The Mercedes-Benz W114 and W115 family of sedans remain one of the more affordable entry points to classic Mercedes ownership, and as this listing shows, you can still find a pretty nice car for short money. While they will never likely appreciate much beyond their current price point, this also means that first-time car collectors and/or younger hobbyists can get into one for a reasonable price without having to buy a total heap. This 1973 220D sedan is a diesel variant that makes about 60 horsepower but will likely still be around by the time you hang up your driving gloves. Find the Mercedes here on craigslist with a claimed 79,000 original miles and an asking price of $5,000.
The details are right with this one, as it’s an earlier model with the far more attractive slim chrome bumpers and smooth taillight lenses. The other things I like right off the bat are the original dealer plate frame, lack of sagging headliner, and factory-correct color-matched hubcaps still securely bolted on. The seller reports the car will come with numerous maintenance records and that it still runs and drives; he’s even added new tires which is usually a decent indication that the car was worthy of fresh rubber. The body looks decent too, with no obvious signs of rust and original trunk badges still affixed.
The MBTex interior, as usual, remains in outstanding condition. This is one of the best selling points for getting into a Mercedes of this era as you almost never have to plan on a full interior restoration because the upholstery is so hard-wearing. No cracks in the dash, either, which can occur on cars left out in the sun. The automatic transmission will ensure this 220D moves about as fast as an aircraft carrier, but that’s OK – this is far more of a comfy, economical cruiser than it is a backroads hustler. Diesel Mercedes are extremely charming cars, so I suspect the next owner won’t be too worried about speed while they’re enjoying the familiar chattering of a German diesel.
The seller doesn’t go into any great detail about the mechanical health of the car, but it certainly looks like it’s never been messed with or otherwise become someone’s unfinished project. The engine bay is tidy if not overly clean; still, it looks every part of a low-mileage car as the seller reports that the mileage claims are backed up by the paper trail. Overall, it’s hard to go wrong with a car like this for $5,000, and I doubt you’ll lose any money when it comes time to sell it. The car is located in Salida, Colorado, which makes it likely that the undersides are as dry as the upper panels appear to be. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Gunter K. for the find.
This content was originally published here.
