HIGHLIGHTS
- AMG body kit
- Monoblock alloys
- Genuine low-mileage car with history
- Superb overall condition
THE APPEAL
There’s a lot of love for modern classic Mercedes-Benzes at the moment, with 90s models in particular attracting decent collector attention.
This one is something a bit different.
A 1997 “W202” C-Class, it began life as a high-spec 230K, the supercharged 2.3-litre with 193bhp, so quite a premium car to begin with.
But it has been treated to a number of goodies courtesy of a C36 AMG with a blown engine, which gave up its factory body kit and a full interior to the cause, making it look just like the real deal.
A 1997 “W202” C-Class, it began life as a high-spec 230K, the supercharged 2.3-litre with 193bhp, so quite a premium car to begin with.
But it has been treated to a number of goodies courtesy of a C36 AMG with a blown engine, which gave up its factory body kit and a full interior to the cause, making it look just like the real deal.
Sitting on smart 18-inch Monoblock alloys (which themselves cost the owner over £1,500) it’s a cut above your average C-Class and looks absolutely phenomenal.
Yet it’ll be cheaper to both run and insure than a “proper” C36, with all of the visual appeal.
Yet it’ll be cheaper to both run and insure than a “proper” C36, with all of the visual appeal.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
- UK V5C
- MOT May 2023
- Large file of history and paperwork
- Mostly main dealer or specialist maintenance
- Recent service including plugs
- Three previous keepers
- Genuine mileage
THE INTERIOR
- Black leather with white piping
- Momo sports steering wheel
- Excellent carpets and headlining
- Kenwood head unit with standard speakers
The AMG look of this car isn’t reserved for just the exterior, as it also features a full-leather AMG cabin, with electric leather seats in the front and ultra-rare bucket seats in the rear. They’re the genuine article, from a scrap AMG.
The specification is excellent and includes cruise control, air-con (which appears to need regassing), a sunroof, electric windows and a full C36 AMG carbon fibre-look original dash.
In-car entertainment comes courtesy of a modern Bluetooth head unit, with excellent sound quality.
THE EXTERIOR
- Royal Indigo metallic
- 18-inch Monoblock alloys
- AMG body kit
- AMG exhaust tips
Finished in sparkling Royal Indigo metallic – a very deep blue – the C230 is a fabulous looking car presented in excellent order.
The only small issue that the vendor has noted is that the wing mirror is not operating properly at the moment though we do not forsee this to be a difficult fix.
The only small issue that the vendor has noted is that the wing mirror is not operating properly at the moment though we do not forsee this to be a difficult fix.
The AMG body kit is genuine – taken from a C36 AMG with a blown engine that was being broken for spares, while the gunmetal 18-inch Monoblock alloys are sensational. It also has chrome AMG exhaust tips. To a casual observer, it would pass for a C36 easily.
Condition-wise, it’s excellent. There are three or four small dents that would easily be removed via a smart repair and a small scratch on the front bumper, but that’s it.
THE MECHANICS
- 2,295cc supercharged engine
- Five-speed auto transmission
- Recent service with filters and plugs
- New suspension bushes all round
Power comes courtesy of Mercedes-Benz’s 2,495cc supercharged engine, which produces 193bhp in standard form.
If you wanted to increase that, specialists offer an enlarged supercharger pulley which gives both a useful power uplift and extra induction noise – an easy upgrade that holds a lot of appeal.
If you wanted to increase that, specialists offer an enlarged supercharger pulley which gives both a useful power uplift and extra induction noise – an easy upgrade that holds a lot of appeal.
The car has just been serviced and is in great running order, with a leak-free gearbox that has had a recent fluid change and new suspension bushes all-round.
It’s described by the vendor as being great to drive and it holds good oil pressure and a steady temperature.
SUMMARY
First and foremost, this is a very cool-looking car.
To the uninitiated it will easily pass as a genuine C36 AMG and it certainly looks the part, especially on those gorgeous Monoblock alloys and in such a great colours scheme.
The condition is fabulous overall, the interior is lovely and it’s in great running order.
A fabulous modern classic Mercedes that will be a lot cheaper to run and insure than a genuine AMG, but will turn just as many heads.
To the uninitiated it will easily pass as a genuine C36 AMG and it certainly looks the part, especially on those gorgeous Monoblock alloys and in such a great colours scheme.
The condition is fabulous overall, the interior is lovely and it’s in great running order.
A fabulous modern classic Mercedes that will be a lot cheaper to run and insure than a genuine AMG, but will turn just as many heads.
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