While your typical barn find often comes in derelict condition, this 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300SD looks just like it did in June of 1982 when Sam Mawani took delivery of the champagne colored diesel model in Alberta, Canada.
Nearly 33 year later, the 300SD W126 has only clocked around 2,500km or about 1,553 miles, and is now ready to change hands over at eBay with the car listed for sale in California with a ‘Buy It Now’ price of $53,500.
The current seller of the car states that Mawani’s intention was “not to actually drive the car but to lovingly maintain it while he admired it in his garage”, and this is evidenced through a sample of hand written notes with precise maintenance details and even schematics (!) covering a dead battery that will be included with the sale
Head past the break for the seller’s account of the car’s history and a comprehensive gallery.
eBay Seller’s Description:
We’re excited to present an extraordinary 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300SD. Based on our research and the associated documents provided with the car, when the original owner ordered this car on October 15, 1981 his intention was not to actually drive the car but to lovingly maintain it while he admired it in his garage. It would be a massive understatement to say he was precise individual who seems to have reveled in the minutia of maintaining his essentially unused 300SD. His analysis and schematics covering a dead battery episode reveal much about how this man functioned.
However, his eccentricity has delivered to the Mercedes-Benz Young Classic community perhaps the most original, lowest mileage 300SD in existence. This stunning SD has but 2,500 km (approx 1,553 miles) on the odometer and has been preserved to an extraordinary standard. In addition to a flawless and complete handbook set, the historical archive includes a hand written log chronicling the ordering, purchasing and maintenance of this SD. Each liter of fuel consumed by the car is noted and most receipts are on file.
The original sales receipt notes a selling price of $45,755 Canadian for this SD and included optional leather, heated seats and orthopedic seats. And it has been fitted with a block heater but lacks a sunroof. The car remains today in essentially the same condition as when Mr. Mawani drove the car off the premises of Import Auto Sales Mercedes-Benz in Alberta, Canada on June 22, 1982. The Champagne Metallic paint remains virtually untouched and original. The Brasil Brown leather interior is absolute perfection embodying the suppleness, scent and appearance of a new SD. All the wood remains perfect. Headliner and carpets appear as new. All switchgear shows essentially no evidence of use and the faces of all gauges remain brilliant and bold. Pedal pads appear as new.
All the peripheral items appear unused and preserved to perfection: Spare wheel/tire, jack, tire changing placard, safety kit, quick reference red and blue placards etc. Opening the hood reveals an engine bay area appearing virtually as new with all the factory waxol coating intact, all decals intact and perfect, hood pad in perfect condition and all hardware finishes in as-new condition. The torque value paint swatches remain brilliant throughout both the engine bay and the undercarriage.
The undercarriage appears essentially as new as well with the original honey colored waxol protectant intact. Undercarriage hardware fairly glows. The exterior brightwork remains spectacular with negligible evidence of use. Window/windshield/back glass and door cap brightwork are stunning. The wheels reveal zero blemishes.
The car was re-commissioned for use @ 1,969 km in late 2014 when the fuel tank was removed and cleaned, new tires installed (non-MBZ weights used for balance), fuel lines renewed, fuel filter renewed, brake fluid renewed, coolant renewed, thermostat renewed, battery renewed, and “A” service performed. The car underwent and passed the Alberta Canada Government inspection process before being returned to the road. Every item functions correctly. The car performs as new.
Blemishes noted: 2 small stone chips left quarter panel corner – 4 small stone chips hood area – very subtle scuffing front bumper chrome facia panel – subtle scratch center roof area – very subtle scuff rear bumper cover.
Handbooks include: Wallet key – Data plate – Becker Grand Prix operation instructions – Diesel Fuel directory – Owner’s handbook – Diesel Cold weather starting guide – MB consumer information pamphlet – Small service reminder booklet – Corrosion Inspections Confirmations – 1982 Service and Warranty Policy – FM reception fact booklet – Maintenance Booklet – Quick reference placards – Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc. thank you card.
Additional Documents include: Original sales order – Insurance receipt June 22, 1982 – Statement of Vehicle Origin/Social Service Tax Return – Owner’s certificate of Insurance/Vehicle License June 22, 1982 – Hand written maintenance log – Hand written fuel log – Fuel receipts – Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc. VHS videos: “Celebration” and “The S Class in action” and “Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc. Presents”
This breathtaking SD is a certain MBCA National Show winner and a car sure to absolutely dazzle the most jaded MB Young Classic aficionado.