Lot details
Registration No: EU-Reg
Chassis No: 11304412023821
Mot Expiry: None

This rare left-hand drive California Coupe has formed part of the Dick Van Dijk collection since December 1989, and though initially employed as a particularly memorable company car, has spent the vast majority of the last 25 years on display in his private museum. A notably late W113 model - production of the R107 Series cars began that year - it boasts power steering, automatic transmission and four-wheel disc brakes and was delivered new to Friedrich Ebbrecht of Gottingen who retained it for 3.5 years. Title then passed to Johann Bruren Automobilverkaufer of Duisberg for a similar period. Karl Maehler, also of Duisberg, was the only other keeper before Mr Van Dijk, and he kept it for over 11.5 years. Being a California Coupe it has a detachable hardtop and fold-down rear seat, but no hood. However, there are now various companies who can supply / install a soft-top and associated framework if a new owner so desires.

Mr Van Dijk apparently purchased the Benz on the understanding it had undergone some restoration work courtesy of Mercedes-Benz, but it is unclear whether that reference related to the factory or a franchised dealer. A sticker affixed to one of the hardtop's windows indicates that the car was provided with a Dinol rust proofing treatment by Karosserie Helmut Struchholz of Duisberg. Another point of note is that, unlike most Pagoda-topped Benz's, this one appears to still possess its original inner front wings, complete with ventilation holes. The spare wheel retains its original cover and the car comes complete with a tool roll containing various Mercedes-Benz branded spanners. The car is still White as per its factory body plate and sports contrasting Red interior trim. Our inspection found the Benz to start easily and run well, and we certainly consider it to be more authentic than the majority of restored Pagodas we have encountered.