Mercedes Classic Cars and Vintage Cars in Kenya
There’s a reason why you’ll always see some people still obsessed with old Mercedes Classic cars. In fact, if you gave them an offer to trade their old Mercedes for your modern Mercedes, they might just look at you straight in the eye, laugh at you, and turn down your offer.
These timeless machines represent the heritage behind today’s Mercedes-Benz lineup in Kenya.
Some of these Mercedes Benz vintage cars cost way more than modern cars and the owners treat them as collectibles rather than daily driving them. Their value also increases with time.
These classics weren’t built to break. They were made to last—and guess what? They’re still running today, laughing at potholes and outshining modern cars. Want proof? Look at Kenya’s roads and you'll spot a couple of W123s still going strong.
Mercedes Classic Cars and Vintage Cars List
While not all Mercedes classic cars below are available in Kenya, there are people with very rare and expensive Mercedes classics, and it's hard to know who has what until you spot a dusty Gullwing hidden in plain sight in a Nairobi garage, or hear rumors of a Grosser quietly parked in a Mombasa mansion.
1. Mercedes-Benz W123 (1976–1985)
Best for: Timeless durability + classic elegance
Specs & Performance:
The Mercedes W123 (1976–1985) was built tough. It offered petrol, diesel, and turbo diesel engines. Most made 70–130 horsepower—slow by today’s standards (0–100 km/h in 12–18 seconds). But these engines were bulletproof. The diesel versions? Legendary. They’d run forever, even on cheap fuel. The suspension was simple but strong, shrugging off potholes like a tank. Perfect for rough roads or decades of daily driving.
Looks:
Boxy, clean, and timeless. The W123’s no-nonsense design had chrome trim, a flat grille, and upright headlights. It looked like a banker in a trench coat—serious but classy. Inside, it was all functional: leather seats, rock-solid plastics, and a dashboard built to outlive you. No flashy tech, just switches that clicked like they meant it. Still turns heads as a classic car today.
2. Mercedes 280SL “Pagoda” (1963–1971)
Best for: Classic style + top-down cruising
Specs & Performance:
The Mercedes 280SL “Pagoda” (1963–1971) had a 2.8-litre straight-six engine (170 horsepower). It offered a 4-speed manual or automatic gearbox, reaching 0–100 km/h in 10 seconds and 200 km/h top speed. Smooth ride and precise steering made it fun to drive.
Looks:
Its iconic curved “pagoda” hardtop, clean lines and chrome details gave it timeless style. Round headlights and a retractable soft top added charm. Inside, leather seats and a wooden dashboard kept it luxurious yet simple. Still admired today.
3. Mercedes 600 “Grosser” (1963–1981)
Best for: Ultimate vintage luxury + dictator vibes
Specs & Performance:
The Mercedes 600 “Grosser” (1963–1981) had a 6.3-litre V8 engine (250 horsepower) paired with a 4-speed automatic gearbox. It reaches 0–100 km/h in 10 seconds, with a top speed of 200 km/h. Hydraulic systems powered seats, windows and air suspension for a silent, smooth ride.
Looks:
Its long, elegant body featured clean lines, a large chrome grille and understated curves. Inside, leather seats, wood trim and advanced tech (like a phone) offered unmatched luxury. Loved by leaders and stars, the Grosser mixed power with timeless, classy design.
4. Mercedes 300SL “Gullwing” (1954–1957)
Best for: Iconic design + legendary performance
Specs & Performance:
This is a car you’ll probably never see in your entire lifetime. Very rare! The Mercedes 300SL “Gullwing” (1954–1957) had a 3.0-litre straight-six engine. It used fuel injection (rare then) to make 215 horsepower. A 4-speed manual gearbox helped it hit 0–100 km/h in 8 seconds, with a top speed over 250 km/h. The lightweight tubular frame kept it fast and nimble.
Looks:
Its famous “gullwing” doors opened upwards. The low, curved body had a long bonnet and short rear. Chrome details and smooth lines made it look sporty. Inside, leather seats, aluminium trim and a simple dash mixed race-car feel with luxury. Inspired by racing, its design still turns heads today.
Prices of Mercedes Benz Vintage Cars
Prices vary based on model, engine, and features:
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Mercedes-Benz W123 (1976–1985): Ksh 650,000 (1985 model) to Ksh 1.8 million (1976 model)
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Mercedes 280SL “Pagoda” (1963–1971): Ksh 8 million to Ksh 12 million
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Mercedes 600 “Grosser” (1963–1981): Ksh 15 million to Ksh 20 million Mercedes 300SL “Gullwing” (1954–1957): KSh 150 million to over KSh 200 million
Whether you love classics or modern luxury, Gybird Motors’ Mercedes collection has something for every era.
Conclusion
Enjoyed the article? Next time you see a dusty old Mercedes, look closer. It might be someone’s secret treasure.
Have any questions about Mercedes classic cars and where to find them? Bybird Motors Showroom Nairobi deals with a wide variety of cars including classic cars and modern cars like Mercedes GLE and more.
