If you have a soft spot for European pillarless coupes, this one out of Auburn, Washington, is worth a look. It is a second-owner W114 with service records going back further than you would believe, so we’re definitely off to a great start. The coupe starts and drives and has apparently been exercised monthly, though the seller recommends trailering it because of engine and age-related needs. European-style headlights have also been replaced with the original ones, and the car has been repainted once. With 114,00 miles on the clock and a clean title, the seller is asking for $13,000. You can find it here on Craigslist out of Auburn, Washington.
A major selling point of any vintage is documentation, and this coupe comes with a paper trail that most buyers could only dream about. The second owner preserved the original service manual along with meticulous records kept since the vehicle rolled off the assembly line. A comprehensive inspection report from 2024 is also available to serious buyers, as further verification of its true structural and mechanical health. This 250C has also been repainted once during its lifetime, though the year this happened remains unknown to the seller. That said, the paint, bumpers, and front grille, as seen in the photos, are in good condition. This is also a good thing because these parts can take a meaningful part of the restoration budget.
Under the hood is a fuel-injected 2.8-liter inline six, rated at 130 horsepower when new. The seller indicates the car needs a general tune-up, which is reasonable with the attention previous owners gave to this car. The inspection report should provide clarity on what was addressed and what is pending. The odometer reading of 114,000 miles is also well within reason for the car’s age. The cabin does reveal an interior that has weathered the past five decades well, showing only minor wear from age. Its only demerits are a few minor cracks and a worn-out speaker cover that needs to be replaced.
While this German classic does start and drive, it is strictly being sold as is, and buyers should practice their diligence by requesting a true cold start to determine if the automatic choke works. You will also need to check the physical records and ensure the documentation matches the vehicle. It does require a new set of tires and a complete overhaul of the braking system to ensure safe operation. Hence, the seller strongly recommends bringing a flatbed to transport the vehicle to its new home. With a stellar paper trail but an overdue engine tune, is this W114 coupe worth the $13,000 asking price, or would you keep looking for one that does not need a trailered home?
For that price, they could and should do the “engine tune” themselves. Plus it needs brakes. An unrestored, good running and driving car in this condition might be worth the 13k.
LS Swap time. Ultimate sleeper.
Looks in well cared for condition. This one has the single lens Euro headlamps so you know it was owned by an aficionado. I thought these have the dual carb set up?
I have always liked the lines on these cars. I seriously considered buying a couple different ones back in the 80s. While they looked great, I found them just kinda dull during the test drives.
I continue to occasionally see them for sale semi-locally, and noticed that they never really appreciated in value.
I consider them to be well made, dependable “special interest” cars, but not genuine “collector” cars.
At todays high prices for parts & labour, especially body/paint. A car like this will could have you financially upside down quickly.
“Need general tune-up” means there is substantial risk that it could mean “needs expensive overhaul”.
Unless this car is running perfectly , with new tires and otherwise ready for the road, it is worth around $7K as-is.
These cars did come with dual Solex carbs, not fuel injection. I put the value closer to 8-9k. Picked up a very clean, all original one with 80k miles for under 10k last year as wife’s toy, no trailer needed. Definitely solid, nice riding cars with 4 wheel disc brakes and designed to last indefinitely.
Also, being a 250C, unless it has had an engine swap, it will be a 2.5 ltr engine.
The 280C was the 2.8 ltr.
These cars were bombproof if serviced properly, extremely reliable cars.
I agree with Terry, however these are appreciating classics that are hard to come by in such nice condition. The Euro lights are are a nice touch. Also, I’ll take that tattered speaker cover over the notorious – dash crack that seems to occur below the speaker always on the right side. Overall appears to be a nice example if they’re willing to negotiate a little bit on the price.