Highlights
- Handsome and practical estate in great colour and spec
- Desirable factory spec including alloys and rear-facing seat
- Regularly serviced and maintained throughout its life
- Recent check-over and general tune-up by specialist
- Front discs and pads and front calliper have just been replaced
- Huge history file of ongoing maintenance
The Appeal
Mercedes-Benz didn’t want to build an estate car. There was huge resistance from the chaps at Stuttgart to offering a body style perceived as being downmarket.
Let's be glad they changed their minds. When it arrived, the S123 ‘T’ wagon version of the W123 saloon definitely wasn’t downmarket. It kick-started the trend for posh estates that continues to this day. The durability and practicality of these cars, plus a healthy dose of handsome styling, make survivors like this one popular with enthusiasts.
Thanks to its high factory specification, it is a particularly appealing example. Finished in Diamond Blue metallic with a matching fabric interior—with Zebrano wood highlights—it features a big steel sunroof, seven-seat practicality, and a set of smart ‘Mexican Hat’ alloys.
The condition is well preserved for a 38-year-old car, and a vast history file—just take a look at the photos—points to a long list of caring keepers.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered 15th April 1986
- Built by the factory in November 1985
- 11 registered keepers
- Current keeper since August 2020
- Previous keeper used the car extensively and without fault for various road trips
- Car was off the road between 2008 and 2013 for bodywork and mechanical fettling
- Jacking points welded in 2017
- Factory handbooks in complete and well-kept order
- Stamped service book showing regular servicing to 158,498 miles
- Maintained to 2020 by specialist Yattendon Garage, including gearbox checks
- Huge history file as shown in photographs
- V5C in current keeper’s name
- MOT valid until 6th November 2025 with 160,852 miles showing on test and advisories to note
- Invoice dated October 2024 for checks, tune up and replacement brake discs, pads and calliper
The Condition
- Handsome and well-specified car in Diamond Blue metallic (052)
- Some previous remedial work to paintwork which presents well for a 38 year old car
- Paintwork has some light marks to note such as stone chips as shown
- Bodywork appears solid and is presentable with localised points to note in photos
- These include some bubbling to base of front arches
- Underside presents well in photos but buyers may wish to note advisories on last MOT
- Engine area presents well with inner arches and strut tops appearing to be solid
- Sits on factory optional ‘Mexican Hat’ alloys in good order with matching spare
- Dunlop tyres fitted which appear to be in good condition with plenty of tread
- Exterior fittings such as lights, glasswork and chrome trim all present well
- There is a chip on the windscreen as shown in photos
- There are some minor marks to note outside such as dent to driver’s door mirror
- There also appear to be some very minor damage to the nearside rear light
- Front and rear bumpers present well with only light scuffs to note
- Well-appointed and preserved blue fabric interior with seven seats including folding rear-facing seat
- Interior appears to be original with light ageing to be expected during 38 years
- This includes some fading to the carpets such as in the boot area, but not unsightly
- Cabin fittings such as switchgear and optional Zebrano wood veneers all well kept
- Now fitted with a modern classic-style Bluetooth/DAB stereo
- Optional factory features include four electric windows and manual sliding steel sunroof
- There are some light but not unsightly marks on the grey headlining
- Apparently unused first aid kit and warning triangle in boot storage area
The Mechanics
- 2,299cc M102 4cyl 130bhp fuel injected engine
- 4spd automatic gearbox
- Well-maintained car with huge history file
- Recent new front discs and pads
- Nearside front brake calliper also recently replaced along with the master cylinder
- Check over and tune up in October 2024 as shown in photos
- Kickdown not currently initiating and there is a slight blow from the exhaust
- No reported running or driving issues
- There are advisories to note on last MOT
BEFORE YOU BUY
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