1972 Mercedes-Benz 220/8

This cherished one-owner (extensive history from new to illustrate) 220 has clearly been the pride and joy of its only keeper. Offered posthumously as part of his estate, the car has been serviced and maintained from new. Ordered from Offley Hill Motor Company (Hitchin, Herts) with desirable power-assisted steering and tinted glass, this four-speed manual 220 appears to have seen remedial work as needed, rather than a full restoration, yet still presents well.

Having recently undergone an independent inspection by Nick Giles, this 220 didn’t reveal any nasty surprises. In fact, the car is neatly summarised by Nick as follows; “The original (and only) owner, being a small garage owner and mechanic, has obviously maintained the car extremely well over the past 51 years and taken preventative measures with a long-term view.” There are a few minor marks around the vehicle that reflect an unrestored car, none of which really exceeds patina, merely providing an honest representation of a 51-year old classic that’s been cared for and, until very recently, driven regularly.

Finished in one of the classic Mercedes-Benz colourways, 050 G (White) over M-B Tex (Black), this 220 is about as period perfect as possible. There doesn’t appaer to be anything in it that wasn’t fitted from new. This Benz has escaped the stack-light trend of ‘slamming on air’ and having huge alloy wheels added and is all the better for it! 

The meticulous attention to accuracy that cemented the Mercedes-Benz build reputation in this period is evident via the perfect panel gaps throughout this example. Doors open and close with that cliché bank-vault solidity and that thick tinted glass from new remains clear and looking fine.
There are a few minor imperfections to the bodywork and trim however, with some peeling of the chrome finish to the rear bumper evident. There’s also some mild corrosion bubbling under the paint on the NSF wing – partially obscured by the bumper. Some more corrosion is starting to become evident on the lower valance. The tyres appear to be older budget brands that could do with being replaced, though not due to their lack of tread.

Chromework (aside from the aforementioned rear bumper blemish) presents really well, with a highly-reflective shine that’s clear from a distance. That includes the metal surrounding the pretty front quarter windows, both of which still operate as intended. Headlight lenses, and glass in general all appear crystal clear.

The already remarkable impression made by this Benz, on the outside, only improves further once you open a door. What greets you is a cabin that belies its c.130k miles (tachometer figure has rolled over) and 51-year vintage. The hard wearing, M-B Tex fabric covering the seats is renowned for its resistance to wear and it’s certainly living up to that here. The seats show no obvious signs of wear whatsoever. Aside from some very minor wrinkling, the same can largely be said of the door cards as well. 

Dashboard top and face both look great, without some of the unsightly cracking that can occur, especially in hotter climates. Having spent its entire life in the UK, this car certainly doesn’t have that to contend with. A period Retromobile stereo – which we’d imagine was the ICE this Benz shipped with – remains, though we couldn’t test all functions. We did see the glovebox illumination, err, illuminate however. The centre console – a first for this model of Benz remember – looks a little dusty and its ashtray shows some mild internal corrosion, but we’re really being picky here. Generally, this cabin is in really fine order throughout; we were especially impressed by the carpets and headlining.

Underneath this Benz, all seems to be straight and solid. There’s been a top-up to the weather protection at some point in the not-too-distant past. It’s also clear that some newer parts have been added, namely the exhaust backbox and some brake hoses and hard lines. There doesn’t appear to be any obvious signs of damage anywhere, though we’d probably put some new front anti-roll bar bushes on the to-do list, as these are cracked and perished.

It looks like there are a few minor fluid leaks too as the engine and transmission sumps are both wet and there’s a damp appearance to the differential housing. None of these areas appear to be leaving any puddles however. The inspection reported that the car drove well, with just a slightly lethargic battery and low clutch biting point (likely barely worn in) all to report.

There’s a service sticker in the driver’s door shut that states the last service was carried out in 2016 at 32,280 miles – the next due at 37k – currently showing just 33,281. The engine cam cover has been painted in the past, though the finish is lifting, and the cosmetics of the engine bay in general aren’t improved by the overspray (likely from the same job) visible on the underside of the bonnet.

There’s a decent amount of underseal on the inner wings, with bulkhead proofing also looking largely intact. The radiator seems to be old and shows signs of a past leaks, though there doesn’t appear to be any current coolant loss. 

It’s a delight to thumb through this car’s back catalogue as there’s so much here it effectively tells the car’s entire tale. We have the original bill of sale from Offley Hill Motor Company (Hitchin, Herts) for £2500 from 1971. There’s also a load of stamps in the service booklet highlighting this car’s consistent care from those early years to nearly the present day. If you’re a stickler for details you’ll also be delighted by the pile of past MoT certificates and tax discs.

Aside from the cost of servicing and replacing perishables, the only really big bill in the history comes from an engine replacement. A ‘reconditioned’ alternative from Thanet Engine Centre was slotted into the car in November 2006 (with an accompanying 24-month or 20k-mile guarantee).

Other smaller bills are too numerous to list here, but we did see a 2014 invoice from Classic Car Craft for an offside sill and rear three-quarter panel repair. It’s clear that the car’s previous owner took extensive care of the car himself, as a garage proprietor, so M-B service and repair manuals (not just Haynes) are also included with the history, as is the original owner’s book pack and build sheet.

An independent inspection report was commissioned by the estate which can be viewed in the gallery.

This mid-size Merc has an awful lot going for it. There’s a comprehensive history charting its only owner to date’s fastidious care and some of the remedial work to keep it looking its best (with photo evidence to boot).

It has a few little cosmetic issues to put right, if you want to, but the car doesn’t appear to be hiding anything more serious than skin-deep patina. That’s the key with this era of Mercedes-Benz too, they certainly like to corrode, with many being consigned to the crusher decades ago.

We suspect a drive in this lovely 51-year-old wafty Benz will win you over, even if its clean lines haven’t already done the trick.

We are happy to offer this vehicle for auction with an estimate in the range of £13,000 - £16,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located in Blakeney, Gloucestershire. Viewings are strictly by appointment.  To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.