1965 Mercedes 230 W111 230 S

Mercedes-Benz 230 S “Fintail” – Replica Historic Rally Argentina 1962

This 1965 Mercedes 230 S is an evocative example of the famed executive saloon from the W111 generation, nicknamed “Fintail” for its distinctive rear fins. It’s presented in period-correct livery, inspired by the winning car at the 1962 Gran Premio Turismo d’Argentina, driven by the all-female Swedish duo Ewy Rosqvist and Ursula Wirth.

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Mechanical and Performance

• Engine: Replaced with an original M180 unit, 2. 3 litres, six-cylinder in-line, approx. 120 hp

• Transmission: Four-speed manual, rear-wheel drive

• Indicated mileage: 20, 500 km (not certified)

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History of the Vehicle

• Originally intended for the Italian consulate in Cairo (Egypt)

• Engine replaced in 1979 at 207, 574 km by Mercedes-Benz Roma

• Restored in 2006 by Valerio Bettoja, former president and founder of the Mercedes-Benz Club Italia, who applied the current rally livery

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Equipment and Features

• Painted in sky blue with a contrasting white roof, numerous period decals and number 57 on both front doors

• Red leather interior, with a lower dashboard custom-made to house rally instrumentation, auxiliary controls, a mandorla-pattern alloy pedal board, and an extinguisher in the passenger compartment

• 15” steel wheels with General Ultimax Comfort tyres

• Original Behr air-conditioning system

• Additional modifications: auxiliary lights, twin-tone horns, non-original power steering

• Included documentation: original invoice, original handbooks, parts catalogue, spare key, various documents, ASI, ACI Storico and FIVA certifications

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Most Recent Maintenance

Replaced brakes, front brake hoses, steering tie-rods, front wheel bearings, gearbox and differential oil, brake fluid