Auction Pick of the Week: 1967 Mercedes-Benz 200 D

There was a time when Mercedes-Benz vehicles and diesel engines went hand in hand, starting with the 1936 260 D and ending, for American buyers, in 2017. While newer diesel-powered cars have some dark historical clouds above them, it’s nothing but blue skies for a classic Mercedes. Consider the OM615 diesel powerplant in this 1967 Mercedes 200 D, whose engine’s meager output (around 55 horsepower) is overshadowed by its legendary durability. Mercedes diesels are adored across the U.S., and this Palm Springs–based example looks to be living its best life in a city passionate about preserving classic cars and modernist architecture.

Both building and car make an excellent pairing. Together, they would qualify as a tourist trap in this iconic city. as this W110–bodied Mercedes 200 D still wears the vestiges of mid-century tailfins on its quarter panels. It’s all very space-age, though with German sensibility in place of American ostentatiousness.  This example presents well in the photos provided: It was purchased new in San Francisco and remained with the original owner’s family until 2021. Mercedes’ famous color-keyed wheel covers remain intact, but the seller states the tires have aged out. The next owner will need to replace them.

Watch out for the gloriously chromed grille when you sneak a peek at the four-cylinder OM615 diesel engine under the Mercedes’ hood. The seller states the vehicle was recently inspected in Palm Springs, receiving fluid servicing and a new battery in the process. The honest condition of the engine bay is refreshing; there’s no added shine from engine-dressing sprays. Instead, we find a straightforward representation of the iconic Mercedes diesel. Behind the mill is a four-speed manual transmission to ensure you have the most control over its torquey power curve.

The interior presents as well as you’d expect from an antique with such a long ownership history with one family. While the seller states the steering wheel is cracked (an issue easily remedied by yourself or others) the rest of the interior looks fantastic. The headlining appears clean and tight, and the seats have been reupholstered in fresh MB-Tex vinyl. A Becker Mexico radio provides period-correct audio to go with the vintage diesel soundtrack.

As of this writing, this W110-chassis Mercedes diesel has six days left on a no-reserve auction. Bidding is currently significantly less than what a clean and well-cared-for model would appraise for on the Hagerty valuation tool. The high bidder is likely to get a diesel Mercedes in wonderful condition, and we hope they love it as much as the original owner has.

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