Diesel Sedan
1976 240D Diesel Sedan
- Light Ivory with Rare Mahogany MB-Tex
- 61,000 documented miles since new
- 100% original paint, two owners, factory air conditioning
- new home, Marfa, Texas
- Sold
Sean and myself drove this 240D 4,000 miles from Fairbanks, Alaska to Los Angeles, California. The trip was featured in a 3-part documentary by Mercedes-Benz TV, which you can see here: one, two, three. This car was recently sold to a gentleman in Telluride, CO who has since decided the Rocky Mountains are a little too much for a 240D, and he's upgraded to a turbo diesel coupe instead. I have to say, this is one of my all-time favorites. We have done so, so much to this car over the years, and it is mechanically and aesthetically over-the-top. As perfect of a car as you could ever imagine. Since these photos were taken we added all new factory a/c components, rebuilt the entire suspension, added a quick-glow system, replaced the fuel injectors, new shocks, tires, brakes, valve adjustment and about a million other things like custom coco mats, custom cup-holder, etc., etc. If you're looking for one of the best W115s anywhere look no further.
-JG Francis (owner, Mercedes Motoring)
Here is a list of some (certainly not all) of the restoration items. Total cost was in the neighborhood of $15,000 plus:
-complete detail (this was a 3 week process -- complete disassemble/reassemble for restoration steam clean and detail: wheel wells, chassis, top and bottom engine, trunk, door jams, interior, exterior, etc..)
-major 30,000 mile service, changed and replenished all fluids, all new filters, all new belts, hoses, lights, etc.
-serviced transmission, pan gasket, transmission filter
-new transmission cooler hose
-new throttle bracket
-new water pump
-remove and replace front and rear brake pads
-oil screen
-new Mercedes-Benz battery
-added diesel quick-glow kit
-removed and replaced both L + R rear sway bar links
-adjusted ride height-new a/c compressor
-new receiver dryer
-new blower motor
-added a/c idle pulley
-added a/c fittings
-added freon (R-134-A)
-new auxiliary fan switch
-replaced front seat padding with factory horse hair
-custom 5 piece sisal floor mats (sublet Fat Lucky’s Interiors)
-custom cup holder
-added OEM arm rest
-sourced and replaced drivers side map pocket
-new temperature switches
-removed and refurbished factory Becker Mexico cassette stereo and added auxiliary port for use with --iPhone etc.
-new front windshield and new factory windshield seal
-new belt molding
-new body molding
-complete new grill (i.e. mesh, cross bars, clips, badge, and star)
-donor car for a/c retro fit
-new headlamp seal beams
-added OEM passenger side view mirror
-new interior garnish molding for side-view mirror
-paint-less dent removal
-factory touch-up paint
-era correct pinstripe
-new Michelin 195/70/R14 Defender tires-powder coated steel wheels
-new polished and painted stainless steel hubcaps
-and on, and on....complete build list available upon request
Description: Light Ivory (MB paint code 623) with Rare Mahogany MB-Tex. 4-Cylinder, 2.4 liter, fuel-injected, naturally aspirated diesel, single overhead cam, 4-speed automatic transmission, power assisted 4-wheel disc brakes, 4-wheel independent suspension, heat and air conditioning automatic climate control, central locking, power steering, original Becker Mexico AM/FM Cassette Stereo with manual antenna, electrically heated rear windshield, quartz chronometer, 2-way adjustable driver and passenger front seats, 14” steel wheels with matching Light Ivory hubcaps, front and rear center folding arm rest, front center cargo tray, halogen head lamps, 2-speed windshield wiper with 5-second mist interval control, loop carpet, driver accessible rear dome light switch, headlamp turn-off warning device, optional right and left side controlled parking light illumination, full spare and tool kit, road-side trunk reflector, first-aid kit, Owner's Manual, Mercedes-Benz dealership stamped Maintenance Booklet, along with other original Mercedes-Benz literature.
