Mercedes-Benz 230
This immaculately maintained four-cylinder Mercedes saloon is definitely a vision in back-in-vogue beige (or Ivory Pearl)
What’s it like TO drive?
There’s often a misconception that four-cylinder versions of cars you associate with a six-pot are hideously slow. This certainly doesn’t seem to be the case here, with a bulletproof torquey and flexible 2299cc engine giving excellent bottom to mid-range acceleration, allied to a sympathetic four-speed automatic gearbox. The car happily winds up to motorway speeds and eats up the miles without fluster. The power steering offers a surprising amount of communication and the car corners quickly without fluster. Everything here seems just right, as if we are driving something hewn from solid materials rather than merely built. The brakes inspire confidence too.
Bodywork check
You can’t help but love the vast expanses of beige which, to be honest, do suit the car’s lines really well. Every bit of the bodywork looks original and the car is immaculate. Even the wheelarches and front valance are pristine. The vast radiator grille has nothing more than the tiniest surface marks, which would easily buff out. Even the trim is crease free. The rather fine wheeltrims (featuring more beige) are as they left the factory too, further evidence of the meticulous care lavished on this car.
HOW’s the interior?
This inside of the car seems as if it has never been used, the condition is so good. Materials used are of top quality – the seat fabric looks unblemished. Even the carpets are in 1983 condition. The steering wheel and dashboard are pristine and all the gauges read as they should. The Philips radio-cassette looks to be original.
Under the Bonnet
The car has a full Mercedes-Benz dealer service history, and has obviously wanted for nothing. The under-bonnet area is virtually as new. There’s not a single sign of any leaks – all is completely dry. It looks as if some of the hoses have been replaced recently, judging by their condition. The gearbox works perfectly, and even the casing looks like new. The suspension seems to do its job perfectly. Nothing negative to report.
Our Verdict
This car, which has been in Norfolk since new, is in incredible condition, a tribute to its previous owners and the specialists who have maintained it. You would be forgiven for thinking that this Mercedes has travelled far less than even its truly insignificant mileage. You could obviously pay less for a Mercerdes-Benz 230 but before you do, you really need to see just how good this car is. With its full history and main dealer servicing you really can’t go wrong here.