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Four-Speed Fintail: 1966 Mercedes-Benz 230S

It’s extremely hard finding a Mercedes-Benz model with a manual gearbox, with the option to row your own gears becoming scarcer with newer models. Though this 1966 Benz 230S that is available here on eBay needs some work, it is a running example with a manual transmission.

This fintail Benz is available in Kingman, Arizona, and it definitely shows. The sun has cooked the exterior and interior a bit, but everything remains original and intact. Thanks to Arizona’s arid nature, the seller claims there is very little rust on this sedan.

Under the hood, you’ll find a 2.2-liter inline 6-cylinder engine that includes the sought after Zenith dual carburetor system. The engine pairs to a 4-speed manual transmission to drive the rear wheels, and the combination has seen 80,528 miles. Though the previous owner removed the gas tank because of stale gasoline, the engine runs with a small external tank of fresh gas.

At the time of this article being written, bidding for this Benz is at just $1,000, though that price will surely increase. Personally, I’d get this sedan running like a top, recover the seats, and place it on some air suspension. What would you do with this elegant sedan?

Comments

  1. Avatar Bluetec 320 Member

    I would put a diesel in it. OM606 or OM642

    Like 5
  2. Avatar tirefriar

    I really dig this car. Unfortunately its an instance when a well sorted example in very good to excellent condition can be found less money than it would take to restore the one offered here. As it currently sits its a great solid parts car or a veeerrryyyy long term restoration project.

    Like 5
    • Avatar Natalie

      I had a 1967 230 4dr. when I was 20. Loved it!!
      So I would hug it!! And hug it!!
      Would anyone like to give me this beautiful car??

      Like 2
      • Avatar jason harrison

        I had a 1968 200 when I was twenty , still my favorite car. 4 speed column shift, awesome car , looked a bit too much like a London taxi from the front people kept trying to hail me . I put a red Christmas ball on the front when the Mercedes star was stolen..

        Like 2
  3. Avatar David F Member

    It is indeed a sad example. These engines tend to blow head gaskets and unfortunately, at least for now, there are none available. I finally found one for mine in a pile of new old stock and it cost me $300. Classic Mercedes supposedly carries parts for Mercedes all the way back to the 1930s but they have discontinued the head gaskets for this engine, and it’s a very common engine. And yes, my mechanic and I looked everywhere, including Europe.

    Like 0
    • Avatar David Yando

      Been a while since I’ve looked, but Hemmings used to have several suppliers of head gaskets – if they didn’t have it, they could make it to spec. I think one we’ve used was in Nebraska, but it was several years ago.

      Like 2
  4. Avatar Brakeservo

    Your writer is mistaken, when this car was built, it was much harder to find an automatic than a stick. As for the claimed 80,000 miles, one must wonder how many times it has had just 80,000 miles!

    Like 1
  5. Avatar TimM

    Bluetec I like the diesel idea!!! That would be cool!!

    Like 2
  6. Avatar Bob McK

    This would be one beautiful car restored. Perhaps you could find a rusty one with a nice interior. It would be fun to drive when finished.

    Like 0

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