I recall a time when a Mercedes-Benz diesel Fintail (Heckflosse), such as this 1967 200D example, was a fairly common sight on America’s highways and byways. That said, they were a rather radical departure from what most Americans were buying at the time. And the diesel aspect just made these sedans that much more unusual. A diesel? Really? A diesel car? Maybe not the typical, or preferred, fuel source here, but in Europe, it made sense. This Benz appears to be a pretty clean example, so let’s examine it more closely. It can be found in Columbus, Ohio and is available, here on craigslist for $11,000. Thanks to Gunter K for this discovery!
The immediate attention-getter for me is this Mercedes’ typically found “Mercedes Blue” finish over a red leather interior. The seller states that this is a repaint in the original shade but it just doesn’t seem to really go together. Regardless, that’s how this car was originally outfitted (in later years, I knew a Chevy salesman who sold a woman a green ’73 Impala with a red interior. It was a special order and he told me that it was doable as long as the customer wanted to lay out a “substantial” downpayment). Back to the exterior, the body is in nice shape, there’s no sign of rust (an enemy for this vintage MB) or crash damage. The only noted demerit is for what looks like a gray primer splotch near the passenger side headlight. Good to see is the untouched prominent grille – an MB trademark.
Listed as having experienced 99K miles, the seller states that the 60 HP 2.0 liter, inline four-cylinder diesel engine, “purrs and the transmission shifts smoothly. German overengineering ensures many more miles and many more years“. Probably an accurate assessment! As is usually the case, a four-speed manual transmission applies power to the rear wheels.
The red leather seats and door panels still show well though they don’t match the maroon dash pad and covering. Original? It seems unlikely, but maybe so. There is no floor covering i.e. mat or carpet, but the view of the floors reveals a solid structure. The seller suggests, “The steering wheel and the view through it are works of art with the vertical scroll gauges clearly seen“. I don’t know about the wheel and its pass-through view, but I would agree with the work of art comment as it relates to the instrument panel.
This Benz is claimed to be a one-family-owned car that was originally purchased in Germany. As stated earlier, 200Ds were observed with some frequency years ago, and that’s no surprise as there were about 160K assembled between 1965 and 1968, so they’re not rare, just not often encountered today. As to whether the family ownership situation is considered a sale enhancer, it’s hard to say. But if a diesel Fintail floats your boat, and you’re OK with the blue over red technicolor presentation, this is one to check out, wouldn’t you agree?
These 200Ds were unbelievably resistant. Often used as taxis here in Europe. 500 000km without even taking the ‘head off is/was quite common. Rust was a different problem!
james
I was a taki driver back in the mid sixties and my car was a 1963 MB 190d that had already done over 150,000 miles. My night shift was 15 hours per day from 6 pm until 9 am for 7 days and then a two day break before the next 7 day shift, and I can honestly say that I never felt more comfortable in a car until I bought a Renault 16 TS. The story goes that the seats were designed by an orthopedic surgeon.
1st really successful hatch I’d say
If the word sluggish wouldn’t have existed it would have been defined as Mercedes 200D. I took about 30km on the motorway to get to a top speed of 115kmh. Virtually almost no acceleration above 75km. It felt like a tank. Would put a 220D engine in it, which seemingly everyone did.
My friend bought a 240D MB on the Saturday morning and traded it in on a 300D on the Monday morning! He lost a couple of hundred pounds on the deal but couldn’t get rid of the 240 quick enough as it was so slow getting up to cruising speed of 50 mph.
I had a later 300D, probably a ’79, and it couldn’t have won a drag race against a 36 horse VW Transporter loaded down with hippies. Or a ’62 Falcon with a 144 six and Ford-O-matic. Not sure which of the three is the slowest, but they are all agonizing.
I have had a few Model 107’s including a 280sl, a 350sl, and several 450sl’s but until you buy a 500sl they are all dogs.
