If you listen to the Top Gear Philippines podcast often enough, then you’re probably familiar with the Marketplace finds we pull out every once in a while. Well, we recently found another car for sale, but it’s not from Facebook and it’s easily unlike anything we’ve ever discussed before.
This, fine ladies and gents, is a 1971 Mercedes-Benz 200 W115. It’s owned by a friend of ours, Jojo Lazaro, and it’s currently being sold. Asking price? P2 million.
Before you go on to say that that’s quite expensive, this particular car is almost a collector’s item. It’s 53 years old, but it only has about 41,000km on the odometer, and it’s still wearing its original paint.
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This being a 220 W115, it has a four-cylinder gasoline engine mated to a four-speed manual transmission. Mechanically, the only changes this car has seen is the addition of power steering. It’s still in good running condition and is maintained properly.
According to our resident German-car nut and fountain of general automotive knowledge, features editor Anton Andres, this model was originally designed by Paul Bracq, who later on helped create the first-generation BMW 5-Series. He also pointed out that this particular unit is a pre-facelift model with its double bumpers, slim grille, and front-quarter windows.
From what the owner had heard, supposedly no other model of this year has been kept in this condition, which makes it all the more rare. The only reason Lazaro is selling it is because he’s since moved to the province where good Benz mechanics aren’t easy to find.
The inside is also in pristine condition, with the beautiful white steering wheel mounted on the black dash, contrasting against the brown leather interior trim. It looks (and smells) like a proper, well-kept classic.
Basically, every bit of it is in excellent shape, including the chrome trim and the wheel covers outside. The badges are intact, and you won’t see any visible rust or damages anywhere.
“Whoever gets this will surely enjoy it as I did!” said Lazaro. “[There’s] always a thumbs up of approval every time I meet people on the road.”
If you’re interested, you can reach the owner via mobile at 09189032607.
More photos of the 1971 Mercedes-Benz 220 W115:
