Highlights
- Very smart, original and unmodified W123 saloon
- Extensively restored with comprehensive documentation
- Over £26,000 invested since 2018
- Recently fully ceramic coated with Gtechniq Crystal Serum Ultra
- Recent work including rear subframe welding and suspension overhaul
- Steering rack replaced, gearbox refurbished and new clutch
- Long MOT to March 2025 with no advisories
The Appeal
This lovely W123 is a timely reminder of just how handsome and durable these stately saloons are. Its enthusiast keeper has not spared on the investment, the work since his purchase in 2018 covering bodywork, mechanicals and the structure in equal measure.
The result is a very, very good example of these much-admired cars. It is really too good for daily duties, but certainly rugged and reliable enough to do just that. Finished in Deep Blue with a beige interior, its factory specification includes a big sunroof and Zebrano wood veneers.
The list of recent improvements is extensive and totals over £26,000 since 2018. Two main areas with these cars - window seals and steering rack - have been improved, giving the car the looks to match the way it drives. A recent full ceramic coating has preserved the paintwork. The mechanicals benefit from a full gearbox rebuild, new clutch, that steering rack and a stainless steel exhaust system. Underneath the subframes have been overhauled and the suspension fettled.
This stylish, practical saloon drives as well as it looks. A long MOT to March 2025 with no advisories underlines the condition.
History and Paperwork
- First registered in 13th March 1985
- Factory built in January 1985
- Only seven registered keepers from new
- Current keeper since June 2018
- HPI clear
- Extensive restoration and maintenance history
- Full history of all work completed and general servicing
- Photographic record of restoration work
- Vast history file shown in photos and summarised below
- MOT to 21st March 1985 with no advisories
- Eligible for Historic Vehicle status from 1st April 2026
Summary of work:
- April 2018: Brake lines, calliper, and associated work - £788
- April - June 2018: Engine service, timing, and carb reworking - ~£800
- August 2018: Ball joints, speedo cable, engine mount, cosmetics - £1,464
- November 2018: Bodywork repairs, new wheel arches rear, new front wings, renewed bumper mounts, rear window rot repair - £6,240
- November 2018: Ceramic coating to paintwork - £845
- March 2019: Brake callipers replaced - £310
- April 2019: Replaced fuel pipe work and large engine service - £946
- July 2019: Rear subframe welding, replace rear suspension arms, replace rear driveshafts - £4,691
- March 2020: Replace steering box - £850
- June 2020: Fit stainless steel exhaust system - £600
- September 2020: Replace window regulator and replace missing door check strap - £520
- December 2020: Recondition gearbox, diff seal, and prop rubber bearings - £2,124
- August 2021: Inner sill fix and retro fix rear window seal - £1,000
- March 2022: Trim tweaks - £234
- October 2022: New clutch - £700
The Condition
- Factory correct Deep Blue (900U) in very good condition with recent ceramic coating
- Paintwork presents very well with few signs of age
- Due to originality some light signs of age should be expected
- Bodywork extensively restored, including new front wing and rear wheel arches
- Bodywork presents very well with only minor points to note in photographs
- Factory steel wheels in good condition with body colour hub caps
- WIndow seals recently renewed to preserve the car’s structure
- Beige fabric (055) interior is original and well preserved condition
- Specification includes big steel electric sunroof and Zebrano wood veneers
- Interior is well kept with only light signs of use to note due to originality
- We are informed that all the electrics work correctly except the electric aerial
- Radio and CD player functional, though reception may vary
- Electric sunroof and pneumatic central locking recently repaired and working correctly
- Window mechanisms replaced or renewed where needed
- No structural advisories on current MOT
The Mechanics
- 1,997cc 4cyl carburettor-fed engine
- 5-speed manual transmission
- Thick history file with £26,000 spent since 2018
- Stainless steel exhaust system fitted
- Refurbished gearbox
- New front and rear knuckle joints on the prop shaft
- Differential seal kit fitted
- Rear subframe welding and complete rear suspension overhaul
- Steering rack replaced with a remanufactured part
- Recent major engine service and carburettor renewing kit fitted
- New clutch installed in October 2022
- No reported running or driving issues
- No mechanical advisories on current MOT
- April 2023 front suspension work and new shock absorbers - £1,150
- August 2023 front suspension ball joints - £464
- July 2024 driveshaft & reengineer prop shaft - £2,187
The vendor tells us:
“In my opinion it is the perfect daily classic car to own. Modern enough so that it doesn't feel like an old tractor to drive, yet classic enough that everyone comments on how good it looks. Always great to hear people recount their stories of a loved one owning one in the past.
Probably the best over engineered car Mercedes made and will keep going for 100s of thousands more miles and probably over a million. I use it less and less. Rather than wait for it to appreciate more I decided it's time to move on. Such a pleasant car to drive and own.”
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
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