MERCEDES 220 BUYING GUIDE
WHERE DO I GET STARTED?
Mercedes right-hand drive ‘Fintails’ are a comparatively specialist market and examples tend to show up in classic car auctions. The Mercedes Benz Club was founded in 1952 and becoming a member gives you access to a wide range of services, including their ‘cars for sale’ section. The club’s postal address is 30 Scotgate, Stamford, PE9 2YQ Tel: 03456032660. The club can also be contacted at: https:// mercedes-benz- club.co.uk
Membership enquiries: catherine.barlow@mercedes-benzclub.co.uk
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR
Premium cars from the ‘Sixties were not built to today’s exacting standards and need to be approached with caution. As always a full service history should avoid expensive repair bills.
Rust is a common problem with all cars from this period and Mercedes is no exception. Problem areas include the bottom of the doors, wheel wells, bumpers, behind the number plate and rear quarter panels. A thorough check is recommended as once rust develops, it is very expensive to repair.
Engine mounts on Mercedes cars were designed to prevent vibrations being transmitted into the cabin. These can start to fail on high mileage cars. The same applies to the suspension and steering components. While the car’s transmission should be bulletproof, the connector and valve body issues can be a problem. Fortunately, these repairs are relatively inexpensive and can be completed without removing the transmission. Some models were fitted with electric windows and like a lot of cars from this period these items have a tendency to fail after prolonged use.
WHERE DO I GET PARTS?
The Mercedes Owners' Club offers a comprehensive range of information about the marque. www.mercedesclub.org. uk; info@mercedesclub.org.uk. Other specialist suppliers include the privately operated Classic Mercedes- Benz; www.classicmercedesbenz.co.uk; classicmercedesbenz@live.co.uk; (e- mail enquiries only) and Mercedes- Benz Classic Parts: Holes Bay Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 2BD Tel: 0330 0170612 www.sandown- group.co.uk
WHAT SHOULD I PAY?
Mercedes are luxury cars and this will be reflected in second- hand prices. Only a small number of right- hand drive Fintails were sold in the UK, as the British motor industry in the early ‘ Sixties still dominated the premium end of the market. Values as always will depend on model and condition. A 1966 230S in good condition made £10,120 at a recent classic auction in Warwick and a 1964 220 similar to Robin’s car was on the market a while back with CarandClassic.co.uk for £12,995.