SOLD! $15,000 ~ New home, Ranch Palos Verdes, California
1976 MERCEDES-BENZ 300D Diesel model W115 Sedan
100,932 Original Miles Since New!
Special Order Maple Yellow and Black MB-Tex
100% Stunning Original Paint!
Optional Sunroof
Washington and California Car, No Rust
Three Owners with Complete Records and History
For an additional 65 high resolution photos click here
The 115 chassis are among the most durable, stylish, and sought after automobiles ever produced by Mercedes-Benz. This is an amazing example of one of the limited few that still remain phenomenally well preserved. 1976 was the last year for the 115 chassis.
Description: Maple Yellow exterior (MB paint code 606) with Black MB-Tex interior. 5-Cylinder, 3.0 liter, normally aspirated diesel, single overhead cam, 4-speed automatic transmission, power assisted 4-wheel disc brakes, 4-wheel independent suspension, optional power sunroof, A/C and heat climate control, power windows, central locking, power steering, cruise control, original Becker Europa AM/FM stereo with original Hirshman manual antenna (including original turn key for operating), electrically heated rear windshield, quartz chronometer, 2-way adjustable front bucket seats, front and rear center folding arm rest, halogen head lamps, halogen fog lamps, 2-speed windshield wiper with 5-second mist interval control, zebrano wood dash trim, Berber wool loop carpet, driver accessible rear dome light switch, headlamp turn-off warning device, cabin accessible idle control knob, front and rear shoulder harness seat belts, cigarette lighter, full spare, tool kit and road-side trunk reflector. MB Owner’s Manual, MB shop Manual, Mercedes-Benz dealership stamped Maintenance Booklet, along with other original Mercedes-Benz literature.
Exterior Condition: The Maple Yellow paint is 100% original, and is in absolutely astonishing condition! It is deep and clear, not faded or oxidized, and shines like brand new! There are a few very, very minor rock chips and scratches, but not a single ding, and the overall impression is stunning. The polished aluminum trim is brilliant without any fading. Both the front and rear bumpers are in perfect, like new condition, without any scratches, and the shine brilliantly. The belt molding body trim is excellent. Factory hubcaps are excellent although they have some very slight weathering given their age. Brand new Michelin tires. Era correct pinstripe. The original door seals and rubber weather-stripping are still soft and excellent, which is remarkable. The grill is excellent. The headlamp housings are beautiful, side markers are bright and excellent, emblems are bright, shiny and excellent. Original factory glass is excellent. Original factory signature window sticker, interior stickers, interior door jam spec plate, etc. are all excellent.
NOTE: THE UNDERCARRIAGE STILL HAS TRACES OF THE ORIGINAL PROTECTIVE COSMOLINE UNDERCOATING, AND NOTICE THE EXCEPTIONAL CONDITION OF THE ORIGINAL PAINT BELOW THE INTERIOR DOOR PANELS (see photos 46 & 58).
Interior Condition: The interior to this sedan is absolutely stunning! The special order black MB-Tex is in perfect, like new condition. There are no rips, no tears, no fading, no diminished support in the padding, and virtually no wear whatsoever. Recently, the front and back seat bottom cushions were replaced with factory Mercedes-Benz horsehair padding, and they are excellent. There are no cracks in the dashboard. The Berber wool loop carpet is in excellent like new condition, without any fading or unraveling. The zebrano wood dash trim is brilliant, without any cracks or fading. The headliner is clean and excellent, the door panels and map pockets are excellent without any scuffs, cracks or tears. The instrument cluster is bright and flawless, without faded needles or aging. All of the accessory switches, knobs, buttons etc. are in excellent condition without 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, tool kit, etc. are all excellent.
NOTE: VALIDATION FOR BEING GARAGE KEPT IS EVIDENT IN THAT THERE ARE ABSOLUTELY NO CRACKS IN THE DASHBOARD, AND FURTHER, THERE IS NO SUN SHRINKAGE OR PUCKERING OF THE ORIGINAL CENTER SPEAKER GRILL, WHICH IS ABSOLUTELY REMARKABLE! (See photos 31 & 39).
Mechanical Condition: This diesel runs absolutely excellent, and has been exceptionally well maintained since new. Its notorious and durable 3.0-liter, 5-cylinder motor is efficient, smooth and strong. The motor, chassis and engine compartment are exceptionally clean and dry, and there are no leaks of any kind. 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 regular scheduled service, valve adjustment, new fuel filters, new belts, new hood pad, new tires, etc, and all items can be validated through the current service records.
NOTE: THIS CAR WOULD BE A PERFECT CANDIDATE FOR ANY ALTERNATIVE FUELS, SUCH AS BIODIESEL, PURE VEGETABLE OIL, WASTE VEGETABLE OIL, ETC.
Accessories Condition: All power windows function excellent. Power sunroof works smooth, fast, and excellent. Central locking works excellent. Cruise control sets and holds properly. Air conditioning/heater/defroster all work excellent, and blow heat and air from the proper vents respectively. Becker AM/FM stereo and manual Hirshman antenna work excellent (Note: the manual Hirshman Antenna comes with the original turn key for operation, (see photo 64). Dash cluster gauges work excellent, including; clock, odometer, tripometer, rheostat illumination switch, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, oil pressure gauge, etc. Seats adjust smooth and proper. Dash compartment opens/closes/locks properly. One key fits front doors, trunk, and glove compartment (1 spare key included). Headlights work excellent, along with high beams, fog lights, brake lights, parking lights (side markers), reverse lights, both dome lights, turn signals, trunk light, license plate lights, glove compartment light, accessory switch illumination lights, etc.
NOTE: Notice the original 5 digit odometer turns back over to zero at 100,000 miles, which is why the odometer now reads only 932 miles. The car has 100,932 original miles since new.
Optional Repairs and General Wear: There is one small chip in the original factory windshield, which can be replace for a nominal amount, although I felt it was more important to keep it original and let the new owner decide if they want to change the glass or have it repaired. There is a small indentation between the A/C knob and cigarette lighter on the center console above the Becker stereo, which could most likely be pushed back out if removed (see photo 36)
History: This sedan was originally ordered on January 6, 1976 from Phil Smart Mercedes-Benz in Seattle, Washington. Because of the special order Maple yellow and black color combination (which I should note I have never seen before), it took four months for delivery, and on April 12, 1976 it was delivered to its new owner, a dentist who resided in Federal Way, WA, which can all be validated through records. The car was driven sparingly for its first 15 years, before it was given to the son of the original owner who lived in Santa Cruz, California. The son put only 2,000 miles on the car since 1991, and cared for it exceptionally well. He sold the car last year to the third owner in Santa Cruz, who was a Mercedes-Benz enthusiast, and he sold the car to me.