116 024 22 016959
Chassis Number: | 116 024 22 016959 |
---|---|
Engine Number: | 110 983 22 011660 (original); 110 985 22 042251 (latest) |
Build Date: | 25.09.1973 (M-B; Crayford build date not known) |
Exterior Colour: | ahorngelb 606G (maple yellow) |
Owner's Name: | Unknown |
Location: | Sydney, Australia |
Vehicle History:
This information supply by Gordon Balfour-Haynes in 2010
This vehicle was purchased by myself in 2007 without engine or
transmission. It has had a hard life - and shows it!
The original engine was replaced with another M110 in 1989; since then
it has suffered the ignominy of two GM-Holden engines (one straight six
and one bent six, so the present owner has been informed). Another M110
is waiting in the wings - once some body work has been completed.
The vehicle was kept in its first owner's garage for a year or so
because that owner was afraid to drive it for fear of damaging such an
expensive car. (Fool!) He returned it to the dealership, who then sold it
to its most illustrious owner: the artist and entertainer, Rolf Harris
("Tie me kangaroo down, sport").
If Harris acquired the car in 1975, it is likely a very early conversion
(the date of its Crayford-isation is not yet known, but would seem to be
no later than 1974). Crayford didn't start makiing these wagons until
1974; the car left the M-B factory in September '73. There is an article
on page 43 of In Aller Welt (Issue #139E, 1/1976) picturing the
wagon with Rolf Harris (both looking somewhat younger than they do
today).
Since the Harris ownership, it has had at least four owners to the
present - and maybe more that are yet to be ascertained.
Like all W116 Crayford wagons, it has stress fractures where the Ford
Granada bits attach to the Benz body; these look quite bad, and the bog
(oh, the bog!) over those joins is flaking off in hand-sized
chunks. Still, this is nothing that cannot be fixed by a competent metal
sculptor.
The interior is - carpets aside - in quite good condition. Someone has,
unfortunately, added power lifts to the front-door windows - and done an
awful job of it. This will be rectified in due course. The dash wood is
of the early stepped type rather than the smooth style. It is also quite
blond, and doesn't resemble zebrano.
This car - now dubbed der Rolfwagen - is a serious restoration
project, and isn't likely to be finished tomorrow.
In 2011 it was sold to Martin Kass who reunited it with the correct engine.
In 2013 it was sold on eBay.