This 1970 Mercedes-Benz 250C is an early-production North American-market W114 coupe identified by chassis sequence 000355. The car was acquired by the current owner approximately six years ago from a dealership in Ohio, where it had been represented as a 1971 model. After returning the car to Southern California, members of the local Mercedes-Benz community recognized it as a car previously owned and preserved by noted collector and marque enthusiast Blue Nelson. Finished in factory Black (040) over Red MB-Tex, power is provided by a naturally aspirated 2.8-liter M130 inline-six paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. Equipment includes power windows, air conditioning, a Becker Mexico cassette stereo, and four-wheel disc brakes. A custom air-suspension system was professionally installed under current ownership and is reported to have required no cutting or permanent modification to the chassis. The original springs, shocks, and related suspension components are included with the sale. The five-digit odometer currently shows approximately 4,500 miles. A California title issued in 2022 recorded 4,500 miles as actual at that time, though the seller reports that the odometer subsequently stopped operating. The seller reports driving the car approximately 20–30 miles per month while performing regular oil changes and periodic start-ups. Records from 2021 and 2022 document mechanical, electrical, braking, steering, transmission, exhaust, and glass work, and an oil service was most recently completed approximately four months ago. Under prior ownership, the coupe was displayed during Monterey Car Week at Legends of the Autobahn and received Mercedes-Benz Club of America Silver Star Preservation recognition. The corresponding grille badge remains installed, and the sale includes historical event photographs and an email from Blue Nelson confirming his prior association with the car, its preservation recognition, and his belief that the paint remains original. This 250C is now offered by its current owner in Huntington Beach, California with service records, historical photographs and correspondence, factory literature, 2 key sets, its original suspension components, and a clean California title in the seller’s name.

The exterior is finished in factory Black (040), which is reported to be the car’s original paint. Exterior equipment includes chrome bumpers, stacked headlights, yellow auxiliary lamps, chrome beltline and window trim, a driver-side mirror, and twin polished exhaust outlets. The W114 coupe features frameless side glass and a pillarless hardtop profile. The MBCA Silver Star Preservation badge is mounted to the grille, while a California Black Plate reading “MB 355” references the chassis sequence. Invoices indicate that the front and rear glass were replaced under current ownership. No specific body damage is reported by the seller, and the gallery shows age-related chips, marks, and finish wear consistent with a preserved original-paint car. Detailed photographs of the paint, brightwork, glass, weather seals, door openings, and lower body are included in the gallery.

The factory-style 14-inch steel wheels wear polished trim rings and black Mercedes-Benz hubcaps. Michelin Harmony tires measuring 195/70R14 are mounted on all four corners and show 2010 date codes. Braking is handled by power-assisted discs at all four corners, and records document brake-system attention and a fluid flush under current ownership. A red-painted full-size spare is housed in the trunk. The factory suspension has been replaced with a custom air-ride system installed under current ownership by Rad Rides of Huntington Beach. The system incorporates air springs along with a trunk-mounted aluminum reservoir, twin compressors, and associated air-management hardware. The seller states that the chassis was not cut or permanently modified during installation. The original coil springs, shock absorbers, rubber components, and related hardware are photographed and included, allowing the car to be returned to a stock suspension configuration.

The cabin is upholstered in Red MB-Tex (168) across the front bucket seats, rear bench, door panels, and center armrests. A black dashboard is accented with Zebrano veneer, while red-and-black patterned CocoMats are shown through the passenger compartment and trunk. Amenities include power windows, air conditioning, a locking glove compartment, front headrests, a fold-down front armrest, and individual rear armrests and ashtrays. A period Becker Mexico cassette stereo is currently installed beneath the climate controls. The factory option plate displays code 515, and the included warranty card identifies a Becker Europa MU as the radio originally supplied with the car. Additional documentation includes Becker operating literature, Mercedes-Benz owner’s manuals and service books, period maps, and original Kangol seatbelt instructions. The upholstery, dashboard, headliner, carpeting, and trim are presented as unrestored and show age-related creasing and wear visible in the gallery. All four power windows are reported to operate. The air conditioning functions, though the seller notes that its output is not as cold as that of a modern system. The Becker stereo is described as intermittent and may require future service or replacement.

The ivory two-spoke steering wheel features a chrome horn ring and fronts VDO instrumentation consisting of a 140-mph speedometer, an analog clock, and gauges for fuel level, coolant temperature, and oil pressure. The five-digit odometer shows approximately 4,500 miles. The oil-pressure gauge is also reported to require replacement or repair. A California title issued in 2022 recorded 4,500 miles as actual at that time, though the seller reports that the odometer subsequently stopped operating.

This 250C is powered by a naturally aspirated 2.8-liter M130.923 inline-six equipped with dual Zenith carburetors. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a floor-shifted four-speed automatic transmission. Records from 2021 and 2022 document work including engine-mount replacement, steering-box work, transmission resealing, brake service, a brake-fluid flush, wheel-bearing adjustment, exhaust work, and various lighting and electrical repairs. An oil service was completed approximately four months ago. The seller reports that the car starts, runs, shifts, brakes, and drives without issue and is exercised regularly. 

This 250C is now offered by its current owner in Huntington Beach, California with service records, historical photographs and correspondence, factory literature, 2 key sets, its original suspension components, and a clean California title in the seller’s name.

The seller has included the following videos: