This W115 240D is a rare right-hand drive survivor. It has just three owners from new and drives beautifully.

Forget S-Classes and SLs, the 115 240D was one of those cars that really cemented Mercedes’ reputation as manufacturers of the highest quality cars. These were the workhorses synonymous with the taxi ranks of Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. They were beautifully made and styled, and offered a no-frills quality, but most importantly proved to be incredibly durable over many decades. They became cultural icons and adored by their owners.

Of course it’s these cars’ durability that makes low owner, low mileage examples so hard to find, particularly in right-hand drive. These were cars to use.

We’re not sure of this 1973 240D’s original country of order, for it is right-hand drive but with a KMPH speedo, but it was registered in the UK by the time it was just a year old.

Finished in white with black MB Tex trim, it is typically spartan in its specification, as these cars were, but that’s part of the charm. So, no power steering, 4-speed manual gearbox, no central locking or power windows, but it does have a radio.

The car remained in the hands of one owner since it was registered in 1974 until 2007, with two owners since. The odometer shows 23k KM, but only reads to 99k, so we believe the mileage is most likely 123k KM, which is still only 76k miles.

Comes with a folder of history and original owner’s manual and two keys.

 This car has never been restored and remains an original ‘survivor’ example. It is very solid underneath and has been wax protected. The paintwork is nice and presentable but it’s a driver rather than a show car. The bright work is incredibly good with no tarnishing to the anodised aluminium and good chrome bumpers.

The interior is, quite simply, exceptional. It is as good an interior as you will find on one of these cars. There are almost no signs of wear or sun damage. 

The legendary OM616 diesel engine starts easily on the pull start and runs really sweetly. The car drives exceptionally well with a lovely crisp gear change and much more performance than you’d think. It cruises easily at modern road speeds and is a lot of fun to drive.

Recent work has included new brake calipers all round, new brake hoses, four new tyres, new steering damper and anti-roll bar links, plus a service, new coolant and thermostat, new oil in the injection pump and a replacement fuel tank.

Mot, road tax and ULEZ exempt.

Ready to go and mechanically sorted, this remarkably well preserved 240D demonstrates why these old Mercedes diesels are so special. A rare find.