In the post-war years, nicknames were common for many German automobiles. The great BMW of the 1950s was called "Baroque Angel", the VW 411 was called "Coati" and also the vehicles of Mercedes were popularly known mainly under their unofficial names. The history began with the "Ponton" series in the 1950s and continued through the small and large "tail fin" to the "Stroke Eight" series in the 1960s and 1970s. Although the /8 had a rather unromantic name, it enjoyed particular popularity due to its robustness and is still synonymous with reliability and durability with its typical design. The timelessly beautiful vehicle is one of the best-known historic models from Mercedes Benz and today a sought-after classic car.

In this auction, a Mercedes 220 D/8 of the W115 series is offered. The cream-colored sedan, produced in 1969, was first registered in the same year and has since been owned by three owners in Germany and Austria. The vehicle with the FIN 11511010083862 has matching numbers and is fully ready to drive. In current ownership, the /8 is accident-free. The very well-preserved historic automobile is currently not registered, but has a TÜV certificate valid until July 2023 and will be handed over to the future owner with the original key sets.

The Mercedes 220 of the W115 series presents itself in an elegant cream-coloured look, which has been refreshed in some places. Repainting was carried out on the wheel arches and the tailgate, in some places, especially in the front area, there are color impairments. These were due to stone chipping, on the left rear wheel arch a scratch clouds the otherwise very beautiful look. Dents, dents or other damage could not be detected, and no corrosion infestation could be detected on the body, which has remained unchanged for more than 50 years.

Steel rims from Mercedes Benz are mounted on the well-preserved historic vehicle, which are equipped with the manufacturer's matching hubcaps. The Michelin tyres should be replaced after one season at the latest, but the brakes are in generally good condition. No modifications were made to the chassis, and no defects or damage could be found on the associated components.

The interior harmonises wonderfully with the exterior paint and is kept in an elegant shade of red. To design the comfortable furniture, a combination of leather and velour was used for the seats, the footwell is lined with robust mats. The interior trim of the side doors is also covered with red leather, the cockpit otherwise uses the typical dark colors. The fittings in reddish-brown design look well-groomed and no restrictions could be found on the appearance of the displays. The Mercedes 220 D/8 has the usual equipment at the time with illuminated glove compartment and heating actuation as well as standard hazard warning lights, as well as a sunroof and a radio in the vehicle. Apart from minor signs of use, no damage could be found in the interior, but due to age, a pleasant patina has formed, which gives the historic automobile its special character.

The Mercedes 220 D/8 of the W115 series has covered less than 100,000 kilometres in over 50 years. This information can be read on the speedometer display, but the mileage can only be partially confirmed on the basis of the available documents. So far, no signs of failure have been detected on the displays in the vehicle, and the full functionality of the instruments and controls can also be assumed.

A robust four-cylinder diesel engine is installed in the elegant "Stroke Eight", which generates an output of 60 hp (44 KW) with a displacement of 2.2 litres. The historic Mercedes reaches a top speed of 135 km/h and can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 28.1 seconds with the manual 4-speed transmission. As part of the last service in 2019, no defects were found in the engine and the technical components, as well as the underbody presents itself in a very good condition after preservation and cavity sealing.

All necessary repairs have been carried out promptly in recent years and wear parts have been replaced. At the moment, the technical condition does not require any further workshop visits, but new tires should be put on and repainting in the front area should be tackled.

The Mercedes "Strich-Acht" is one of Daimler-Benz's best-known series. The robustness and longevity of the diesel vehicles meant that they were very popular as an everyday vehicle and were often used as taxis. The higher engine compared to the standard 200 D version made the 220 D/8 the most sought-after vehicle in the upper middle class, with mileages of over 1 million kilometers not uncommon in this model series. The offered historic Mercedes is therefore basically only at the beginning of its career and will give its new owner great pleasure with its charisma and consistency.