1938 Mercedes-Benz 230 W143 Sindelfingen Saloon
Vendor supplied images
Highlights
- Ultra-rare UK-supplied right-hand drive example
- 1938 London Motor Show car
- Extensive 3,200-hour restoration carried out over six years to factory specifications and Concours standards
- Fully documented ownership history
- No distance covered since completion of the restoration
The Appeal
At the time of its launch in 1937, the Mercedes-Benz 230 W143 was among the most sophisticated and technologically advanced cars in the world. It was cars like these that cemented the brand’s enviable reputation for superb engineering and build quality. Considered the genesis of the S Class, the W143 featured all-round independent suspension, a silky smooth six-cylinder engine and later examples gained a full-synchromesh gearbox.
We’re honoured to bring to market one of the six 1938 factory right-hand drive examples of which only three were supplied to the UK. It was the 1938 London Motor Show car, making it of great historical interest as for obvious reasons, it would be several years before British buyers could once again choose a Mercedes-Benz. The original owner reportedly acquired the car straight off the stand, having already driven from the Stuttgart factory to get there.
It has full ownership history from new, remaining on the road until 1972 when it entered storage, thankfully in a dry garage. In recent years, the 230 has been restored to a superb standard and has since been cherished, maintaining its beautiful condition. It presents impeccably throughout, retaining some painstakingly restored unusual period features like the unique UK-spec illuminated rear number plate. The car still uses its original 6-volt electrical system and we’re informed that it drives supremely well.
For collectors of pre-war Mercedes-Benz, this has to be one of the most exciting opportunities for many a year.
The History and Paperwork
- Supplied to Great Britain in right-hand drive
- Fully documented ownership history
- Exhibited at the 1938 London Motor Show to which it journeyed under its own power with no issues reported besides a flat tyre
- Bought off the show stand by its first UK keeper
- This is the facelifted, second generation version of the W143
- First registered on October 25, 1938, in London, UK
- Matching colours
- We’re informed that it has had three former registered keepers, including a well-known British racing driver
- The previous keeper, Mr Mortimer, had owned the car since the 1950s and it was them who put it into storage in 1972, later selling the car to the present keeper in 2011
- The restoration was carried out during the vendor’s custodianship
- No distance covered since the restoration, preserving its impeccable condition and presentation
- 19 kilometres indicated on the odometer
- Accompanied by a collection of old V5Cs, a post-war Buff logbook and other DVLA paperwork from when the car left the country
- A photographic record of the restoration totals over one thousand images
- We’re informed that an originality report is available by a certified third party expert
The Condition
- Restored to accurate factory specifications over a six-year, 3,200-hour process
- The vendor states that ever single part has been restored or is new
- The bodywork was soda blasted and smoothed (exclusively) by period-correct lead loading
- Eight layers of paint applied to the bare metal shell
- Superb restored chrome
- Original Gedore tool set present
- New whitewall Firestone cross-ply tyres fitted - correct period size
As this was the London Motor Show car, it came highly equipped with a number of unusual extras including:
- Ivory-coloured steering wheel
- Ivory-coloured knobs in the cabin
- Fine leather interior: seats, door cards and sun visor
- Thick carpeting and extra sound insulation
- Chromed Bosch horns fitted to the front
- Chromed Notek fog lamp
- Powerful Bosch search light/rear view mirror
- One-piece bumpers
- Additional chromed accents in the engine compartment
Seldom does one encounter such a well-restored car - let alone one of such great historic significance. This Mercedes-Benz presents exceedingly well throughout and we’re assured that it meets Concours standards.
The imposing Sindelfingen Carrosserie bodywork looks fantastic following a painstaking restoration. Lead loading was the only method used to smooth the restored panels while no fewer than eight individual layers of paint were subsequently applied.
This was a very luxurious car in its day and inside we find plush carpets, exquisite leather upholstery, burl walnut panelling and numerous chromed accents. All have been restored beautifully and thus the cabin looks to be in excellent order.
The Mechanics
- 2.23-litre inline-six
- Four-speed transmission with synchromesh on all forward gears
- Retains six-volt electrics
- Blinking Bosch trafficators
- New period-look 6v battery fitted
Representing the height of refinement in 1938, this 230 makes effortless, (almost) vibration-free progress down the road. Thanks to all-round independent suspension, it handled brilliantly and the vendor reports that the all-synchromesh gearbox is so good, it could even be considered easy to drive by modern standards.
Naturally, this car’s mechanicals have been subjected to the same calibre of restoration as the body and interior. All presents impeccably under the bonnet, especially with those additional chrome accents, and we understand the car to be in good running, driving order.
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]
Auction Details
- Year 1938
- Make Mercedes
- Model Type 230 n
- Colour Dark red
- Mileage 19 Miles
- Engine size 2230
- Seller Type Private
- Town Viljandimaa
- Country Estonia
-
Auction ends
7
bids
from 3
bidders
- Classic•••• €21,888 04/07/24
- green.c•••• €20,000 04/07/24
- Classic•••• €8,250 04/07/24
- bearart•••• €8,000 03/07/24
- Classic•••• €7,777 03/07/24
- bearart•••• €7,000 03/07/24
- Classic•••• €6,888 03/07/24
About Max Bids
The max bid process allows you to bid without any hassle.
Enter your maximum bid and we will then bid on your behalf to ensure you're the highest bidder - just enough to keep you in the lead and only up until your maximum.
Anti-sniping
Car & Classic prevent auction snipers from bidding in the last seconds to win an auction.
Auctions are extended by 3 minutes if anyone bids within the last 2 minutes to allow other bidders to react and counter-bid.
Auto-bidding increments
- If your maximum bid is equal to or below the reserve price, your maximum bid will be applied in full if you are the highest bidder.
- If you are the highest bidder and place a maximum bid above the reserve, we will automatically put in the reserve as your first bid.
-
- Once the reserve has been met, Car & Classic will make sure you are the highest bidder using only the bidding increments stated below.
- We will keep you in the lead up until your maximum bid OR the increment closest to your maximum bid, providing your maximum bid is enough to cover the increment value.
| Bid Amount | Increment |
|---|---|
| €0 to €9,999 | €100.00 |
| €10,000 to €49,999 | €250.00 |
| €50,000 to €99,999 | €500.00 |
| €100,000 + | €1,000.00 |
Automatically outbid immediately
When you place a max bid and are outbid immediately that means that another bidder has placed a max bid limit which is higher than yours.
You can bid again and we will use our automatic bid system to try and get you as the highest bidder.
Matching max bids
When there are two max bids of the same value, the one placed first remains the lead bidder.
Pre-authorisation
We may hold a pre-authorisation charge on your card until the end of the auction when the hold will be cancelled. If you win, we'll take a security deposit which counts towards the payment for the vehicle and isn't any extra cost to you.
What are pre-bids?
A pre-bid means you're able to place a bid before the official start of the auction.
You will be notified whether or not you are the highest bidder when the auction starts.
Problem with your bid
Bids are contractually binding. To help protect you, we have some rules in place if we think it's been mistyped. Please check and amend what you have entered.