1966 Mercedes-Benz 200 'Fintail'

‘LAX 161D’, a 1966 Mercedes-Benz 200, started life as a diplomatic car owned, of course, by the Federal Republic of Germany, who ran it in London throughout the height of the Cold War.

An older restoration, it’s since had four registered UK keepers: The current keeper acquired it in July 2024, and the previous owner was registered only a month before that; by our logic, that suggests two long-term previous owners.

The engine is the two-litre petrol, which sends its power to the rear axle via a four-speed manual transmission. Left-hand-drive, of course, it comes to auction still fresh from a £1,400-worth of brake work.

The repainted mid-blue bodywork and white roof are very of-the-period and suit the car’s design well. It’s all got a good shine to it too, and the shutlines are decently tight and consistent.

There are no significant dents, dinks, or scuffs either and the overall impression is of a fresh and well-presented car.

Closer inspection reveals what feels like overspray on the panels as well as a masking line on the nearside rear wing. A professional paint correction might be able to help here, although rust is starting to break out on both front wings, both rear wings, the offside sill, and the rear panel.

The driver’s door is also making contact with the adjacent front wing, the nearside rear door also has some chips on its leading edge plus an area of cracked paint, and ‘orange peel’ is evident to the finish of the lower section of the offside rear door. The chrome on the wheels shows light pitting and rusting too, and some flaking black paint.

While we’re finding fault, the 195/70R14 tyres might be matching Michelin, but they were made and fitted in 2010 and their cracked sidewalls mean they will need to be replaced.

But their presence, along with a windscreen sticker proclaiming membership of the Mercedes-Benz Club, suggests a previous owner(s) took great pride in maintaining their Mercedes-Benz 200.

This is supported by the condition of the chromework, which is in a very good condition with only light tarnishing and pitting to some of the minor trim pieces and very good front and rear bumpers and radiator shell.

The Bosch headlamps and rear Hella lamps are free of chips, cracks and other damage too, and the badges and numberplates are similarly impressive.

The good news continues inside because the black cabin is every bit as period-gorgeous as the coachwork – and as with the rear fins, sorry peilstege, an American influence is evident.

Admire the steering wheel, for example, which features a white plastic rim plus a chrome horn rim and a leather-effect hub. Vast in diameter and yet pencil-thin, it is utterly glorious.

As are the vertical instruments that flank the prominent speedometer and monitor fuel level, coolant temperature, and oil pressure.

A thin strip of wood (which is cracked) makes a token-effort at luxury but it’s clear the engineers were confident enough in the quality of their design that they felt no need to gild this lily.

A Becker Brescia radio is fitted in the dashboard, and it’s not hard to imagine a pair of chain-smoking spies listening to it play softly as they watch fog rise off the Thames as they wait for their informant to make contact.

And they’d have been waiting in comfort because the front seats remain firm and springy. Their covers are in good order too, as is the rear seat. Britax seatbelts are fitted in the front, but the straps look old and it would be prudent to replace them.

Peeling the (very good) carpets back reveals a slightly moist nearside front floor plus a little rust starting both there and on the offside. While we’re on the subject of work to do the door seals have perished, which might explain the water ingress, and the steering wheel has some fine cracks to its rim plus a deeper one where your right thumb would rest.

That’s about all there is to criticise in the cabin though because the door cards are in a very good condition, and the headlining is still taut and undamaged, even if it does have a few stains dotted around the perimeter.

The boot is also in good order with a very respectable rubber mat. Lifting this up reveals what appears to be a solid floor, and a full-size spare wheel is stored on the offside, therefore still leaving a surprisingly large amount of space for luggage. The trim is damaged on the nearside though, and a set of modern rubber mats is also included.

Redcastle Classics refurbished the Mercedes in February 2024, running up a bill of a little over £1,400. The work included fitting new front brake calipers, discs and pads, plus new brake pipes, fitting a new distributor cap and rotor arm, and tweaking the gearchange.

The same firm had serviced the car and fitted new brake pads, shoes and rear wheel cylinders in July 2022, and sorted the carburettor and ignition system in June 2021. In total there are 11 invoices from Redcastle Classics from 2015 onwards, and Monico Garage also renewed the fuel pipes in May 2023.

As the video shows, the petrol engine starts and runs as it should. Our Man also reports that it “drives very well!” which is high praise indeed but hardly surprising because it comes from a time when Mercedes-Benz was building some of the best motor cars of the era, and that quality tends to shine through, even sixty years later.

The Mercedes also makes a nice noise, especially from the new-looking exhaust system.

The engine and underbonnet area are both nicely presented; you could detail them if you enjoy that sort of thing but no-one is going to recoil in horror if you were to pop the bonnet as it is.

As for the underside, repairs have clearly been made over the years – and some of the bushes would benefit from being replaced – but it looks to be strong, an assessment the MoT history would seemingly support.

Because, while the Mercedes does not have an MoT certificate, its last only expired in June 2025 and the only advisory was for a noisy wheel bearing, so getting a new ticket might not be too much of a challenge.

The recent Vehicle History Check is clear, and the history file includes a letter dated the 14th of July 1983 from HM Customs and Excise granting permission for the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany to sell their Mercedes-Benz 200.

The Mercedes also comes with its handbook, a copy of the factory production data card, MoT certificates dating back to 1982, and invoices for recent work.

Being offered with no reserve, this delightful Cold War survivor will be going to a new home no matter where the bidding ends.

Seemingly solid and driving very nicely indeed, this would make a charming project for anyone with an interest in spies and spying, as well as modern European history.

Or, in fact, anyone who simply wants a simple, reliable classic to potter about in.

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £5,000 - £8,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at THE MARKET HQ in South Oxfordshire. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays (apart from Bank Holidays) between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.