Exterior Condition: The Light Ivory paint is 100% original and 100% rust free. The condition is absolutely phenomenal! It is clear and deep, not faded or oxidized, and literally shines like brand new. There are a few very, very minor blemishes, but the overall impression is astonishing. The polished anodized aluminum trim, which wraps all of the exterior glass and also runs along the roof rails, etc., is brilliant, without any scratches or fading, the latter being a telltale indicator of a car that has always been garage kept. Both the front and rear bumpers are in excellent condition without any scratches in the stainless steel, and the corresponding rubber bumper body sleeves and impact strips are in like new condition as well. The body molding body trim, which lines all of the doors, fenders, quarter panels and trunk is near perfect, with absolutely no fading or scratches. The factory 14” steel rims (recently powder coated) and matching stainless steel Light Ivory hubcaps are in all in like new condition. Additionally the lug nuts and hub cap clips were recently stripped and cadium plated. The Michelin 195/70/R14 Defender tires are brand new, along with original unused spare, and the original factory tool kit included. The trunk compartment is excellent. Era correct pinstripe is flawless. The original door seals, trunk seal, glass seals, rubber weather-stripping, etc., are still soft, pliable and in excellent like new condition. The original factory glass is excellent. The original chrome grill is excellent. The headlamp housings are beautiful, as are the side markers, and all of the emblems are bright, shiny and excellent. The taillights are bright and flawless without scratches or fading. Original factory stickers, interior stickers, interior door jam specification plate, dealership inspection signature sticker, etc. are all excellent.
NOTE: THE UNDERCARRIAGE STILL HAS TRACES OF THE ORIGINAL PROTECTIVE COSMOLINE UNDERCOATING, AND THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO RUST ANYWHERE ON THE VEHICLE.
Interior Condition: The interior of this sedan is absolutely stunning! It is nothing short of going to the Dealership in 1976 and purchasing the car brand new. The Mahogany MB-Tex is in perfect, like new condition. There are no rips, no tears, no fading, no diminished support in the padding, no pleats that have shifted beneath the stitching, and virtually no wear whatsoever. The original loop carpet is flawless, without any stains, fading, unraveling, and virtually no wear at all. The headliner looks brand new. The door panels and map pockets are excellent without any cracks, scuffs, or tears. The original unopened first-aid kit appears to have never been used. The instrument cluster is bright and flawless, without any faded needles or aging. The accessory switches, knobs, buttons, turn signal lever, etc. are in excellent condition without any faded symbols, and they are all in proper working order. The steering wheel is firm to the grip without any twisting or slack. The roadside trunk reflector, original in-the-package unused tool kit, jack, etc. are all in excellent condition.
NOTE: VALIDATION TO BEING GARAGE KEPT IS EVIDENT IN THAT THERE ARE ABSOLUTELY NO CRACKS IN THE DASH. ALSO (i.e. bright red seat belt push buttons, no fading on the MB-Tex vinyl, rear dash carpet and speaker grills are like new, etc.)
Mechanical Condition: This sedan runs absolutely perfect. So much pep and power for a non-turbo 240D! It has been exceptionally well maintained since new, and has never missed a single scheduled service. Its durable and fuel efficient 2.4 liter, 4-cylinder diesel motor is smooth and strong, and it gets an average of 30MPG. Cold starts are instantaneous, which is validation to its low miles, and the motor, chassis, and engine compartment are exceptionally clean and dry. The transmission shifts sure, timely, and proper. Independent suspension is solid and comfortable, and the steering is tight and responsive without any play. Recently the car received its scheduled maintenance service, new front and rear brake pads, valve adjustment, new fuel filters, new shocks, new tires, new belts, new hoses, new battery, all new front end steering components, new quick-glow kit, new complete a/c system, etc., There are currently no pending maintenance issues.
Accessories Condition: Central locking works fast and excellent. Heater/defroster work excellent, and blow heat and air from the proper vents respectively. Factory air conditioning works like new and blows ice cold. Becker Mexico AM/FM Cassette Stereo works excellent, along with manual antenna. Instrument cluster gauges all work excellent, including: clock, odometer, tripometer, rheostat illumination switch, oil pressure gauge, temperature gauge, fuel gauge, etc. Seats adjust smooth and proper. Glove box compartment opens/closes/locks properly. One key fits front doors, trunk, and glove compartment. Headlights work excellent, along with high beams, brake lights, parking lights (side markers), reverse lights, both dome lights, turn signals, trunk light, license plate lights, glove compartment light, accessory switch illumination light, instrument cluster lights, etc.
History: Sean and myself drove this 240D 4,000 miles from Fairbanks, Alaska to Los Angeles, California in 2009. The trip was featured in a 3-part documentary by Mercedes-Benz. Prior to our purchase in 2009 it had only one owner in Fairbanks, Alaska, who only drove the car in the summer months...hence the low miles.
