Mercedes-Benz 230.6
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
The six-cylinder engine ticks over nicely, does not smoke or rattle and provides ample power. The four-speed automatic gearbox is smooth and the car quietly effortless to drive. Handling-wise, the car feels a lot smaller than it is; it remains flat in the corners and steers exactly where you point it without any drifting to either side. Our only gripe is a slight hesitation under load at low revs, though a tweak of the twin carburettors may cure this.
BODYWORK CHECK
The striking yellow-on-yellow colour combination is a real head-turner and the paintwork is in good condition, if a little dull in places; a full mop and polish would really bring out its original lustre. The car is tidy underneath with what looks like a fresh coat of black stonechip paint. There doesn’t appear to be any rust - even on the wings and sills. The whitewall tyres are not original, but are undamaged and evenly worn with good tread. None of the trim pieces are damaged, though the tinted film covering the nearside front fog light is peeling.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
Simple and solid, the interior has held up well. The excellent seats have retained their pliancy; the dash area and centre console are clean and tidy with no cracking or splitting, though the carpet beneath the glove compartment needs sticking back. All the switchgear works as intended, but the carpets in the passenger footwell and boot are damp. There are no visible signs of rust yet, and the passenger floor and boot are still solid, but that moisture issue should be sorted sooner rather than later.
UNDER THE BONNET
The six-cylinder engine maintains the correct operating temperature and the fluid levels are bang on where they should be. There appears to be a small oil leak low down, which looks like it might be coming from the sump. There are no obvious drips; a check of the dipstick shows the oil sitting at the correct level, so it might be nothing more serious than a failed sump gasket. The engine compartment, as with the rest of the car, is corrosion-free and generally very clean and tidy. The exhaust doesn’t leak and the whole system looks to be in good order.
THE CCW VIEW
This is the archetypal Seventies Mercedes – solid and dependable. With relatively few sold in the UK, it’s just that little bit different. This one is actually an import from South Africa, with all the relevant and appropriate documentation present and correct. This would make a great family classic with ample room, great build quality and a bulletproof engine. A car to take to shows, drive every day or for when you want a little diplomatic immunity. Well worth a look at this price.
PROS Comfortable, quiet, effortless to drive
CONS Water ingress needs to be addressed