1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 S Universal

Very rare estate car of the W110/111 series, manufactured by coach builder IMA in Belgium from 1966 to 1968 and distributed via Mercedes Benz.

Top restoration to new condition to the highest standard.

The 230 S Universal was the top model with valuable body details.

Very authentic and period-correct two-tone paintwork in white over light blue plus a newly manufactured interior in check fabric blue.

Very good driving characteristics thanks to a period-correct 2.8 litre six-cylinder engine with fuel injection and automatic transmission.

In principle, the forerunner of the later "Lifestyle" estates, which was established with the T-model of the W123

This 230 S Universal received a new sheet metal dress in the 1990s, when it was still possible to purchase doors, wings and the underbody system from Mercedes. The original invoices for this work and material are available. After the factory-new remnants of the special trim were installed in this car by a specialist company, it will be difficult to embark on such a restoration adventure in the future. Great importance was attached to originality in the bodywork and interior. In terms of technology and drive, emphasis was placed on speed, safety and driving comfort. Thus, the car is equipped with an overhauled 280 SE W108 engine from the contemporary period and an automatic transmission, which ensures relaxed driving. Moreover, the axles were fitted with disc brakes. The Mercedes 230 S Universal is certainly the most beautiful and rarest estate car sold by Mercedes. Like hardly any other classic car of the 1960s, it embodies the style and spirit of its time with plenty of space and a high utility value – for example for a classic car experience with the whole family.

The "Ponton" models were replaced in 1959 as six-cylinder (W111 series) and in 1961 as four-cylinder (W110 series) by the "tail fin" models. They were also available as chassis with partial bodywork, which were converted by bodybuilders into ambulances, vans or other special designs. A specialty were the "Universal" station wagons, which were produced by the IMA company in Belgium from 1965 onwards. The estate differed from the saloon by a modified rear axle ratio, 15-inch wheels, reinforced springs and a newly developed hydropneumatic compensating spring on the rear axle. The top version was the six-cylinder 230 S Universal, which, like the saloon, was assigned to the 111 series. With a longer front end, the typical "six-cylinder face" and lush chrome, it had a much more representative appearance. The "Universal" were sold in Germany by the Daimler-Benz sales organisation from 1966 to 1968. So they were only in the available range for a short time. A total of 2,754 "Universal" estate cars were produced by IMA.