1977 Mercedes-Benz W123 230

Highlights

Original and well kept W123
Under 40,000 miles from new
One family owned to 2021
Full service history with recent service
MOT to March 2025
Practical timewarp classic saloon

The Appeal

This smart W123 is proof that they just don’t make them like they used to. The model is renowned for its durability, but even by Mercedes-Benz standards this 1977 230 is in remarkable condition.

Likely some of that is down to its sparing use over its 47 years. It remained in the same family until 2021 and has covered under 40,000 miles, rendering it one of the lowest mileage in the UK. That history is verified by a full service history plus MOT records.

Finished in period-appropriate Topaz Brown, equipped with the unburstable 2.3litre, four cylinder M115 engine and an automatic gearbox, it is highly original and pleasingly unmodified. Although registered as a Historic Vehicle - so MOT, tax and ULEZ exempt - it has been helpfully regularly MOT’d to give buyers independent verification of the condition. The current test runs to March 2025 with one very minor advisory and it has been recently serviced.

Whether you choose to preserve this lovely saloon for shows and weekend trips or press it into the daily duties it would be equally capable of, this represents a great find for the enthusiast.

The History and Paperwork

First registered 6th April 1977
Three registered keepers
Remained in the same family until 2021
Original lady keeper passed the car to her niece
Current keeper since October 2021
Factory handbooks and service book
Service book shows regular stamps to 10,544 miles in 1983
Full service history according to seller
Serviced recently at 39,000 miles
Subsequent MOTs support the low displayed mileage
Original bill of sale showing optional sunroof and tinted glass fitted
Supplied new by Western Automobiles in Edinburgh on 9th March 1977
Coolant system repairs in 2021
Various invoices for Mercedes-Benz parts in 2022
Registered as a Historic Vehicle so MOT, tax and ULEZ exempt
Regularly MOT’d despite being exempt
MOT to 7th March 2025 with one minor advisory and 39,652 miles showing on test
Sparing use since 2006 with only 4,000 miles covered

The Condition

Presents as a very original car in factory-correct colour scheme and specification
Topaz Brown paintwork is very well kept with only minor signs of deterioration
These include some marks to the bonnet and other small areas in photographs
Bodywork is well kept with tidy, straight panels but some light corrosion to note
This includes offside rear wing which is corroded where it meets the sill
Exterior brightwork and lights are well kept with good finish and clear lenses
Smart steel wheels with body colour chromed hubcaps, all well kept
Underside in good order with no MOT structural advisories on current test
Highly original interior with optional tinted glass and electric sliding steel sunroof
MB Tex beige seats present much like new with little wear or discolouration
Carpets match trim and appear clean and unstained with protective black over mats
Dashboard and trim fittings very well kept with good switchgear decals
Very minor marks to trim typical of age and mileage but not unsightly
Original Blaupunkt Cambridge radio cassette system fitted
Headlining is in good order appearing clean and undamaged
Supplied with steel spare wheel and original factory first aid kit, apparently unused

The Mechanics

2,307cc M115 105bhp 4cyl engine with carburettor
4spd automatic gearbox
Well maintained car with thick history file
Full service history according to seller
Last serviced at 39,000 miles
Recent attention to coolant system
No reported running or driving issues
Advisory for exhaust gases on MOT
No other mechanical or running gear issues on current MOT test

BEFORE YOU BUY

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