The mid-priced W114/115 sedan lineup was introduced in Hockenheim January 1968 which gave the the "/8" designation denoting the first year of sale. These sedans featured RWD, unibody construction and diagonal swing-axle rear suspension. Production ceased in 1976. The particular model represented here is the 4 door sedan with the 60 hp 2.2 liter 4 cylinder diesel fed by Bosch diesel injectors and given the designation 220 D . The diesel is mated to a 4 speed manual transmission.

AUTOart labels this model as a limosine yet the box art description goes on to describe the limosine as being on a stretched chassis with 3 rows of bench seats seating 8 people. The pictures on the box show exactly the model within, which is the standard chassis 4 door sedan with twin front bucket seats with center console and a rear bench seat that makes the vehicle a 5 passenger sedan.

With the little putt-putt diesel and the simple 4-on-the-floor, you'd figure this model would have all the style and grace of a Beirut taxi cab, but the interior is quite nicely appointed. The leather (or leatherette) upholstery is done in tutone rust and chamois with rust carpeting on the floor and rear window deck. The anti-glare dash is wood-trimmed (a faux finish on the model). AUTOart has replicated the full contents of the interior and done it well. The gauges are all legible and set off with chromed bezels. The visors which articulate on the 280 C oddly do not on this variant.

The body is finished in an off-white and features first-rate chrome trim, badging, hardware and radiator shell which frames a fine metal mesh grill. All the shut lines are tight and even and operate accurately and precisely on proper hinge systems. The hood is supported open with locking bayonet struts. All the lenses are precisely molded in plastic and are of European configuration. All windows are fully glazed and fairly distortion free. The chromed wheel covers are accented with the body color and the wheels are shod in period Continental style gemeric tires.

The engine bay is very busy and appears to be totally wired and plumbed save for brake lines. The valve covers are silver covered plastic that, though properly textured appears a bit plasticy. The chassis is adequate. The suspension and drivetrain are static, but most all components are separately modeled parts. The single exhaust system terminates in a nice chromed extension.

If 60s euro-sedans are your bag, this model certainly captures the look and stance of this rather pedestrian example of period German automotive engineering

-Richard Sufficool