From 1976 to 1986, Mercedes-Benz produced the W123, one of the predecessors of the E-Class. It replaced the old W114 and came in several body styles, including sedan, station wagon, coupe and limousine.
Regarded as one of the most reliable Mercedes-Benz cars ever made, the W123 has become a timeless icon. Examples can still be seen running all over the world, although the best of them come at a hefty price. This one, for instance, is advertised by HymanLTD for $47,500, which would land you a mid-spec C-Class or a GLC on this side of the pond.
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Made in 1983 and shipped new to Oklahoma City, it was then sold in Houston, Texas, where it lived most of its life. The car had several long-term owners, with the most recent one purchasing it in 2012. Three years later, the 300 TD was subjected to a comprehensive restoration, a process that lasted until 2018. It’s finished in an era appropriate China Blue, a paint that was also applied to the classic wheel covers, and features the American-specification models not-so-classy chrome bumpers with black rubber extensions and anodized trim.
There was little to be done in the equipment line, other than replacing the original air conditioning with a more modern one, as it already had impressive gear. Bosch fog lamps, roof rails, sunroof, power windows, automatic antenna, cruise control, Becker AM/FM radio and cassette player and others were fitted in the factory. The original instruments and switchgear present themselves as being in good order, while the MB-Tex upholstery was replaced by beige leather.
Special attention was paid to the OM617 turbodiesel engine, which was a USA-only affair. The 3.0-liter inline-five develops 125 horsepower and is hooked up to an automatic transmission that is said to provide smooth shifts.
The car is accompanied by a pair of vintage American Tourister suitcases and original tool kit, and is just dying to be driven again. The question is, would you be the one to do it?