“All dogs”… Well, not to me, they’re not! I have the last year of the time-proven, BULLETPROOF 6 cylinder, a 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL 320. So, with the weight difference between the 6, and the SL 500 V-8, or the obnoxiously over-kill of the SL 600 V-12, my 6 cyl always has the wifey urging me to “slow down!!”. Quite peppy indeed, considering this Beast of a tank, albeit an elegant one, is one hefty Grand Tourer indeed.
all ways wanted to turbo that 144/2.4L in the waggy, put ina AOD. Right sized vehicle, lotsa utility for my business.
The comment about a ’73 green Impala with a red interior brought back a memory for me. I recently retired after almost 40 years as a car salesman and early on in my career, I took a late ’70’s Monte Carlo in canned peas green with a red interior. I went on and on how ugly this car was, A coworker,who had been in the business at that time around 25-30 years,had enough and pulled me aside and told me “Look, there’s an ass for every seat. You think it’s ugly but someone is going to think it’s beautiful, so watch what you say.” Sure enough 2 weeks later, a gentleman came in and thought it was so nice and unique, he had to have it! Paid asking price and left happy!
My father bought this car new (in beige) in ’68. I remember him saying he could’ve bought the new ’68 design (for more $$) but we weren’t rolling in dough. I did end up using it and loved it. Yes, it could barely move and yes, the seat belt/harness contraption really felt like a straight jacket, but I loved it. Like Lex said, a tank.
A few years back, there was a duplicate of my father’s for sale at a dealer here in MN. It was pristine. I so wanted to buy it, but I already have an Olds convert & there’s no way I could have a 2nd old car. Even though I knew I couldn’t buy it I did something I don’t normally do . . . . I fibbed and made believe I might buy it so I could drive it.
I owned a 66 230S with the exact same color combo. Maroon, red and Wedgewood blue. Great car and I got used to the colors eventually.
that is not leather. it’s MB tex.
but IS it?
Awesome looking car! I’ve always loved old-school Mercedes-Benz Diesels.
Betcha never owned one though!
The seller chose pictures in which the W110’s body seems to be in decent shape. Check the pictures in the online auction CLASSIQ. Picture 92 and following show the rust damage:
https://www.clasiq.com/auction/1967-mercedes-benz-200d/
Gunter is right. Lots of rust in bad places on this one. It’s never going to pass an inspection.
True,but nothing a competent welder can’t cure.
But not for eleven grand.
That’s a real shame. Hate to see it.
I hope someone insane buys it & welds it. I can’t be the only maniac out there welding up rust in a 55-YO ride.
Regarding the colors; it does seem a bit off, but stingrays (I believe even ’63) actually came in dark blue with a red interior.
What a nice,honest well kept example…..not too many left in the world like this one…and one owner from new to boot…
I have owned ‘64 190C (gas), ‘71 220D, ‘77 240D, and ‘82 300TD. The point is that these cars all handled beautifully, and were engineered to be safe, and last indefinitely. If burning rubber is your thing, buy something else.
The 200D should have 55hp not 60hp. The 220D has 60hp. But these are the net figures acc. to DIN (German standard).
I owned a 300SD for a few years, but at 100K miles it needed entire front end mechanicals replaced since they had worn out, due to NO grease fittings! Service rep said that is expected. So, I enjoyed the car until then. Don’t know if that’s the situation with this, but if so the price is too high.
The market just isn’t commanding $11k for a diesel finny in this condition (respray, non-original interior, cracked dash, rust). Check out historical prices for this model on BaT. If you search hard enough online, there is a gentleman who has parsed out market prices for 200d vs 230s (straight 6 petrol).
The German TÜV would not allow you to drive this car off their inspection station because of the extensive corrosion of critical structural elements. And welding of the frame would be illegal in Germany – would have to be replaced.
Yes my sister lives in Germany, every country is different, here in the uk it can be welded as long as any chassis or structural ares are seam welded, not stitched, however non commercial vehicles over 40 years of age do not have to be tested, however the onus is on the owner to maintain the vehicle to test standard or better & the authorities can stop and inspect & issue a prohibition notice if any serious issues are found, and they do stop & check some older vehicles.