than one would think. In other words it’s a car that gives up very little be become your favorite daily drive. Only downside is low gearing and a healthy appetite for gasoline.
Agree that the 114s were very good looking cars, the coupe especially, but the 4 door sedan was still very handsome. I bought a 72 250 from someone in Richmond. It looked great, but it hid a great deal of rust as I subsequently discovered…covered nicely in bondo and fresh paint. I was younger then (who wasn’t). Had to replace the transmission evenually (junkyard for $150…those were the days). I had towed it home (automatic trans) and couldn’t detach the driveshaft. I was able to drive it, but one of my friends broke the tranny at a stoplight with a heavy foot. For a big car it had the tightest turning radius of any car I’ve ever driven. Very comfortable and mostly a pleasure to drive. I had to replace the HVAC fan (a $225 item when a GM fan was $35) which included removing the entire dashboard to get at in the upper center.
With this one, I’d want to check it carefully with a magnet. A northern car near the ocean/bay is likely to have lots of rust lurking beyond what is reported. Mine sure did.
Wow. That was a very friendly barn…for a great car indeed.
I remember this! Mine was a 1970. I bought it because it had a 4-speed manual transmission on the floor. One of the very slowest cars I’ve ever owned. Could not get out of its own way. Beautiful, though. Mine was that awful Yellow/Cream with a black interior. This is much better.
I bent the right rear half-shaft (independent rear) on a curb in the rain. There are none new available. I found one in a junkyard in California for $1400! This was in 1989 dollars. Expect any and all parts sourcing to become your new hobby, and paying for them to constituute a drain on your 401(k).
With 3 X the horsepower, I might never have sold it. When I did, I didn’t even wave good bye.
neat car. but I looked at this yesterday on Ebay and the paint looks like it has excessive orange peel indicating a repaint of dubious quality. these old mercedes that one couldn’t give away 5 yrs ago are suddenly grossly expensive (the 280SL is a great example) and I recall the bubble that occurred in 1989/90. suddenly the exotics that people had flocked to were tumbling in value. I think this might be another example.
“…get themselves a real classic, don’t you think?…”
yes, B4 the down slide. Very different than the models offered today. W123 about the tail end w/that mil mi motor. This has great style AND durability.
I owned one of these in 1985. Many beautiful things about it, but it had sat for 2-3 years and had problems with the fuel system and needed a whole exhaust. (They would have been better off if they had let a teenager drive it instead). I drove through a deep puddle and the motor moved forward and the fan sliced the radiator open.
Anyways, I cut my losses and sold it on, but I still pull out the old pictures once in a while.
Most are rust buckets, cheesy interiors of vinyl, very poor gas mileage and very difficult to get parts. They do have a classic look and are somewhat collectible. The Md. address makes this a certain rust model of some extent. The transmission, I was told, is a GM unit…not sure. The paint is of low quality as exemplified in the pictures. Buyer Beware!
I tend to disagree with your rust statement. The trunk floor and top of fenders are a warning sign for hidden issues on this chassis. I see a solid car here as strong bidding suggests. I have a 73 that in similar condition only the one I recently sold is the sedan model. Also the dash is not cracked which is a miracle!
Another from my youth now on my bucket list.and with the mandatory sunroof!. Nice color interior to boot.but…needs the manual…but I could live withithe slushbox now that I’m not in a hurry anymore :)
Maybe its my screen but it looks pretty clean rust wise……..
Niine grand tonight………..wow.