1976 MERCEDES-BENZ 200 (W115)
ENGINE 1988cc/4-cyl/OHC POWER 94bhp@4800rpm TORQUE 115lb ft@2800rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 98mph 0-62MPH 14.7sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 19-24mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, four-speed man MoT 12 months ODOMETER 42,300 miles WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
This was the entry level Mercedes back in 1975, but though you may have missed out on bragging rights in the office car park back then, today you’ve got a charming car for bimbling around in. The engine isn’t endowed with huge amounts of torque or power, but it’s still sprightly, if a little characteristically coarse. It’s matched to a four-speed manual transmission which has a very long throw. But there’s a charm to its chunky simplicity and everything feels solid. There are no odd noises from the suspension and the steering feels correct – not too tight, but not baggy either.
BODYWORK CHECK
This body is in very good condition, with no dents or dimples. The chrome is also in an excellent state and the window rubbers are largely in good nick too. The same applies to all four hubcaps. This car wears original paint throughout, although there has been touching up over the years, as befits a car of this age. An owner has attempted a repair to the nearside rear wing, meaning there’s a mismatch between Mercedes paint and a DIY shade. However, the vendor is keen to stress the originality of this car and will repaint the wing – should the owner desire – before the car’s sale. The Mercedes wears Firestone MultiHawk tyres on the rear and Michelin MXVs at the front.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
This interior is in exemplary condition. The blue MB-Tex and cloth seats are free from staining and tears, the carpets are in tip-top condition and the dashboard is free from scratches and cracks. There’s even a period radio too. There is some minor staining to the headlining, but nothing to worry about. The seat bolster is in good condition and the seat bases feel firm yet compliant – exactly how they’re meant to.
UNDER THE BONNET
The 1988cc engine presents well, with no signs of corrosion under the bonnet. All the fluids are to their correct mark - and the owners left written markers beneath the bonnet as to when they there were last changed. A look at the paperwork file shows that the mileage is correct and the engine oil and filter were changed in 2015 at 41,194 miles, when the gearbox and axle oil were also topped up. It’s also received a brake overhaul and rust treatment.
THE CCW VIEW
This car was the Maloney & Rhodes dealership demonstrator, and the first owner bought it from that franchise. He then sold it and bought it back again – and after a brief drive it’s easy to understand why he came back for more. It’s a charming experience, helped by a truly wonderful interior. It’s not fast, but this is a great way to cruise to a show or two.