I have been on the look out for quite sometime now for a few quality Mercs, (greedy me) all classic of course. Around 4 months ago, I chanced upon a fair car a 1973 Mercedes 220 petrol sedan of the 115 series (1968-1976) also called the "Compact" shape. A visit to where she was parked and a meeting with the owner later, I was convinced that the price he was asking for was astronomically high and outrageous. The car needed work but was complete. It started and ran well and its interiors were good. It was a Left Hand Drive, Direct Import, Bombay Regd. something which added to its exclusivity as now LHD cars are not importable nor can they be registered in out city. Obviously the gErman Tank had seen quite a lot of neglect recently.
I gave a very fair offer and walked out, sure that he'd never call on me to sell his car.
Around last week when I returned from Pune (also driven in a similar 115 owned by a friend) I ws convinced that a 115 was a car to aquire. Not many were seen and the ones that were there were rising in their value. In the next few years, im sure it would be difficult to find one. As luck would have it, the very next day, I got a call from the owner asking if I was interested in the car still, as he was leaving town and the rains had started, so before he left he wanted to sell the car lest it deteriorated. A couple of minutes of price related talk and the 220 was driven by my mechanic (of the 1100D fame) to my place. I took a short trial and in the next 10 minutes, off it went to his workshop for resurrection and restoration. Call me mad or whatever, but thats how I am. Impulsive and I want my cars in mint condition, fully restored. It now aquires the much coveted space next the 1100D being restored. I presume both cars should be done by the middle of next month.
Through its restoration, I shall take you through a pictoral journey with this one too.
PART I
Parked in the Garage waiting to be stripped.
The last year featuring quarter glasses. They were discontinued the following year.
The side strips are not original so will have to source them from somewhere and get rid of these horrid faux ones.
The interiors are fairly good but require restoration.
Love this Bakelite steering. This was the last year it was featured. From 1973 onwards, the padded wheel came into existance.
Its a four speed, floor shift, manual transmission
The engine is in good shape. Just needs a good tune up and change of lubricants besides a very good cleaning
PART II
The work had already begun in the next three days that I visited the Garage. The fittings were off and some patch work was being done on the exterior.
....More is coming....