Pre-bids

1986 Mercedes-Benz S123 230T Estate

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 
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. 
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing. 
We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence. 
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own  full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle. 
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection 
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. 

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Auction Details

  • Year1986
  • MakeMercedes
  • Model230
  • ColourBlue
  • Odometer160,832 Miles
  • Engine size2299cc
  • Seller TypePrivate
  • TownBrighton
  • CountySussex
  • CountryUnited Kingdom
  • Auction ends

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