1968 MERCEDES-BENZ 200D "Fintail" With *NEW* Engine

1968 Mercedes-Benz 200-Series Description

1968 MERCEDES-BENZ 200D Four-Door Fintail Sedan

I purchased this 1968 Mercedes 200D in 2015 and replaced, refreshed or rebuilt anything that needed attention. It is in excellent condition and has been a passion project for 1.5 years. It is a highly-reliable daily driver. I chose this particular vehicle because it is complete and has no rust. Also, finding a Fintail Mercedes with an original red/burgundy interior in near-flawless condition is rare.

The car accelerates to 80 MPH quickly and cruises with a consistent 26-29 MPG. The floor-shift, four-speed manual transmission is easy to operate with a clutch pedal that is light and forgiving, and a low first gear that’s ideal for climbing steep roads orcrawling in traffic. It isfun and exciting to drive and you willfeel good while driving it. It also brings a steady flow of compliments. Keep this car maintained and it will provide years of trouble-free operation.

RECENT SERVICE

• Just about everything that needed attention has been replaced, rebuilt or refreshed, starting with the addition of a professionally-rebuilt 1982 240D diesel engine.
• New 240D engine makes this car special. Usually a 200D is the slowest car on the road, but not this one. The engine is three generations newer so it has excellent power, never overheats and parts are available, inexpensive and mechanics find it easy to work on.
• Straight body with no dents (none!)
• Painted HORIZON BLUE (Mercedes color #304) in October 2015. People often compliment the color and ask for its name.
• Rides like new because every rubber bushing in the front and rear end has been replaced, including the two large differential support bushings. The ride is unbelievably comfortable and it tracks great too. I spent a lot of time getting the ride and steering right.
• Brand new Hancook Optimo tires size 205-75-14 were added on 7/31/2017 at 129618 miles. NOTE: Intentionally selected a slightly taller tire because the wheel wells can accommodate them and the stronger engine easily drives them and provides better top-end speed.
• Complete new brake system was added 3000 miles ago including, a new master cylinder, flex hoses, front calipers, brake pads, rear wheel cylinders and shoes. Everything was replaced except the hard lines and the rotors which were fine.
• New clutch disc, bearing and clutch master and slave cylinders installed 8000 miles ago.
• Car is plumbed and ready for an auxiliary fuel tank in the trunk if desired (see pictures).
• Rear air shocks feature a fill valve in the trunk to adjust the ride height and quality. Air is added or removed through a standard bicycle-type Schrader valve. Great if you add the auxiliary fuel tank or carry something heavy.
• Front suspension has new Billstein shock absorbers, tie rod ends, center link and steering stabilizer.
• Dashboard, windshield trim, glove box, dash speaker grill, seats and c-pillar air vents are all in excellent condition. Clock still works as does every gauge within the instrument cluster. New Optima battery.
• New horn (purchased while in India, it's very loud!)
• Original Blaupunkt radio which was disconnected (but still works) in favor of an after-market radio mounted beneath the driver's seat.

SALE INCLUDES

• Clear Title
• Original jack
• Good condition full-size spare tire
• All factory service manuals on CD (PDF)
• Original build sheet from Stuttgart, Germany (obtained from the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center)
• Complete records of all previous owners
• File of receipts documenting a tremendous amount of work performed within the last 8000 miles

HISTORY

• I bought the car in Ben Lomond, California at 22,812 miles and confirmed it has always had a working odometer. Based on the condition and chats with the previous owner, the actual mileage was 122,812 when I purchased it.
• It now has 131,400, so I put 8,400 miles on the car and the new engine.
• I managed the engine rebuild project and performed the installation with support from authorized Mercedes technicians.
• All service stated here is backed by receipts confirming parts and purchases made within the last 1.5 years. I performed most of the service with support from the Mercedes Classic Center and a few local independent Mercedes mechanics.
• I’m the third owner.The second owner was from Yakima, Washington who garaged the car most of its life. The first owner was from California where the car was originally delivered and sold.
• The W110 chassis is more commonly known as a "Fintail" model. The German name is “Heckflosse” which means "little fin." Some refer to the model as a Ponton.Approximately 161,618 200D models were produced from 1966 to 1968.
• Allegedly, this was the first crash-tested” Mercedes model. Has working three-point harnesses in the front and three lap belts in the rear.
• I recently drove it from Venice, California to Madras, Oregon for the eclipse and it ran excellent.

DATA

YEAR: 1968

MODEL: MERCEDES-BENZ 200D

VIN: 110 110 10 369289

CHASSIS: W110

SERIAL #: 369289

ENGINE: Originally equipped with OM621.918 4-clylinder diesel. Now has OM616.912 (2.4L 2404 cc) diesel engine from a 1982 Mercedes 240D

ENGINE SERIAL #: 12086264 2411213

ENGINE REBUILD: April 2016 at 122,812 milesby A&B Automotive

TRANSMISSION: 10 (manual) Stock 1968 4 speed manual, floor/top shift serial #: 111 261 07 01 B/ 5 F 155 70

REAR AXLE RATIO: 3.90 : 1

FUEL TANK: 65/9 +3 liters (the last 9 liters reserve) about 18 gallons. Plumbed for trunk auxiliary fuel tank.

WHAT'S WRONG?

• Side reflectors (not pictured) are on order and will be forwarded to buyer upon arrival.
• Occasionally pops out of 2nd gear but not an issue when torque is applied.
• Front and rear bumpers have a few small dents but overall in very good condition with no rust and good chrome.
• Driver's seat has a tear in the seam.
• Dash has 1-inch ripon passenger side.
• Windshield wipers operate slowly, washer fluid reservoir is not hooked up.

*NO RESERVE*

A list of service performed and fuel log...CAN BE FOUND HERE

Many more pictures are available...CLICK HERE